Qualmark Rating
Qualmark is New Zealand tourism's official mark of quality. A Qualmark rating means the place has been independently assessed as professional and trustworthy, so you can book and buy with confidence.

The Qualmark can help you identify quality places to stay, things to do and ways to get around no matter where you are in New Zealand. From the North Island to the South Island, Auckland to Christchurch, Rotorua to Queenstown, Wellington to Dunedin – Qualmark assured businesses can be found across the country.

Most accommodation in NZ is Qualmark star-rated so Qualmark membership does represent quality assurance but does this star rating compare with star ratings overseas?

The Qualmark standard, although serving a similar purpose, does not appear to be directly comparable with anything else such as the AA star-rating system used in the UK or the Michelin star-rating used in France or other standards with which you may be familiar.

Qualmark is uniquely NZ and is the New Zealand official standard. It is extremely usefuil when looking for New Zealand accomodation but hard to compare internationally. As well, you need to be aware that the same star-rating applies for each separate category and there are several different Qualmark categories!

The category for New Zealand luxury accommodation is “Guest & Hosted” and this applies to both lodge accommodation and bed and breakfast accommodation (B&B’s).

Below are the three official Qualmark star-rating standards which apply to luxury accommodation and luxury lodges in NZ.

• 4* Plus equates to excellent. Consistently achieves high quality levels with a wide range of facilities and services
• 5* equates to exceptional. Amongst the best in New Zealand
• Exclusive. Intimate and highly individual establishments which offer the finest of locations, facilities, activities and service. (Only 7 accommodation properties in New Zealand)

5 star properties
We are focusing here on the 5 star rating which is really the top end of the luxury accommodation and is what most international and New Zealand travellers are looking for when they ask for luxury accommodation.

Obviously, not all 5 star properties are directly comparable. For example, a 5-star hotel has different criteria and is a different experience from a 5-star luxury lodge in New Zealand, although both are accommodation providers with a similar rating. Anothere xample is that of a 5-star bed and breakfast (B&B) which is not necessarily the same as a 5-star luxury lodge!

Again a 5-star back packers again has different criteria and is definitely NOT the same level as a 5-star luxury lodge in NZ!

To be objective about your luxury accommodation in New Zealand you need to look beyond the Qualmark star rating, although it is a great guide, and check the actual facilities and amenities on offer. The room or guest rate or tariff can also provide some indicator.

Your most reliable assurance, along with the Qualmark rating and if you are looking for the best, is to stay in luxury lodge accommodation in NZ that is a member of a reputable marketing group such as Lodges of NZ (NZLA), Small Luxury Hotels Group or SELECT Hotels & Resorts International or similar. These organisations have high standards and their own strict criteria for membership. Generally, the members will all be 5-star or exclusive and provide luxury accommodation in NZ.

In this way, by comapring facilities, rates, Qualmark rating and memberships, you will be assured of quality.