Napier

Grand Victorian villa (1890) is queen of all she surveys...which is most of the town and a fair bit of the ocean. Heritage-meets-contemporary rooms feature either a separate or en-suite bathroom. — Lonely Planet

— Fodor's

Features muted tones, nice wallpaper and linen, and super sea views. There's a cafe downstairs for your morning coffee shot and lots of other restaurants within walking distance. — Lonely Planet

From the high-vaulted ceiling to the overly ornate fittings, this restaurant (a converted church) is a stunner. — Fodor's

The gardens at this historic mansion, high on Napier Hill, have panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and the splendid Kaweka Ranges. — Fodor's

Built in the 1860s and one of the few houses that escaped destruction in 1931, this splendid mansion–cum–boutique hotel feels like a little piece of France — Fodor's

Archie’s is a shipshape modern hostel filling an old office building. It's a quiet and secure arrangement with friendly owners and bike hire. A few rooms are windowless, but well ventilated. — Lonely Planet

Eileen and Jes Roddy are the warm owners of this lovely homestead, set in peaceful surroundings with expansive views over acres of vines. — Fodor's

A two-storey waterfront number with views from every room, kitchenettes, mod-deco decor, spa baths, private balconies and an in-house restaurant (not that you'll need it in Napier). — Lonely Planet

Inside this Victorian seafront earthquake survivor (1906) are three richly coloured themed rooms (Chinese, Indian and Turkish), decorated with a cornucopia of artefacts. — Lonely Planet