Auckland is one of the most popular travel destinations in New Zealand, and for good reason. With its unique way of life, proximity to the ocean, exciting cuisine, and stunning views, many travelers visit for the perfect mix of fine dining, history, culture, and entertainment.
Here, we have compiled the best neighborhoods to stay in during your visit to this vibrant city on New Zealand’s North Island.
Auckland CBD
Auckland CBD (Central Business District) is the most central part of the city. It is home to many of Auckland’s top attractions, making it a highly popular area to stay in while visiting.
Queen Street is the heart of Auckland CBD, offering a mix of historic landmarks, high-end fashion stores, and shopping. In recent years, the street has also been made more pedestrian-friendly, allowing for a more enjoyable strolling experience.
Depending on when you visit, you may also experience one of the city’s many festivals, as Queen Street serves as the main parade route for these events.
Rydges Auckland
This 4.5-star hotel offers spacious and comfortable rooms right in the heart of Auckland’s central district. The hotel is large and provides an exceptional atmosphere for your stay in Auckland. The breakfast is extensive, and guests are encouraged to take their time enjoying the wide range of options available. Room service is also available 24/7, making it a convenient choice for all travelers.
Many of the city’s main attractions are within walking distance, including museums and scenic walking paths with great views. This makes it a great option for families, solo travelers, and groups alike.
Ponsonby
Ponsonby is located just west of Auckland CBD and is one of the most vibrant and exciting areas in the entire city. This somewhat exclusive neighborhood has a lively and youthful atmosphere. Ponsonby is also home to some of the city’s trendiest restaurants and bars.
If you choose to stay in Ponsonby, you’ll never run out of things to do. Here, you’ll find cool surf shops as well as general shopping opportunities. When it comes to food, this area is a paradise for those who love trying new things.
Trendy bistros sit side by side with gourmet food trucks where you can grab something delicious to eat. In addition to offering a lot for food lovers, the area is also an interesting place to stay for art enthusiasts. There are a handful of small galleries that will give you a glimpse of modern New Zealand art.
Last but not least, if you stay in Ponsonby, you will have easy access to several areas in central Auckland. Perfect for those who want to stay comfortably in a fun and lively neighborhood.
Quest Ponsonby
Quest Ponsonby is a 4.5-star hotel of a smaller, more intimate size. It offers a perfect blend of modern and classic styles and serves a generous breakfast every morning, featuring both local specialties and American treats. In the cozy bar, you can enjoy exciting drinks, and the restaurant is open for both lunch and dinner. You can also order room service whenever you wish.
A stone’s throw from the hotel, you’ll find many popular restaurants and lively bars. There are also several great shopping opportunities nearby. This hotel is a great choice for all preferences and desires.
North Shore
The beautiful North Shore is an area north of Auckland’s city center, connected to the rest of the city by the world-famous Harbour Bridge. This area has a more local feel as it is primarily residential.
As the name suggests, this is a great neighborhood for those who want to be close to Auckland’s beach life. Some of the city’s best beaches are located here, attracting both locals and tourists alike.
There are also a large number of parks and nature reserves to explore in the area. Among the most popular is Maungauika/North Head Historic Reserve, a historical site offering spectacular views of Waitemata Harbour and Auckland’s skyline.
The area is also home to Takarunga/Mount Victoria, one of the best places to hike while you’re in Auckland.
Fernz Motel & Apartments Birkenhead
At this fantastic four-star hotel, you’ll stay in what can best be described as apartments, but with all the benefits of a hotel.
Enjoy a delicious breakfast in the morning, request concierge services for exciting performances and shows whenever you like, and take advantage of an incredible terrace where you can enjoy a drink.
Children can play in the lovely garden, and you can enjoy the convenience of cooking your own meals if you wish. It’s the perfect experience for those who want to feel at home, even while staying at a hotel.
The proximity to beaches and numerous stunning nature experiences ensures you’ll never run out of things to do while staying here. It’s the perfect option for families with children as well as adults traveling alone or with others.
Newmarket
Newmarket is a trendy, sophisticated neighborhood in Auckland. It is also the area with the most shops and malls, making it a prime destination for those who love shopping and entertainment. Newmarket is widely regarded as Auckland’s premier shopping district.
Although not the largest district, it is packed with modern buildings where you can watch movies and enjoy various entertainment options. In short, this is where locals go for fun, and whether it’s a weekday or the weekend, you’ll always find something exciting happening in Newmarket.
Ramada by Wyndham Newmarket
At this pleasant hotel, you’re guaranteed to have a great stay. The beds are large and comfortable, and the rooms are spacious. Every morning, a generous breakfast is served in the restaurant, and it’s all included in the room price.
If you want to end your evening with a nice drink, you can visit the hotel’s bar. You can also take advantage of the indoor pool if the mood strikes. It has generous opening hours.
Just a stone’s throw away, you’ll find everything you could wish for during your stay in Auckland. This hotel is perfect for all kinds of travelers, whether you’re traveling with children, other adults, or on your own.
Viaduct Harbour
Viaduct Harbour is a fantastic place to stay if you want to explore beyond the obvious choices when visiting Auckland.
Here, you’ll find world-class restaurants and great opportunities to take a boat tour out into the bay for a new perspective on Auckland while learning more about marine life. The harbor is also a popular spot to watch impressive boats arriving and departing every day of the week.
Much of Auckland’s waterfront and the Viaduct Harbour area come alive at night. If you’re looking for a fun evening, take a stroll down the strip of bars and clubs facing the bay. Queen Street is also easily accessible from Viaduct Harbour.
Ramada Suites Victoria Street West
This is a four-star hotel that offers the feel of a five-star experience. You’ll stay comfortably in stylish and modern rooms and can easily enjoy the delicious breakfast every morning.
The reception is happy to assist with everything from wake-up calls to information on how to get to specific attractions in the city.
The harbor is just a few minutes’ walk from here. Additionally, you are close to many other attractions in the city and will never feel like you need to travel far to experience what you dream of when visiting this place. It is an excellent accommodation for both children and adults.
Parnell
Parnell is located east of the city center and is an affluent area with a relaxed atmosphere. The district is well known for its wide selection of exclusive restaurants and boutiques. There are also several walking and cycling trails for those who enjoy staying active while traveling.
Parnell also has its own waterfront promenade. Here, you can take a stroll, swim in the large available pool, or why not bring a picnic and enjoy the view?
This neighborhood is the right choice for anyone looking for a comfortable place to stay—quiet and peaceful in the evenings, yet still close to everything Auckland has to offer.
The Parnell Hotel & Conference Centre
At the four-star Parnell Hotel, you can stay in fantastic surroundings while being close to everything Auckland has to offer. There is a lovely restaurant with a bar where you can enjoy breakfast and dinner. For those who need to work, there is also a business center.
This is simply a complete hotel, especially for those traveling with other adults or on their own.
Parnell Rose Gardens is just a few minutes away from the hotel’s entrance. You can also easily reach all other attractions in the city. In short, it’s a great hotel for those who want a smooth and comfortable stay during their time in Auckland.
Grey Lynn
Grey Lynn is something of a hidden gem for those visiting Auckland. It is well known as a bohemian area where you can find everything from cool bars and cafés to cozy restaurants and small eclectic shops where you can pick up something unique to take home from your trip.
Grey Lynn attracts many younger travelers, but in fact, there are also plenty of great experiences for all ages. In other words, it is a great choice for those looking for a charming neighborhood to stay in during their visit to Auckland.
The Surrey Hotel
At the four-star The Surrey Hotel, you stay in spacious rooms and can enjoy several great amenities offered by the hotel. There is a restaurant with a delicious breakfast, 24-hour room service, and a fantastic indoor pool where you can fully relax after a long day of sightseeing. The pool is, of course, exclusively for hotel guests.
The hotel attracts all kinds of travelers with different preferences and tastes, offering a comfortable stay without breaking the travel budget.
Thanks to its fantastic location in Grey Lynn, you can walk to numerous amazing restaurants and discover shopping spots you will love.
This means you can easily spend a day or two just enjoying the area before heading back into the city center to experience more of what Auckland has to offer.
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