Thanks, but the only Hilton we're considering is the one in Auckland. We're interested in people's thoughts on the luxury options.
Blanket Bay and the Huka Lodge are oft mentioned, but we're interested in hearing about other options and people's experiences.
My own experience is that NZ is such a charming country that the non-luxury B&B options are preferable to the luxury accomodation (which is severely limited, in any case). But I also think the Hilton in AKL is poor, with about 10 good suites and the rest of the hotel is not up to standard -- I would rate it the 6th best hotel in AKL, and not the #1 that it is often touted as.
Some of the *great* non-luxury B&B options in NZ are at
http://www.bnb.co.nz/index.html
As an example of what I mean by a great non-luxury B&B, see
http://www.bnb.co.nz/coromandel/resu...s.html?lid=816
Very memorable, comfortable, great food (both the B&B breakfast and in the area). But the opposite of luxury. But that is what I would pick. And a car is a must in NZ, all the best parts of NZ can only be reached by car.