London, 9 November, 2016 –The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company L.L.C. has signed a management agreement with NDG Asia Pacific (NZ) Limited to open the first Ritz-Carlton property in New Zealand in 2019, creating a new iconic property that will enhance the famous skyline of New Zealand's leading waterfront city, Auckland.

Located in the downtown heart of the city amid the well-preserved city landmarks, adjacent to the distinctive Sky City, The Ritz-Carlton, Auckland will offer uninterrupted 360 degree views of Auckland's twin harbours with easy access to nearby vineyards on Waiheke Island beyond by helicopter, as well as allowing guests to hands-on experience the thrills of the America's Cup on an original racing yacht.

The Ritz-Carlton, Auckland will take advantage of its exceptional location and New Zealand's natural outdoors culture with lofty terraces adjacent to lounge as well as a street level café for a place to see and be seen. Two fine dining restaurants will complement the vibrant dining scene, allowing the creative Ritz-Carlton chefs to showcase the fresh produce for which the country is famed. Among the 300 rooms and suites, will be the renowned Presidential and Ritz-Carlton Suites, where guests can also enjoy the pure New Zealand air from the expansive terraces with cocktail in hand.

The Auckland social scene will see the debut of two Ritz-Carlton ballrooms for its showcase events and weddings, as well as enhancing the city's international convention and meetings.

“We have long desired to bring The Ritz-Carlton to New Zealand and we've patiently waited for the right partner and opportunity that will create a showcase worthy of this world-class city,” said Hervé Humler, President and Chief Operating Officer, The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company. “We're delighted to be partnering with NDG Asia Pacific (NZ) Limited to open the first Ritz-Carlton in the land of the long white cloud.”

Auckland's natural harbours is a natural embarkation point for a cruise around the South Pacific or perhaps to explore Hauraki Gulf Marine Park which encompasses an incredible 1.2 million hectares of coast, sea and islands. With its temperate climate, outdoor leisure activities on land run the spectrum from the leisurely vineyard tours to energetic eco-adventures or to exploring the region's 48 volcanic cones.

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About The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, LLC

About The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, LLC The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C., of Chevy Chase, MD., currently operates more than 90 hotels in over 30 countries and territories.  More than 40 hotel and residential projects are under development around the globe. The Ritz-Carlton is proud to offer The Ritz-Carlton Rewards® in which members can link accounts with Marriott Rewards® and Starwood Preferred Guest® for instant elite status matching and unlimited points transfer. For more information or reservations, visit the company web site at www.ritzcarlton.com, for the latest company updates, visit news.ritzcarlton.com and to join the live conversation, use #RCMemories.  The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ:MAR).