Where to Stay in Auckland | Hotels in Areas with Top Activities & Attractions

The City of Sails, as Auckland is affectionately known, is quite spread out, and each region offers its own share of unique experiences and attractions. For this reason, deciding where to stay in Auckland is sometimes tough. Luckily, getting around Auckland is easy, and neighborhoods are short distances apart. Even outlying regions like Waiheke Island are less than an hour from Auckland CBD, a can’t-miss destination in Auckland. Another option for travelers is to “hotel hop,” or book a couple nights in a few different neighborhoods. This is a great way for visitors to discover Auckland’s diverse culture and geography. These popular districts have hotels for travelers with small or large budgets and are great places to start a magnificent DIY tour of Auckland!

Auckland CBD

Every visitor to Auckland needs to spend at least one day exploring the central business district, but is it a great area in which to make a home base? The answer is absolutely, yes! Not only does Auckland CBD have a large selection of cheap hostels, short-term apartment rentals and luxury hotels, but it also contains some of the city’s most historic landmarks and popular attractions. Guests also will be treated to a slew of restaurants, art galleries, nightclubs, shopping spots and endless harbor views.

Things to do in Auckland CBD

• Sky Tower
• Queen Street
• Albert Park
• Auckland War Memorial Museum
• Auckland Harbour Bridge
• Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki
• Aotea Square

Hotels in Auckland CBD

Hilton Auckland

Cordis Auckland

St Martins Waldorf Apartments

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Ponsonby

Perfect for young travelers looking for nightlife and spunky hipsters who love wine bars and classy restaurants, Ponsonby is just a 10-minute ride west of Auckland CBD. The upscale neighborhood is known for its quaint boutiques, lively bars and posh dining establishments, but Ponsonby also features a fair share of nature, outdoor art and gorgeous gardens. The best part is that though Ponsonby screams posh, backpacker hotels are easy to find alongside 4-star boutiques and upscale hotels.

Top Ponsonby attractions

• Hukanui Reserve
• Kelmarna Gardens
• Three Lamps (historical landmark & shopping area)
• Ponsonby Central (cafés, bars, boutiques)

Recommended hotels in Ponsonby

Ponsonby Manor Guest House

The Great Ponsonby Art Hotel Bed and Breakfast

Haka Lodge Ponsonby

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Newmarket

The quaint district of Newmarket is popular for travelers who love to shop. The district is dominated by hot shopping spots like Westfield Newmarket, Rialto Centre and Newmarket Mall. Ponsonby also is home to Auckland’s unofficial Chinatown, where guests are guaranteed to find authentic Chinese food in family-owned restaurants. The area is serviced by Newmarket Station, and the train ride to Auckland CBD takes about 10 minutes. As far as hotels go, Ponsonby may have the lowest selection of budget hotels and backpacker hostels, but it contains a good selection of mid-range hotels geared toward business travelers.

Things to do in Newmarket

• Rialto Cinema
• Westfield Newmarket
• Rialto Centre
• Newmarket Mall
• Chinatown
• Archie’s Restaurant & Pizzeria
• Pearl Garden Restaurant

Top hotels in Newmarket

The Edgerley Suites

Haka Hotel Newmarket

New Market Cozy Room

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Parnell

Parnell is a sprawling district that offers everything from harbor views and a rocking rose garden to saltwater baths and volcano walks! The oldest district in Auckland, Parnell is known best for Auckland Domain, a volcanic crater that over time has been turned into a public park. The historic green space features museums, memorials, walking trails and the history of Pukekawa volcano.

Things to do in Parnell

• Parnell Rose Garden (Dove Myer Robinson Park)
• Auckland Domain
• La Cigale French Market, Café, Shop & Events
• Holy Trinity Cathedral
• Kinder House
• Parnell Farmers’ Market
• Auckland War Memorial Museum
• Domain Wintergardens

Best hotels in Parnell

City Garden Lodge Backpackers

Parnell Pines Hotel

Quest Parnell Hotel

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Viaduct Harbour (Basin)

This scenic little section doesn’t qualify as a cheap area for hotels in Auckland, but it certainly qualifies as one of the best places to book a luxury resort. Marine lovers and hopeless romantics will have a tough time pulling themselves away from Viaduct Harbour as it is situated on the waterfront, and views of incoming and outgoing vessels are available 24/7. Viaduct Harbour also is near Auckland’s Downtown Ferry Terminal which connects passengers to the city’s North Shore regions. Viaduct Harbour (or Viaduct Basin, as it is sometimes known) is a quick 10-minute walk from Auckland CBD.

Things to do in Viaduct Harbour

• New Zealand Maritime Museum
• Auckland Whale & Dolphin Safari
• Waitemata Plaza

Hotels in Viaduct Harbour

M Social Auckland

Latitude 37 Accommodation Ltd

Vibrant Viaduct Harbour

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