New Zealand's Qualmark-rated hotels are a great way to treat yourself to a little luxury over the holiday season, whether it's close to home or further afield. Here are Element's favourite half dozen.
HILTON HOTEL, AUCKLAND
As one of the most famous names in luxury hotels, the Hilton is very much moving with the times. At the Fish restaurant at its iconic Princes Wharf location renowned chef Shane Yardley offers organic and sustainably sourced dining to be enjoyed along with its stunning views of the City of Sails. And, like every Hilton worldwide, the environmental impact of your stay is carefully monitored by the chain's LightStay system. This has helped the company to significantly reduce energy use, carbon output, water use and waste.
LANGHAM HOTEL, AUCKLAND
Recently voted top New Zealand hotel in the prestigious Condé Nast 2011 Readers' Choice Awards, and third in the Oceania region, the five-star Langham also comes with an impressive sustainability pedigree. It has now become the first hotel in the Pacific region to be awarded Earth Check Gold accreditation. This recognises the hotel's top performance on implementing and maintaining a host of environmental initiatives throughout its operations.
SCENIC HOTEL, PAIHIA, BAY OF ISLANDS
Situated on the edge of the extensive Opua forest and a stone's throw from Paihia's stunning beachfront, this friendly hotel benefits from the Scenic group's environmental commitments. These include chemical-free cleaning, and natural toiletries, so there's nothing should taint all that healthy sea air.
COPTHORNE HOTEL, HOKIANGA, NORTHLAND
This Four-Star Qualmark rated hotel is situated at Omapere, on the edge of Hokianga Harbour. Beachfront rooms are just a minute's stroll to the water's edge, providing a picturesque and relaxed atmosphere, away from the hustle and bustle of city life. The elevated rooms with balcony offer magnificent views over the harbour and towering sand dunes. And if the sea's too cold, you can enjoy the solar heated pool. www.millenniumhotels.co.nz
CHATEAU TONGARIRO
How about a taste of European elegance in one of New Zealand's top ski resorts? The Chateau may have been gracing the snowy slopes since 1929, but it is bang up to date when it comes to sustainability. The hotel has gained an Enviro-Gold award with a comprehensive approach which helps maintain the Chateau's majestic surroundings. There's plenty to do in summer - with amazing Alpine walks, including the world famous Tongariro Crossing, at your doorstep.
CARRINGTON RESORT
Spread out in this 3,000-acre luxury Northland estate on the Karikari Peninsula, including four kilometres of secluded white-sand coastline and 900 acres of restored wetlands. The world-class recreational facilities include an 18-hole golf course, heated infinity swimming pool and spa pool, two championship tennis courts, Olympic-standard clay and skeet target-shooting range and a gym. But perhaps its most important trophy is its Enviro-Gold Award, making it one of the nation's top performing resorts on energy use, carbon output, water use and waste. www.heritagehotels.co.nz
The mark of quality
Looking out for the Qualmark logo is a good way to spot a decent place to stay from the road, or when booking ahead. Qualmark is a partnership between Tourism New Zealand and New Zealand Automobile Association.
Participating venues are professionally assessed and rated from one to five stars based on facilities, business practices and service systems relating to guest care. Since 2008, all Qualmark premises have also been assessed on their environmental performance and social engagement.
