Fodor's Expert Review Heritage Hotel du Vin and Spa

Editor's Note: This location is no longer in operation.

For an excellent introduction to rural New Zealand, head south from Auckland to this smart, single-level luxurious hotel, surrounded by native forests, and the grapevines of the hotel's estate, Firstland Vineyards. Standard rooms are very good and the newer rooms at the far end of the resort are the best. If you're so inclined they will organize clay-bird shooting and archery. The restaurant has a strong reputation, though prices are high. If you're not staying overnight, you can still stop over for a wine tasting or dinner—a great way to break the journey between Auckland and the Coromandel region.