Where to stay in Auckland – a regional guide

From the luxury hotels of Downtown Auckland to the welcoming beachfront motels of Orewa, you’ll find the region offers plenty of diversity when it comes to accommodation. Luxury retreats, resorts and private apartments are available for those looking to splurge, while a generous spread of city hostels, simple motels and beach campsites takes care of the lower budgets.

Downtown Auckland

 

Centered around the cosmopolitan Viaduct Harbour, Auckland’s downtown area boasts a thriving spread of world-class restaurants, bars and cafes, plus central shopping districts like Queen Street and Britomart. Sightseeing here should take in the landmark Sky Tower, Auckland Art Gallery and Auckland War Memorial Museum. You can also explore the recently developed Wynyard Quarter, a waterside hub of lively bars and restaurants.

 

Accommodation in Downtown Auckland

 

Upmarket luxury accommodation can be found overlooking Viaduct Harbour, while all the major hotel chains are nearby around the Queen Street area. For a budget or more personal experience, discover plenty of backpacker hostels in the center too, or boutique hotels, B&Bs and motels in Parnell and Ponsonby.

 

North Auckland

 

A short ferry ride across the bay, Auckland’s North Shore offers a more laidback atmosphere within easy reach of the city. Historic and arty Devonport is one of the main towns, while Takapuna offers sandy beaches, endless watersports and a vibrant local market. Futher north on the idyllic Hibiscus Coast, the town of Orewa boasts a three kilometer beach with swimming, surfing and kayaking.

 

Accommodation in North Auckland

 

Most of the North Shore’s accommodation is centered in the towns of Takapuna and Devonport, where motels and lodges are aplenty and large hotels a rarity. Further north, private apartments and retreats are sparsely scattered up the coast, while Orewa offers attractive beachside motels.

 

West Auckland

 

West Auckland delights in its reputation as one of the region's most unspoilt areas, retaining an enchanting wildness. This rural area is perfect for the adventurous types, with world-class surfing at Piha Beach, rainforest walks in the Waitakere Ranges and quad biking in Woodhill Forest. Local town Kumeu also offers a chance to explore historic vineyards and buy unique souvenirs.

 

Accommodation in West Auckland

 

Get a taste of the rural Kiwi lifestyle at one of the home or farm stays in the area.  Secluded lodges give a little added privacy, whereas Piha and Muriwai offer several beautiful campsites by the beach, for a budget stay with simple facilities.

 

South Auckland

 

The perfect blend of coast, countryside and cosmopolitan city, the south of the region offers plenty of highlights. Delve into its Maori heritage by visiting the historic ruins on Mangere Mountain, hand glide and surf on the Awhitu Peninsula, and relax or play in Manukau City – attractions include New Zealand’s largest theme park and the lush Auckland Botanic Gardens.

 

Accommodation in South Auckland

 

Housing Auckland’s main airport, the area surrounding Mangere offers a wide range of chain hotels, modern motels and lodges. Elsewhere, hotels and motor lodges are concentrated in the center of Manakau and the town of Papakura to the south.