Hilton plans Kawarau Falls hotel

Hilton Worldwide has announced the signing of management agreements for two new Hilton Hotels & Resorts properties, at the embattled $1 billion Kawarau Falls development and resort.

The development will comprise a 178-room 5-star hotel to be named Hilton Queenstown and a 4-star hotel, featuring 98 one-bedroom apartment-style rooms, to be known as the "Kawarau Hotel, Managed by Hilton".

Both hotels are expected to be completed next year.

"We have identified Queenstown as a strategically significant location for Hilton Worldwide and we feel this project represents a development of the highest quality and world-class design," Hilton Worldwide (Asia Pacific) president Martin Rinck said.