Auckland’s highly-anticipated $200 million new-build Park Hyatt hotel was announced at a state lunch late last week.

Expected to open in 2017, Park Hyatt Auckland, developed by Fu Wah New Zealand, will mark Hyatt’s return to New Zealand, and the first Park Hyatt-branded hotel to open in Auckland.

Senior vice president, real estate and development, Asia Pacific, Hyatt Ratnesh Verma said, “This has been an exciting year for the Park Hyatt brand, and we are honored to collaborate with Fu Wah New Zealand on this landmark luxury development.

“Fu Wah New Zealand believes in the Park Hyatt brand, having recently purchased Park Hyatt Melbourne, and we are confident Park Hyatt Auckland will provide guests with the luxurious accommodations, culinary expertise and high-quality service for which the Park Hyatt brand is known. We remain committed to growing the brand in culturally rich cities like Auckland,” said Verma.

Park Hyatt Auckland will feature 190 luxurious guestrooms, three restaurants and bars, event spaces, a spa, 25-metre pool and a fitness centre. Park Hyatt Auckland will be nestled in a prime waterfront location on Auckland Harbour, which is expected to undergo a major revitalization to turn the area into a world-class leisure, entertainment, culture, and dining destination.

The announcement of the Park Hyatt Auckland development complements a milestone year for the Park Hyatt brand globally, with the opening of Park Hyatt Vienna in June, followed by Park Hyatt New York in August.

In addition to these recent openings, there are 16 previously announced Park Hyatt hotels currently in development around the world.