Where to Stay in Auckland, New Zealand: Best Areas & Hotels

Nicknamed the “City of Sails,” Auckland is New Zealand’s largest and most populous city. Founded in the 19th century, this Kiwi metropolis has evolved into the country’s leading cultural, industrial, transport, and financial hub. With over 1.7 million inhabitants in its metro area, it’s considered the most important urban centre in Oceania outside of Australia. If you are looking for the best areas to stay in Auckland, you have come to the right place.

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Accommodation Options in Auckland

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Situated in a volcanic field in north-central North Island, Auckland, known as Tamaki Makaurau in Maori, has come a long way since its establishment as New Zealand’s colonial capital in 1841. Although the colony’s capital was moved to Wellington in 1865, Auckland remained the major gateway to New Zealand. Today, the city is known for its modern Central Business District, the Skytower, the Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki, Auckland War Memorial Museum, Auckland Zoo and Viaduct Harbour. Thanks to its many attractions, thriving airport and privileged geographical position, Auckland is one of Australasia’s most visited tourist destinations. As such, it is home to many upscale hotels and a growing number of backpacker accommodations scattered around the city.

It doesn’t matter whether you’re travelling to Auckland for a city break, as the starting point of a route around New Zealand, or for business, keep reading this article to learn more about the best areas to stay in Auckland, New Zealand.

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What’s the Best Area to Stay in Auckland, New Zealand?

The best area to stay in Auckland, especially if you’re a first-time visitor or a business traveller, is the Central Business District. This compact business, shopping and entertainment area hosts some of the city’s most popular tourist attractions, nightlife and restaurants and offers the best transport connections. The CBD is also where many of the best-rated hotels in Auckland are located.

Find Available Accommodation in Auckland’s Central Business District.

Best Hotels in Auckland CBD

• Best five-star hotel: Ohtel Auckland
• Best four-star hotel: CityLife Auckland
• Best three-star hotel: President Hotel Auckland
• Best budget hotel: Ibis Budget Auckland Central
• Best B&B: Braemar On Parliament St
• Best hostel: Haka Lodge Auckland
• Best tourist apartments: Quest on Beaumont

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Where to Stay in Auckland for Sightseeing

As mentioned above, Auckland’s City Centre is the best location for tourists in this Kiwi city. That said, Auckland is actually huge and is divided into many different areas, each with a distinct flavour and attractions. These are some of the most exciting districts:

• Renovated in the 1990s as a new residential and entertainment district in the city, Viaduct Harbour is famous for hosting America’s Cup sailing competition and its many restaurants and nightlife venues. Our favourite hotels here include Park Hyatt Auckland and QT Auckland.
• Not far from Viaduct Harbour, also within the CBD, Britomart is home to the city’s main railway and ferry station. This lively area is also home to luxury properties, including The Hotel Britomart and Mövenpick Hotel Auckland.
• Centred around the Skytower, Auckland’s top tourist attraction, the CBD is a great area to stay to be near everything. Some of the best properties here include CityLife Auckland and the Ohtel Auckland and
• Known for its upscale retailers and connected by the Auckland metro, Newmarket is another great neighbourhood to consider. An excellent option here is Quest Newmarket Serviced Apartments.
• On the other side of Waitemata Harbour, Auckland’s North Shore district includes several lovely neighbourhoods like Devonport and Takapuna, as well as many of the best beaches in Auckland. Some of the best-rated hotels on the North Shore include The Esplanade Hotel and The Spencer Hotel.

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The Best Areas for Tourists in Auckland: District by District

As we mentioned above, Auckland is a huge city, and while the CBD is a great area packed with hotels, many of the attractions and all Auckland beaches are located in other districts. From a tourist’s standpoint, these are the areas to keep in mind when trying to find out the most convenient location to stay in Auckland, New Zealand:

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1. Central Business District (CBD): Best Location in Auckland for First-Time Visitors

As it couldn’t be otherwise, the Central Business District offers the best location from which explore everything Auckland has to offer.

Why is this the best area to stay in Auckland, New Zealand:
• Heart of the city
• Historic buildings, squares and churches
• Best area for nightlife
• Sky Tower
• Queen Street & K’Road
• Business & luxury hotels
• Well-connected by metro & bus
• Lots of attractions

The Central Business District, or CBD, is the real heart of Auckland.

Centred around Queen Street, Auckland’s CBD enjoys a prime location with a wealth of shops, restaurants, pubs and cafés for every taste and budget. It is also home to a lively nightlife and entertainment scene, with some of the best theatres in the city hosting major international shows and local plays, as well as a myriad of live music venues, particularly around Karangahape Road (known by locals as K’Road).

This central district also hosts Sky City Auckland, an entertainment complex home to the city’s casino, an auditorium with 700 seats, many bars and restaurants and three hotels, as well as the iconic Sky Tower, a 328-metre telecommunications and observation tower and symbol of the city.

Auckland CBD is known for its modern office and residential buildings. Still, it also has charming areas, such as Aotea Square, Albert Park and Victoria Park, and lots of cultural attractions, like Auckland Art Gallery, Artspace Aotearoa, Basement Theatre and The Civic.

Good public transportation is another reason to choose the CBD as the top area to stay in Auckland since most city bus lines go through the district. Additionally, Britomart railway station offers services on all metro lines and ferry services to the North Shore and other destinations nearby. Meanwhile, most long-distance bus services depart from Auckland-Central Station at the Sky City complex.

The CBD also offers a broad selection of accommodations. You can find everything from backpacker hostels to super luxury hotels and serviced apartments here.

Needless to say, the CBD is a great area in Auckland for business travellers and tourists.

Best Hotels in Auckland CBD

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2. Britomart: Best-Connected Location in Auckland

Home to Auckland’s main metro station and ferry terminal, Britomart is a convenient area for tourists in the Kiwi city.

Why is this the best area to stay in Auckland, New Zealand:
• Very central location
• Ferry terminal
• Britomart train station
• Great views
• Luxury hotels
• Well-connected by metro & bus
• Close to CBD & Viaduct Harbour

Located between Waitemata Harbour and Auckland CBD, Britomart is a seaside neighbourhood that concentrates several of the city’s heritage buildings, converted areas and open public spaces.

After a period of neglect during the 1980s and 90s, Britomart has been renovated and reborn to become a very fashionable urban district.

This bustling quarter is situated around Auckland’s main transportation hub, Britomart Transport Centre, as well as the city’s main ferry and cruise port. It is also the final station for the Skybus, an express bus line servicing the airport.

The main attractions in Britomart include the National Maritime Museum, the Ferry Building, Quay Street Waterfront and Vector Arena.

This area is considered Auckland’s commercial epicentre and boasts many shopping centres, fashion retailers and office spaces. It also offers a varied mix of restaurants, bars and nightclubs.

Although there are some budget accommodations, hotels in this central and well-connected area mainly cater to an upscale clientele. Britomart is the place to go if you’re looking for luxury hotels, great public transport, and ferry connections.

Best Hotels in Britomart

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3. Viaduct Harbour & Wynyard Quarter: Great Location in Auckland for Nightlife & Restaurants

Home to America’s Cup, Viaduct Harbour is one of the best areas to stay in Auckland.

Why is this the best area to stay in Auckland, New Zealand:
• Centrally-located
• Modern & upscale area
• Great area for nightlife
• International restaurants
• Best area for America’s Cup
• Luxury hotels & apartments
• Walking distance to Britomart & CBD

Viaduct Harbour is one of the most happening areas in Auckland. Full of life during day and night, Viaduct Harbour is Auckland’s main destination for international restaurants and nightlife.

Located in the heart of the city, next to CBD and Britomart, Viaduct Harbor is a renovated area in Auckland’s old port.

The nearby Viaduct Harbour Marina caters for leisure boats, superyachts and commercial ships and is home to some of the most luxurious hotels and apartment buildings in New Zealand.

You can find attractions such as the National Maritime Museum, the Tepid Baths pools, Victoria Park and Princes Wharf. Meanwhile, the trendy seaside promenade boasts a wealth of pubs and restaurants.

Hotels in Viaduct Harbour are characterised by their luxurious and modern décor. There are also boutique-style options and many tourist apartments and holiday rentals.

Its closeness to the ferry terminal and Britomart metro station make Viaduct Harbour a great area for tourists in Auckland.

Best Hotels in Viaduct Harbour

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4. Newmarket: Best Location for Shopping

Located next to the CBD, Newmarket is an upscale and well-connected shopping district in Auckland.

Why is this the best area to stay in Auckland, New Zealand:
• Close to the city centre
• Malls, boutiques & shops
• Great area for nightlife & restaurants
• Auckland Domain & War Memorial Museum
• Connected by metro
• Upscale & mid-range hotels & apartments

Located just south of the CBD and the wealthy Parnell district, Newmarket is one of the top districts for visitors to Auckland.

Considered the top shopping destination in the Kiwi city, Newmarket is packed with designer fashion boutiques at Westfield Newmarket shopping centre and along Nuffield Street and Broadway.

This lively commercial district is also a popular destination for foodies, with several high-end eateries, bistros and restaurants scattered throughout.

The area is well-connected with the city’s rest through its train station and many bus stops, Making it an excellent choice for business travellers and tourists alike.

While Newmarket is not the cheapest area to stay in Auckland, there are several mid-range hotels and apart-hotels, as well as several budget motels and budget alternatives.

Best Hotels in Newmarket, Auckland

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5. North Shore: Best Location in Auckland for the Beach

Located across the harbour from the CBD, Auckland’s North Shore comprises several lovely suburbs and some of the city’s most popular beaches.

Why is this the best area to stay in Auckland:
• Quiet atmosphere
• Best beaches in Auckland
• Connected by bus & ferry
• Great value for money

Auckland North Shore was until recently considered a separate city. As its name implies, this large district is located north of the city, across Waitemata Harbour.

The Harbour Bridge connects both sections of town. Opened in 1959, this one-kilometre-long, eight-lane motorway bridge joins St Marys Bay on the city centre side with the Northcote suburb on the North Shore.

Generally speaking, Auckland’s North Shore has a more suburban and laid-back character, with spacious gardened houses and not many tall buildings.

The North Shore is one of the best places to stay in Auckland if you are after sun and relaxation, as many beaches are located in its suburbs. Some of the best areas for tourists within North Shore are Devonport and Takapuna since they boast the best nightlife and shopping options, as well as a variety of hotels, motels and backpacker hostels.

There are lots of accommodations on the North Shore. While quality and price vary greatly depending on the area and the individual properties, hotels here tend to be cheaper than those in central Auckland.

You can use the express bus system to get to the North Shore from the city centre. From Devonport, it is also possible to travel to Britomart by ferry. There is no rail connection to the North Shore, so this district is better suited for travellers with a car.

Best Hotels on the North Shore, Auckland

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6. Parnell: Upscale & Quiet Area to Stay in Auckland

Home to the Auckland Domain and the Auckland War Memorial Museum, Parnell is one of the best areas for tourists in Auckland.

Why is this the best area to stay in Auckland, New Zealand:
• Fairly central
• Quiet atmosphere
• Exclusive suburb
• All kinds of accommodation
• Auckland War Memorial Museum
• Auckland Domain
• Well-connected by metro & bus

Parnell is Auckland’s most exclusive district.

Considered the oldest suburb of Auckland, the area dates back to the early days of Auckland’s European settlement in the 19th century.

Parnel is characterized by its tree-lined streets, large stately homes, Edwardian-style townhouses, and art-deco villas dating back to the 1920s.

Its hilly topography allows for great views over Waitemata Harbour and the CBD.

Parnell Rise and Parnell Road make up the main arteries of this affluent district. The main attractions in the area include the Auckland Domain and Auckland War Memorial Museum, Ewelme Cottage, Judges Bay, and the Holy Trinity Cathedral.

This area is home to upmarket shops, art galleries and some of Auckland’s most luxurious restaurants.

Even though most of Parnell is made up of exclusive residential and retail developments, some budget hotels are to be found in this area.

Best Hotels in Parnell, Auckland

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7. Ponsonby: Best Location for Alternative Nightlife

Locatet west of the city centre, Ponsonby is a cool & exciting suburb full of history and great hotels in Auckland.

Why is this the best area to stay in Auckland:
• Fairly central
• Lovely restaurants, pubs & bars
• Auckland’s hipster neighbourhood
• Excellent boutique accommodations

Ponsonby is Auckland’s liveliest and most vibrant neighbourhood. This upscale area, located west of the CBD, is the best neighbourhood to stay in Auckland if you are a young traveller.

With a hipster, bohemian and relaxed atmosphere, Ponsonby is full of charming boutiques, trendy cafes, bars and restaurants, all just 10 minutes from the city centre.

This area is famous for its sophisticated shops and restaurants and some of the city’s best nightlife. Bars, nightclubs and concert halls in a youthful and vibrant atmosphere.

The area is connected to the city centre by bus. That said, walking to the Central Business District should only take around 20 minutes from Ponsonby Road.

There are only a handful of hotels in Ponsonby, but it is well worth staying here. Most of the properties here are boutique hotels and B&Bs with excellent reviews.

Best Hotels in Ponsonby, Auckland

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8. Mangere & Auckland International Airport: Best Location for a Stopover

Mangere is the suburb closest to Auckland Airport and, as such, offers a broad range of mid-range accommodation ideal for a long layover in Auckland.

Why is this the best area to stay in Auckland:
• AKL Airport
• Budget & mid-range accommodations
• Best area for a short trip or stopover

Auckland International Airport (abbreviated AKL) is the largest and busiest airport in New Zealand. It is located near Mangere, a residential suburb, and Airport Oaks, a service area 21 kilometres south of the city centre.

AKL is the domestic and international hub for Air New Zealand and other airlines, including Virgin Australia and Jetstar Airways.

If you are in Auckland for a mere stopover or want to stay near the airport during your last night, the best thing to do is spend the night at an airport hotel.

However, If you do not need to be near the airport and want to visit the city, it is best to look for accommodation in a more central district.

Best Hotels in Mangere & around Auckland Airport

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