About Scenic Hotel Group

Our commitment to you, our guest
Scenic Hotel Group is committed to providing quality, comfortable accommodation that represents excellent value for leisure and business travellers from around New Zealand and around the world. We extend genuine friendly Kiwi hospitality to every guest who comes through our doors.

Our commitment to New Zealand

Scenic Hotel Group prides itself on remaining 100% New Zealand owned and operated. Our philosophy includes supporting New Zealand businesses and the environment. Wherever you choose to stay with us, we look forward to sharing our warm welcome and Kiwi hospitality with you.

Who We Are

Scenic Hotel Group is a proudly New Zealand owned company with a myriad of accommodation options, stretching from Paihia in the far north, to Queenstown in the deep south, and the South Pacific in Niue. We are located in New Zealand’s favourite holiday locations and main gateway cities in each island.

With the purchase of a small hotel on the West Coast in 1980 and further properties throughout the South Island, Scenic Circle Hotels was created by Earl Hagaman and Ralph Brown.

In mid 2009 the company re-branded to become the Scenic Hotel Group. At this time we launched two new brands, namely Heartland Hotels and Scenic Hotels, Suites & Resorts. In addition, our very special luxury property, Te Waonui Forest Retreat, opened in September 2009. Our new branding structure allows us to more clearly communicate the style, location and quality of each hotel, offering better consistency for our valued customers – whose comfort and feedback is so important to us.

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1981 – West Coast Beginnings

Founders Earl Hagaman and Ralph Brown, purchase a small 48 room property in Franz Josef Glacier on the West Coast and so marked the beginnings of the Scenic Hotel Group.

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1981-1986 – Coming Full Circle

With the purchase of 4 additional properties; Fox Glacier Queenstown, Dunedin and Picton the locations circled around the South Island, and Scenic Circle Hotels was born.

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1986-2008 – Moving Forward One Step at a Time

Over these years, the group forged a strong path forward.  The road was sometimes rocky, through a global financial crisis, tourism downturn and personal tragedy, but a strong drive and focus kept the group on track, growing the portfolio to 18 properties.

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2009 – Branching Out

The dream property of owners Lani and Earl Hagaman, Te Waonui Forest Retreat, a 5 star eco lux property was opened in Franz Josef Glacier.  With now such a wide range of offerings, one brand no longer worked for all.  The group was split into three brand offerings – 5 star Te Waonui Forest Retreat, 4 Star Scenic Hotels, and 3 Star Heartland Hotels.

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2012 – Our Backyard Just Got Bigger

Scenic Hotel Group expands its reach from New Zealand into the South Pacific.  Embracing the local communities, people and culture made the Pacific a natural fit for the group values.

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2017 – End of an Era

Founder, Earl Hagaman passes away, at age 92.  Larger than life, Earl left strong legacy and clear vision for the future of the group.  He was passionate about people, service and sharing the beauty of our incredible destinations.   Earl’s legacy lives on to this day with the Earl Hagaman Scholarship.

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2019 – A Premium New Collection

With the completion of the refurbishment and rebrand of flagship property Airedale Boutique Suites in the heart of Auckland’s Theatre Precinct, the Legacy Collection is born.  Legacy is created to house this, and the group’s other premier properties under one overarching brand umbrella, whilst allowing the hotels to keep their own unique identities and stories.

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2022 – The Scenic Shift – The Future is Now

Our journey has taken us through change and the desire for continual improvement.  The group makes a conscious shift to utilise the changes in technology that are opening up the tourism industry, through AI, automation and data, whilst committing to maintain the personal touch that is the true essence of hospitality and environmental sustainability to ensure we live up our responsibilities of guardians of our lands.

Our Brands

From North to South and into the South Pacific, our collection of Hotels, Suites and Resorts provide travellers with quality accommodation through out.

Offering a variety of accommodation (rooms, suites and self-catering apartments) at Heartland Hotels, Scenic Hotels, Suites & Resorts, and our Legacy Collection properties – Airedale Boutique Suites and Te Waonui Forest Retreat, as well as excellent event services such as conference and meeting facilities, and wedding venues.