Where to stay

Auckland is close to the tropical north of New Zealand, making it warm enough for swimming in summer. Mission Bay has Auckland's most accessible beach, lined with pohutukawa trees for shade. Find a vacation apartment along The Promenade here to be able to walk or cycle to the Auckland CBD (Central Business District). Devonport is the nearest beach neighborhood on the North Shore (formerly North Shore City) and it takes less than 15 minutes to get there by public ferry from the terminal in the Britomart area in Waitematā Harbour. Takapuna, also on the North Shore, and Orewa, along the Hibiscus Coast to the north, have even prettier beaches and a wide range of affordable accommodations.

When New Zealand's unpredictable weather is wet and windy, it's very convenient to stay in the Auckland CBD to make the most of the indoor activities in shopping arcades and covered malls. For designer fashion, look for accommodations in the Britomart neighborhood. This rejuvenated precinct between the Auckland CBD and the Waitematā Harbour has a well-connected transportation hub and is home to the La Cigale Market on Saturday mornings. Nearby Parnell also has the La Cigale French Market on weekends, as well as a historic shopping street and charming boutique hotels. Alternatively, book a comfortable hotel in upscale Ponsonby, at the opposite side of the Auckland CBD, to shop for vintage and designer clothing, and locally made arts and crafts. Across the harbor, Devonport is also great for a little retail therapy. Staying in this historic North Shore neighborhood across the Waitematā Harbour feels a lot like an island vacation.

The hotels near Albert Park and the artistic Aotea Square in the Auckland CBD will place culture lovers within strolling distance from the Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki and Aotea Centre for performing arts. Queen Street in particular has accommodations to suit every budget. Head towards its upper end to see the sculptures in Myers Park and attend the street's Q Theatre for a great night out. Nearby Newton, with its "K Road" nightlife precinct and little art galleries, has an artistic, anything-goes atmosphere. The colorful creations of Auckland's large Polynesian community make the Otara Flea Market in South Auckland a joy to visit for art and music lovers (and foodies!). Find a place to stay in Mangere to be close to the Māngere Arts Centre - Ngā Tohu o Uenuku, with its Māori and Pacific artworks and performances, as well as the Auckland International Airport (AKL)

Hotels in the Auckland CBD, Grafton and Parnell neighborhoods are closest to the beautiful green spaces in Albert Park and the Auckland Domain. Just to the south, the volcanic cone of Mount Eden (Maungawhau) is a popular attraction for its wonderful city and harbor views and the surrounding Mount Eden neighborhood also happens to be a great place to stay, with its always popular shops, cafés and restaurants. Mount Wellington (Maungarei) and One Tree Hill (Maungakiekie) also have beautiful nature trails. By booking a hotel in the Mount Wellington or Greenlane-Ellerslie neighborhoods, avid walkers can explore these volcanic peaks at their leisure. For the quickest access to the even more impressive Māngere Mountain, with the remains of a Māori pā village and Otuataua Stonefields, find a hotel in Mangere near the Auckland International Airport (AKL).

By staying in the central Auckland Waterfront area, families can explore the New Zealand Maritime Museum and the revamped Wynyard Quarter, which is like one big outdoor playground. Family-friendly accommodations in the Auckland CBD range from luxury hotels and short-stay apartments with harbor views, to high-rise hotels around the city's landmark Sky Tower, where daredevils take off on bungee jumps. Westmere and Point Chevalier are great neighborhoods to book a hotel because of their access to scenic picnic beaches near the Auckland Zoo. The Rainbow's End Theme Park in former Manukau City (now Manukau Ward) is always a hit with kids. By finding a hotel here in South Auckland, animal-loving families can pet the residents of the Ambury Regional Park, a working farm in Mangere, on the way back from the theme park.