Best places to stay in Auckland
Auckland is home to breathtaking landscapes and surrounded by two large harbours. As the major city just north of New Zealand’s North Island, it is the centre for yachts, cafés and endless opportunities. Auckland is home to the Auckland Domain, which is the oldest park in the city, complete with an inactive volcano, and right next to downtown you have Mission Bay Beach with its large seaside promenade. The city has over 1.3 million residents, but you never feel as though it is crowded. Even during peak tourist season, there are plenty of places where you can go and feel as though you have the city to yourself.
Inner City
Inner City does not necessarily have a start or an end, but it encompasses most of the central business district (CBD). Here you have the major hotel chains and most of the attractions, including the Viaduct Harbour. You also have the edgy areas of town where there are hip and trendy boutiques to explore. If you do not want to rent a vehicle, Inner City is where you want to stay. In the middle of the CBD, you have CityLife Auckland, which is a contemporary, sleek hotel. The Copthorne Hotel Auckland City is another good choice because you can walk to just about everything in the CBD from there.
Herne Bay and Ponsonby
Here you are in the classic Auckland area. Everything is in Herne Bay, including the best eateries, clubs and cafés. The rich and famous frequent the area, and on Karangahape Road you find nightclubs and pretentious eateries. There is a gamut of massage parlours, tattoo shops and ethnic stores too. Abaco on Jervois is a short distance to Downtown Auckland but helps you escape the city’s bustle. It offers comfortable studio-style apartments for short-term stays.
Newmarket and Parnell
If trendy and sophisticated are the type of accommodations you want, then the Newmarket and Parnell neighbourhoods are where you must park yourself for the trip. Parnell Village is charming and has boutiques along with award-winning restaurants. Newmarket is perfect for fashion shoppers, and you can find a quaint bed and breakfast in his neighbourhood. Quest Parnell has apartment-style rooms complete with kitchens, and the Quest Newmarket is just a few blocks away.
Mission Bay
Mission Bay is the wealthier seaside neighbourhood, and here you find upscale luxury accommodations. You are not in walking distance to the city, so you either need a rental vehicle or take public transportation to reach the city centre. Book your rental car with momondo. In this area, try the budget-friendly ibis Auckland Ellerslie Hotel or the super swanky Kohi Beach Bed & Breakfast.
Devonport and Takapuna
These neighbourhoods are right along Auckland Harbour Bridge. Staying in Devonport means you do not need a rental car, and you can wander the village or take the ferry to the inner city zones. Stay at the Edwardian bungalow known as Parituhu Bed and Breakfast, which was recently renovated and is less than 3 minutes’ walk from Devonport village and the local beaches. You also have the Andelin Guest House, which is a beautiful Victorian property just 8 minutes from a local beach.
Cheap hotels in Auckland
New Zealand on a budget is quite possible. The ibis Budget Auckland Central is in the CBD and offers a convenient stay with continental breakfast every morning. The Waldorf Celestion Apartment Hotel Auckland is a modern apartment-style hotel with kitchens and balconies overlooking the city. The Kiwi International Hotel is close to the city centre and has an in-house eatery. If you want to be close to the airport, try the Auckland Airport Kiwi Hotel, which is a relaxed hotel close to the CBD and airport shuttle routes.
