Hotels to Huts: Where to Find the Best Accommodation in Auckland

Outdoors area at Warblers Retreat in Auckland

Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland is New Zealand’s biggest city, and a popular destination for Kiwis and international travellers alike. The city of sails, as it is fondly known, has much to offer with great food, nightlife, natural beauty, culture and shopping... The list goes on and on.

When planning a trip here, one of the most important decisions is where to stay, and we’ve got you covered with all kinds of recommendations for accommodation in Auckland. Whether you are after 5-star luxury in the city with all the trimmings, something more unique and boutique, or a budget-friendly gem – here are some of our picks.

Words by: Julia Rutherford
Photos: Supplied

Retreats

Auckland accommodation doesn’t get any better than these retreats, situated away from the hustle and bustle. Take the time to rest, relax and enjoy your surroundings, all while enjoying top-notch service and facilities.

Castaways Resort

685 Karioitahi Road, Waiuku, Auckland

Castaways Resort is a slice of heaven found on Auckland’s West Coast, and with views across Karioitahi Beach, it is the perfect coastal accommodation spot. Relaxation is the name of the game at Castaways and all the amenities are on site, from an excellent restaurant and bar to the Balinese-inspired day spa.

Warblers Retreat

8/361 Paremoremo Road, Albany, Auckland

Another incredible spot to head to for some downtime and a de-stress moment, is Warblers Retreat. Only 25km from Auckland’s CBD, you feel like you are worlds away as nature envelops you. Take a spa by a waterfall, go on a walk through native bush or try some reiki in the Sanctuary at Warblers.

Hotels

Designer hotel looking from the rooftop terrace into the bedroom with views of Auckland city in the distance

Luxury City Accommodation

If you are looking for a bit of a treat and to stay in a hotel that has rave reviews you are in luck, as there are a number to pick from in Auckland. Location wise you can choose to be right in the heart of the city centre with views of the harbour, to city-fringe suburbs that have a personality all of their own. Whether it’s a luxurious stay with amenities aplenty like Hotel Britomart or Park Hyatt or something smaller and curated like The Convent Hotel or Hotel Fitzroy, there are places to suit all preferences. Looking more? Check out our full guide to the best luxury hotel accommodation in Auckland.

B&Bs

For the bed and breakfast fans out there, the city has a lot to offer, and they are a great choice when looking for accommodation in Auckland. There’s the comfort factor, of course, and the personal touches and time spent with your host, which often leads to the best tips and advice for exploring the city - not to mention a great breakfast each morning.

The Ponsonby Manor

229 Ponsonby Rd, Ponsonby, Auckland

Located in the heart of Ponsonby, this lovingly-restored Victorian mansion serves as a peaceful haven when you want to relax, whilst also being close to some of the best restaurants and shopping in Auckland. With a spacious outdoor setting and beautifully appointed rooms, The Ponsonby Manor is a great option when looking for accommodation in Auckland.

Franklin38

38 Franklin Road, Ponsonby, Auckland

Also found in the desirable location of Freemans Bay in Ponsonby is Franklin 38, offering B&B accommodation at its very finest. This extensively renovated Victorian villa has maintained old-world charm with its period features, but has all the up-to-date furnishings you would expect to find in a 5-star hotel. Most suites have city views, all are provided with Nespresso machines and the bathrooms are stocked with the much loved New Zealand care range Ashley & Co. All this and you’re just a stone’s throw away from the action on Ponsonby Road and at the CBD.

The Grange Auckland

108 Grange Rd, Mt Eden, Auckland

The Grange Auckland is another example of a historic villa finding new life as a B&B  in the popular suburb of Mt Eden, on the fringe of the city centre, with plenty of cafes and restaurants nearby, as well as Eden Park. You will feel at home at The Grange, with warm hospitality from your hosts, welcoming comforts and a delicious breakfast. 

Boutique Accommodation

Sometimes you just want something a bit different, unique and special. When it comes to accommodation in Auckland, this type of boutique stay is in hot demand and here are two of the best options around Tāmaki Makaurau.

216 Luxury Accommodation

216 Oaia Road, Muriwai Beach Auckland

A 35-minute drive from downtown Auckland gets you to Muriwai Beach and the fantastic 216 Luxury Accommodation. This property is very private and provides two architecturally designed suites, giving guests uninterrupted views across the wild and majestic west coast of Auckland. Enjoy sitting outside on your own deck taking in the scenery, or cosy up inside by the electric fireplace.

Rainsong Retreat

271 Ararimu Valley Road, Helensville, Auckland

Take an architecturally designed eco-American barn, throw in some stunning native bush, birdlife and tons of serenity, and you have the Rainsong Retreat. Only 25 minutes from the centre of the city, this boutique escape to nature is perfect for a romantic weekend away for two. Soak in the outdoor bathtub with a glass of wine in hand, relax on the porch with a good book or get out into your surroundings.

Glamping

Glamorous camping, or glamping as it is more commonly known, combines the best of both worlds, getting out into nature but with much more comfort than your classic tent and blow-up mattress provides. This type of accommodation in Auckland is incredibly popular and there are some special and unique glamping spots around.

Glam Camping At Castaways

685 Karioitahi Road, Waiuku, Auckland

As well as being a luxury retreat, Castaways also offers glamping sites on its extensive property in Waiuku. If you are a couple wanting to enjoy a getaway together, there are special off-the-grid sites designed exactly for you, with the choice of ocean or native bush settings. The Glam Camping at Castaways also caters for bigger functions such as conferences and weddings, and is a destination to keep in mind if you are organising an event like this and need to provide accommodation in Auckland.

Bethells Luxury Retreat

93 Bethells Road, Waitakere, Auckland

Nestled amongst the native bush and only 8 minutes from the ruggedly beautiful Bethells Beach, is this great glamping site. With a luxury safari tent imported from the Netherlands, the comfort and uniqueness factors here score a 10/10! You have a kitchen equipped with everything you need to make amazing meals, an outdoor bath to relax in and a firepit for a cosy night in.

Staydium Glamping

Eden Park, Gate C2, Walters Road, Kingsland, Auckland

In terms of unique and different stays, Staydium Glamping might just take the cake when it comes to booking accommodation in Auckland. These two glamping domes are situated in Eden Park itself, and if you happen to get a booking on a game day, you might just have the best seat in the house! It’s a different type of glamping experience with nature replaced by stands of sports fans and your favourite players taking to the field in front of you.

Camping

Whilst glamping might be some people’s preferred mode of accommodation, there is something nostalgic and special about a good ol’ Kiwi campsite. These days campgrounds offer plenty of amenities and are a great option for family holidays and groups of friends, while being budget-friendly. Whether you are pitching a tent, driving up the campervan or opting for a cabin, your options are endless when it comes to this type of accommodation around Auckland.

Poukaraka Flats Campground

75 Gordons Road, Waiheke, Auckland

The Poukaraka Flats Campground is located in the Whakanewha Regional Park on Waiheke Island and is a magical camping spot. Set back from a sheltered bay, the beach provides safe swimming conditions for all members of the family.  

Whangateau Holiday Park

559 Leigh Road, Whangateau, Auckland

Whangateau Holiday Park is on the Matakana coast close to Leigh and is right on the water’s edge. When you picture a relaxed, family-friendly campsite, Whangateau is probably the holiday park image you have in your head. They offer a range of different accommodation options, so just choose which best suits your needs. 

Piha Domain Camp

21 Seaview Road, Piha

Piha has been a popular camping spot for Aucklanders since the 1900s when families used to make a two day trek by horse to come to this piece of west coast paradise. Today, Piha Domain Camp provides family camping at its best, with fantastic facilities, a range of accommodation types and easy access to beaches, waterfalls and nature walks.

Cliff Top Campground at Ōmana Regional Park

2 Omana Beach Road, Maraetai

Ōmana Regional Park in Maraetai, in Auckland’s southeast, has spectacular coastal views across to Rangitoto and Motihue Islands. It’s also the location of the council-run Cliff Top Campground, which is a short distance from the beach and provides a top-notch holiday atmosphere for all campers who come here.