❤️Where to Stay in Auckland, New Zealand
Welcome to Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland!
Auckland is New Zealand’s largest city surrounded by two harbours, Waitematā and Manukau. There are around 50 dormant volcanoes around Auckland and many islands in the harbour that are easily accessible by ferry, including Waiheke Island, famous for its vineyards and beaches.
I lived in Auckland for several years in an apartment right in the heart of the city and this is the best place to stay so you can enjoy what Auckland has to offer without the need for a car. If this is your first visit to Auckland, I would recommend spending around 2-3 days here so you can enjoy the waterfront, take in the Sky Tower and other sights and attractions in Auckland. Plus, this gives you time to get out on the water on a ferry to Devonport and/or Waiheke Island.
If you have longer you will be able to enjoy much more of what Auckland has to offer and explore many more places off the typical tourist track.
Table of Contents
* Best Areas to Stay in Auckland
* Luxury Hotels with Club Access
* The Best Design Hotels in Auckland
* The Best Hotels with Rooftop Bars in Auckland
* Other Boutique & Luxury Hotels in Auckland
* Auckland Apartments & Residences
* Ponsonby and Grey Lynn Hotels
* Parnell and Newmarket Hotels
* Budget Friendly Hotels
* Auckland Airport Hotels
Best Areas to Stay in Auckland
Auckland offers a huge range of places to stay, from luxury hotels to small boutique design hotels. For most travellers central Auckland areas like the Viaduct, Britomart, or Auckland CBD will be the most convenient areas to stay. These are the best areas to stay in Auckland so you are central to all the sights, the waterfront, ferry terminal, shops and dining, so you can visit without the need for a car.
* Auckland Waterfront
Britomart, Viaduct Harbour and Wynyard Quarter are the areas where you'll find boutiques, cafes, great dining and some of Auckland’s best accommodations.
Britomart and Viaduct Harbour are lively with many bars and restaurants. Wynyard Quarter, just a short stroll from the Viaduct, offers a more laid-back waterfront experience and is my favourite place to stay when I visit Auckland (I highly recommend the QT Auckland).
* CBD and SkyCity Area
There is a lot of accommodations around Sky City and lower Queen Street. Staying around this area you'll be near Queens Street and many of the main attractions like Sky Tower, Auckland Art Gallery etc. You're still in walking distance to Britomart, Viaduct Harbour and Wynyard Quarter.
If you stay closer to the top end of Queen St it's a little bit of a walk uphill from the waterfront and lower Queen St. But at this end you'll be close to Karangahape Road with its quirky shops and restaurants.
* Parnell and Ponsonby
Parnell is one of Auckland’s oldest suburbs and has an upscale vibe, with its galleries, elegant boutiques, cafes and restaurants. From here you're close to the Auckland Domain and Auckland Museum and you can still walk to the central city in about 20 minutes.
Staying in Ponsonby offers a more local hipster experience compared to downtown Auckland, with interesting cafes, craft beer, cocktail bars, and some of the city’s best restaurants right on your doorstep.
* Auckland Airport Area
If you have a very early morning flight or arrive late at night, staying at Auckland airport hotel might be much more convenient and there are several great options inside the airport complex or just a few minutes drive away.
Luxury Hotels with Club Access
* InterContinental Hotel Auckland
The InterContinental opened in January 2024 and is in a prime waterfront location across the street from the ferry terminal and upstairs from the shopping of Commercial Bay. There are some fantastic views across the harbour and this hotel will suit those of you looking for a high-end experience with amenities like a club lounge and spa.
* Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour
The Sofitel is a French-inspired elegant hotel with a day spa and club access. The location is great for dining and shopping in both Wynyard and Viaduct Harbour. It's also home to Michelin-starred La Marée blends by Chef Marc de Passorio.
* SO/ Auckland
SO/ Auckland opened in March 2024 and was designed by the iconic fashion house World. It's has very chic design and is home to HI-SO, a rooftop bar with panoramic views over the city and harbour.
* Pullman Hotel and Apartments
A great choice for extended stays close to Albert Park and some rooms give access to the Pullman Club Lounge during the hours of 6am and 10pm.
* Cordis, Auckland
The Cordis is a little further out than some of the others on this list. But they offer a complimentary shuttle, and guests have access to a lovely heated swimming pool, sauna and Chuan Spa. On level 14 you'll find the Cordis Club Lounge.
* JW Marriott
JW Marriott is undergoing a multimillion-dollar refurbishment. It's in a great location, just a few minutes walk to Queen's Street. It doesn't currently have an Executive Lounge as it is under renovation, but it is expected to be completed by November 2024.
* Crowne Plaza Auckland
The Crowne Plaza has recently refurbished it's Executive Lounge on the top floor. The rooms could use a refurbishment as well, but they are comfortable.
The Best Design Hotels in Auckland
* Britomart Hotel
Britomart Hotel opened in 2020 and is New Zealand’s first certified 5 Green Star hotel. The hotel, formerly a warehouse, has been very cleverly refurbished and is right in the heart of the Britomart area, filled with restaurants, bars, cafes and designer shops.
* Park Hyatt Auckland
This Park Hyatt is a luxurious waterfront property in a great location with many fabulous restaurants and bars close by in the Wynyard Quarter. It has an infinity pool, gym and day spa and a Hydrotherapy room with sauna, steam room, spa pool and a cold plunge pool.
The Best Hotels with Rooftop Bars in Auckland
* QT Auckland
This should also feature under the best design hotels because it's a design-forward hotel. The fabulous rooftop bar and restaurant has great views and is popular with locals too. This is one of my favourite hotels in Auckland!
* voco Auckland, an IHG Hotel
* Mövenpick Hotel Auckland
This 2022 4.5-star quirky hotel was the first Mövenpick property in New Zealand. It has fabulous views from the rooftop bar and restaurant. Don't miss the daily ‘Chocolate Hour’!
* Sudima Auckland
Sudima Auckland City is a 4.5-star hotel in the heart of the city, opened in 2021. It has contemporary designed rooms and a plant-focused restaurant plus a Sunset Rooftop bar with fabulous views of Auckland Harbour.
* Rydges Auckland
Rydges Auckland is a 4.5-star hotel in the CBD, very close to the Sky Tower. From The Rooftop on the 10th floor, you'll find a laid-back atmosphere and great views. The hotel was recently refurbished in 2022.
* The Grand by SkyCity
* Four Points by Sheraton
Four Points by Sheraton has a sleek design in the heart of Auckland. On the 20th floor you'll find The Churchill, a luxury rooftop gin and cocktail bar with spectacular views.
Other Boutique and Luxury Hotels in Auckland
* Hotel DeBrett
Hotel DeBrett is a quirky boutique hotel just minutes' walk from the Britomart and lower Queen Street. Each room is uniquely decorated with eclectic and colourful interiors.
* Ohtel Auckland
Ohtel Auckland is in the Viaduct Harbour area opened in May 2021. Ideal for those wanting a boutique stay close to many bars and restaurants but in a quiet location.
* Fable Auckland
Fable Auckland is very central. It's a boutique 5-star hotel that blends contemporary style with classic luxury.
* M Social Hotel Auckland
M Social is a cool modern 4-star hotel located right across from the waterfront.
* Abstract Hotel and Residences
Located near K Rd, this is a design boutique hotel has co-working spaces and a Residents Club Lounge.
* Mercure Auckland Queen Street
The 4 star Mercure opened late 2021 and is located at the top of Queen Street, close to the lively Karangahape Road (K Road to locals).
* Imagine Beach Road
Imagine Beach Road is a boutique hotel not far from Britomart.
* Airedale Boutique Suites
Airedale Boutique Suites are located on Queen Street in the heart of Auckland's theatre district, 10 minutes' walk from the Sky Tower.
* Hilton Auckland
The Hilton's unique design makes it appear like a luxury liner docked at Auckland’s waterfront. Don't forget to check out the dramatic outdoor heated lap pool, which extends out over the harbour and offers a distinctive glass end!
* Horizon By SkyCity
This Horizon By SkyCity was newly opened in May 2024. This is a great choice is you are on business as it's directly connected via air bridges to the Convention Centre and SkyCity.
Auckland Apartments and Residences
* Pullman Hotel and Apartments
A great choice for extended stays close to Albert Park.
* Avani Auckland Metropolis Residences
These Residences could do with a bit of an update, but the indoor pool and spa are fabulous and the location is excellent.
* Swiss-Belsuites Victoria Park
There are 40 spacious, modern and comfortable suites on Victoria Park, just a short stroll to the city.
* Heritage Auckland
The Heritage Hotel has a rooftop pool with views over the harbour and the Sky Tower. There is also an indoor heated lap pool and spa. The Heritage Suites are great for a spacious apartment-style stay. There are also some really nicely designed AirBnB's in this building.
Budget Friendly Hotels
* Holiday Inn Express Auckland City
* Travelodge Hotel Auckland Wynyard Quarter
Travelodge Hotel is a well-priced hotel in a fabulous location, right in the heart of Wynyard Quarter with neighbours such as the Park Hyatt and Sofitel Auckland.
* LyLo Auckland
LyLo Auckland is a great choice for traveller's budget wanting a modern, minimalist place to stay in the heart of the city. It has quirky sleeping pods or you can book a private pod for extra privacy at still enjoy the communal spaces. Note that most of the rooms do not have windows so this might not suit everyone.
Ponsonby and Grey Lynn Hotels
* Hotel Fitzroy curated by Fable
An intimate, boutique hotel located in Auckland's hip, fashionable district.
* The Convent Hotel
The Convent Hotel was a former nunnery and has been transformed into a stylish boutique hotel. This is the place to stay to be out of the tourist trial. Lots of lovely cafes and bars within walking distance and on your arrival they give you a snack basket.
Parnell and Newmarket Hotels
* La Quinta by Wyndham Parnell
This hotel was newly opened in June 2024. It's located close to Strand Station so it's very convenient if you are embarking on the Northern Explorer train.
* Ramada by Wyndham Newmarket Auckland
The Ramada by Wyndham Newmarket Auckland opened in February 2020 and offers a convenient location near the shopping and dining area of Newmarket.
Auckland Airport Hotels
* Pullman Auckland Airport
The Pullam is a new 5-star hotel opened in December 2023. The hotel is 2-minute walk (100m) from the front entrance of the international terminal.
* Novotel Auckland Airport
The 4.5-star Novotel is a modern, contemporary hotel located with direct walking access to the international terminal and great views of the runway.
* Sudima Auckland Airport
The Sudima Auckland Airport is a 4.5-star hotel, 5 minutes drive from the airport, with stylish contemporary rooms and was the first Toitū carboNZero certified hotel. The hotel also has a heated indoor pool and fitness centre.
* Naumi Auckland Airport Hotel
This 4.5-star hotel offers quirky, colourful rooms with a swimming pool, gym, and restaurant, 5 minutes drive from the airport.
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Hopefully this guide will save you time researching through the hundreds of hotel options in Auckland!
Enjoy your Auckland travels!
Anna
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