For many people, a New Zealand holiday is a dream come true. However, planning a trip to such a faraway land can seem overwhelming and daunting, especially when trying to find accommodation to fit your style and budget.
Auckland is an ideal place to create a home base while you explore the North Island as there are so many things to do in Auckland and Auckland day trips that are easily accessible, leaving you forever entertained. Auckland accommodation can be hit or miss but with this guide you’ll easily be able to find the best place to stay in Auckland for your travel needs and wants.
Best Areas to Stay in Auckland
Just like any large city, Auckland has both good and bad sections, and knowing the best places to stay in Auckland could make or break your trip.
- Auckland CBD: Where to stay in Auckland for first-time visitors
- Ponsonby: Where to stay in Auckland for foodies
- Viaduct Harbour: Where to stay in Auckland for waterfront views
- Parnell: Where to stay in Auckland for high-end shopping and fine dining
- Newmarket: Where to stay in Auckland for retail therapy
Best Places to Stay in Auckland
Handpicked from personal experience, these are the best places and neighbourhoods to stay while visiting the City of Sails. Not only is Auckland easy to navigate due to its excellent public transport, but it’s also small enough to explore and not feel overwhelmed yet is diverse, both culturally and topography to stay exciting.
Auckland CBD
Best area for first-time visitors
Auckland’s Central Business District, better known as the Auckland CBD or simply the city centre is the best area to stay to be close to the majority of Auckland’s attractions. The CBD is a great place to stay when visiting any city and that’s no different when visiting Auckland. No matter where you stay in the CBD you’ll be just a short walk away from all the action. Whether that’s bars and restaurants, cafes and museums, shopping, cinemas and markets, the Auckland CBD is always a top pick for first-time visitors to the city.
Top Picks for Auckland CBD
Luxury: Hotel DeBrett
The Hotel DeBrett is consistently rated as the best hotel in Auckland. This boutique-style hotel sits right in the heart of the city and offers an airport shuttle, making it ideal not only for solo-travellers but for first-timers as well. On-site, there is a fitness center, a restaurant, and a bar plus your stay comes with a yummy breakfast each morning. Hotel DeBrett is in a perfect location, close to the famous Sky Tower and other top Auckland attractions.
Mid-Range: The Quadrant Hotel and Suites
The Quadrant Hotel and Suites offers several room sizes as well as small apartment-style rooms. Rooms will have a balcony with either a gorgeous harbour view or an exciting view of the city, with all rooms fully equipped with a kitchenette. Known to have exceptionally friendly staff, this top hotel has a travel desk so you can get all the great Auckland insider sightseeing tips. Just a short walk away from restaurants, cafes, bars, and the ever-popular shopping destination of Queen Street, The Quadrant Hotel is perfect for first-timers and solo travellers looking to meet new people or getting to know the city.
Budget: Base Auckland
This hostel was made with the independent budget-conscious traveller in mind. Your stay comes with a continental breakfast and has a 24-hour reception. There is a rooftop and basement bar for meeting other solo travellers and exchanging travel stories. The hostel has shared bathrooms, lounges, kitchens, and dining areas as well as dorm-style bedrooms. However, if you’re looking for a little more privacy whilst sleeping, there are private and semi-private rooms available as well. Base Backpackers is consistently rated one of the best hostels in Auckland CBD. It’s located quite close to the Sky Tower, and located on Queen street, making it a central location.
Ponsonby
Best area to stay in for foodies
If you’re into gourmet food trucks, unique boutiques, and cozy coffee shops, Ponsonby is the spot for you. Nicknamed “Auckland’s hippest strip”, Ponsonby Road is lined with one of a kind boutiques that Aucklanders come from near and far to shop at. There are hidden gems everywhere along this road where you can easily spend a full day shopping. Ponsonby is also known for its art galleries featuring local artists, handcrafted jewelry, and pubs specializing in craft beer and cocktails. This area of Auckland is hip and trendy, popular with university students, artists, and food critics.
Top Picks for Ponsonby
Luxury: Hotel Fitzroy
If you are looking to treat yourself to some TLC while in Ponsonby, the lush Hotel Fitzroy is a perfect fit. The Fitzroy really goes all out in order to make their guests feel classy and comfortable. Each room comes with a stocked minibar, a plush robe, and slippers, 24-hour room service, complimentary hors d’oeuvres, and drinks served in the Library as well as in-room breakfast service. The exceptional staff can set you up on exclusive tours around Ponsonby and into other areas near Auckland.
Mid-Range: Ponsonby Manor Guest House
This guest house is one of the oldest places to stay in Auckland, now fully refurbished but built in 1865, it’s been updated with flat-screen TVs, a shared kitchen, and a shared lounge. The rooms are individual ensuites with either pretty garden views or picturesque ocean views. The manor has a laid back feel with a BBQ setup, sundeck, and lots of outdoor furniture to relax between Auckland sightseeing.
Budget: Haka Lodge Ponsonby
The Haka Lodge is one of the best hostels in Ponsonby. Its been recently updated to include both dorm-style rooms as well as private rooms to suit every traveller’s style and budget. The dorm rooms have been updated to include privacy curtains, outlets, and even a reading light and a one-bedroom apartment available if that’s more your style. The super friendly staff is always readily available to help you book a tour or tell you their favourite places to eat and shop for a locally inspired Auckland trip.
Viaduct Harbour
Best area to stay in for waterfront views
Auckland is affectionately known as the “City of Sails” because of its many harbors and boat owners. Being near the water is a treat in Auckland and is a special place to stay. With gorgeous city views combined with the tranquility of the harbours makes this an epic place to stay on your trip through Auckland. The Viaduct was once a commercial harbour but has since become a tourist hotspot for water sports.
Top Picks for Viaduct Harbour
Luxury: Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour
Treat yourself and indulge yourself in modern luxury at the world-class Sofitel. As one of the best Auckland hotels, everything at the Sofitel is not only luxurious, but it also delivers exceptional amenities, making it one of the best Auckland experiences, not just for sleeping. With an on-site pool, fitness centre, cafe, bar, restaurant, and a Champagne Bar, you’ll truly be spoiled. With floor to ceiling windows in the guest rooms, large soaking tubs, and views of the stunning Viaduct Harbour, you may never want to leave your room.
Mid-Range: Auckland Harbour Suites
These apartments have everything you need including 24-h0ur reception and a tour desk operator that can help you set up fun adventures in Auckland and beyond. There is an outdoor pool and you’re just a short 5-minute walk to the harbour. Each suite comes with a full kitchen including a dishwasher and microwave as well as a large living space. There is a beautiful outdoor pool and you’re very close to the central part of Auckland and the main attractions and sites.
Budget: Attic Backpackers
Attic Backpackers is conveniently located in the middle of all the action and easy to find. Ideal for budget-conscious and solo travellers, the hostel is simple, clean and always employs friendly and knowledgeable staff to assist you in exploring Auckland. A shared kitchen and bathroom space make it easy to meet new friends and learn about the best places to travel.
Parnell
Best area to stay in for high-end shopping and fine dining
Parnell is best known for its numerous designer shopping districts, loads of award-winning cafes and restaurants. The Parnell Rose Garden is always a beautiful place to wander through as well as the various art galleries that line the streets. Parnell prides itself on being Auckland’s oldest and most affluent suburb.
Top Picks for Parnell
Luxury: The Parnell Hotel & Conference Centre
Just a 10-minute walk from Auckland Domain and 2km from the trendy Newmarket shopping area, The Parnell Hotel & Conference Centre is an ideally located hotel in the hot spot of Parnell. Amenities on-site include a restaurant, free parking, a bar, and a coffee shop.
Mid-Range: Rose Park Hotel
Offering a variety of room styles and amenities, the Rose Park Hotel is one of the best hotels in Auckland. There is a bar and restaurant on-site that provides indescribable views of the city skyline for your viewing pleasure as you dine. The beautiful Parnell Rose Gardens are just opposite the hotel and it’s only a short 5-minute drive to central Auckland.
Budget: Lantana Lodge
The Lantana Lodge is a great Auckland hostel to stay in that features free on-site parking, a shared kitchen, and a shared lounge. Guests have the option to choose from either a shared living space or a private room. The Lantana Lodge is simple, clean, and friendly and covers all of the basics that you need for a comfortable stay in Auckland.
Newmarket
Best area to stay in for entertainment & shopping
Newmarket is New Zealand’s fashion capital and premier shopping and entertainment district. You can spend days shopping around looking for treasures. From a day at the spa or a day window shopping, Newmarket is a great area to stay while visiting Auckland.
Top Picks for Newmarket
Luxury: The Edgerley Suites
An aparthotel provides spacious and simple accommodation close to the Auckland Domain and Auckland War Memorial Museum. Rated 4.5 hours with fabulous reviews of the suites, you’ll be able to have a comfortable stay here with a fully equipped kitchen and washer in each room, plus access to a garden and terrace.
Mid-Range: Alpers Lodge & Conference Centre
Just over 1km from the Newmarket train station, this mid-range Auckland hotel offers basic accommodation that will cover all of your needs for a comfortable nights stay. Free on-site parking is available and central Auckland is a short 10-minute drive away.
Budget: Haka Hotel Newmarket
A prime spot for budget-conscious travellers, Haka Hotel Newmarket offers both private and dorm-style rooms with private bathrooms and even a few suites that include outdoor space. An in-house coffee hub and shared workspaces are available for guests in the very affordable and trendy hotel.
Enjoy your stay in Auckland!
Continue planning your trip to New Zealand!
- 1-2 Days in Auckland Itinerary
- Top Things to do in Rotorua
- Top Things to do in Wellington
- New Zealand Travel Tips
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