The ultimate guide: Where to stay in Auckland

From luxury waterfront hotels to cosy boutique lodges in the suburbs, Auckland offers a variety of accommodation options to suit every traveller’s style. And it’s not just the city centre that offers stand-out places to stay. Auckland’s diverse neighbourhoods also have options that capture the distinct vibe of its surrounding community.

Here's a guide to some of the best places to stay in Auckland, whether you're looking for somewhere in the heart of vibrant city activity or a peaceful retreat with scenic views.

Auckland CBD

Harbourside dining precincts? Check. World-class shopping? Check. Family attractions? Yep, and we could go on. It’s all here in Auckland central. Beneath the high-rise metropolis is a pretty special city to discover, where you can be wandering through high-end retail stores one day, walking up islands the following, and then tip-toeing at dizzying heights around the edge of the Sky Tower the next. 

Staying central puts you within strolling (or scooting) distance of plenty of popular attractions, and being right on the harbour means it’s easy to catch a Fullers360 ferry to Waiheke Island or over to Rangitoto Island to explore. The good news is, you’ve got plenty of options for staying right near the water so you’re never far from your next activity. 

Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour gives you a front-row view of the harbour and within walking distance of Viaduct restaurants and nightlife, as well as Wynyard Quarter and Silo Park. While you’re there, it would be rude not to check out Sofitel Spa, a dreamy retreat within the hotel.

Nearby QT Hotel offers sparkling harbour views which you can enjoy from your plush, quirky suite, or while taking in the evening sky from the rooftop bar. Within just a short wander you’ll be in Auckland’s Viaduct Harbour social scene. Commercial Bay and Britomart shopping precincts are also just around the corner.

Britomart boasts its own eponymous hotel: The Hotel Britomart. Travellers will love the details that have gone into the luxurious suites of New Zealand’s first 5 Green Star hotel. Outside your door, the historic warehouses of the Britomart neighbourhood house some of the country’s best restaurants, bars and cafés. The hotel’s own restaurant, kingi, is not one to miss.

• Waterfront location close to the ferry terminal
• Easy access to popular city attractions
• Dining and shopping precincts nearby

Mt Roskill

Mt Roskill is an established Auckland suburb that is well and truly in its glow-up era, with fresh energy coming into the neighbourhood, including new homes, parks, public spaces and paths. Alongside this new-ness, the neighbourhood is still holding true to everything that Auckland locals have come to love it for, in particular its cultural diversity which is reflected in its well-known foodie strip. Dominion Road passes through Mt Roskill, with popular eateries offering everything from French cuisine to Middle Eastern feasts and Korean barbecues.

Within 15 minutes you can be in Auckland’s CBD in one direction and Auckland Airport in the other, so it’s a handy spot to stay if you’re keen to explore the wider Auckland region. And the best place to do that is SOHO Hotel. A recent addition to Mt Roskill, this Art Deco-inspired hotel offers a touch of luxe, with a range of beautiful rooms, including spa suites with their own outdoor hot tub. In-house Tiger Restaurant offers an incredible fusion menu and the rooftop bar is a great place to unwind at the end of the day. Speaking of unwinding, the outdoor meditation deck and yoga space is a sanctuary of calm, and in 2025, SOHO Hotel will be adding a day spa, sauna and Onsen pool to this relaxing suburban haven.

• 15 mins from the airport and the city CBD
• Close to Auckland’s infamous foodie street, Dominion Road
• Excellent public transport links

Ponsonby

Ponsonby is one of Auckland’s trendiest suburbs. In fact it was once voted one of the world’s ‘coolest’ neighbourhoods; take a stroll here and you’ll soon discover why. Ponsonby is a go-to spot for Auckland shopping - from high fashion boutiques and second-hand stores to galleries and homewares. It’s also a popular precinct for dining and socialising, packed with well over a hundred world-class restaurants, cosy cocktail bars, trendy cafes and relaxed eateries. It’s a stone’s throw from central Auckland, the harbour and waterfront hospo scene and ferry terminals, and with easy motorway access, it’s conveniently positioned for reaching all corners of Auckland.

Wake up in the heart of the action by booking a stay at Hotel Fitzroy curated by Fable. It’s a perfect representation of what this neighbourhood is all about: old world charm meets contemporary living. With -10 beautifully curated suites within a classic Ponsonby manor, it’s a boutique experience that puts you within minutes of the vibrant main strip. Think bed and breakfast, but with the Ponsonby treatment - including beautiful soft furnishings, high tech entertainment and deluxe amenities. Feel a little bit fancy with hors d’oeuvres and a fine wine in a library before heading out to explore Ponsonby like a local just metres from the front door.

• A vibrant precinct with restaurants, nightlife and shopping
• A safe, central area close to the CBD and its attractions
• Boutique accommodation suited to couples and solo travellers

East Auckland

East Auckland is a vibrant and diverse part of the city, known for its stunning coastlines, expansive parks, and laid-back communities. With easy access to beautiful beaches like Maraetai and Howick, residents and visitors alike enjoy a laid-back coastal lifestyle while being just a short drive from the bustling city centre. East Auckland is also rich in cultural diversity, with a mix of trendy cafés and multicultural eateries. The local Clevedon Village Farmers Market offers a taste of the area’s unique identity. Explore the natural beauty of Duder Regional Park, with its rolling farmland and coastal views, or delve into the local history at the Howick Historical Village.

Rydges Formosa Golf Resort is a premier destination in East Auckland, offering luxury accommodation alongside a world-class golf course. Positioned in a scenic spot overlooking the Hauraki Gulf, the resort provides guests with sweeping ocean views and a tranquil atmosphere. The 18-hole championship golf course is a key attraction, designed by golf legend Sir Bob Charles, and challenges players of all skill levels while showcasing the region’s natural beauty. The resort features spacious villas, modern amenities, and a range of dining options, making it an ideal retreat for golfers, or anyone looking for a relaxing escape just outside the city centre.

• Great for couples or families
• Local village feel
• Safe nearby beaches