Two of New Zealand’s top destinations have been ranked by travellers as among the best in the Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards 2016

Huka Lodge

Two of New Zealand’s top destinations have been ranked by travellers as among the best in the Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards 2016.

As one the world’s most respected luxury travel media authorities, Travel + Leisure’s reader-voted awards celebrate the best in global travel.

Travel + Leisure Top Hotel: Huka Lodge

Huka Lodge, near Lake Taupo in the central North Island, was named the Top Hotel in Australia and New Zealand and ranked third in the Top 100 Hotels of the World list.

Originally established by Irishman, Alan Pye, as a modest fishing camp on the banks of the Waikato River, Huka Lodge welcomes statesmen, movie stars and royalty from around the world.

New Zealand’s first and oldest luxury destination, Huka Lodge is one of the most celebrated. Set within 17 acres of a magnificent Garden of National Significance (noted for its native plantings) on the banks of the teal-hued mighty Waikato River and just above the thundering Huka Falls, Huka Lodge offers a range of luxury accommodation options.

Travel + Leisure World’s Best Islands: Waiheke Island 

Waiheke Island

Waiheke Island has once again come up trumps internationally, being named as one of the world’s best islands and a top regional destination in the World’s Best Awards 2016 survey.

The island, located in Auckland’s Hauraki Gulf, has been selected as the fourth best island in the world and top island in Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific by Travel + Leisure magazine’s readers.

This latest accolade for Waiheke Island follows inclusion in Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2016 as one of the World’s Top 10 regions to visit for 2016 and listed as the fourth best island in the world by Condé Nast Traveler for 2016.

Waiheke’s proximity to downtown Auckland – just a 30 minute ferry ride from the city – and world class wineries make it a great experience for travellers from all over the globe. Beautiful beaches, great cuisine and a quirky holiday atmosphere combine to make Waiheke Island one of the best in the world.

Travel + Leisure Best Cities: Queenstown & Wellington

Queenstown and Wellington were named the second and fourth best cities in Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific respectively.

New Zealand’s national carrier Air New Zealand was named seventh best airline in the world.