The biggest and most culturally diverse city in New Zealand, Auckland is a classic first stop on any visit to Aotearoa. Ringed by dramatic volcanic cones which punctuate an otherwise bucolic landscape, the city is centred upon two spectacular harbours, where you’ll find shops, eateries and museums aplenty. Accommodation options range from friendly neighbourhood guesthouses to slick waterfront hotels with impressive facilities. Whilst many of the best places to stay in Auckland promise harbour views and plenty of action, some of our favourite little spots are tucked away in trendy Ponsonby or relaxed Devonport, perfect for a slower-paced couples’ break.

Some of our Auckland Collections:

• 5 of the Best Boutique Hotels in Auckland
• The 5 Best Family Hotels in Auckland
• 6 of the Most Romantic Hotels in Auckland
• The Best Hotels Near Auckland Harbour
• 7 of the Best Wine Hotels Auckland and Waiheke Island

The CBD is easily the busiest part of the city, and great for business trips or on-foot explorations. This is where you’ll find big-hitters such as Aotea Square, the Auckland Art Gallery, the Maritime Museum, the Sky Tower — complete with bungee-jumping opportunities — the Domain, and the War Memorial Museum. With bars and restaurants galore, this is a hotspot for foodies and well-heeled party types.

Auckland Harbour is another favourite district of ours, with its waterfront eateries, slick bars and luxury hotels. Ferry trips across to historic Devonport are right on your doorstep, as is the chance to sail, kayak and cruise the waters. For a more laid-back neighbourhood, look to elegant Parnell or artsy Ponsonby. Most of the accommodation options in these areas are intimate guesthouses, often in restored heritage homes.

Outdoorsy travellers will delight in Auckland’s many cycling, walking and running routes, as well as the chance to get out on the harbour. Clamber up One Tree Hill for 360-degree city views and consider hiking up Mt. Eden, Mt. Wellington, Mt. Rosalie and Mt. Albert, if you’re really into walking. Surfers, kite surfers and beach-goers, on the other hand, should look to lovely Orewa. Extend your trip beyond the best places to stay in Auckland with a couple of days amongst the olives groves and vineyards of Waiheke Island.

The Best Places to Stay in Auckland

For an Intimate Guesthouse

• The Great Ponsonby Art Hotel is a charming historic B&B run by friendly Auckland locals. The 11 simple, attractive rooms feature bold painted walls with work by local artists. Stay here for the relaxed feel and the proximity to the cafés and boutiques of hip Ponsonby. Breakfasts are very generous.
• Franklin 38 is a chic, boutique guesthouse with just four spacious suites in a heritage Ponsonby residence. Contemporary interious feature a monochrome palette and impressive bathrooms. For well-heeled couples.
• Andelin Guest House offers five elegant rooms in a restored 19th-century home in seaside Devonport. 10 minutes from central Auckland by ferry, this is a peaceful pad with appealing interiors and a laid-back feel. Great for outdoorsy travellers eager to kick back on the beach or enjoy long walks. The owners are very welcoming.

For Foodies

• The Hotel Britomart has a burgeoning reputation as one of the coolest places to stay in the city. Foodies and lovers of great interiors will delight in this soulful spot. Contemporary suites boast epic views, there's chic private dining and hip Kingi Restaurant is a gem. Chef Tom Hishon uses sustainably caught seafood to create innovative dishes paired with North Island wines.
• The Convent Hotel in artsy Grey Lynn is famed for its gourmet Italian restaurant: Ada. Savour the sharing menu and round off your evening with a brown sugar panna cotta before retreating to the 22-room retro-style hotel. Housed in a former convent, this eclectic offering has exposed brick walls, nods to its religious past, and space for families or groups in larger suites with kitchenettes & private terraces. A quirky gem.

For City Style

• Hotel DeBrett is a converted Victorian building with retro rooms, two top-notch bars and a buzzing eatery. A lovely, independently owned choice for families, couples or friends looking to stay somewhere in central Auckland with a bit of atmosphere. Very cool Art Deco touches.
• SkyCity Grand Hotel Auckland is large, luxurious and very central. Pick this place for the plethora of cafés, bars and restaurants, the 25-metre swimming pool and East Day Spa, and the epic views. A modern city hotel for business or leisure.
• Stamford Plaza Auckland has two bars, four restaurants, an indoor pool, jacuzzi and fitness centre, all close to the CBD and lively Viaduct Harbour. Stay here for a smart business trip or city break.
• Rydges Auckland is large and very central, well-suited to business travellers eager to stay in the heart of the city. The 12 meeting rooms and conference facilities - with space for up to 200 guests - make this a top pick for product launches, work trips and city weddings. There's a gym, cocktail bar and good restaurant, too.

For Romance

• Fable Auckland is an Art Deco gem, with splendid interiors featuring chandeliers, marble floors and velvet upholstery. Expect romantic rooms and suites, as well as a top-notch fine dining restaurant. Afternoon teas are a real treat, too. A couples' favourite.
• SO/Auckland promises a hip city stay with a focus on great design. The So/Spa is very special. Other highlights include the top-notch Harbour Society eatery, and the lively rooftop bar -- ideal for couples, friends or sociable independent travellers. Can feel very romantic.
• Warblers Retreat is an intimate eco-lodge with just three rooms, nestled in the forest just 30 minutes from Auckland. Expect outdoor tubs, large terraces and a big saltwater pool. An idyllic wedding venue or honeymoon escape. Adults only.
• Hotel Fitzroy by Fable is a converted heritage manor with swish annexe in hip Ponsonby. Perfect for well-heeled couples or friends, this sumptuous 10-room boutique pad offers gourmet breakfasts, easy access to a trendy neighbourhood and whisky nightcaps in the art-filled library.

For Families or Groups

• Pullman Auckland is luxurious and well-located, close to Albert Park and Waitemata Harbour. Families will appreciate the inter-connecting rooms and self-catering apartments, the swimming pool and the excellent restaurant. Grown-ups can also kick back at the spa! A comfortable contemporary high-rise hotel, also well-suited to couples or business travellers.
• Cordis Auckland offers a five-star stay with ultra-modern interiors, family-friendly spaces and a kids' programme. The rooftop pool will be a big hit with the kids, whilst adults can unwind at the Chuan Spa. Eight Restaurant is a foodie destination in its own right. Big and luxurious.
• Latitude 37 is a collection of luxurious one, two, three-bedroom, self-catering apartments in Viaduct Harbour. All have full kitchens, sitting rooms and contemporary decor, whilst the best have terraces and waterfront views. Great for longer stays as family or group -- or for business trips.
• Naumi Hotel Auckland Airport turns the typical airport hotel experience on its head. Instead, expect funky interiors and a sociable buzz. Play mini-golf, swim in the pool or tuck into Asian fusion fare at Paksa, before or after your flight. Fun for family and friends.

For Waterfront Views

• Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour is a luxurious waterfront hotel with its own private marina. The 157 rooms and suites are highly design-focused, there's a fantastic restaurant, and evenings at the rooftop bar are buzzing. The indoor pool and Sofitel Spa are special, too. Excellent.
• Hilton Auckland offers the ultimate harbour-front hotel experience, jutting out over the water and featuring huge floor-to-ceiling windows. There's a swish bar and seafood restaurant, and well as a gym and outdoor lap pool. Families are well catered for with suites, kids' menus and babysitting services.
• M Social Auckland is a 190-room designer hotel overlooking Auckland Harbour. Minimalist rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows, big bathtubs and high-tech gadgets. The acclaimed Beast & Butterflies Restaurant is a highlight, and the views are striking.

FOR AN APARTMENT OR HOLIDAY COTTAGE

• If you'd prefer a self-catering option, we suggest that you visit our online partner Booking.com.

Travel Information

• Want to fly to Auckland?

• Fly to Auckland Airport, widely deemed to be the gateway to New Zealand, and travel into the city by bus or taxi.
• New Zealand is famously wonderful for a road trip, and Auckland makes an excellent starting point! Contact our online partner Rentalcars if you would like to hire a car.
• Travel during the spring or summer for the best weather, with temperatures peaking at around 23°C between December and April. For a quieter trip and great deals, look at May or October-November, though these months will be cooler and showers more frequent.

STILL NOT SURE?

• Refine your search to consider 5 of the Best Boutique Hotels in Auckland or the 5 Best Family Hotels in Auckland.
• Explore our list of all the best places to stay on Waiheke Island.
• Alternatively, expand your search to see our pick of the best places to stay in the North Island.
• Or contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.

Weather

Monthly Weather in Auckland