New Zealand’s Top Hotel, Two Years Running
For the second year in a row, readers of Condé Nast Traveller UK have voted Pīhopa Retreat the top hotel (#1) in New Zealand in the 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards. We’re also honoured to be named #2 in New Zealand by readers of Condé Nast Traveler US, again for the second consecutive year.
Now in their 39th year, the Readers’ Choice Awards are among the most respected accolades in travel, because they’re decided entirely by travellers. This year, nearly 200,000 Condé Nast Traveller UK readers and more than 750,000 Condé Nast Traveler US readers cast their votes. Pīhopa ranked #9 in Australasia in the UK awards, the highest-placed New Zealand property, and #6 in Australia & New Zealand in the US awards.
As an independently owned retreat of just six suites, we find ourselves alongside names including Ritz-Carlton, Capella, The Fullerton and The Langham. It’s a recognition we don’t take lightly.
Thank you to our guests
These awards exist because guests took the time to vote, and to everyone who did, thank you. Many of you have stayed with us more than once, and every return visit, kind word and recommendation means a great deal to the whole team.
Being named #1 once is a moment. Being named #1 two years running reflects something we care about deeply: delivering the same considered, personal experience to every guest, every stay.
New this season
This year has brought some of our most significant changes yet:
- Our Wellness Centre is now open, with a massage studio, reformer Pilates, sauna and ice bath.
- 3,000 native trees have been planted across the property this winter, with a new walking trail through the emerging forest. More information on our gardens and grounds.
- The suites have been refreshed for the new season, with new paint, curtains and furnishings.
Recognised across every platform
Alongside the Condé Nast awards, Pīhopa holds a perfect 10/10 on Booking.com across three years of verified reviews and TripAdvisor’s Best of the Best (top 1% of hotels worldwide). We also hold Qualmark 5-Star and Gold Tier Sustainable Tourism accreditation.
Plan your stay
Summer is our busiest season, and the suites fill quickly from November to April. Book direct here.