Where to Stay in Auckland for The Best Trip

So, you’re visiting Auckland and wondering where to stay? It’s difficult to know where to stay in a place you’ve never been before. If only we had the power to get a trial period in accommodations beforehand. Maybe in the distant future, haha. But until then, we have the internet and bloggers (and maybe friends or family) to help you decide where to stay in Auckland.

However, articles about where to stay can be overwhelming, especially if you don’t know what you want. And I wholeheartedly believe where you decide to stay has a huge impact on your travel experience. So, this guide will have you reflect on what you want so that you can make the best decision about where to stay in Auckland for your travels. Then, I’ll share characteristics, unique features, and vibes of Auckland neighborhoods, along with accommodation recommendations for a variety of budgets.

You can think of it as dating—each area has a set of characteristics and qualities that may or may not align with what you want. You can swipe left or right until you find the perfect match for your trip. So, let’s try and match you with the best option.

Before Picking Where to Stay

To ensure the best match possible, you’ll want to know what you want. Before picking what neighborhood you want to stay in, answer these questions about what experience you want in Auckland. This will help you parse out what the best option is for you so that you have your ideal trip. The questions:

• What do you want to see in Auckland?
• Are you prioritizing sightseeing or do you want a local experience?
• Do you want a chill vacation or a packed itinerary?
• What are your travel interests?
• Will you be taking public transport or walking mostly?
• What do you want to be close to?
• What is your budget?

For example, if you or your group want to stay in a seaside area, your preference in where to stay will vary drastically with someone who wants to be near all the tourist attractions. However, a lot of neighborhoods will have a lot of overlap—a seaside neighborhood might also be close to tourist attractions. But what’s important is that it’s the best place for being close to the seaside. What you prioritize will influence where you stay in Auckland and how satisfied you’ll be at the end of your trip. That’s what makes the best trip for you!

How to Choose the Right Accommodation

Now that you know what you want to do, what your priorities are, and where you want to be, it’s time to choose the right accommodation for you. Do you want a private apartment? Or do you want a no-frills hotel room? Are you okay with a hostel? Or do you want a luxury experience? Knowing what kind of accommodation you want will help narrow down the options greatly. For example, I love home-stays with a local where I can feel like I am at home. I love getting to know my host and seeing their city through their eyes.

I’ll be offering accommodation recommendations for all different price-points for each neighborhood, and knowing what you want will help you make decisions. So, with that in mind, let’s plan where you’ll stay!

Where to Stay in Auckland

This is organized by what each neighborhood is close in proximity to, and ideally, you want to stay in places that are close to what you are interested in doing in Auckland. All the locations listed are within a 30 minute bus ride into Auckland’s CBD (or downtown area). Auckland is quite compact, which makes it convenient when visiting one place to another. But, the convenience of having your front door be a restaurant, museum, beach, or a park makes all the difference. So, here’s the best place to stay in Auckland.

For tourist attractions:

Downtown/Central Business District (CBD)/Viaduct Harbour

This is the best place to stay in Auckland for proximity to top tourist attractions like the Sky Tower, waterfront, or Auckland Art Gallery. It’s also the business district, meaning that there is high food traffic in this area. But that also means staying here is very convenient, where a convenience store, restaurants, cafes, and more are all within walking distance.

However, the downside to staying here is that it might be less clean than other parts of the city. There is also a lot of traffic during commuting hours and more fact paced than the rest of Auckland. Most of the hotels are concentrated in this part of the city, as its convenient for business trips and tourists. But as a result, it is probably the area with the most expensive accommodation.

Where to Stay in the CBD

Budget: Haka Lodge or Attic Backpackers

Price per night: ~$50-60 USD

These hostels are budget-friendly, ideal for solo travelers or those looking for a social atmosphere. Both have common areas for socializing, fully-equipped kitchens, and free Wi-Fi. They are also known for their hospitality and cleanliness (specifically, the bathrooms). No matter which you choose, you’ll be surrounded by good food, drink, and attractions. Additionally, Haka Lodge often organizes group activities for guests, as they have their own tour company across New Zealand.

Moderate: Airedale Boutique Suites

Price per night: ~$100 USD

Clean, airy, and stylish hotel on the popular Queen Street and also a walk away from the Auckland Art Gallery and Town Hall. The beds are comfortable and many patrons rave about the breakfast and food here. Amenities and service is also raved about! It’s the best 5-star hotel experience without the 5-star hotel price.

Luxury: Sofitel Auckland, Park Hyatt Auckland, or the Hotel Britomart

Price per night: $250-400 USD

Some recognizable hotel brands and New Zealand’s first 5 star green hotel all offer luxury accommodations in stellar areas. All these hotels are on the waterfront, so you’ll have seaside views from your room. Sofitel and Park Hyatt are on the Viaduct Harbour, where million-dollar yachts park, and the Hotel Britomart looks onto the main wharf.

For a great dining scene:

Ponsonby

Ponsonby is renowned for its bohemian atmosphere, artist community, and dining. It’s characterized by amazing eateries, trendy boutiques, and art galleries and studios. The neighborhood exudes creativity and a laid-back yet chic ambiance. Most of the young Kiwis flock here on weekday nights and weekends, as has a great atmosphere for hanging out. You’ll find a diverse range of eateries, from hip cafes to upscale restaurants as well as a diversity in cuisine.

There are some drawbacks staying in Ponsonby, though. Since it’s a popular, trendy area, it can get quite noisy and crowded during peak dining time or on the weekend. Parking is limited as well, and there is less access to green spaces. And because of its popularity, accommodations are a little pricier.

Where to Stay in Ponsonby

Budget: Verandahs Parkside Lodge

Price per night: ~$60 USD

A friendly hostel in a villa that is situated perfectly on the corner of Ponsonby Road and Hopetown Street. It’s a 20 minute walk to the CBD and about a 3 minute walk to Ponsonby. It’s clean, spacious, and quiet. Everyone loves the reception and owner, as well as the kitchen and communal areas. It’s a great option for budget travelers looking for quiet, calm, quality, and convenience.

Moderate: Abaco on Jervois

Price per night: ~$100 USD

A modern motel that is a great bang for its buck. It’s close to shops on Ponsonby and Jervois Road, clean, and quiet. Like other accommodations in Ponsonby, it’s close to the city without the city noise and hustle. They also have free onsite parking for those driving.

Luxury: Hotel Fitzroy curated by Fable

Price per night: ~$200-300 USD

This 5-star boutique hotel is featured as one of the top 20 boutique hotels on the North Island and is in an elegant villa that is just a 5 minute walk away from Ponsonby Road. It is technically in Grey Lynn, but so close to Ponsonby. The hotel staff and service are friendly and top-tier, and the free breakfast is a great perk.

For a local living experience:

Grey Lynn

Grey Lynn is known for its strong sense of community. Residents and visitors alike appreciate the friendly and welcoming atmosphere, making it a great place to experience local Kiwi hospitality. People in Grey Lynn have a lot of pride for their neighborhood, and it shows. You can see its diverse and eclectic character through its heritage homes and array of independent shops, cafes, and galleries. It holds a bohemian charm that attracts those seeking a unique and authentic Auckland experience. There are also several parks and green spaces, with the most popular being Grey Lynn Park.

I stayed in Grey Lynn for my two week trip in Auckland and it was the best. I prefer local living and experiences, so this was the perfect fit for me. However, it might not be the best fit for someone seeking nightlife and city convenience. Ponsonby is about a 15-20 minute walk depending on where you stay, and a bus ride into the CBD takes about 15-20 minutes.

Where to Stay in Grey Lynn

Budget: AirBNB

Price per night: ~$40-60 USD

There are no hostels in this area, so your best budget friendly bet is to peruse Airbnb for rooms or accommodations in this area. The cheapest Airbnb options are available for solo travelers or a group of two looking for accommodation, as you could share a room in a house.

Moderate: The Surrey Hotel, The Convent Hotel

Price per night: ~$90-130 USD

The Surrey Hotel is in a Tudor-style building, but despite its traditional exterior, the interior is modern and refurbished. The hotel’s pub is traditional and plays nice jazz music, and both the pub and the restaurant have great atmospheres. The Convent Hotel is a unique boutique hotel that once was a former convent in a Spanish Colonial-style building. It was transformed during Covid and sold for 12 million dollars! The interior decoration is unique, with homages to its religious past, and the hotel also features a balcony with a bar. Ironically, both these hotels are literally across the street from each other, and are a block away from Grey Lynn shops.

Luxury: The Village Reserve

Price per night: ~$480+ USD

This premium group accommodation is in a classic villa that overlooks the beloved Grey Lynn Park. There’s a fully equipped kitchen, a spacious lounge, and 3+ bedrooms per floor. You can choose to book the upper or lower floor, or the entire house if you have a big enough group.

For a seaside vacation:

Takapuna/North Shore

Takapuna Beach is one of the closest beaches near the CBD—about a 10 minute drive—and is also one of the most popular beaches. It’s a picturesque, sandy beach that stretches 2.5 km, perfect for walking, running, swimming, and sunbathing. It also has a great view of Rangitoto Island and playgrounds for kids to enjoy. The coastline is also lined with shops, cafes, and restaurants, perfect for an afternoon snack.

While busy during the summer and on weekends, it can get pretty quiet on weekday nights. It’s perfect if you want a relaxing and quiet night away from the city, and the ocean gives it a calm atmosphere.

Where to Stay in Takapuna

Budget: N/A

Moderate-Luxury: The Spencer Hotel, Emerald Inn, Quest Takapuna

Price per night: ~$143-198 USD

Accommodations in this beach town are more expensive due to their location near several beaches and a lake. The prices per night aren’t quite luxury hotel prices, but not moderate either. It’s somewhere in between, hence the categorization. All these hotels offer elevated service and stunning views of the ocean. They are all also within walking distance to the Takapuna main area. The Emerald Inn on Takapuna Beach, in particular, is right on the beach, so you’ll get resort vibes for a good price.

Devonport

Just South of Takapuna is Devonport, a coastal suburb known for its maritime heritage character, historic charm, and pristine views. It has a strong maritime heritage, as it is home to the Devonport Naval Base and Torpedo Bay Navy Museum, which provides a comprehensive look into New Zealand’s naval history. Devonport features historic naval structures and buildings which add to its unique character. It also has well-preserved heritage buildings and Victorian architecture, on the backdrop of the Auckland skyline and Hauraki Gulf. It’s extremely charming!

The downside of staying in Devonport is that you have to take a ferry to get to Auckland, which can be inconvenient. Otherwise, you will have to drive up, around, and down to get to the city by bus or car. It also has a more peaceful ambiance than the city, and nightlife is mellow.

Where to Stay in Devonport

Budget: Esplanade Hotel

Price per night: ~$86 USD

If you want a historic stay, the Esplanade Hotel, which is in a historic 1903 building. It is one of Auckland’s oldest hotels, popular as a historic stay close the the beach and Mount Victoria. It also has harbour views and proximity to shops and restaurants. The prices are on the higher end of budget hotels, but is one of the cheapest in the area.

Moderate: Andelin Guesthouse, Admirals Landing, Devonport Motel

Price per night: ~$110-135 USD

The first two of these accommodations are couple-run bed and breakfasts! Admirals Landing is a cute and cozy bed and breakfast run by a couple, Howard and Joy Mace, who have backgrounds in health services. It’s in a beautiful Victorian style villa and offers free breakfast, laundry, a garden, and more. Next, Andelin Guesthouse is in a restored Victorian house built in the 1800’s. The rooms are spacious in traditional villa style and also stylishly refurbished. It’s run by a couple, in which the husband was raised in Devonport and wanted to open a luxury guesthouse. So you’ll get a touch of local flair with these accommodations! The hosts are incredibly generous and love sharing their stories about the area.

The Devonport Motel is a stylish and modern motel and a 3 minute walk away from Devonport beach. They offer self-contained accommodation, so you get to live like a local, so each room contains a kitchenette, a couch, and more.

Mission Bay

This seaside suburb in East Auckland is known for its sandy beach and scenic waterfront promenade. Like the other beaches, it offers a great view of Rangitoto Island and Hauraki Gulf. There are restaurants, cafes, and boutiques as well as parks and green spaces along the beach. It’s the perfect balance of shopping, dining, beaching, and walking. It’s great for those looking for a chill trip with access to the beach.

However, Mission Bay is extremely popular in the summer and on the weekends, as it offers an escape from the city life. It is also 30 minute commute from the city, making it less convenient to go to and from.

Where to Stay in Mission Bay

Budget: N/A

Moderate: Kohimarama Lodge, Kohi Bed and Breakfast

Price per night: ~$120

Kohimarama Lodge offers self-contained rooms and units that are all newly renovated and themed! You can stay in a maritime decorated unit, to Hollywood glam and modern Kiwi. Apart from being comfortable, the lodge is right across from Kohimarama Beach. For a boutique stay, Kohi Bed and Breakfast is run by a couple, Sonia-Jane & Christoph, half Kiwi and half German. They offer modern studios that are perfectly located between Kohimarama Beach and Mission Bay.

Luxury: Stay Coastal – Mission Bay

Price per night: ~$140-275 USD

Stay Coastal offers luxury boutique apartments with seaviews and a full kitchen. It’s situated right in front of Mission Bay and right behind the main stores and restaurants—they are literally your front yard! The waterfront is easily accessible; everything you need is within walking distance.

For a great shopping neighborhood:

Newmarket

Stay in Auckland’s best known shopping and entertainment district, where you’ll find boutique stores selling homeware and designer clothing, to the Westfield Newmarket shopping center. With this shopping haven, no doubt there are also restaurants and cafes lined along the streets as well. It’s also perfectly situated between Mount Eden and the Auckland Domain, two famous green spaces in Auckland.

This area is great for those looking for an energetic atmosphere, but the downside is that it can get crowded during peak hours.

Where to Stay in Newmarket

Budget: Airbnb

Price per night: ~$45-60 USD

There are some budget options here, however they are not hostels or traveler oriented, as most of them are halfway housing for people transitioning from housing. Your best budget bet is probably through Airbnb, where you can get a good room at a good price.

Moderate: Quest Newmarket, Edgerley Suites, Ramada by Wyndham Newmarket

Price per night: $115-160 USD

All these places are apartment hotels, meaning you’ll have a fully equipped accommodation. They all prioritize a home-like living environment, so you are comfortable and happy! It’s interesting that most of the accommodations around the shopping center are apartment style. Perhaps the businesses are catering to comfort, splurging, and shopping. Quest offers suites while Edgerley Suites and Ramada offer studios and apartments. However, the Quest and Ramada are right in front of the Westfield Shopping Center, which is perfect for shopping lovers. They are all modern and spacious and similarly priced, so you can’t go wrong with any.

Luxury: N/A

For a park or natural area:

Mount Eden

The Mount Eden village is a peaceful and quiet neighborhood at the base of Mount Eden with charming cafes, boutique stores, and local businesses. The neighborhood exudes a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, making it easy to explore. It has lots of historic houses, and a diverse culinary scene as well. Anywhere near the Mt Eden village center is within a 10 minute walk to the famous Mount Eden itself, which has a huge volcanic cone crater at the top. Great for hikes and daily exercise.

This area is not that close to nightlife, so it’s definitely for those looking for a local and quiet retreat.

Where to Stay in Mount Eden

Budget: N/A

Moderate: Eden Park Bed and Breakfast, Bavaria Bed and Breakfast, The Grange Auckland

Price per night: $130-155 USD

These are all Bed and Breakfast accommodations in Victorian houses with a lot of heritage. The rooms are elegant and spacious, and all three have free breakfast and a garden on the property. They are all close by to each other, and near Mt Eden Village proper, Eden Park, Mount Eden, and Mount Eden village. Staying here will give you a cultural and historic experience, while enjoying the nature and slower pace of life.

Luxury: N/A

Parnell

Just North of Newmarket is Parnell, Auckland’s oldest suburb, since 1841! It’s also one of Auckland’s richest suburbs—the median value of a home here is around $2 million NZD! Many houses here are Edwardian villas, with the occasional ultra-modern homes. Parnell is known for its beautiful tree-lined streets, art galleries, architecture, and proximity to parks like the Auckland Domain and Parnell Rose Garden, and views of the port. It’s extremely convenient, relaxing, and beautiful.

The downside is that things in this area may be more expensive than others.

Where to Stay in Parnell

Budget: Auckland Rose Park Hotel

Price per night: ~$86 USD

This hotel has a pool (one of the few that have one in Auckland) and is right across from the Auckland Rose Park. It has a restaurant in it and can host business or work conferences. The rooms are clean and simple, but comfortable. It’s on the higher end of budget (leaning towards moderate hotel pricing), but is quite budget for this area.

Moderate: Quest Parnell, Dove Cottage, The Parnell Hotel & Conference Center

Price per Night: ~$110-150 USD

Three different types of accommodations at similar price points! The Quest Parnell (as you’ve seen previously in other sections) is a hotel brand that has several across Auckland. It is a modern apartment-style hotel, and in a great location close to multiple parks. Dove Cottage is a bed and breakfast in an older home that offers a garden and balcony view. The Parnell Hotel is a standard business hotel, with clean and modern rooms, and a restaurant. It also has bay views in a relaxed area of Parnell.

Luxury: N/A

Booking Tips and Resources

Here are some tips before you book your trip to Auckland:

• Be aware of important NZ holidays.
• Avoid peak season.
• Check the weather.

Important NZ Holidays to Know

When planning your stay in Auckland, be mindful of New Zealand’s public holidays. Accommodations, attractions, and services may experience higher demand during these times, affecting availability and pricing. More demand means less supply and higher prices.

Here are important New Zealand holidays to know:

1. Waitangi Day (February 6th): Commemorating the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, this day is considered New Zealand’s national day. It reflects on the relationship between the indigenous Māori people and European settlers.
2. ANZAC Day (April 25th): ANZAC Day honors the soldiers of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) who served in World War I. It is a day of remembrance for all those who served and died in military conflicts.
3. Queen’s Birthday (First Monday in June): While the actual birthday of the reigning monarch (Queen Elizabeth II) may vary, New Zealand observes a public holiday on the first Monday of June to honor the Queen’s Birthday.
4. Labour Day (Fourth Monday in October): Celebrated on the fourth Monday in October, Labour Day recognizes the achievements of the labor movement and workers’ rights.
5. Christmas Day (December 25th): As in many countries, Christmas Day is a significant holiday in New Zealand.
6. Boxing Day (December 26th): The day after Christmas, Boxing Day is a public holiday marked by various activities, including shopping sales, outdoor events, and sports.

Avoid Peak Season

Auckland (and New Zealand in general) experiences a high travel season during the summer months: December to February (Southern Hemisphere!). Tourists flock to enjoy the warm weather and outdoor activities. If you plan to visit during this period, book everything in advance.

Check the Weather

Auckland weather has a reputation for having four seasons in one day (unlike Sydney) and never knowing when it is going to rain. However, in recent years, it’s been more chilly and rainy for more of the year than before. Additionally, Auckland summers are known to be hot and humid. During my trip, it was sunny one minute and started pouring the next. My friend and I had to duck for cover and buy emergency umbrellas at a pharmacy! Make sure you check the weather before booking your trip.

Book the Best Place in Auckland

After reflecting on the type of trip and accommodation you want, hopefully it is easier to choose where to stay in Auckland. There are so many different neighborhoods to choose from, ranging from the bustling CBD, to the local Grey Lynn, and historic Devonport. There’s an area and accommodation for everyone, and no one place is better than the other. The best accommodation in Auckland is the one that aligns best with your travel preferences and interests. High quality and comfort is one thing, but making sure you pick something you’re looking for is another. I have no doubt you’ll find the place for you in this lovely city. Happy travels!