Aussies love travelling to New Zealand. Be it to visit friends and relatives, or to enjoy a holiday in the breathtaking beauty of the โLand of the long, white cloud,” almost 1.5 million Australians made it over the ditch last year.
As the capital city of our closest eastern neighbour, Auckland is a great place to kick off any Kiwi adventure. Here, in the City of Sails you’ll find world-class restaurants and some of the best hotels in the country.
If you plan to visit New Zealand’s largest city, you’re in for a treat. Whether you’re a jet-setting business traveller going for some old-school with some classic luxury accommodation at Fable Auckland, a couple looking for a romantic getaway, living it up at the ritzy Cordis, or dipping into the eclecticism of boutique-minded mainstays like SO/ Auckland and QT Auckland, there are no wrong choices.
So if you’re looking for a spot to rest your head in the big city, this list of the best hotels in Auckland has you covered.
RELATED: 14 Best Hotels New Zealand Has To Offer For Luxury & Adventure
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Where to Stay in Auckland, New Zealand
Like most major tourist hotspots, Auckland doesn’t exactly behave like a single city. Its neighbourhoods have distinct personalities, and where you choose to base yourself will shape your entire experience. Here’s what you need to know before you book.
Viaduct Harbour & Wynyard Quarter
This is where Auckland puts its best foot forward. The waterfront is genuinely spectacular, filled with docked superyachts, a working harbour, and some of the city’s best restaurants packed into a compact, walkable precinct.
This is the right choice for first-timers and anyone visiting for a special occasion. Though for more seasoned travellers, spending too much time around this tourist-dense ‘burb during peak periods could take its toll. At least you’re only a ten-minute walk from the grit and character of the broader city.
Park Hyatt Auckland
As New Zealand’s very first 195-room Park Hyatt hotel, this property marks the return of the Hyatt brand to the country’s biggest city.
Having only opened in 2020, it’s also one of the newer hotels in Auckland for returning Australian travellers, with seven different rooms and three suites to choose from, including a 245 square metre Presidential Suite with its own internal garden and an additional 125 square metre terrace with views that scan the harbour. Dining options are solid with the formal Onemata restaurant, more casual Living Room venue, and The Pantry cafe.
It’s not the most affordable option in Auckland, but the rooms are beautifully appointed, the facilities are luxurious, and the views capture just how stunning Auckland can be.
Address: 99 Halsey Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
Contact: +64 9366 1234
Prices from: ~$630
Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour
Unsurprisingly, Sofitel has carved out an enviable presence in Auckland’s hotel industry. The elegant French brand has blended seamlessly with the city, offering up slick contemporary design set against those immense floor-to-ceiling views of Waitemata Harbour, the Viaduct precinct, and the well-spaced cityscape.
Art and fashion define the smaller touches for Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour, best seen in the high-end 127 square meter Opera Suite, where a grand sofa is perfectly placed to maximise those views, and an 8-seater wooden dining table is ideal for entertaining.
Staying at this upscale hotel also means that you’re a stone’s throw from Sparks Arena, which is typically pumping year-round with concerts and events.
Address: 21 Viaduct Harbour Avenue, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
Contact: +64 9909 9000
Prices from: ~$500
QT Auckland
QT Hotels & Resorts made the jump across the ditch a few years ago, first opening QT Wellington and QT Queenstown. Adding an audacious Auckland hotel was just a matter of time.
Now, the quirky luxury hotel brand has added the 150-room QT Auckland to its impressive Kiwi roster. That same sense of theatrical style, boutique-minded approach, and personality-led design can be found here, alongside Mediterranean restaurant Esther, helmed by Sean Connolly.
It’s also part of QT’s “Pup Yeah” program, so it’s not only one of the best hotels in Auckland now, it’s one of the best dog-friendly hotels in Auckland.
Address: 4 Viaduct Harbour Avenue, Westhaven, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
Contact: +64 9379 9123
Prices from: ~$460
InterContinental Auckland by IHG
Opened in January 2024, the InterContinental Auckland occupies a prime waterfront position with views over Waitematฤ Harbour, placing guests within steps of Queen Street, Britomart’s dining scene, and the Viaduct’s bar strip.
The hotel’s design leans into a business-chic aesthetic with rooms heavy on natural materials like stone, and wood, for that premium look and feel. It even includes a private art gallery, Club InterContinental lounge, the Advieh Restaurant & Bar, and a 21st-floor rooftop bar.
It’s genuinely one of the best-situated hotels in the city, with plentiful entertainment venues and districts within close proximity. Rates are reasonable for the level of finish, and IHG loyalists will find it an easy earn-and-burn option.
Address: 6 Quay Street, Auckland CBD
Contact: +64 9 304 0040
Prices from: ~$299
Hilton Hotel Auckland
The stalwart Hilton Hotel Auckland is a five-star property located on the tip of Princess Wharf so the views of Aucklandโs waterfront are incredible.
Located right next to Viaduct Harbour, as many of the best hotels in town are, this Auckland city central offering is a lavish base for all the drinking and dining you could possibly want.
Plus, it’s a short walk to Auckland CBD, central Bitromart station, the Maritime Museum, and the all-important Waiheke Island ferry terminal for when that inevitable wine crawl across one of Auckland’s greatest landmarks is calling your name.
Address: 147 Quay Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
Contact: +64 9978 2000
Prices from: ~$360
Britomart
Split the difference between the polish of the waterfront and the energy of the CBD and stay in Britomart, Auckland’s most curated neighbourhood.
Staying here means you’re within easy walking distance of the ferry terminal, Commercial Bay, and the Viaduct, without being in the thick of either. But with boutique retail and serious dining, you’d quickly see why people like Britomart with Melbourne’s best precincts. It also happens to contain New Zealand’s only Five Green Star-rated hotel.
The Hotel Britomart
Opened in 2020, The Hotel Britomart is an excellent addition to Auckland with a strong commitment to being positioned as New Zealand’s greenest and most environmentally friendly city hotel.
The five-star New Zealand Green Building Council rating is well-earned, placing the 99-room hotel at the top of the sustainability scale with great efforts taken to use appropriate materials, minimise wastage, ensure energy efficiency, and source organic skincare products.
The fact that Hotel Britomart can make such genuine strides in sustainability and still offer one of the best luxury hotel experiences in Auckland is impressive, to say the least.
Address: 29 Galway Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
Contact: +64 9300 9595
Prices from: ~$485
Auckland CBD / Queen Street
Here you’ll find the bulk of the city’s hotel stock. It’s the pragmatic choice for business travellers and those who want maximum access without committing to one neighbourhood’s personality.
The downside is that parts of the CBD can feel impersonal after hours once the office crowd has cleared out, but unless you’re going to be hitting the bars for Happy Hour in search of some new local friends, it’s not the worst location for your Auckland stay.
Cordis Auckland
Cordis Auckland is one of the most popular luxury hotels in Auckland’s city centre, and easily one of the country’s best-known. Although it was formerly The Langham, Cordis Auckland is still part of the same famously upscale hotel brand, maintaining much of what makes the renowned Langham Hospitality Group so coveted in cities like Chicago, Melbourne, and Sydney.
The Cordis Auckland location certainly helps with the demand, positioning guests right in the middle of Auckland’s best restaurants, cafes, and bars.
Although leaving might be hard; the amenities of this luxurious hotel are unquestionable, with the Chandelier Lounge offering high tea and the buffet-style Eight Restaurant serving a remarkable range of cuisines. If you’re after a drink, however, our pick is the Our Land bar, with a fresco-style ceiling painting of clouds and a great range of cocktails that use locally sourced ingredients.
If you need to relax after a long day of meetings or shopping, Chuan Spa offers treatments inspired by the five elements and Traditional Chinese Medicine and is one of the best in the city. There’s also a pool and fitness centre to balance out the unforgettable meals you’ll be enjoying.
Perhaps the most compelling element of a stay at Cordis Auckland is its support of local and international artists, owning one of the largest private collections of contemporary art in New Zealand. From towering bronze statues by Sannรฉ Mestrom to backlit landscapes by photographer Jae Hoon Lee that dominate each elevator lobby, it’s one of the more visually rich hotels you’ll ever stay in.
Address: 83 Symonds Street, Grafton, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
Contact: +64 9379 5132
Prices from: ~$200
JW Marriott Auckland
Located in the heart of Auckland’s CBD with a prime position steps from the Viaduct waterfront and key Auckland attractions, JW Marriott Auckland’s location is second to its world-class hospitality.
Opening in 2022, with refurbishment in late 2023/early 2024, it’s another relative newbie on the Auckland list, but what it lacks in longevity it certainly makes up for in its daily offerings: 271 guestrooms and 15 suites featuring the brand’s signature JW beds make it one of the larger hotel destinations in Auckland’s CBD, and some private balconies with Sky Tower views.
Of course, the JW Marriott name carries a lot of the weight here, and with good reason. The JW Kitchen anchors the dining offering with produce-led menus championing New Zealand ingredients, while the JW Lounge has built a following among locals for its bespoke bourbon and rye selection. An indoor pool, sauna, and hot tub round out a strong wellness offering that few CBD properties can match.
Address: 88 Queen Street, Auckland CBD
Contact: +64 9 309 8888
Prices from: ~$380
Fable Auckland, MGallery
Furthering Accor’s firm grip on Auckland’s hotel scene, the Fable Auckland (formerly known as Hotel Grand Windsor) is an MGallery by Sofitel property and is easily one of the most luxurious in the city. Set in an art deco heritage skyscraper dating back to 1936, the staunch traditionalist hotel has that air of old-world glamour that contrasts against the more modern tastes of competing Auckland luxury hotels.
It’s a testament to the timelessness of vintage charm and classic hospitality, hinged mainly on its conceptual connection to the personal jewellery collection of the Duchess of Windsor โ clearly expressed in the vibrant tones of each of the hotel’s 79 rooms and suites.
Following a substantial refresh in 2016, Fable Auckland was named one of the best new hotels in the world, which is high praise considering how many luxury hotels in Auckland are dotted around Auckland’s central business district.
Address: 58 Queen Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1001, New Zealand
Contact: +64 9309 9979
Prices from: ~$290
The Grand by Skycity
Connected to the Sky City precinct via an air bridge, The Grand is one of two hotels offered by the casino โ the other being a 4-star property. You’ll be right next to some of Auckland’s favourite restaurants here, so even if punting isn’t your thing, you’re well-placed to explore Auckland from classic five-star comforts.
While more modern hotels have opened since, there’s little denying that The Grand stays true to its name, with an admirably old-school approach to hospitality framed by all the standards you’d expect from a casino’s higher-end accommodation.
Plus, you’ve got direct access to Sky Tower which is the largest man-made structure in New Zealand and somewhat of an icon for Auckland’s city skyline.
Address: Level 3, 90 Federal Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
Contact: +64 9363 6000
Prices from: ~$320
Pullman Auckland Hotel & Apartments
The Pullman occupies a prime position next to Albert Park and the Auckland Art Gallery, making it one of the most culturally adjacent hotels in the city. You know, for all the culturally-charged exploits Auckland has to offer. There you can easily duck into the gallery for an hour, and cut through the park on your way back, without having to necessarily build an entire day around one activity.
It also puts you on the edge of the CBD rather than right in the middle of it, which keeps you close to the waterfront, and all the boutique shops and restaurants that line it. But youโre also further removed from all the inherent hustle and bustle of the enduring foot traffic below, so it always feels slightly quieter than some of the other locations. But why would you head down to street level? The rooftop terrace adds a point of difference that’s hard to argue with in a city this photogenic.
Address: Corner Waterloo Quadrant &, Princes Street, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
Contact: +64 9 353 1000
Prices from: ~$280
SO/ Auckland
Ever since the SO/ brand started in Bangkok, it has become one of Accor’s most exciting new titles in the hotel industry. As it does in the eternally vibrant Thai capital, SO/ Auckland takes the elegance of its parent brand, Sofitel, and adds a more youthful, conceptual spin to the design.
Located in the very convenient Britomart area, the chic 130-room hotel loosely translates Auckland’s volcanic history with an eccentric approach, led by Kiwi fashion designer Benny Castles. The Harbour Society restaurant is perfect for a special meal and cocktails can be enjoyed in the lobby Mixo Bar or the HI-SO bar. on the 16th floor, while health and fitness are covered by a range of spa treatments that include the unusually compelling Vino Therapy.
Address: Corner Of Customs St E&, Gore Street, Auckland Central, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
Contact: +64 9379 1860
Prices from: ~$310
Hotel DeBrett
Although the colourful interiors may be a bit too loud for some, Hotel DeBrett is a reliable choice when looking for the best hotels in the heart of Auckland CBD.
Frequented by locals and guests for their high tea offering, the vibrant boutique 25-room hotel is easily one of the family-friendly properties in the city. The flexible room designs and attentive service make this a favourite for larger groups travelling together.
Address: 2 High Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
Contact: +64 9925 9000
Prices from: ~$415
Ponsonby & Grey Lynn
Where Auckland’s creative and culinary identity lives, giving Australian travellers better access to the city’s more independent restaurants and bars. It’s more residential, so has that local feel to it too, so a completely new experience compared to the CBD. Like staying in Fitzroy in Melbourne.
It does mean, though, that you’re a short Uber to the waterfront, but there’s no reason to plan ahead to get around. Ideal for repeat visitors who’ve done the standard tourist circuit and want something more local.
Hotel Fitzroy
It doesn’t get any more boutique than a 10-room luxury villa that’s been beautifully restored in the hip Auckland suburb of Ponsonby. If you want a luxury boutique hotel offering the quintessential local lifestyle, Hotel Fitzroy curated by Fable should be your top pick.
This is where you’ll find some of the city’s trendier restaurants and bars, so being able to lap up some five-star service from a suburb that’s severely lacking in accommodation options is more than enough to make this one of the best hotels in Auckland.
Plus, it’s got that pristine, picturesque faรงade that makes you feel as if you’re staying in a high-end Airbnb property while still maintaining the level of service and attention boutique hotels are known for.
Hotel Fitzroy curated by Luminous Living is an obvious favourite for those seeking a luxurious urban hotel situated in one of Auckland’s best neighbourhoods.
Address: 43 Richmond Road, Grey Lynn, Auckland 1021, New Zealand
Contact: +64 800 252 255
Prices from: ~$420
Waiheke Island
If, when you think of Auckland, you only imagine the bursting high-rises and museums, then you may have missed the best version of this incredible city. One that isn’t the city at all. Just a 35-minute ferry ride from the Ferry Terminal, youll find Waiheke Island an island draped in world-class wineries, cliff-top restaurants, and some of the most dramatic accommodation in the country. Itโs so singular, it practically earns its own category.
Delamore Lodge
Located on Aucklandโs famous Waiheke Island, Delamore Lodge is a must-visit for lovers of fine New Zealand wine. The island is dotted with some of the best and most internationally renowned wineries you can find on the North Island, so the commanding cliffside lodge is obviously going to be swimming with some of the best drops around.
The hook-shaped, first-class lodge makes full use of its enviable location sweeping across Aucklandโs visually stunning Hauraki Gulf for the ideal backdrop to all that wining and dining, best taken from one of the numerous stylish rooms that make up the luxury hotel.
Address: 83 Delamore Drive, Oneroa, Auckland 1081, New Zealand
Contact: +64 9 372 7372
Prices from: ~$2,200
Out of the City
Warblers Retreat
While most of the best hotels in Auckland are packed into the city, Warblers Retreat, a five-star eco getaway, coasts closer to the enormous Riverhead Forest. Nodding to its natural surroundings, this property is regarded as the city’s most romantic getaway โ certainly the most private.
The focus here is on a restorative stay, as most of the best and most remote luxury accommodations in New Zealand are. This includes forest-bathing spa baths, and access to some top-notch gardens and nature walks.
Address: 8/361 Paremoremo Road, Albany, Auckland 0632, New Zealand
Contact: +64 9414 4503
Prices from: Enquire directly
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