Wondering where to stay in Auckland, New Zealand?
I can help, I’ve lived in Auckland for 20 years and know the city well. I can point you in the right direction to discover the best areas and the best places to stay in Auckland.
The first thing to know is that Auckland is really spread out. It can be a mission to get around unless you know your way and have your own car. Even then, you can spend a lot of time in traffic. Because of this I am mostly going to focus on the central areas where the going is good for visitors by foot or public transport.
I will cover the city centre which is right on the harbour and has the big-city amenities you would expect in terms of shopping, nightlife, attractions and events.
I will also cover some standout options if you would like to stay out of the center, each of these is brim full of their own charm and character: Ponsonby, Mission Bay, Waiheke Island. And when you need a good place for one night at Auckland Airport I’ve got you covered too.
In this article, I’m going to give you a little rundown of each area and why you might choose to stay there, plus a few of my recommended places to stay for a range of budgets.
Don’t have time to read the whole article? Book The Hotel Britomart – a 5-green-star luxury hotel in a great location, close to the Viaduct, ferry terminals and waterfront.
Ready to discover the best places to stay in Auckland? Let’s get to it! After finding your perfect place to stay, take a look at these fun things to do in Auckland, my 2-day itinerary for Auckland and exciting things to do in Auckland at night to help plan your adventure.
Where to Stay in Auckland: Area Map
City Center
Auckland is a top destination in New Zealand due to its vibrant urban culture, stunning harbors, and diverse range of attractions all of which can be found in the city center. There are three areas of the city center that are worth considering which I’ve defined as CBD, Britomart and the Viaduct.
For first-time visitors I always recommend staying in the city center because it’s easiest to get around. It’s where a lot of the top activities and attractions are, as well as the best restaurants, museums, and such. Plus, many Auckland tours will pick you up from hotels in the city center.
It’s also central to some other nice surrounding suburbs for food and shopping such as Parnell, Mt Eden, Ponsonby, K Road and Newmarket.
1. CBD (Central Business District)
Popular attractions like the Auckland Art Gallery and Sky Tower that I included in my one-day Auckland itinerary are in the CBD. The main street is Queen Street where you’ll find lots of amenities from supermarkets to international restaurants, cafes, shops and banks. The CBD also has a healthy nightlife with many bars and clubs open late.
Most backpackers and hostels are located in and around the CBD, this is where you’ll find cheap accommodation in Auckland, just don’t expect too much.
One thing worth noting about the CBD is the construction. An underground rail network is in the process of being built under parts of the city. Some roads may be closed, and pedestrian paths diverted around the construction zones which is likely to be the case until expected completion in 2025/2026.
Auckland CBD is an ideal area to stay if:
- You want the widest range of budget options
- You prefer to be right in the middle of everything
- You have limited time in Auckland
Best Places to Stay in Auckland CBD
Budget/Backpackers
LYLO is Auckland’s newest hostel-style accommodation in the CBD. They have a few different room types including ‘pods’ in a shared room, which offer more privacy than traditional bunks, as well as private rooms. There’s also communal spaces, and a bar and restaurant on site. It’s nicer than the other hostels in town but still easy on the wallet. Pods start from around $75 NZD.
Mid-Range
The Holiday Inn Express is a quality hotel with a great location being in walking distance to a lot of restaurants and bars, and the waterfront. It’s a recently built hotel and the rooms, although on the small side, are more modern compared to many of the other hotels at this price point. There’s also a complimentary buffet breakfast, a fitness center and laundry facilities.
As with most hotels in the CBD, parking is expensive, so this is a good option if you plan to spend a few days exploring Auckland on foot and by public transport before picking up your rental car.
For a Luxury Stay
For comfort, luxury and convenience you can’t beat the Grand by SkyCity. It’s right in the middle of the city and a 5-10 minute walk to all the main areas (Albert Park, Viaduct, ferry terminals, Victoria Park and K Road).
The rooms are well appointed and spacious and there’s a fabulous spa on site. Plus, it’s right next door to The SkyCity Entertainment complex which has a casino, theater, restaurants and of course the Sky Tower.
Boutique Luxury
Hotel De Brett is a highly-rated boutique hotel located in a historic building in the charming area of High Street. What sets this hotel apart from others is the Art Deco style seen throughout the hotel. The rooms are chic and modern, yet much of the historic charm has been preserved. There’s a bar and restaurant on site, plus the Corner Bar next door that does great cocktails.
High Street is a nice area to walk around and close to everything. The Viaduct and Auckland Art Gallery are a 10-minute walk, and the waterfront is just 5 minutes’ walk.
2. Britomart
Britomart is an upmarket area near the waterfront in downtown Auckland, ideal for couples. This area offers an eclectic mix of nice boutique shops, cafes, restaurants and bars all within easy walking distance. Plus, many venues stay open late, keeping Britomart buzzing into the night.
It’s close to the Ferry Building and Britomart train station, making it a convenient base for exploring the CBD and further afield. And it’s only a 10-minute walk to Spark Arena.
Britomart is ideal area to stay if:
- You’re in Auckland to attend a concert/event at Spark Arena
- You plan on utilising the ferries and trains to get around
- You prefer to be in an upmarket area near the waterfront
Best Places to Stay in Britomart
Budget
Imagine Beach Road is a room only hotel that offers good value near Britomart. It’s a 10-minute walk from the train station and 5 minutes from Spark Arena, ideal if you’re in town for a concert.
The rooms are spacious, clean and tastefully furnished. Although there aren’t any facilities such as a bar or restaurant on-site, it’s only a short walk to the bars and restaurants in Britomart, and there’s a supermarket nearby.
Mid-Range
Movenpick Hotel offers clean and comfortable rooms, with ocean or city views to choose from. It has a few recreational amenities such as a Wellness Room and a library. There’s also a bar and restaurant on site and chocolate hour every afternoon.
It’s located next door to Commercial Bay shopping center, which also has a fantastic food hall upstairs, and a stone’s throw from Britomart Train Station and ferry terminals.
Boutique Luxury
The Hotel Britomart is New Zealand’s first 5-green-star hotel, with cozy natural fibers featured throughout. While this hotel is one of the most expensive on our list, it’s worth it in my opinion, and a top choice for couples. It’s in an exceptional location with clean, contemporary rooms. Plus, amenities such as a concierge service, free bikes to use and a pillow bar.
It’s an 8-minute walk to the Viaduct, a 4-minute walk to the ferry terminal and 2 minutes to Britomart Train Station. Plus, it’s easy to get to all the best attractions in the city, with upscale bars and restaurants on your doorstep.
3. Viaduct & Wynyard Quarter
The Viaduct is built around a marina with the largest concentration of top-quality restaurants and bars in Auckland. Many of these have outdoor seating overlooking the yachts and city skyline. It’s a beautiful area to stay in if the budget allows for it.
After dark, it’s a top destination for Auckland’s nightlife, with bars open well into the night. During the day it’s the meeting point for activities such as the Dolphin & Whale Watching and Harbour Cruises.
Just over the pedestrian footbridge is Wynyard Quarter and a little further along, Silo Park. Over the years it has been redeveloped into a thriving waterfront neighborhood complete with luxury apartments, bars, and restaurants. There’s a night market on Sunday evenings and in the summer an outdoor cinema.
The Viaduct is an ideal area to stay if:
- You want to be near the bars, nightlife and nice restaurants
- You want to be in the most upmarket part of the city
- You want to be on the water, or you plan on doing a lot of activities on the water
Best Places to Stay in Viaduct & Wynyard Quarter
Mid-Range
The Travelodge Hotel is located in Wynyard Quarter, which is just over the footbridge from the Viaduct and probably the most affordable you’ll find for the area. Rooms are clean and comfortable. There is parking where you can pay by the hour and a small supermarket next door, and plenty of restaurants within walking distance.
It’s an easy walk to all the hot spots including the Viaduct, Wynyard Quarter, Silo Park and Sky Tower with the benefit of being in a quieter location. An ideal choice for those who want to be close enough to walk to everything without being right in the CBD.
For a Luxury Stay
M Social was the talk of the town when first launched and rightly so. It’s positioned as a lifestyle hotel, with chic contemporary guest rooms featuring wall-to-wall windows overlooking the harbour. Try to get a room on the highest floors for the best views.
There’s a big focus on technology with Hari the robot assisting with room service delivery, and the onsite restaurant is quite good. You can’t beat the location, close to all the bars and restaurants in the Viaduct, and a short walk to the ferries and Britomart Train Station. Overall, this hotel is reasonably priced for the quality and location.
Hilton Hotel is another top contender for a luxury stay on the waterfront. It’s located on the end of Princes Wharf featuring an upscale bar and restaurant with views of the harbour through floor to ceiling windows. The rooms are modern yet warm, some with balconies overlooking the harbour.
The hotel is designed to look like a cruise ship and being surrounded by the water on three sides, it almost feels like you’re on one. There’s a lap pool suspended between two buildings with viewing panes out to the harbour as you swim by, very cool!
It’s an ideal place to stay in Auckland before boarding or after arriving on a cruise ship.
Ponsonby
Ponsonby is like a little upmarket village about a 30-minute walk from the CBD. The main street is Ponsonby Road, which is lined with trendy bars, restaurants, boutique shops, low key art galleries and quirky second-hand shops.
Daytime is shopping and café culture, evenings and weekends are buzzing with fashionable bars for craft beers, fancy cocktails and more. This is an extremely sought after part of Auckland to live in.
Ponsonby is an ideal area to stay if:
- You would like to stay a little outside the center, but can still get to the CBD easily (30 min walk)
- You want to stay in a trendy neighbourhood with cool cafes, bars and restaurants a short walk away
- You want to spend some time wandering around the clothing and quirky gift shops
Best Places to Stay in Ponsonby
Budget/Backpackers
For a budget option in Ponsonby, you could try Verandahs Parkside Lodge. It’s highly rated and they have a mix of private rooms, shared rooms and a mixed dormitory. It’s located on a side street off the top end of Ponsonby Road and walkable to Ponsonby, K Road and the City Center (about 30 mins).
Mid-Range
Abaco On Jervois is a modest apartment style hotel near the bottom end of Ponsonby Road. Rooms include a kitchenette and there is free parking nearby.
It’s a 5-minute walk to Ponsonby Central and the Harbour Bridge, and 20-30 minutes to Sky Tower and the Viaduct Harbour respectively. There’s a big hill to walk up on the way back from the CBD, or you can rent a scooter which you’ll see all around town.
For a Luxury Stay
As the top-rated Auckland Central hotel on Trip Advisor, it doesn’t get much better than the Hotel Fitzroy curated by Fable. The outside looks like an old-world manor and inside is cozy and elegant with all the modern luxuries. It has only 10 suites and bookings include breakfast plus afternoon drinks and nibbles.
It’s ideally positioned within walking distance to all the shops, restaurants and bars without being on the main road. There is also plenty of free parking nearby.
Mission Bay and Kohimarama
Mission Bay and Kohimarama are two desirable adjacent seaside neighbourhoods, about 20 minutes by car from Auckland CBD. There are also buses to and from the CBD, or you can take a taxi/Uber to get around. Both have fantastic beaches suitable for families.
Mission Bay has a nice sandy beach for swimming and sunbathing. It also has a small beachside park with a good playground for the kids. The seaside Mission Bay village has a number of standout cafes, restaurants, bars and ice cream parlours. A short drive along the waterfront promenade takes you to attractions like Kelly Tarlton’s Aquarium, a popular indoor activity, and Lilliputt Mini Golf.
Kohimarama Beach is a short drive or a 15 minute walk from Mission Bay along the waterfront promenade. It’s another nice sandy beach for swimming and sunbathing, and a little quieter than Mission Bay. There are also a few beachside cafes and restaurants with good food and a nice outlook.
Mission Bay and Kohimarama are ideal areas to stay if:
- You want to be in the suburbs near the beach
- You like the idea of pavement cafes and restaurants by the seaside
- You are traveling with kids in spring/summer
Best Places to Stay in Mission Bay & Kohimarama
Being a coastal neighborhood there aren’t any hotels or backpackers in Mission Bay. Your best bet is to stay in an apartment or motel as close to the beach as you can afford. Honestly, if you aren’t within a block or two of the beach I would probably just stay in the city center or Ponsonby.
Prices are highest in summer (Dec – Feb), but you can get decent weather in Auckland until the end of March/April and usually lower prices.
Budget (Kohimarama Beach)
Aarangi Motel is an old motel with modest amenities located in Kohimarama. It’s a 2-minute walk to Kohi beach, and a 15-minute walk to Mission Bay beach along the promenade. Although basic, it’s in a fantastic location if you don’t want to pay top dollar to be this close to the beach.
Mid-Range (Kohimarama Beach)
Kohimarama Lodge is also located in Kohimarama and offers good value. It’s used to be a motel but has been refurbished into a small boutique property with themed units and extra treats for guests. It’s a 4-minute walk to Kohimarama Beach and a 15-minute walk to Mission Bay.
For a Luxury Stay (Mission Bay Beach)
Stay Coastal Apartments are self-catering and a 2-minute walk to Mission Bay beach, restaurants and cafes. There’s a full kitchen and separate bedroom, with a pullout couch in the living room, and free parking. This is a good option for families or couples. You can’t beat the location!
Waiheke Island
Waiheke Island with its fantastic vineyards and secluded beaches is about 45 minutes by ferry from Auckland CBD. It is important to book your ferry tickets in advance and get to the ferry terminal well before your departure time.
Once on the island you can get around on the Hop-on Hop-off bus (this one includes the ferry), by taxis or rent a car or E-Bike. We recommend hiring a car on the island due to how spread out and hilly the terrain is.
Waiheke Island is home to some of the very best vineyards in New Zealand. Many of these are in picturesque settings and have outstanding restaurants. They also cater for wine tours and wine tasting, what could be better on a sunny afternoon.
I recommend booking a wine tasting tour if you don’t want to drive. I personally like this Wine on Waiheke Full Day Scenic and Wine Tasting tour which goes to a nice selection of wineries.
Oneroa Village is the main hub on the island with shops, restaurants and a nice beach.
Onetangi beach and Palm beach are also very good beach options for swimming and sunbathing.
A number of places run tours and adventure activities on the island. Land activities include bush walks, mountain biking and ziplining. Water activities include kayaking, paddle boarding and sailing. I had a fantastic time with my family on this Waiheke Island Zipline and Forest Walk tour.
Waiheke Island is an ideal area to stay if:
- You will have a car and want to explore off the beaten path
- You want to visit top vineyards and restaurants
- You prefer to stay in a more rustic location with some nice beaches
Best Places to Stay on Waiheke Island
Budget/Backpackers
Waiheke Backpackers is probably one of the lowest cost options you’ll find on the island. It’s located in Onetangi overlooking the bay. The rooms are clean and although a little more remote, there is a public bus that goes to the ferry, Oneroa, and several wineries.
There’s not many shops nearby so best to pick up any food or supplies at the Countdown supermarket in Ostend on your way through.
Mid-Range
Accommodation on Waiheke is generally more expensive so mid-range options are limited. If you want to be in the main village near all the amenities as well as the beach, you could try Oneroa Bay Villas. This modern second-floor apartment has partial sea views, and is minutes from the beach. Alternatively, have a look on Airbnb as the available options change frequently.
For a Luxury Stay
Cable Bay Views offers standalone guesthouses in various sizes, my preferred place to stay on Waiheke Island. I’ve stayed here a couple of times, in the main guesthouse and one of the studios, and had a great experience both times. The accommodations are clean and modern with fantastic views of the vineyards.
It’s walkable to Cable Bay Vineyards and Mudbrick, and a short taxi ride to the bars and restaurants in Oneroa.
Auckland Airport
There are a couple of good options should you need a place to stay near the airport.
The Novotel Auckland Airport Hotel is your closest bet, it’s literally across the road from the international terminals. Although you will pay a bit more for the convenience, it’s a nice property with modern rooms, soundproof windows and a bar and restaurant on site.
Naumi Auckland Airport is a funky little place to stay and reasonably priced. The rooms are bold and colorful, and there’s a wide range of amenities on site including a pool, gym and restaurant. It’s 10 minutes from the airport and you can either take the Yellow Bus for $8 or an Uber which should cost you around $16. Just be aware the Yellow Bus stops at other hotels so the journey could take a little longer (around 20-30 mins).
Otherwise, the JetPark Hotel offers good value and a free shuttle to and from the airport. It’s a 5-minute drive from the airport and there’s a cafe and restaurant on site. It’s not a nice as the others but still a decent option for a short stay.
Conclusion:
There you have it. You have some options to stay in the center which is convenient for most travelers, and you have some options to stay in a trendy or coastal neighborhood, or even an island for something a little different. It all boils down to your budget and preference when deciding where to book. I know there are many options, but these are some of the best places to stay in Auckland for visitors. Happy planning and safe travels!
Travel Planning Guide
🚗 Where should I book my rental car?
Renting a car is one of the best ways to get around New Zealand. Public transportation can only get you so far, even in the cities. I always rent with Discover Cars, which checks the prices of all major rental car companies, so you get the best rates.
🚐 What about a campervan?
Renting a campervan is a fantastic way to experience the more remote areas of New Zealand. I really like JUCY because they have a big range of vehicles and locations around the country, which offers more flexibility with pick-up and drop-off. I also like Motorhome Republic, which compares all the campervan options available in NZ.
🎟 Where should I book my tours?
Tours are a great way to experience New Zealand’s top attractions while learning about the area and culture through local guides. We always use Viator and Get Your Guide to find the best tours.
🛏 What’s the best way to book my accommodations?
For hotels and vacation rentals, Booking.com or Expedia.com are the best sites. You can also book through TripAdvisor. If you’re considering renting a house instead, try VRBO which often has good deals.
🛩 What’s the best site to buy flights to New Zealand?
For finding the best deals on flights to New Zealand from around the world, I recommend Kayak.com.
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Heather is a travel enthusiast living in New Zealand with her family. She writes about living in and enjoying travel to New Zealand.