Luxury Suites
The bedroom suite was a masterclass in understated perfection. Plush, perfectly weighted duvet, monogram linen, a warm fire on arrival into the room, and a minibar curated like a boutique gallery, generously sharing the best of the Nelson Tasman region.
Set in the heart of Nelson City, hidden away in a beautiful and private landscaped setting, we offer only six luxury suites. Named after figures from the estate’s long history, each suite has its own quiet character.
Pīhopa’s suites are designed to feel less like a hotel room and more like the finest guest room in a very special home. Spacious, warm and beautifully appointed, each one is equipped and stocked to the highest standard.
Explore the local area knowing that at the end of the day you can rest and recover in absolute luxury.
Each suite has its own...
The suites were welcoming, immaculate and cozy. The attention to detail was incredible.
- Lounge area with gas fireplace, air conditioning and smart TV
- Kitchenette with Nespresso machine, kettle, toaster and mini fridge
- Complimentary selection of local wine, beer, whisky, port, juices chocolates and seasonal treats
- Bathroom with his and hers sinks, walk-in shower, jacuzzi bath and New Zealand toiletries
- Premium Egyptian cotton linen — among the finest in Australasia
- Dressing gowns, slippers, beach towels and umbrellas
- Iron, ironing board and clothes drying rack
- Fibre wifi throughout
- Join us daily for breakfast in the chapel and drinks and canapés by the pool in the evening
View more information, photos and a floorplan for each suite below.
The Hilliard Suite
The largest and grandest of our Suites, at 90sqm, the Hilliard Suite was named after the Rt Rev William Hilliard, who was the 5th Anglican Bishop of Nelson. This 5-Star Suite is at the furthest corner of the property which provides the best views of Nelson City and down to the sea.
The Hobhouse Suite
The suite is incredibly spacious comprising of three rooms and a balcony covering 75 sqm in total. When you enter the room you feel the elegance, with a luxurious sofa to sink into in front of the roaring fire or open the doors and sit out on the balcony and soak up the surrounds.
The Eaton Suite
The Pihopa Retreat Eaton Suite is named after Derek Lionel Eaton who was the 9th Anglican Bishop of Nelson. Walk into 75 sqm of splendour. The lounge consists of two high-backed elegant chairs to sink into in front of the fire. Make sure you enjoy a complimentary treat or drink from the well equipped kitchenette.
The Sadlier Suite
This stunning suite is named after William Sadlier, who was the 4th Anglican Bishop of Nelson. This Luxury Suite is one of the smaller suites at 55 sqm but is no less opulent. With a fully stocked kitchenette and double sink bathroom with jacuzzi bath, the suite is the perfect place to relax at the end of the day. The benefit of this Luxury Suite is the joining door to the Hilliard Suite, making it perfect for family stays.
The Sutton Suite
Our first suite as you arrive into Pihopa Retreat and overlooking the Chapel of the Holy Evangelists. At just over 55 sqm the suite is well laid out with a large bathroom, wardrobe, kitchenette and open planned living / bedroom area. This suite is suitable for wheelchair access.
The Suter Suite
The Suter Suite offers an open planned living/sleeping area with sumptuous leather couches to sink into and a Superking Bed. With a large bathroom, wardrobe, and well equipped kitchenette and a private balcony area to enjoy fresh air and tranquility at the end of a long day. Write letters or catch up on emails from the office desk or head straight to bed with the fire roaring.
The Pīhopa Estate
Few city-centre hotels can offer anything like this. Established in 1862, Pīhopa’s 5.5 acres of historic, parklike grounds are a genuine sanctuary – heated swimming pool, heritage woodland, a productive orchard, and the kind of quiet that is increasingly rare, broken only by the sound of birdsong.
Experience our wellness facilities – outdoor spa, reformer pilates, fully-equipped gym, massage, sauna or ice bath. Borrow one of our bikes to explore the nearby cycle trails, sit by the fire pits, play a few garden games or simply wander through winding pathways.
All of this just minutes from Nelson’s vibrant city centre.
Frequently Asked Questions
Pīhopa offers six individually designed luxury suites in a private, park-like setting in Nelson City. Each suite includes a spacious lounge area with a gas fireplace, a full bathroom with jacuzzi bath and walk-in shower, a kitchenette, and premium Egyptian cotton linen. They are designed to feel like the finest guest room in a very special home, rather than a conventional hotel room.
Pīhopa is best described as a boutique luxury retreat rather than a traditional hotel. With just six suites, a historic estate setting, deeply personalised service, and breakfast served in a 19th-century chapel, it sits in a category of its own. It has been named one of the finest luxury retreats in New Zealand by Boutique Hotels Journal and awarded Top Hotel in New Zealand by Condé Nast Traveller UK.
A stay at Pīhopa includes a chef-prepared breakfast served each morning in the historic Bishopdale Chapel, evening drinks and canapés served poolside by host Sarah and her team, complimentary local wine, beer, whisky, port, and seasonal treats in your suite, restaurant reservations arranged in advance, and complimentary taxis into Nelson. Guests have access to the extensive grounds, heated pool, gym and wellness centre. It is an all-in experience designed so guests can simply arrive and enjoy.
In terms of quality, Pīhopa holds a Qualmark 5-Star Gold rating and has been independently recognised as New Zealand’s top hotel by Condé Nast Traveller UK readers. The key difference is scale and intimacy. Where a five-star hotel might have hundreds of rooms, Pīhopa has six suites. This means every guest is known by name and every detail is personal.
Pīhopa is a favourite for milestone stays. Whether it is a honeymoon, anniversary, significant birthday, or simply a long-overdue escape, the team goes to exceptional lengths to make each stay feel considered and memorable. Get in touch directly and the team will help tailor something to the occasion.
Pīhopa is a natural choice for travellers exploring New Zealand’s finest small properties, including those who seek out the country’s celebrated luxury lodges as part of a broader trip. Like the best lodges, Pīhopa offers exceptional food, wine, and deeply personalised service in a remarkable setting. What sets it apart is its location at the top of the South Island, its historic estate character, and an intimacy – just six suites – that very few properties anywhere in the world can match. For guests building a New Zealand luxury itinerary, Pīhopa is always on the list.
