Queen Elizabeth II has visited New Zealand 10 times in her lifetime so far, so one could imagine she may be quite fond of spending time in Aotearoa.
Despite Her Majesty's real birthday being on April 21, we as a country celebrate the occasion on the first Monday of June every year.
While the Queen's usual accommodation of Government House in Auckland and Wellington aren't available for commoners to stay in, there are quite a few other options to choose from if you want a regal Queen's Birthday experience, or just a really cool place to binge watch The Crown.
Chateau Tongariro Hotel
The historical Chateau Tongariro Hotel's grand architecture and interiors simply look the part. Against the backdrop of Tongariro National Park, it could easily be the setting for many period dramas.
It's not just the exterior that has the royal touch: Inside you can experience high tea including savoury treats like smoked salmon bites and roasted capsicum bruschetta followed by buttermilk raisin scones. Then, satisfy your sweet tooth with raspberry chocolate cake and vanilla-blueberry macarons and more.
If one is in the mood to take the corgis for a walk, then perhaps you may want to take on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. If you prefer something a bit more chilled, there's also a nine-hole golf course and an on-site cinema, a games room with billiards, sauna, indoor plunge pool and a fitness centre.
With a range of options like this, one can do what one wants.
Huka Lodge
It's been the secluded getaway for many VIPs over the years and even The Queen herself has stayed here. Perhaps the local trout fishing was part of the attraction, and with the Waikato River just a few steps away, the lodge is an ideal place for Elizabeth to throw a line out.
The guest register makes impressive reading, with Queen Elizabeth and the Queen Mother leading a long list of royal visitors including princes and princesses, dukes and duchesses, lords and ladies from the UK, Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Denmark and France.
South Sea Hotel
Take inspiration from the most recent Royal visit when Harry and Meghan found a home away from home on Stewart Island. Prince Harry shared the view on Instagram with a photo of the sunrise from his balcony and enjoyed a close encounter with a kaka.
Stewart Island's iconic South Sea Hotel is located on the foreshore, in the centre of town. Overlooking the harbour, the hotel offers both self-contained studio units and hotel rooms.
The restaurant offers local seafood, and a varied menu with daily specials, while the on-site bar is a great place to meet locals, view historic photos, and learn about island life and history.
Matakauri Lodge
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's 2014 tour of Aotearoa included a visit to Queenstown where they took in local attractions like jet boating at Shotover Jet and wine tasting at Amisfield, and spent a night at the award-winning Matakauri Lodge.
Situated on Lake Wakatipu, Matakauri Lodge offers luxury suites and villas, each with a private terrace featuring mountain and lake views - one could say a backdrop fit for a chat with Oprah. Accommodation includes pre-dinner drinks with hors d'oeuvres, gourmet dinner, full breakfast and complimentary in-room minibar including domestic beers.
Facilities include a luxury day spa, outdoor heated infinity swimming pool with spa pool, and a fully equipped fitness centre.
Larnach Castle
Queen Elizabeth is known for her castles, so what would be more appropriate than a stay at New Zealand's only castle?
Situated within the grounds of the impressive Larnach Castle, Larnach Lodge offers individually decorated rooms with free Wi-Fi and panoramic views of the harbour and the Otago Peninsula.
With access to shared bathroom facilities, some rooms are located in the historic stables originally built by the Lanarch family. Other rooms feature a private bathroom and are located in the lodge itself.
Accommodation includes entry to Larnach Castle, breakfast the following morning served in the historic stables, and access to the Castle Gardens.
Breakfast is served in the historic stables, while guests can reserve a traditional New Zealand style dinner in the castle's dining room.
Do you have any other suggestions as to where royalty may visit in Aotearoa? Head to the Newshub Travel Facebook Group.
