A third signing with one of the country’s most active investors
Marriott International has struck a deal with CP Group covering three new properties in New Zealand. The signing follows the recent St. Regis Queenstown project and brings to six the number of Marriott-branded hotels operated or under development in the Pacific by the New Zealand group.
According to Richard Crawford, Vice President of Hotel Development for Marriott International in Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific, the signing represents a significant step forward in strengthening the relationship between the two groups. He noted that the simultaneous arrival of a first hotel in Wellington and in Rotorua, together with a new property in Auckland, supports the group’s growth objectives in the country, giving the 300 million members of the Marriott Bonvoy programme additional choice.
The signing illustrates Marriott’s strategy of relying on experienced local partners to accelerate its presence in secondary markets, favouring the conversion of heritage buildings over new-build development, with the exception of the St. Regis Queenstown project.
Rotorua Marriott Hotel: a conversion at the heart of geothermal country
The future Rotorua Marriott Hotel will be created through the conversion of the existing Arawa Park Hotel Rotorua, on Fenton Street in the city centre. The property is set to undergo a full twelve-month renovation ahead of its planned opening in late 2027, marking Marriott’s inaugural entry into this tourist market, known for its Maori cultural heritage and geothermal landscapes.
Paul Richardson, Chief Operating Officer of CP Hotels, said the project is intended to raise the standard of accommodation available to visitors to the region. He noted that Marriott Hotels is among the most recognised hotel brands in the world, calling it a pivotal moment for Rotorua.
Auckland and Wellington join Autograph Collection
The Official Auckland, Autograph Collection is due to open in 2028 in a historic building on Eden Crescent, in the heart of Auckland’s business district. With 82 rooms, it will become the group’s fourth hotel in the city and the first to carry the Autograph Collection flag locally.
In Wellington, Fable Wellington, Autograph Collection will occupy a former 1940s office building at the corner of Lambton Quay and Stout Street. Planned for 118 rooms, it is scheduled to open in 2029, becoming the fifth property in CP Group’s Fable Hotels portfolio in New Zealand.
Strengthening Marriott’s portfolio on the North Island
Marriott currently operates two hotels in New Zealand, the JW Marriott Auckland and the Four Points by Sheraton Auckland. Two further openings are planned for 2027, the Sheraton Christchurch and the Moxy Auckland, ahead of the arrival of the three properties signed with CP Group.
At a glance by The Hospitality Tribune
Marriott International signs three-hotel deal with CP Group in New Zealand
Marriott Hotels debuts in Rotorua; Autograph Collection debuts in Auckland and Wellington
Openings staggered between late 2027 and 2029, following the 2026 St. Regis Queenstown signing
Deal lifts Marriott-branded hotels across the Pacific under CP Group to six
Two more Marriott hotels (Sheraton Christchurch, Moxy Auckland) due to open in 2027
Marriott currently operates two hotels in New Zealand: JW Marriott Auckland and Four Points by Sheraton Auckland
