Our Favourite Area: Viaduct Harbour
Viaduct Harbour has an excellent location in the heart of Auckland, in a renovated old harbour that currently houses high-end restaurants, pubs and all kinds of leisure options that fill the area with life, both during the day and night.
This lively neighbourhood is located between the CBD and Victoria Park, a popular urban park with areas for skateboarding and cricket. In addition, you can get incredible views of the CBD skyline from the harbour.
The main attractions of Viaduct Harbour include the New Zealand Maritime Museum, with a collection that includes Polynesian and Maori ships, as well as all types of maritime crafts.
Viaduct Harbour is one of the best areas to stay in Auckland, New Zealand, if you want to discover the most touristic side of the city. However, it must be taken into account that the accommodation in this neighbourhood is not the cheapest.
Transportation in the neighbourhood includes the Britomart terminal within a 10-minute walk, making it an area with great connections.
Why is this a recommended area to stay in Auckland, NZ:
- Central location
Why Stay In Cbd
- The magnificent panoramic views at Aucklands landmark from Sky Tower, a 60 story architecture with hi-end restaurants
- Vibrant nightlife with a lot of cool clubs, bars, pubs and cafes
- Music venues around Karangahape Road
- A lot of choices in accommodation
- Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki and New Zealand Maritime Museum
Where To Stay In Waitakere
- Quality Hotel Lincoln Green Built around a tranquil garden for guests to unwind in, the low-rise Quality Hotel Lincoln Green invites the outdoors in with lush plants and private balconies and terraces overlooking the greenery. Contemporary-styled guest rooms all come complete with a luxury pillow menu, while an on-site restaurant and bar provide options for relaxing outside of your room. While it may not have its own pool, this 4-star hotel does offer guests complimentary swimming passes for the West Wave Pools and Leisure Centre just a short walk away.
Recommended Reading: Vacation Rentals Houghton Mi
Final Thoughts On Where To Stay In New Zealand
New Zealand is a dazzling country with some of the best scenery in the world making it a must visit for any traveller! The laid-back culture and friendly locals make it an easy destination to navigate for those taking their first backpacking trip, and more experienced visitors will love the adventure activities and unique cultural attractions.
Were pretty spoiled for choice when it comes to the best place to stay, but Wellington took our top spot overall due to its central location! This is a great base for exploring further afield, and provides an excellent overview of life in New Zealand.
That being said, this beautiful country is really best explored by taking a road trip through the different regions so we hope you will manage to make it to a few areas on this list.
Did we miss anything? Let us know in the comments!
Do you own or run a kick-ass hostel? Want to be featured on this list? Get in touch at
Top Things To Do In Cbd
Shop till you drop along Queens Street and discover quaint boutiques on the nearby Vulcan Lane.
Admire the diverse works in the popular Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki.
Learn more about Aucklands seafaring heritage at the Voyager New Zealand Maritime Museum.
Snap a photo of the looming Auckland Sky Tower from afar before heading to the observation deck for awesome city views. If youre feeling brave, try the SkyWalk or the even more daring Sky Jump.
Take a boat trip to spot whales and dolphins.
See the statues in Aotea Square.
Visit the Auckland War Memorial Museum.
Relax in the pretty Auckland Domain, a large park with a volcanic cone, statues, leisure facilities, play areas, and plenty of greenery.
Soak up the views from Auckland Harbour Bridge. Daredevils can sign up for an exhilarating bungee jump.
Stroll around Albert Park, admiring the well-maintained flower beds and lawns.
Don’t Miss: Lodging In Winthrop Wa
Frequently Asked Questions About Auckland
Whats the best area to stay in Auckland?
The CBD , is the best area where to stay in Auckland, New Zealand, especially if youre visiting for the first time. It has big attractions, great places to eat and amazing hotels like The Grand by SkyCity.
How safe is Auckland at night?
Most areas in Auckland are safe at night, the city has a low crime rate but always avoid secluded areas in or outside the city centre.
Where should I stay in NZ?
In the North Island you should stay in Auckland, Wellington and Rotorua, on the South Island Christchurch, Wanaka and Queenstown are all good places to stay.
What are the best places to stay in Auckland near Sky Tower?
The Grand by SkyCity is the best place to stay in Auckland, which offers amazing services, great views of the harbour, and a spa. Or you can stay at the CityLife Auckland which is just a couple of blocks from the Sky Tower.
How much does it cost to stay in a hotel in Auckland?
The overall prices of the hotels in Auckland, New Zealand are medium, the luxury hotels have an average price of $280, the mid-range ones $180, and the budget hotels $90.
What an eventful trip! I hope youll have double the fun I had when I wrote this post about where to stay in Auckland. Youre probably on your way to the airport by now! Im sure this article will help you find all the best areas, hotels and restaurants in the inner city.
Have an amazing holiday,
Top Things To Do In Parnell
Hit up La Cigale French Market, held each weekend, for an array of tasty treats. From freshly brewed coffee and tempting pastries to fresh produce and French-inspired dishes, theres much to enjoy here.
Enjoy the colours, sweet fragrances, and peaceful air in the pretty Parnell Rose Gardens.
Discover fascinating art galleries filled with eye-catching works.
Satisfy your sweet tooth at Chocolate Boutique.
Take a stroll to the nearby Judges Bay.
Travel back in time to the colonial era at Ewelme Cottage.
Contrast the Holy Trinity Cathedral, a contemporary place of worship, with the charming St Stephens Chapel.
Swing by the Kinder House, one of Aucklands oldest stone-built buildings.
Cool off with a dip in the salt-water pools at Parnell Baths, which also has sunbathing areas and water play areas for kids.
Read Also: What To Do In Winthrop
Things To See And Do In Auckland
While youre in Auckland be sure to visit Waiheke Island & the other Hauraki Gulf islands. Or perhaps take a stroll in an ancient Kauri forest. Youll want to take a swim at one of the black sand beaches on Aucklands rugged West Coast. Then shop til you drop in Newmarket, Britomart or Takapuna. Alternatively you can just enjoy the sights and sounds of Auckland CBD from the comfort of your Auckland Hotel.
Get out of your hotel and climb one of Aucklands many volcanoes, after all theres 50 to choose from. You wont be able to climb them all so try Mt Eden, One Tree Hill, or Devonports Mt Victoria. Theyre tied, first equal best for the title of Aucklands best views.
If youre visiting Auckland in Summer then you must take a swim at Piha beach, Takapuna or Mission Bay.
Auckland Restaurants and Nightlife
Aucklands restaurant scene is bursting with flavours from all over the world. If youre here over the weekend youll find out that after the sun goes down Aucklanders love to party. Viaduct Harbour is the most popular late night destination for tourists, however some of you will enjoy the more edgy vibe of Aucklands night clubs on K Road and Fort Street, or the cool restaurants and bars in Britomart.
Top Auckland Attractions
And dont miss out on Aucklands top attractions including the Auckland Art Gallery, the Zoo, the Auckland Museum, the , Kelly Tarltons Aquarium, and the Sky Tower. Check out the best activities for teens in Auckland.
Devonport Neighborhood Where To Stay In Auckland For Families
Located on the North Shore, the seaside neighbourhood of Devonport is filled with history and Maori heritage. Theres plenty to see and do and its just a short ferry crossing away from the city centre.
The combination of beaches, attractions, amenities, peaceful air, and transportation links make this our choice for the best Auckland neighbourhood for families.
Read Also: Bed And Breakfast In Winthrop Wa
Glam Camping Castaways Auckland
Growing up in New Zealand, many of our favourite memories are school camps. You can now recreate that with family or friends at an escape an hour from Auckland.
Glam Camping at Castaways is found on the hills above the wild Karioitahi Beach. It’s most famous for its coastal tents, designed as a romantic escape for couples.
However, the resort is also home to a separate glamping village, which has 12 tents and 24 bedrooms making a capacity of up to 48.
On top of that, there’s a massive central marquee, dining room and outdoor firepit and pizza oven.
Nelson Where To Stay In New Zealand On A Budget
On the opposite side of the South Island, Nelson has a reputation as the sunniest city in New Zealand! Despite its popularity with Kiwis as a staycation destination, Nelson offers some of the cheapest accommodation in an otherwise notoriously expensive country. It has an abundance of hostels across the city, with some excellent attractions that are either cheap or free.
RnDmS
Nelson is the main gateway to the Golden Bay region, famed for having the most beautiful beaches in the country! There is a popular hiking trail through the area, but if youre only staying for a short while there is a coastal neighborhood a short walk from Nelson with some excellent seaside attractions.
Recommended Reading: Vrbo Calumet Mi
Best Places To Stay In Wellington:
Despite being the capital, Wellington is only the third-largest city in New Zealand making it quite easy to get around! There are only a couple of neighborhoods in Wellington, but theyre worth checking out. The compact city centre is walkable, and the outer suburbs provide a calm getaway whilst still benefiting from great public transport.
Stylish Cottage
Best Airbnb in Wellington: Stylish Cottage
Airbnb Plus is a selection of the websites most stylish apartments and all of them come with excellent customer reviews! This lavish pad in the Mount Victoria area of the city is well connected to the city centre, whilst still enjoying a peaceful neighborhood where you can unwind at the end of the day. Sleeping up to two people, this would be a great pad for solo travellers and couples.
Best Hostel in Wellington: The Dwellington
The Dwellington aims to go above and beyond your usual expectations of a hostel and bring a touch of luxury to your backpacking experience! With vast common areas, the Dwellington has a social focus that includes tennis courts, a cinema room and a huge communal dining and cooking area. The dorms are equally spacious, and a complimentary breakfast is included making it a real good choice for backpacker accommodation in Wellington.
Best Hotel in Wellington: U Boutique
Cbd Where To Stay In Auckland For First
Urban lovers, this ones for you! I always thought that people who work or live in a vibrant and modern financial hub like the Auckland CBD are super courageous! Me, I love spending a few days in the City Centre and enjoying all the perks of a trendy spot. This cosmopolitan area is the heart of Auckland is where you want to stay if youre visiting the city for the first time.
Huge skyscrapers, art galleries, and theatres, theres no chance youll get bored here. Instead, youll need one or two days more to get the full experience of this fun town! And if youre thinking about adding a few more days to your trip, count some extra so you can stay in other parts of the North Island, here are some of the coolest destinations that youll find.
CBD is located 20 km away from the Auckland Airport. There are tons of attractions like the Viaduct Harbour, and they are all located within walking distance but the queen is definitely the SkyTower of Auckland. Its the citys symbol and where you can try bungee jumping! Now thats a thrill! Would you be up for it?
Thats not the only cool thing in the CBD though, if you walk along Queen Street youll find tons of friendly faces, nightclubs, bars, and restaurants that serve all types of cuisines!
Now lets find Aucklands best hotels:
Read Also: Places To Stay Near Winthrop Wa
Sky Tower: Top Of The Southern World
The tallest manmade structure in the southern hemisphere, this observation tower is an icon of the Auckland skyline. There are endless opportunities for entertainment on the various levels of the tower, from gambling to dining. There is a casino at the base, an observation deck, a 360-degree restaurant higher up, and most thrillingly, the SkyJump. The 630-foot bungee-jump from the 52nd floor of the tower is for the greatest of dare-devils, but witnessing the experience is a must.
Best Hotel In Auckland: Oaklands Lodge
Located in the lovely Mount Eden area, Oaklands Lodge offers tranquil living close to the action. There are double and twin rooms with shared bathrooms that are split by gender.
There are BBQ facilities in the garden and theres also an indoor communal area where you can work, socialise, read, and relax. Luggage storage is available, there are laundry facilities, and Wi-Fi is free.
Backpacking Auckland can be very confusing when looking at the different areas. The Greater Auckland area is made up of four cities: Auckland, North Shore, Manukau, and Waitakere. Auckland is home to the major inner city areas, North Shore is modern and cool, Manukau has large ethnic populations, and Waitakere is a major wine-growing region. These four cities are well connected by road networks and public transportation systems.
Youll find many accommodations, restaurants, bars, and attractions in the bustling CBD. Remuera is the most affluent area of Auckland and the seaside neighbourhood of Mission Bay is another wealthy part of Auckland.
Parnell is another well-to-do suburb, with nice residential areas and within easy reach of the heart of the city. Its trendy, calm, and has plenty to do and see. Nearby Newmarket is a shoppers paradise.
Ponsonby and Herne Bay are cool, bohemian, and popular. They have unusual boutiques, cute cafes, a terrific live music scene, and heaps of interesting art galleries.
Read Also: Where To Stay In Bologna
Where To Stay Near Auckland Airport
The best hotel near Auckland Airport is the Ibis Budget. Its literally right next to the airport you could walk there from arrivals in about fifteen minutes. Its also perfectly located by some food options a bunch of fast food places and a full sized supermarket. For that area its also very reasonably priced. Get the latest rates here.
If you want to actually stay inside the airport complex itself, you can stay at the Airport Novotel. Its a very snazzy hotel and youll see it as soon as you walk out of arrivals. Its also connected to the terminal by an overpass. More expensive than the Ibis but very comfortable and if youre looking for places to stay near Auckland Airport this is the one, you literally cannot find anywhere nearer!
There it is. Any questions, leave them in the comments, Im always happy to help.
Enjoy Auckland!
Best Places To Stay In Rotorua
Rotorua is a small town with most accommodations based in the centre! This is also one of the best areas in Rotorua if you want to see the main attractions. If you want a more peaceful getaway amongst the local scenery, there are also a couple of great hostels, a few lodges and private villas located along the coast of Lake Rotorua and in the mountains.
Tihi Retreat
Best Airbnb in Rotorua: Tihi Retreat
Airbnb Luxe is the most upmarket service the website provides alongside stylish homes, you can also opt for added extras including car rental, spa services and private drivers! This stunning home is just outside Rotorua, and comes with gorgeous views of the surrounding countryside. It sleeps up to nine people, making it a great pick for larger families.
Best Hostel in Rotorua: Funky Green Voyager
This is one of our favorite hostels in Rotorua, especially because its a great pick for environmentally conscious travellers! It comes with a large garden area, including composting facilities, as well as complimentary bike hire for guests to easily get around the Lake Rotorua area. As hostels tend to be more family-friendly in New Zealand, families can benefit from the four-person private dorms if they want to save some cash.
Best Hotel in Rotorua: Regent of Rotorua Boutique Hotel
You May Like: Places To Stay In Houghton Mi
We Live In Auckland So Enjoy The Sights Regularly
We live in Auckland so enjoy the sights regularly. Devonport is a must with shops walk up Mt Victoria and North Head and visit the Naval Museum. Muriwai gannet colony and the beaches on the west coast are awesome to explore Waiheke island is just a ferry ride from Auckland and there you find wineries beaches and a whole different culture to explore Auckland is a great place to visit.
Best Places To Stay In Auckland
Whilst Auckland is quite large, most of the hotels and tourist attractions are based in the Central Business District! This is were you find quite a few of Aucklands hostels as well. The North Shore offers a more laid-back atmosphere, and the islands are popular destinations if you want to avoid the urban feel. These are all easily accessed by ferry from the main harbour.
M Social Auckland
Best Airbnb in Auckland: Sounds of the Sea
Another excellent Airbnb Plus property, this studio is actually located on Waiheke Island. Whilst outside of the city proper, Waiheke Island can easily be reached by ferry and is a popular getaway with both tourists and locals! If you want a romantic break in one of the warmest parts of the country, this studio gives you easy access to all of the vineyards and restaurants, and is only a short walk from the beach.
Best Hostel in Auckland: Haka Lodge Ponsonby
Haka Lodge has long been one of the most popular backpacker chains in New Zealand and if you want to mingle with other travellers, this is a fantastic option! It is located in the desirable Ponsonby neighborhood, giving you quick access to some of the best boutiques and independently owned cafes as well as the large Auckland Domain public park. It is one of the best-rated hotels in the city.
Best Hotel in Auckland: M Social Auckland
Don’t Miss: How To Stay In Sinus Rhythm After Cardioversion