Auckland
The City of Sails
New Zealand’s largest city enjoys an unrivalled location on a narrow volcanic isthmus between the Pacific Ocean and Tasman Sea. Dubbed ‘The City of Sails’, its northern coastline is dotted with lovely safe swimming beaches and sheltered anchorages within easy reach of the city. And, for those who love the trappings of a thriving metropolis, it has many internationally-acclaimed restaurants and wineries, excellent shopping and entertainment, galleries, museums and heritage homes.
The City of Sails
New Zealand’s largest city enjoys an unrivalled location on a narrow volcanic isthmus between the Pacific Ocean and Tasman Sea. Dubbed ‘The City of Sails’, its northern coastline is dotted with lovely safe swimming beaches and sheltered anchorages within easy reach of the city. And, for those who love the trappings of a thriving metropolis, it has many internationally-acclaimed restaurants and wineries, excellent shopping and entertainment, galleries, museums and heritage homes.
Experience Auckland
- Take in the 360-degree views from Mt Eden, a dormant volcanic cone near the central city
- Relax on the beach – Auckland is home to some of New Zealand’s most stunning coastline
- Go sailing or take a cruise or the ferry to Waiheke Island, ‘the island of wine’ or enjoy lunch in Devonport
- Enjoy the spectacular views from the Observation Deck of The Sky Tower, tallest building in the Southern Hemisphere
- Visit Kelly Tarlton’s Antarctic Encounter and Underwater World
- Shop at fashionable Parnell or Ponsonby
- Take a tour to the black sand beaches on the West Coast and journey through the dense rainforest of the Waitakere Ranges
Here is a small selection of the accommodation available in the Auckland area, but we have many alternative Hotels, Apartments, B&Bs, Motels and Lodges to suit all tastes and budgets.
The Hotel Britomart Auckland
Britomart is a nine-block mix of contemporary and historic buildings, brimming with the city’s best shopping and eating experiences in the vibrant waterfront centre of downtown Auckland. In keeping with its dynamic location, the Hotel Britomart is soulful and smart, offering 99 sumptuous timber-lined rooms and five beautiful suites, all of which pair simple elegance with thoughtful touches. Beautifully tiled bathrooms, luscious hair and skincare products, organic cotton sheets and built-in sofas, as well as books and local artwork, all contribute to the soothing sense of escape.
Galway Room
The Hotel Britomart’s main entrance is on Galway Street, and these rooms look across this idyllic plant-filled little pedestrian boulevard and the rest of the Britomart neighbourhood towards the harbour.
Laneway Room
The cocoon-like Laneway rooms are designed to invoke peace. Take a long shower and relax on the cloud-like Super King bed.
Waitemata View Room
These rooms enjoy loads of natural light, so curl up in comfort, and relish the views across the port to the glittering Waitemata Harbour and the slopes of the North Shore beyond.
Heritage Auckland
Auckland’s historic Farmer’s department store has been lovingly transformed into a luxury hotel: Heritage Auckland. High ceilings, original jarrah timber columns and native timber floors capture the charm and character of the original 1920s Art Deco-era building, while the Tower wing, with its own separate lobby and entrance, reflects French-inspired antique designs. Yet, for all its historical influences, the hotel also offers modern conveniences such as a heated swimming pool, spa and gymnasium complex. With incredible 180-degree views overlooking the sparkling Waitemata Harbour and the Viaduct Basin, this is a glorious haven in which to relax and unwind.
Hotel Superior Room
The spacious 34-square metre Superior Room offers is perfect for the short-term or overnight traveller. Among the largest rooms of their type in the city, you’ll be within easy walking distance of the city’s many attractions. Disabled access rooms are also available on request.
Hotel Deluxe Suite
Luxurious suite accommodation provides an excellent choice for guests wanting a little more space. With 47-square metres, an open-plan lounge area is separate from the bedroom, offering all the conveniences of a hotel room with the added comforts of suite-style accommodation
Tower Superior Room with Harbour View
The spacious 35-square metre Superior Room in the Tower Wing offers comfort and convenience for the short-term or overnight traveller. Many have views looking across to the glorious Waitemata Harbour. Disabled access rooms are also available on request.
Tower Director’s Two Bedroom Suite
The huge 140-square metre Director’s Suite, offers full independent living in the heart of the city. With an expansive living room, two spacious bedrooms, two bathrooms with separate bath and shower, a fully appointed kitchen, plus laundry and outside space, it has all the conveniences of home, but with the comfort and style of a luxury hotel.
Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour
Inspired by New Zealand’s landscape and culture, this beautifully designed hotel is a true landmark destination. Situated in a unique maritime location between the vibrant Viaduct Harbour and the new Wynyard Quarter, it has panoramic views of Waitemata Harbour.
Superior Room with City Views and Luxury Room with Marina Views
Whichever the view, every guest room is a spacious 35-square metres. All luxuriously appointed bedrooms and suites feature Sofitel’s famous ‘MyBed’ mattress design on King or Queen beds for the perfect night’s rest. They also have private balconies, floor-to-ceiling windows, and oversized bathrooms with separate rain showers and deep-soaking bathtubs for complete relaxation. Tea and coffee-making facilities, including an espresso machine, LED TV with Chromecast and Movie-streaming system, high-speed Internet, ironing facilities, minibar and in-room safe complete the picture.
Deluxe Suite
Privacy and relaxation are guaranteed in the Deluxe Suite. With a separate living area, bedroom and spacious marble bathroom, there’s ample room to spread out. Views from the suite’s private Juliet balcony are enhanced by the tranquil internal water features. All rooms are exquisitely decorated, and feature Sofitel’s famous ‘MyBed’ mattress design, a work desk, tea and coffee-making facilities, including an espresso machine, LED TV with Chromecast and Movie-streaming system, high-speed Internet, BOSE sound system, ironing facilities, minibar and in-room safe. These suites include Club Millesime benefits, so an executive breakfast, afternoon tea, evening wines and cocktails will be yours to enjoy, while snacks and refreshments will be on offer throughout the day.
The Boatshed, Waiheke Island
Perched just above the sun-drenched bay and white sandy beaches of Oneroa, the main township, this hip little boutique hotel is chic in every sense. Its casual, yet elegant atmosphere is inspired by the early boatsheds that scatter the country’s shores. it offers five designer suites, two villas, and a spa, each with panoramic views over the ocean.
Boatsheds
The Boatsheds are reminiscent of a bygone era, of seaside cottages and lazy days on the beach. Each suite is luxuriously appointed to ensure comfort and has an open fire, complimentary treats and beach gear.
Lighthouse Suite
This is The Boatshed’s unique hideaway suite, with separate bedroom and dayroom. Climb the stairs to your own private haven at the top of The Lighthouse. Glass doors open to sundecks and the huge panorama of the Hauraki Gulf and its myriad of islands. The whitewashed, timber-lined bedroom is unashamedly romantic – wake up to glimmering waters and waves breaking across the bay.
Castaways Resort, Waiuku
Situated on the stunning clifftops of Kariotahi Beach, overlooking the mighty Tasman Sea, Castaways is just 50 minutes’ drive to the south-west of Auckland’s CBD and airports, yet feels like a world away. Facilities include ocean-view accommodation, an award-winning cliff-top restaurant, private venues, a gorgeous day spa and onsite activities. For entertainment, there are ten Sky channels to choose from, as well as stereo, DVD, and broadband internet. All accommodation is serviced daily.
Studio
Cleverly combining living area, en-suite bathroom and kitchenette, the studios are a great choice for a short getaway. Each has a private deck with sea views, and food preparation is easy with a cooking hob, microwave/convection oven, and tea and coffee-making facilities.
Executive Two Bedroom Chalet
Fully self-contained, with modern amenities, this executive chalet is designed to be a relaxing space far away from life’s stresses. The kitchen has all you need, with dishwasher, microwave, fridge-freezer and tea and coffee-making facilities. There is also a full laundry and two private en-suites.
Some of the experiences available from Auckland are outlined below, but there are many, many more, so please ask for details of any other activity you would like to include during your stay.
Auckland Highlights Luxury Tour including Sky Tower Entry
Explore the city on this small group tour visiting several ancient volcanoes, glorious beaches, the iconic Harbour Bridge, Westhaven Marina, Auckland Domain, and many other sights. Then see the city from on high, with ticket entry to Auckland’s iconic Sky Tower to round off your day.
Duration: 3 hours. Includes snacks and a water bottle.
Coast and Rainforest Walk
Enjoy a day of two halves: the first at the Arataki Visitor Centre within the Waitakere Ranges Regional Park, Auckland’s largest. From the Tasman Sea to the Pacific Ocean, the panoramic views are breathtaking, and you’ll experience the area’s rich history and admire the magnificent traditional Māori carvings. Experienced guides will take you into the regenerating rainforest, and explain about the local flora and fauna, with giant tree ferns growing alongside picturesque streams and cascading waterfalls. Then, for the second half of the day, your guide will take you out to the west coast to enjoy a kiwi-style picnic lunch at a scenic location. After lunch, you can walk the clifftop tracks with stunning views along the coast, then stroll along the soft black sand of a west coast beach, watching the surf waves crash in and feel the clear ocean breeze.
Duration: 7 hours. Includes picnic lunch and refreshments
America’s Cup Sailing Experience
The America’s Cup is the world’s oldest and most prestigious sporting trophy and ultimate yachting regatta. Usually the domain of billionaires and elite professional yachties, NZL41 and NZL68 crafts mean anyone can find out what it’s like to sail on these grand prix racing machines.
Duration: 2 hours
Rangitoto Island Volcanic Explorer
Enjoy a 25-minute cruise across the Waitemata Harbour to Rangitoto Island. On arrival your island guide will take you on a 4WD journey through rugged lava fields and native bush, telling you about the history and geology of the island. Once at the base of Rangitoto, it’s a 10–15-minute walk to the top for outstanding views. The return trip to the wharf will take in the western side of the island.
Duration: 5 Hours
Essence of Waiheke Wine Tour including Lunch
After your ferry crossing from Auckland, you’ll experience a scenic tour of the island by a knowledgeable local guide, visiting three of the Island’s top boutique vineyards for tastings and lunch, before returning to Auckland.
Duration: 7 hours including ferry travel
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