Where to Stay in Auckland - The Best Areas
Auckland is the largest urban area in New Zealand and a visit to this city will leave you awestruck; how is it possible for one city to be surrounded by so much amazing scenery and so many interesting districts? A visit to this metropolis would not be complete without exploring the wealth of attractions on offer; however, working out accommodation prior to your visit is never easy.
Auckland has something to suit all tastes, from artsy areas to neighbourhoods that offer more nightlife options, however, it can be difficult to decide which area is best for you. Making use of this guide means that planning your visit to Auckland has just got less complicated. This is a complete guide on where to stay in Auckland.
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Check out our guide to the best tours and day trips from Auckland!
In Auckland for just a couple of days? Then you’ll need our 48 Hours in Auckland Itinerary!
Where to Stay in Auckland
Auckland City
Auckland is one of only a few cities in the world that have a harbour on two separate bodies of water. Bearing this in mind, it is hardly surprising that one in three households own a boat. Staying in Auckland will give you a range of different attractions right on your doorstep; the city is home to a few artsy and cultural events such as an International film festival and an International comedy festival. The city is also home to the Auckland Philharmonic Orchestra, who perform regular concerts. For a sombre but eye-opening experience, visit the War Memorial Museum. It’s obviously the most central location when looking at where to stay in Auckland.
Recommended Hotels
BUDGET | Haka Hotel Newmarket
This is one of the best budget hotels in the city of Auckland and the rooms are at affordable prices. Only a short drive from the War Memorial museum, the Haka Hotel is located on the edge of the city in the district of Newmarket, but everything is pretty close and it’s less than ten miles from the airport.
CLICK HERE FOR AVAILABILITY – HAKA HOTEL NEWMARKET
MID–RANGE | The Sebel Auckland Viaduct Harbour
This hotel will be a real hit with people who are looking for an intimate hotel in an area that is fantastic for shopping. The Viaduct Harbour is only about a ten-minute walk from a wide range of dining and shopping options. A stay at this hotel will offer you some panoramic views across the Harbour Bridge, the city and the marina.
CLICK HERE FOR AVAILABILITY – THE SEBEL AUCKLAND
LUXURY | Stamford Plaza Auckland
The Stamford Plaza could not be in a better location; it is located at the heart of Auckland and only a short walk from fabulous shopping and delicious fine dining options on Queen Street. This upmarket hotel offers stylish air-conditioned accommodation and some rooms even have a 40-inch satellite TV, offering the perfect way to relax after a busy day or after enjoying a superb meal in one of the two restaurants and bars
CLICK HERE FOR AVAILABILITY – STAMFORD PLAZA
Warkworth
Warkworth is where to stay in Auckland if you like to be near the coast; it is a town on the Northland Peninsula in the upper part of the North Island. Although it’s just under an hour’s drive from the city center, it’s still part of the Auckland region. This area has an annual festival which is one of the biggest in New Zealand. Enjoy the day exploring the area or relaxing on a pristine beach, there are so many great natural spots to explore from your home base of Warkworth.
Recommended Hotels
BUDGET | Bridgehouse Lodge
This modern hotel overlooks the Mahurangi River and is only a short drive to the wine country of the Matakana Coast. Bridgewater Lodge is home to a restaurant with a couple of cosy fires and a lovely garden bar. There is free onsite parking, which makes it great for use as a base, and it is handy for shopping, beaches and golf courses.
CLICK HERE FOR AVAILABILITY – BRIDGEHOUSE LODGE
MID-RANGE | Apartment Retreat
The Apartment Retreat is located a short drive from the heart of Warkworth. The apartments provide self-contained loft-styled accommodation and come complete with kitchens and seating areas. The sun terrace is the perfect place to soak up some rays. This accommodation provides somewhere to stay in Warkworth at a reasonable price.
CLICK HERE FOR AVAILABILITY – APARTMENT RETREAT
LUXURY | Nancy Gardens Retreat
This luxurious accommodation is set within 15 acres of pristine forest and provides the perfect area to relax. Nancy Gardens Retreat is only a short drive from the Mahurangi River and Snells Beach. All the guest rooms feature ensuite facilities, a flat screen television and a DVD player.
CLICK HERE FOR AVAILABILITY – NANCY GARDEN RETREAT
Devonport
Devonport is a short twelve-minute ferry journey from the city center. This area has a lot to offer if you enjoy artsy attractions. This is a good option when you are looking where to stay in Auckland. In this area, there many boutique art galleries which reflect how the stunning scenery has inspired creative work. If you like exploring, the underground tunnels, fortifications and gun emplacements nearby are a must. The volcanic cones offer a panoramic view across Hauraki Gulf and further across the city. If you’re looking for a stroll, go for a walk along Cheltenham Beach.
Recommended Hotels
BUDGET | The Esplanade Hotel
This hotel dates back to 1903 and offers splendid sea views due to its waterfront location. Just a ten-minute drive from Takapuna beach, this hotel offers ensuite rooms complete with satellite television at an affordable price. The hotel restaurant is the ideal place to enjoy some freshly cooked local and international cuisine.
CLICK HERE FOR AVAILABILITY – THE ESPLANADE HOTEL
MID-RANGE | Peace and Plenty Inn
The Peace and Plenty Inn is only a two-minute walk from the beach, so it’s great for relaxing. This hotel offers a combination of English antiques and provincial French architecture. This hotel is four hundred yards from the ferry terminal and a twenty-minute drive from the heart of Auckland.
CLICK HERE FOR AVAILABILITY – PEACE AND PLENTY INN
LUXURY | Andelin Guest House
This accommodation is only a short walk from the beach. All guest accommodation offers flat screen televisions complete with Facebook, YouTube and Netflix. All rooms at Andelin Guest House offer views over the city, garden and harbour. This hotel is only a ten-minute ferry ride from the centre of Auckland.
CLICK HERE FOR AVAILABILITY – ANDELIN GUEST HOUSE
Takapuna
Takapuna is a central location in the coastal suburb of the North Shore of Auckland. This is a small area, but it offers the perfect location to stay for a holiday due to its accessibility to other hot spots. Takapuna is where to stay in Auckland for people who enjoy lively nightlife and shopping; there is a great choice of bars, restaurants, shops and cafés. This area is also home to a trendy, sandy beach, which is the perfect location to enjoy a walk and blow away the cobwebs.
Recommended Hotels
BUDGET |Spencer on Byron Hotel
This budget but stylish hotel is only a six-minute walk from Takapuna Beach and a ten-minute drive from the centre of Auckland. Home to 110 studios and suites – which all offer open-plan living areas complete with kitchenette facilities – the Spencer on Byron Hotel has some great onsite facilities, including a hot tub and an all-weather tennis court. The onsite Thyme Restaurant is a great place to enjoy local-sourced produce and it offers a variety of dining options all day.
CLICK HERE FOR AVAILABILITY – SPENCER ON BYRON BAY
MID-RANGE | Anzac Court Motel
This mid-range accommodation is only an 8-minute walk from the beach. All the rooms are air conditioned and have flat screen televisions and kitchen facilities. Anzac Court Hotel works as a great base for exploring the local area, as it’s only a ten minute drive from the heart of Auckland – great for people who like shopping.
CLICK HERE FOR AVAILABILITY – ANZAC COURT MOTEL
LUXURY | Emerald Inn
Emerald Inn is only a two-minute stroll from the beach, and this luxurious accommodation offers an outdoor swimming pool, which is great if you want to do a few lengths or just splash around. There is a barbecue facility on Takapuna Beach. All the guest rooms have ensuites, and some come with a television. This is one of the most popular accommodation options in the area.
CLICK HERE FOR AVAILABILITY – EMERALD INN
Orewa
Staying in Orewa will enable you to experience another stunning long beach. This area is only half an hour from Auckland’s Harbour Bridge. This is where to stay in Auckland for kayaking, kite surfing, swimming and surfing. A visit to this area would not be complete without taking a walk along the Millennium Walkway. Take a break from the beach and enjoy the many entertaining activities offered in this area, such as the wine trails and hiking, or opt for some retail therapy at the comprehensive shopping centre.
Recommended Hotels
BUDGET |Orewa Beachcomber
Orewa Beachcomber is located only a few minutes’ walk from the beach. The stylish ensuite apartments feature comfy furnishings, equipped kitchens and a private dining area. This accommodation is only a three-minute drive from the heart of Orewa and the Peninsula golf course. Some of the apartments incorporate spa baths along with splendid sea views.
CLICK HERE FOR AVAILABILITY – OREWA BEACHCOMBER
MID-RANGE | Edgewater Motel
Another hotel that is very close to the beach and under 20 miles from the centre of Auckland is the Edgewater Motel. All rooms are ensuite and come with flat screen televisions and comfy seating areas. The Edgewater Motel offers the perfect base for exploring the wider area of Auckland.
CLICK HERE FOR AVAILABILITY – EDGEWATER MOTEL
LUXURY |Funland Seaview Holiday Home
This luxurious accommodation is only six minutes from the beach. Funland Seaview Holiday Home offers a garden and a barbecue area. This accommodation is under 20 miles from Auckland. All the accommodation is complete with kitchen facilities, or you may decide to dine in at the in-house restaurant. It’s the perfect location for people who enjoy windsurfing, hiking and canoeing.
CLICK HERE FOR AVAILABILITY – FUNLAND SEAVIEW
Ponsonby
Staying in Ponsonby will enable you to experience the inner city of Auckland. This area is mainly a residential area for the upper classes. Ponsonby is where to stay in Auckland for dining and shopping, as there are many restaurants, cafes, and upmarket shops. This area is perfect for people who enjoy nightlife and for artsy people; there are a number of art galleries in this area.
Recommended Hotels
BUDGET |Ponsonby Manor Guest House
Ponsonby guest house is a great option if you are looking for a budget option. It is only an 18-minute walk to the beach. The rooms are all stylish and the guest kitchen has everything you could possibly need. This is a handy base for visiting the local area and Vector Arena is only a ten-minute drive.
CLICK HERE FOR AVAILABILITY – PONSONBY MANOR GUEST HOUSE
MID-RANGE |Star Queens Serviced Apartments
Star Queens is located close to the heart of the city, which makes it the perfect base for visiting the top attractions. The points of interest that are close to the hotel include Aotea Square, Aotea Centre and Auckland art gallery.
CLICK HERE FOR AVAILABILITY – STAR QUEENS SERVICED APARTMENTS
LUXURY |SKYCITY Grand Hotel
Skycity Grand Hotel is a luxurious five-star hotel which offers contemporary views across Auckland Harbour and an amazing skyline view of the city. The hotel is home to an award-winning restaurant, a bar, a fitness centre and a luxurious spa. The entertainment complex of Skycity offers a 24-hour casino, 20 restaurants, cafes and bars.
CLICK HERE FOR AVAILABILITY – SKYCITY GRAND HOTEL
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