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Where to Stay in Auckland

By Santorini Dave

Our Favorite Auckland Hotels

5-Star Hotel: Park Hyatt
4-Star Hotel: Airedale
3-Star Hotel: City Hotel
Apartment: Nesuto
Boutique: Aachen House
New: voco
Cheap: Verandahs
For Family: Edgerly
Couples: DeBrett
Pool: Park Hyatt
Views: Hilton
City Center: M Social
Beach: Emerald Inn
Near Airport: Novotel

A boat sits in a blue harbor in front of a city skyline.

Viaduct Harbour was revamped in the 1990s and is now packed with upscale apartments, hotels, and restaurants, many overlooking the marina.

The Best Areas to Stay in Auckland

Auckland is the largest city in New Zealand and the gateway for many via the air or sea. It’s beautifully nestled along a headland and next to the stunning Auckland Harbour. With its beachside vibe, Māori culture, and excellent accommodations in all categories, it’s best to stay a while in Auckland rather than laying over. It’s busy and somewhat pricey, but it offers waterside dining, boat trips to tropicalesque islands, and bungee jumping off the downtown casino tower.

Auckland Neighborhoods

Auckland is reasonably compact, so seven of the nine areas listed are in or just outside the city center and within walking distance or a few stops by bus or train. The area surrounds Auckland Harbour in all directions, with some places along the coast. Seemingly under permanent construction since the 1990s, the pulsating Viaduct Harbour, packed with high-end hotels and restaurants, is linked to Wynyard Quarter by a pedestrian draw bridge. Further along the harbor, Britomart is the hub for ferries, buses, and trains across the city and suburbs.

The Central Business District (CBD) is neatly (but unofficially) divided by either side of Wellesley Street. Stretching south from the harbor to Wellesley Street is City Center North, which is excellent for shopping and high-end accommodations, while City Center South is more cultural and home to the virtual mini-city of the casino complex. Just to the east, and older than the city, is the trendy and historic Parnell suburb. Parnell spreads southwards to the shopping enclave of Newmarket and the motels and apartments along or near Highway 1. Just west of downtown is Ponsonby, a popular, low-key, blissfully-flat suburb.

The Lower North Shore is a general term for the north peninsula facing Auckland Harbor. It includes the regional hub of Takapuna and the charming seaside village/suburb of Devonport. About 22km south is the Auckland Airport, and staying near the airport at Mangere provides convenience, affordable rates, and easy parking. Close to the airport is the thriving satellite city of Manukau.

Best Places to Stay in Auckland

Two chairs sit on a deck overlooking a marina.

Our view from the pool deck overlooking the marina at the Park Hyatt.

Best Places in Auckland for…

  • Best Area in Auckland for First-Time Visitors: Ponsonby
    Auckland’s population is over 1.5 million, about one-third of the country’s entire population, so it is congested, spread out, and, at times, overcrowded. Those visiting for the first time may want to stay in Ponsonby, an inner-western suburb that’s upscale but not trendy. Reasonably quiet and not overdeveloped, Ponsonby has plenty of places to eat, drink and, shop and is well connected by bus (not train) to the city center. At the top (southern) end, Western Park is a shady, green oasis that angles down to the city’s edge and provides superb views of the Auckland skyline. And the other significant advantage is that Ponsonby is primarily flat.
  • Best Area in Auckland for Sightseeing: City Center North
    Men in black athletic shirts stretch their arms out in a photograph.

    The All Blacks Experience in the SkyCity casino complex is a museum dedicated to the revered national rugby union team.

    This part of downtown offers many sites, such as the serene Cathedral of St Patrick, Auckland Art Gallery (the largest in the country), and SkyCity casino. The latter is almost a mini-city with added attractions like the Wētā Workshop Unleashed ‘movie-making experience’ and the All Blacks Experience, homage to the revered national rugby union team. Transportation is easy to arrange from this part of the city center. There are cruises to nearby islands (see later), ferries to adorable places like Devonport, and public transport to the inviting suburbs of Parnell and Ponsonby.

  • Best Areas in Auckland for Boat Trips: Britomart and Viaduct Harbour
    A group of people stand next to a large sailboat in the marina as a few people on board talk to them.

    Passengers get a briefing before joining a cruise with the Explore Group from the marina at Viaduct Harbour.

    Two boat companies share a duopoly to almost-tropical islands, including Waiheke and Tiritiri Matangi, with pristine beaches and sloping palms. Fullers, which has an office on Quay Street in Britomart, offers day trips, but book online and start early on sunny weekends to avoid massive crowds. From Viaduct Harbour, Explore Group has yacht trips, boats to Tiritiri Matangi island, and dolphin and whale cruises. The Harbour Information Centre at Queens Wharf in Britomart is great for booking boat trips and island activities. And remember a public ferry costs just a few dollars to delightful seaside locations like Bayswater and Devonport that provide a satisfying look at the harbor.

  • Best Area in Auckland for History & Culture: Parnell
    A small house with a triangle roof.

    One of the historic houses in Parnell.

    History shows that the inner-eastern suburb of Parnell was settled before the city of Auckland, and thankfully, evidence of this is apparent throughout. Along backstreets (like Gladstone Road), modest homes and huge mansions have been lovingly restored. Many shops along Parnell Road exude a historical vibe, even if not particularly old. Prominent at the top section of Parnell Road is the original Holy Trinity Church. At the northern end are converted warehouses now used by tech companies and chic restaurants spread along what was the foreshore before land reclamation. And don’t miss the magnificent Auckland Museum in the enormous Auckland Domain parklands.

  • Best Area in Auckland for Vibe: Ponsonby
    Ponsonby, just a few bus stops from the western edge of the city center, projects a delightfully low-key inner suburb vibe with churches, parks, and a community center. Unlike its rival to the east, Parnell, cafés in Ponsonby are low-key and reasonably priced, and the main road is mercifully flat. Adding further to the appeal, Western Park spirals downhill to the city center and is a relaxing place that provides fantastic views of the Auckland skyline.
  • Best Area in Auckland for Nightlife: City Center South
    A bar with outdoor tables.

    Karangahape Road, especially between Pitt and Queen Streets, is renowned for its rowdy nightlife.

    Most cities have an area of nightclubs and rowdy bars, and in Auckland, it’s Karangahape Road. It’s lively and safe during the day, with plenty of places to eat and drink at prices considerably more appealing than downtown. But after dark, nightclubs open up, and bars get noisy, especially those offering live music. Many people hang about the tattoo parlors and all-night pizza joints, so take the usual precautions. For something more sophisticated, check out what’s happening in the various theaters, including Aotea Centre and Auckland Town Hall opposite each other just a short walk down Queen Street from Karangahape Road.

  • Best Areas in Auckland for Restaurants: Viaduct/Wynyard
    A plate with steak and squash.

    Our delicious steak dinner at Harbour Society on the top floor of the SO/ Auckland hotel with amazing views of the harbor.

    As a harborside city, enjoying a meal along or near the water makes sense – and Viaduct Harbour and Wynyard Quarter are perfect. The three main areas for wining and dining have different appeals. (1) The spacious, airy cafés along the western side of the bridge between Viaduct and Wynyard are ideal for families and people-watching. (2) The eateries in and near the famous Auckland Fish Market are where younger crowds appreciate the daily specials and happy hours. (3) The ultra-hip restaurants along the southern part of the marina in front of the Sebel Hotel are for a more fancy dinner.

    A fish counter with ice and fresh seafood.

    Auckland Fish Market, along the backstreets of Wynyard Quarter shops, sells fresh seafood and cafés cook and serve it.

  • Best Area in Auckland for City Views: Devonport
    As the city becomes more developed, especially around the harborside area, it is increasingly difficult to appreciate or even see the city skyline. For stunning city views, head to Devonport, a delightful seaside suburb (more like a village) just 15 minutes by ferry from the city center. Waterside restaurants near the Devonport ferry terminal and surrounding parks have wonderful views from perfectly placed seats.
  • Best Area in Auckland for Sea Views: Viaduct Harbour
    Hotels near the water are designed to maximize views of the magnificent Auckland Harbour. Even at the ground (sea) level, the views from almost everywhere around the Viaduct Harbour are stunning. Views include the wharves and cruise ships at Britomart, luxury yachts in the marina, and the islands and posh harborside suburbs across the water. Relish these views from one of the enticing cafés or bars in the areas listed earlier, or stay at the Hilton at the end of Princes Wharf where Britomart merges with Viaduct Harbour, the lofty Sebel Quay West, or the Park Hyatt at the marina.
  • Best Area in Auckland for Peace and Quiet: Devonport
    Just 15 minutes by ferry from downtown Auckland, Devonport seems a world away. Perched at the southern end of the Lower North Shore region, Devonport is much more like a seaside village than a commuter suburb. And it’s so quiet – except on sunny weekends. Historic buildings pepper the steep backstreets not far from the ferry terminal, so maybe rent a bike from Auckland (see later) or an e-scooter in Devonport.
  • Best Area in Auckland for Walking: Takapuna
    People walk on the beach.

    Paths from the main streets through Takapuna lead to a pleasant beach.

    This regional hub in the Lower North Shore area boasts a doubly spectacular setting: it faces a beach popular for swimming and boating and Lake Pupuke, which is more for admiring than water-based activities. Enjoy both along walking paths, including the fascinating Milford to Takapuna Walk (90 minutes one-way). Part of the 3,000 km-long Te Araroa Trail is done either way with the option of using a bus one way. The tourist office and train stations offer walking, and cycling maps created by Auckland Transport and include the Cycle Network Map North Shore. Takapuna is about 30 minutes by bus from the city center. A more enjoyable option is the ferry from downtown to Devonport and then a bus to Takapuna.

  • Best Area in Auckland for Cycling: Takapuna
    Start planning with the Cycle Network Map North Shore brochure (mentioned above), which details simple and challenging bike trails across the Lower North Shore region. For instance, the ‘Devonport to Takapuna’ route (which has a separate map) travels past mangroves, parks, and beaches (45 minutes one-way). Bikes can be taken on trains and ferries for no extra cost, but not on buses (unlike other New Zealand cities). E-bikes can be rented from Power to the Pedal at Wynyard Quarter, while the community-run Bike Hub at Britomart is a terrific source of information. See above about reaching Takapuna.
  • Best Areas in Auckland for Beaches: Takapuna and Parnell
    People walk along a beach under puffy clouds.

    Takapuna Beach is mostly sandy, and the sea is shallow and calm. Regarded as Auckland’s premier seaside destination, it’s ideal for families.

    Auckland’s premier seaside destination is Takapuna if only because it’s easy to reach (including by bus), faces the ocean (rather than Auckland Harbour), and has plenty of facilities. Takapuna Beach has clean, white(ish) sand and calm, shallow waters ideal for youngsters, dogs, and paddle-boarders. Adding to the appeal are the waterfront restaurants, Sunday market, and nearby lake for admiring, not swimming. Far cuter, Judges Bay Beach is within a short (but steep) walk through the Parnell Rose Gardens. Parnell is easy to reach by train or bus; see ‘Walking’ above for details about traveling to Takapuna.

  • Best Area in Auckland for Parks and Gardens: Parnell
    Round green bushes line a rock path to more gardens.

    Parnell Rose Gardens.

    Thoughtful colonial settlers allocated a section of land, far larger at that time than the city itself, as the Auckland Domain parklands. This genuinely enormous area of hills, lawns, and gardens stretches for 75 hectares (185 acres) across two suburbs, Newmarket and Parnell, to the city edge. It is home to the Auckland Museum, as impressive as the park itself, as well as cafés, walking/cycling paths, and flourishing gardens. Far more compact but still enjoyable are the nearby Parnell Rose Gardens, part of the Dove-Myer Robinson Park, which leads to the adorable Judges Bay beach and reserve.

  • Best Area in Auckland for Watching Sports: Grey Lynn (near Ponsonby)
    The most popular sport in New Zealand is overwhelmingly rugby union, with the world-beating All Blacks national team revered like gods. International games of rugby union and cricket are played at Eden Park, which is also home to the local rugby union side Blues, part of the Super Rugby Pacific competition. Eden Park is a 20-25 minute walk south of a couple of hotels in Grey Lynn and 40 minutes on foot from Ponsonby.
  • Best Area in Auckland for Outdoor Activities: Waiheke Island
    A store front with ferry and boat tours.

    Fullers is the main boat and private ferry company which provides services across the harbor and to several islands.

    People wait in a line following a snaking roped area.

    The long line for our boat trip to Waiheke. It’s a popular trip on a sunny weekend in summer, so get there early.

    The focus for outdoor fun, crazy or sedate, is Waiheke, a classic tropical island 40 minutes by ferry from Auckland. Firstly, pick up the Waiheke Island brochure distributed by Fullers boat company, which has an office at the piers in Britomart. Island activities include renting a bike, (maybe to visit some of the 30 wineries), kayaking or paddle-boarding, and zip-lining on ropes through native forests. Waiheke has bus service, but the hop-on/hop-off Explorer Bus is more convenient. The all-day fare includes return ferry. Avoid weekends or start very early to beat the crowds. And pre-book everything because this island is popular.

  • Best Area in Auckland to Organize Tours: Britomart
    A tall 4-story brick building with a clock tower.

    Standing proudly along Quay Street in Britomart, this old building is home to the Downtown Ferry Terminal for services across the harbor, including Devonport and Bayswater.

    A small glass information center.

    Along Quay Street and next to the M Social hotel, the Auckland isite Visitor Information Centre can make no-commission bookings and provide independent advice.

    These days, most people book tours online rather than through travel agencies, but it’s still definitely worth going to the Auckland isite Visitor Information Centre, which is open every day and located along Quay Street next to the M Social hotel. The helpful staff is an indispensable source of independent advice, and they don’t make commissions on bookings for enticing tours like Auckland Whale & Dolphin Safari and Bush and Beach. Britomart is also home to the Downtown Ferry Terminal and Britomart Transport Centre which has customer service kiosks and stands full of vital maps, brochures, and timetables.

    A large older building.

    Within a colonial-era building, the Britomart Transport Centre.

  • Best Area in Auckland for Malls and Department Stores: City Centre North
    Overwhelmingly, the center for shopping is Queen Street, a leafy and pleasingly quiet road that extends for 2kms and is mostly only used by buses. There are no mega-malls, but most shops seem to be locally owned and independently run. Check out the old-style department stores like Smith & Caughey’s and delightful arcades like Queens Arcade. The CityLink bus travels the entire length of Queen Street and is helpful because it gets steep further south (away from the harbor).
  • Best Area in Auckland for Markets and Boutiques: Parnell
    From the eastern edge of the city center, Parnell Road extends southwards (and upwards) through this trendy and historic suburb. This area – sometimes called Parnell Village – is packed with stylish boutiques, some in historic buildings and others in shops that look old. Most shops aren’t too pretentious and overpriced, so maybe have a look at The Fantail House (for NZ-made gifts), Black Door Gallery (contemporary art), and Payne Tailors (custom-made fashion). On Saturday mornings, the Parnell Farmers’ Market attracts thousands while the European-style Parnell Markets at Buono Parnell offers a confusing but inviting alternative on St Georges Bay Road.
  • Best Area in Auckland for Transport: Britomart
    A train is parked in a station.

    the Britomart Transport Centre train station is clean and easy to use.

    Most major public transport systems conveniently converge at this compact area immediately north of the city center. An impressive colonial-era building is home to the Britomart Transport Centre, a modern, spacious train station with services to the airport and suburbs like Parnell and Newmarket. (The customer service kiosks are helpful.) Just over Quay Street, the Downtown Ferry Terminal has services to suburbs like Bayswater and Devonport. Next to this terminal, boats leave for islands like Waiheke (see earlier). CityLink buses connect Britomart to most places of interest across Auckland via Queen Street.

  • Best Area in Auckland for the Airport: Manukau
    A bus station.

    The bus station in Manukau, Airport Link buses leave every 10 minutes from about 5am to midnight for the domestic and international terminals.

    The international and domestic terminals are about 22kms from the city center and linked by taxi, shuttle bus, and the efficient (but rather pricey) Skydrive Airport Express bus from the SkyCity casino complex. Visitors with inconvenient travel times – or, perhaps, those seeking cheaper accommodation with free/low-cost parking – can stay (1) inside the airport at the Novotel or Pullman hotels; (2) in the suburb of Mangere just outside the terminals and accessible by special bus; or (3) at the satellite city of Manukau. Manukau is connected regularly by Airport Link bus (20 minutes) to both terminals and by train (35 minutes) to the city center.

  • Best Area in Auckland for Families: Newmarket
    There’s so much for families staying in the inner southeastern suburb of Newmarket. Firstly, it’s convenient: just two stops by train from downtown and just off Highway 1 into the city. Secondly, accommodations (mostly motels) are more spacious and have far better value than just about anywhere in the city center, and each provides kitchen facilities and free/easy parking. Lastly, Newmarket is bursting with helpful shops and family-oriented facilities like cinemas and bowling alleys. This suburb is dominated by the gigantic Westfield Newmarket shopping center, which has an incredible dining area on the rooftop called The Rooftop.
  • Best Area in Auckland for a Romantic Holiday: Viaduct/Wynyard
    A restaurant with hanging baskets and wood chairs.

    The row of enticing eateries next to the Auckland Fish Market does not face the water but is less crowded and not as expensive.

    The harbor makes Auckland truly special, and there is no finer place for an intimate getaway than the Viaduct Harbour and Wynyard Quarter districts. Spend hours strolling around the marina and piers, hop on the historic Auckland Dockline Tram, window-shop and coffee stop in the city center nearby, cruise to a classic tropical island, and savor ultra-fresh seafood at the Auckland Fish Market. And the choice of accommodation is excellent: e.g., The Sebel Quay West apartment hotel, Park Hyatt in a jaw-dropping location at the marina, and QT with its funky design and vibrant rooms.

  • Trendiest Area in Auckland: Parnell
    Arguably, Auckland has more trendy suburbs than the other New Zealand cities combined. Parts of Ponsonby are hip, and Devonport may appear trendy, but it’s more charming than chic. So, the prize goes to Parnell. Parnell Road dominates this inner-eastern suburb and packed with restaurants and boutiques, some with prices guaranteed to raise an eyebrow or two. Oddly enough, the handful of places to stay in Parnell are not the least bit trendy.
  • Best Place to Stay in Auckland on a Budget: City Center South
    The cheapest area to stay is the southern end of Queen Street, especially around Pitt Street and Karangahape Road. Some hostels for the budget-conscious rate poorly online, but a few offer decent rooms with a private bathroom. Other than affordable rates in an expensive city, the appeal of City Center South is convenience by CityLink bus to shopping on Queen Street, the ferry terminal, and trains from Britomart Transport Centre. Karangahape Road branches off from the top of Queen Street and has many generally far cheaper eateries than downtown.
  • Safest Area in Auckland: Viaduct/Wynyard
    With all its upmarket apartments, hotels, and restaurants (and construction sites), the Viaduct Harbour and Wynyard Quarter districts are the safest areas.

  • Unsafe Area of Auckland: City Center South
    Auckland is no less safe than any other city of this size. However, take the usual precautions, especially along crowded inner-city streets and at festivals, markets, and transport terminals where opportunistic petty crimes like bag-snatching and pick-pocketing are possible – although very rare. Avoid working-class suburbs at night where gang-related activities are not uncommon. Within inner-city areas, be careful around the top (southern) end of Queen Street, where abandoned buildings await demolition, sketchy bars and clubs along Karangahape Road, and supermarkets along Victoria Street. Remember: Auckland is one of the most expensive cities to rent or buy a house, so homelessness is a significant problem.
A hotel sits on the harbor while parked boats float in front of it.

The Sofitel.

The 9 Best Areas in Auckland for Tourists: Ordered from the City Center Out

1. Viaduct Harbour & Wynyard Quarter

An old sailboat floats in the harbor.

An old sailing ship cruises past the New Zealand Maritime Museum.

New Zealand and, especially, its major city, Auckland, are obsessed with sailing, so this dockside area was completely revamped in the 1990s for a future America’s Cup boat race and is still undergoing substantial construction.

Viaduct Harbour, with waterside restaurants huddled around a stunning marina, is linked to the more sedate and spacious Wynyard Quarter by a pedestrian draw bridge. With the interactive Maritime Museum, rattling old tourist Tram, Tepid Baths indoor swimming pool, and so much space for strolling and e-scootering, both areas are quiet, safe, and ideal for families and those on a romantic holiday. As expected, all accommodations are high-end and high-priced, but most offer the city’s premier harbor views.

A covered long blue pool surrounded by a wooden deck.

Due to limited space and inclement weather few luxury hotels offer a swimming pool, but this is our favorite hotel pool at the Park Hyatt.

  • Best Luxury Hotels in Viaduct Harbour & Wynyard Quarter
    Park Hyatt • Hotel phone: +64 9 366 1234
    Marsden • Hotel phone: +64 9 394 6677
    The Sebel • Hotel phone: +64 9 978 4000
    Sofitel • Hotel phone: +64 9 909 9000
  • Best Boutique Hotels
    Ohtel • Hotel phone: +64 9 886 8388
    QT • Hotel phone: +64 9 379 9123
  • Best Hotels for Families
    Travelodge • Hotel phone: +64 9 200 4511
    The Sebel • Hotel phone: +64 9 978 4000
  • Best Luxury Apartments
    Sebel Quay West • Hotel phone: +64 9 309 6000
    Quest on Beaumont • Hotel phone: +64 9 222 0180

    • 2. Britomart

    The wake from a boat along a marina

    View of the city center from the ferry going to Devonport in the Lower North Shore region.

    Sounding more like a London supermarket, this compact area just north of the city center is the transport hub for Auckland. It is home to public ferry terminals and privately run boats to nearby islands. This area is also well connected to the rest of the city and suburbs by train from the central station at the Britomart Transport Centre. Limited space means a limited range of accommodations, but many luxury hotels provide stunning harbor views. Adding to the appeal of staying at Britomart are proximity to the Visitor Information Centre, restaurants and bars in old dockside buildings along the waterfront, Saturday morning market, city center for shopping, and Viaduct Harbour for dining.

A white hotel with lots of windows sits on a pier in the water.

At the end of Princes Wharf in the Britomart district, the Hilton hotel has a spectacular setting and views.

A hotel window nook has a view of a harbor.

Our window nook view at Hotel Britomart .

  • Best Luxury Hotels in Britomart
    M Social • Hotel phone: +64 9 377 0349
    Hilton • Hotel phone: +64 9 978 2000
    InterContinental • Hotel phone: +64 9 304 0040
    Hotel Britomart • Hotel phone: +64 9 300 9595
    Mövenpick • Hotel phone: +64 9 377 8920
  • Best Luxury Apartments
    Nesuto • Hotel phone: +64 9 337 5300
    Adina • Hotel phone: +64 9 393 8200
    Waterfront Apartments • Hotel phone: +64 21 972 401
  • Best Boutique Hotels
    Hotel Britomart • Hotel phone: +64 9 300 9595
    M Social • Hotel phone: +64 9 377 0349
  • Best Hotels for Families
    Nesuto • Hotel phone: +64 9 337 5300
    Adina • Hotel phone: +64 9 393 8200

    • 3. City Center North

    Wood benches and planters sit beside a city street.

    Queen Street, which stretches south for two kilometres from the harbor, offers shopping and places to rest.

    This part of downtown stretches from Britomart (see above) to Wellesley Street. This is the central hub for commercial activity and high-end shopping, especially along Queen Street, which is pleasingly leafy and surprisingly quiet. Around the streets are attractions like the Auckland Art Gallery and the extraordinary SkyCity casino complex, with a mind-blowing array of extra attractions across three city blocks and the terminal for buses across the country and to the airport.

    A sculpture of a gold woman in a gold dress, necklace, and crown stands in the middle of a gallery.

    The Auckland Art Gallery in the southern section of Albert Park. Entry is free.

    A tall tower.

    The 328m-high tower at the gigantic SkyCity casino complex is a perfect landmark and it’s used for bungee-jumping.

    This area is also very convenient for exploring inner-city suburbs like Parnell, Ponsonby, and Newmarket by bus, train, or even on foot. This area has the finest accommodations, with plenty of upscale hotels and fantastic options for families and couples looking for boutique hotels.

A hotel bed faces a long window showing a tall tower.

Our view of SkyCity tower from our room at voco.

  • Best Luxury Hotels in City Center North
    voco • Hotel phone: +64 9 883 2999
    Ramada • Hotel phone: +64 9 971 5000
    Crowne Plaza • Hotel phone: +64 9 302 1111
    SO/ • Hotel phone: +64 9 379 1860
    Marriott • Hotel phone: +64 9 309 8888
    Horizon • Hotel phone: +64 9 363 6000
  • Best Luxury Apartments
    Avani • Hotel phone: +64 9 377 1000
    Quest on Queen • Hotel phone: +64 9 300 2500

  • Best Boutique Hotels
    Fable • Hotel phone: +64 9 309 9979
    DeBrett • Hotel phone: +64 9 925 9000
    SO/ • Hotel phone: +64 9 379 1860
  • Best Hotels for Families
    Holiday Inn Express • Hotel phone: +64 9 883 2900
    Avani • Hotel phone: +64 9 377 1000
    Quest on Queen • Hotel phone: +64 9 300 2500
    Rydges • Hotel phone: +64 9 375 5900
  • Best Cheap/Midrange Hotel
    President Hotel • Hotel phone: +64 9 303 1333

    • 4. City Center South

    colorful shops sit in and old building.

    Karangahape Road is in a colorful district of shops, cafés, and bars.

    The city center changes significantly south of Wellesley Street; e.g., the streets are no longer in a convenient grid, and some are exhaustingly steep. This area is more cultural than commercial and is home to the Central Library, Aotea Square with the Town Hall, Sunday market, and Aotea Centre concert hall.

    A red sign reads, "Cafe" in a city square.

    A café in around Aotea Square by the Town Hall and a concert hall.

    This is also where many live rather than work, so the vibe differs from city areas to the north. The main road, Queen Street, extends from the harbor to Karangahape Road, a vibrant and inexpensive place to eat, drink, and stay. With rowdy bars, tattoo parlors, and all-night pizza joints, this area is a little rough around the edges, so take the usual precautions after dark. There are a few luxury hotels, functional apartments, and some budget-priced options, including hostels near Karangahape Road.

A tall blue windowed building sits at an intersection.

Looming over a corner at the southern end of Queen Street is the luxurious Four Points by Sheraton.

  • Best Luxury Hotels in City Center South
    Grand Millennium • Hotel phone: +64 9 366 3000
    Cordis • Hotel phone: +64 9 379 5132
    Four Points • Hotel phone: +64 9 393 8240
  • Best Luxury Apartments
    Quest • Hotel phone: +64 9 300 2200
    Parkside • Hotel phone: +64 9 375 1800
    Quest Hobson • Hotel phone: +64 9 282 4763
    Nesuto St Martins • Hotel phone: +64 9 929 2000
  • Best Boutique Hotels
    Airedale • Hotel phone: +64 9 374 1741
    City Hotel • Hotel phone: +64 9 925 0777
  • Best Hotel for Families
    Mercure • Hotel phone: +64 9 281 6363
  • Best Cheap/Midrange Hotel
    Mercure • Hotel phone: +64 9 281 6363
  • Best Hostels
    Kiwi • Hotel phone: +64 9 379 6487
    YMCA • Hotel phone: +64 9 303 2068

    • 5. Parnell

    An old house is now a bridal shop.

    The shops along Parnell Road.

    This trendy inner-eastern suburb is easy to reach by bus or train from the city center. It offers fashionable boutiques and historic buildings from its days as Auckland’s oldest suburb. Parnell Road is the main street brimming with exciting places to eat, drink, and, especially, shop as it veers around the vast Auckland Domain parklands and the must-see Auckland Museum. The delightful Parnell Rose Gardens (on Gladstone Road) spiral to Judges Bay Reserve and Beach. The main road, bus routes, and train line merge into Newmarket (see below) with even more places to spend. There are surprisingly few accommodations in Parnell (and nothing in the boutique range), but the hotels listed below are worthy alternatives to the city center.

  • Best Luxury Apartments in Parnell
    Quest Carlaw Park • Hotel phone: +64 9 304 0521
    Quest Parnell • Hotel phone: +64 9 337 0804
  • Best Hotels for Families
    Quest Parnell • Hotel phone: +64 9 337 0804
  • Best Cheap/Midrange Hotels
    The Parnell • Hotel phone: +64 9 303 3789
    Rose Park Hotel • Hotel phone: +64 9 377 3619

    • 6. Newmarket and Highway 1

    A brink building with small restaurants has green plants hanging on it.

    On the top floor of the Westfield Newmarket shopping center, The Rooftop is a collection of hip restaurants in a delightful garden setting.

    On the far northwestern tip of the North Island, almost everyone driving to/from Auckland will travel along Highway 1. This multi-lane freeway passes through pleasant inner-southern suburbs like Newmarket, Remuera, Greenlane, and Ellerslie. Each has accommodations – predominantly motels with kitchen facilities and free/easy parking – catering to weary travelers and anyone seeking better value and more space than hotels in the city center. A bonus is that each suburb is along the train line to the city center. Especially suitable for families, Newmarket is a massive shopping district dominated by the enormous Westfield Newmarket center with a fantastic rooftop garden of inviting restaurants.

A house with green painted trim and orange steps.

The gorgeous Aachen House Boutique Hotel is in Remuera, just one train stop from all the facilities at Newmarket and 200 meters from Highway 1 into Auckland. We regard this as the Best Boutique Hotel anywhere in or around Auckland.

  • Best Luxury Hotels in Newmarket and Highway 1
    La Qunita • Hotel phone: +64 9 869 4040
    Ramada • Hotel phone: +64 9 558 6500
    Novotel Ellerslie • Hotel phone: +64 9 529 9090
  • Best Luxury Apartments
    Edgerly • Hotel phone: +64 9 281 3499
    Quest Mount Eden • Hotel phone: +64 9 930 4555
    Quest Newmarket • Hotel phone: +64 9 520 3000
  • Best Boutique Hotel
    Aachen House • Hotel phone: +64 21 254 8938
  • Best Hotels for Families
    Edgerley • Hotel phone: +64 9 281 3499
    Cornwall Park Motor Inn • Hotel phone: +64 9 638 6409
    Best Western • Hotel phone: +64 508 899 699
  • Best Cheap/Midrange Hotels
    Alexander Inn • Hotel phone: +64 9 520 0084
    New Market Cozy Room • Hotel phone: +64 21 345 168
    Off Broadway • Hotel phone: +64 9 529 3550
    Siesta • Hotel phone: +64 9 520 2107
    Tudor Court • Hotel phone: +64 800 826 878

    • 7. Ponsonby

    Green trees fold in on each other to create a hole that provides a view of the city.

    A peek of the city from Western Park.

    This charming suburb is just west (within a 30-minute walk) of downtown. Accommodations are limited to a handful of exquisite boutique hotels, a serviceable apartment complex, and Auckland’s Best Cheap Hotel. But what is especially appealing is the unfussy urban vibe and range of cafés and shops. The main road is flat (a blessing) and flanked at the top (southern) end by Western Park, which curls down to the city center. All this, and the quietness and handy CityLink buses to downtown, make Ponsonby ideal for first-time visitors. There are also a couple of moderately-priced options in nearby Grey Lynn: The Convent and The Surrey. Both are within walking distance of Eden Park Stadium.

An old house with green bushes has a sign that reads, "Fitzroy."

Fitzroy is another charming boutique hotel in the backstreets of the inner-western suburb of Ponsonby.

  • Best Luxury Hotel in Ponsonby
    Fitzroy • Hotel phone: +64 9 558 1955
  • Best Luxury Apartment
    Quest Ponsonby • Hotel phone: +64 9 360 4240
  • Best Boutique Hotels
    Fitzroy • Hotel phone: +64 9 558 1955
    Ponsonby Manor • Hotel phone: +64 9 360 7977
    Arthotel • Hotel phone: +64 9 376 5989
  • Best Hotel for Families
    Quest Ponsonby • Hotel phone: +64 9 360 4240
  • Best Cheap/Midrange Hotel
    Verandahs • Hotel phone: +64 9 360 4180

    • 8. Takapuna and Devonport

    A small yellow sand beach next to a street with houses.

    Along the Devonport ferry terminal is Torpedo Beach.

    The oddly-shaped Lower North Shore area is just across the extended Auckland Harbour Bridge. Nestled alongside the water are the delightful suburbs of Devonport, Bayswater, and Takapuna. Each offers several attractions, numerous places to eat and shop, some accommodations, and a pleasant beach. From the Downtown Ferry Terminal in Auckland, ferries leave for Devonport and Bayswater, where buses head to the regional center of Takapuna.

    Kids play on playground equipment.

    Along Takapuna Beach, a park offers plenty of shade and an adventure playground.

    Beautifully positioned alongside the sea (not the harbor) and a lake, Takapuna is perfect for walking, cycling, swimming (in the ocean), and lounging on the sand. Devonport is especially delightful and close enough to provide stunning views of the city skyline. Many motels are around the region, but only the places listed below are recommended.

A bed in a hotel sits next to a window with a view of water.

Our view from the large room at The Spencer Hotel.

A green garden with a pool.

The pool at the Emerald Inn .

A line of trees follow a path to a front door to a house.

Our recommended boutique hotel in the Lower North Shore region is the delightful Andelin Guest House in Devonport.

    Devonport
  • Best Boutique Hotel in Devonport
    Andelin • Hotel phone: +64 21 302 854
  • Best Cheap/Midrange Hotel
    Esplanade • Hotel phone: +64 9 445 1291

    • Bayswater

  • Best Luxury Apartment in Bayswater
    Ocean Breeze • Hotel phone: +64 9 445 0338

    • 9. Near the Airport (including Mangere and Manukau)

    A woman sits at a table in a restaurant.

    The Novotel Hotel Auckland Airport is ideal for those with a late arrival or early departure, especially families. Here’s the lovely restaurant at the hotel.

    Staying at or near the airport is worth considering for those with a late-night arrival or early-morning departure and others seeking affordable hotels with free or low-cost parking. There are three options: (1) the Pullman or Novotel hotels directly opposite the international terminal; (2) the suburb of Mangere, connected to the terminals by the special Yellow Bus but with no facilities within walking distance; and, best, (3) the satellite city of Manukau, where accommodations are generally twice the size and half the price of anything in the city center. It has an incredible range of shops, fast-food outlets, and the Rainbow’s End theme park. Manukau is connected to the domestic and international airports by Airport Link bus every 10 minutes and to the city center by train. Most motels and luxury high-rises are in this area, but nothing is in the boutique range.

A hotel with a wall of windows reflects the sky.

The Pullman at the airport.

    At the Airport
  • Best Luxury Hotels at Auckland Airport
    Novotel • Hotel phone: +64 9 257 7200
    Pullman • Hotel phone: +64 9 256 7901
  • Best Hotel for Families at Auckland Airport
    Novotel • Hotel phone: +64 9 257 7200

    • Mangere

  • Best Luxury Hotels in Mangere
    Manha • Hotel phone: +64 9 278 7201
    Sudima • Hotel phone: +64 9 551 8888
  • Best Hotel for Families
    Holiday Inn • Hotel phone: +64 9 275 1059

  • Best Cheap/Midrange Hotels
    JetPark • Hotel phone: +64 9 275 4100
    Best Western • Hotel phone: +64 800 222 052
    ibis • Hotel phone: +64 9 255 5152
    Naumi • Hotel phone: +64 9 912 3333

    • Manukau

  • Best Luxury Hotel in Manukau
    The Sebel • Hotel phone: +64 9 261 1821
  • Best Luxury Apartments
    Proximity • Hotel phone: +64 9 263 5450
    The Sebel • Hotel phone: +64 9 261 1821
    Ramada • Hotel phone: +64 9 942 6000
  • Best Hotels for Families
    Proximity • Hotel phone: +64 9 263 5450
    Ramada • Hotel phone: +64 9 942 6000
  • Cheap/Midrange Hotel
    Manukau Motor Lodge • Hotel phone: +64 9 262 0869

Auckland – Our Advice

  • Public transport takes some time to grasp but is worth understanding and using. You can buy a paper ticket from machines at stations for each trip for all ferries and trains (but not buses), but it’s far easier and cheaper per trip to buy an AT Hop transport card. Tap on and tap off, and watch the remaining credits screened on the machine.
  • The national All Blacks rugby union team are world-winners, but when they lose (very rare), the whole country seems to go into a funk. Catch a rugby union game (or cricket) at Eden Park stadium – see ‘Watching Sports’ earlier.
  • Everywhere is green – and for a reason. Expect rain every month. There are as many rainy days in summer as in winter, just not as much of it.

About Santorini Dave

Santorini Dave I'm Santorini Dave. I started this site in 2011 with a short article on tips for visiting Santorini with kids. We're now a small team of writers and researchers dedicated to providing the best travel content on the internet. We focus on Santorini, Mykonos, Athens, and Greece, offering recommendations for top hotels, neighborhoods, and family-friendly hotels worldwide. I can be contacted at dave@santorinidave.com.