Here right now for five nights on points (240'000 in total).
No pre-upgrade, however, the competent and efficient front desk agent searched and found an upgraded room (508). This is a one-category upgrade to a deluxe king harbor view room. In my view this is the most critical step because it put me from my room 501 (street view) to unblocked harbor view. I was more than happy. However, room 509 and 506 have pillars restricting their views and probably also their use of balcony.
Check-in was very welcoming. A door man greeted us and took care of our luggage and rental car which I was to return the same hour. Since our room was ready at 12:30 our luggage was brought up immediately and we could leave for returning the rental car. Our car was waiting just next to the hotel entrance.
We received a drink voucher for each day so that we frequented the Bellini bar for a pre-dinner drink. There is a separate list to chose from and we thought the list is quite generous. Staff were absolutely keen on clearing glasses as soon as we finished. We encountered this rather throughout New Zealand during our four weeks of traveling. But at the Bellini they were top in doing so.
We have a spacious room and bath room, well lit. A large fridge and a nespresso coffeemaker. Four capsules are provided each morning plus in the evening by turn-down service. Turn-down service includes fresh towels if needed, 2 smaller bottles of mineral water and 2 of those Belgian chocolates that we found in Christchurch, Wellington and Taupo as well.
The first night we had dinner at the hotel restaurant FISH. Substantially very good food in somewhat unusual combinations and very professional and warm service. There was a hick-up with the wine and we only found out later when half the bottle was already finished: it was a different grape and we should have realized from the very beginning. We spoke to the waiter who profusely apologized. When paying he said the the bottle was taken from the bill but a bottle the originally ordered wine would be sent to our room. I considered this a bit too much because the fault was on our side as well. However, the waiter insisted as he had already clarified this with the restaurant manager.
Breakfast is fine. Only the variety of bread is a bit small. Service is very attentive and most friendly. Housekeeping does a good job, the hotel is well maintained and I wish many more Hilton hotels would be like this. Albeit not at the prices they demand :-)
This time we will take advantage of the hotel's location when going on board. It is a short walk, however hampered by the many road constructions at Quay street and throughout the lower downtown area. When leaving the hotel area to the right there is a new quarter which hasn't been there six years ago. An area with many restaurants and many, many people. We went to Oysters & Chops twice and were very happy. Only yesterday we discovered the much more tranquil district of Parnell street with several attractive dining options.