New Zealand’s biggest city is a cosmopolitan metropolis built around the glittering waters of the Waitemata Harbour. Home to thousands of yachts, from tiny trailer-sailers to multi-million dollar super-yachts, Auckland’s nickname of “The City of Sails” is well-deserved. The nearby Hauraki Gulf is Auckland’s back yard, and the city revels in its proximity to the sea. Aucklanders love dining out and the city is crammed with superb restaurants. Its 5-star hotels take opulence and service to new heights yet still retain that friendly, casual attitude that Kiwis are famous for. Many of the city’s luxury hotels are clustered around the Viaduct Basin and you can step out of your door into a world of chic cafés and bars, right on the water’s edge. Nothing can beat sipping a glass of chilled South Island Sauvignon Blanc to the sound of haliards and downhauls tapping against the masts of moored yachts. Further afield, you can explore the forest-clad hills of the Hunua Ranges and the wild West Coast beaches such as Kare Kare and Piha. Escape your crowded house for a holiday on the shimmering shoreline of Auckland in one of our featured hotels below:
Rating: 8.7
A newly constructed boutique hotel settled along the esplanade of the Viaduct Harbour, the QT Auckland. The fashionable style of round and oval-shaped objects accentuates the surroundings of the luxurious hotel. Located in the bustling business district, it has views from the Waitemata Harbour, 2km away from Auckland Domain city park, and 4km away from the War Memorial Museum.
Colorful neons, reflected by the dominant round lights, add life and grace to the character of the rooms. QT exactly denotes “cutie” with lavish interiors of the round-shaped facilities, expressing unity among lovers, family, friends, or business associates. Union or reunion purposes extend in their connecting 2-3 bedroom units. Suite rooms present an added complement to a harbor view.
Originally hand-crafted decorations inspire you at the Esther to boost a stronger desire for a taste of their freshly picked seafood heartily adorned for an outstanding presentation. It serves all-day dining from breakfast to dinner. Soar high with the classic cocktails and contemporary wines at the Rooftop at QT, with a view of the city and the harbor at the peak.
Have a treat at QT’s health and wellness services. Maintain ultimate stamina at the fitness gym, hydrate in the spas, and beautify at the nail bars and hair salons. For venues and events, sparkle with the gleam of the skies and the harbor. Tailor any type of occasion at the expertise of the organizers.
Rating: 8.7
On the edge of the Princes Wharf in Auckland harbors a naval-inspired luxury hotel, the Hilton Auckland. A distinct feature of the hotel includes an outdoor lap pool with an underwater viewing window of marine life. The Wharf is a neighbor of live entertainment shops, restaurants, and bars, and a few minutes away walk from the downtown, New Zealand Maritime Museum, and The Cloud Convention Center.
Dressed in white bed sheets and floor finished aqua blue or maroon pink denote a relation to the navy suit and corals. Modern Italian furnishings with floor-to-ceiling windows allow a scenic view of the ocean. Balconies succeeded for a full breeze capture. The King-size bed gives you the best comfort in any form of siesta. A choice of twin-bed rooms is also available for better comfort and privacy.
The Fish Restaurant ensures serving the freshest seafood from the best of the ocean. Set with a fantastic harbor view, engross with the finest quality of dishes from breakfast to dinner. Feel on board a real ship with accents of inside halyards at the Bellini Bar. Refreshments of signature cocktail drinks, Twisted High Tea, and a pick of finger foods while you watch the maritime activity.
Burn those fats after a sumptuous meal at the fitness gym with a spacious area for warm-up exercises, and with ample equipment for extreme workouts. A dignified set-up with a water view deck of the 7 meeting rooms makes it suitable for corporate events. Another event place can accommodate up to a maximum of 750 persons.
Rating: 8.7
Auckland, one of New Zealand’s main capital cities proudly presents a luxury hotel, the Hotel Grand Windsor. Nestled in an ancient building of the year 1928, the hotel showcases epic accents of the past. Attention grabber classic chandeliers welcome you with supreme delight. Located in the prime city, this hotel guarantees you live entertainment, nearby wholesale and retail shops, and accessibility to the scenic waterfront.
Branded with “Sofitel my Bed”, all rooms are reconditioned in the style of the early 1900s, draped in pastel colors that stimulate senses. Royal themed rooms come in King and Queen size beds, Luxury, Junior, and Duchess suite. With high-speed wifi access, quality model television, working table, comfortable lounge, gorgeous tea sets where you can fill with organic teas, plus the world-known Nespresso machine with a variety of capsules.
The Cooke’s Restaurant and Bar envelopes you with highness as the Royalty sense of touch embraces you while you dine. Added creative accents to blend with the regal interior. Surprised knowledge that the name succeeded the original in the 1900s. It also retained its favorite dishes with a modern twist crafted by Group Executive chef Jinu Abraham.
Have a slouch at the jacuzzi or sauna after a tiring workout at the fitness gym. An upcoming spa available to guests and non-guests prepares you with expert therapists for a total restoration with the option of dining and accommodation. They also cater to events of all occasions, ensuring the sincere assistance of their dedicated team.
Despite popular belief, Auckland is a vibrant, exciting city that you will want to leave your luxury hotel to explore. Auckland offers plenty of fun activities, stunning scenery, and fine-dining experiences. Here are seven fun things to do and see during your time in Auckland.
1. Dine with a view at the Sky Tower
Sky City is one of the city’s most popular attractions, consisting of an observation deck (the Sky Tower), three hotels, over a dozen restaurants and bars, and even a casino! No matter how short your Auckland trip is, make time for an evening out at Sky City. While many of the restaurants here are fabulous, the rotating Orbit restaurant is the most unique. Located at the top of the Sky Tower, it gives 360-degree views of the city as the restaurant completes a full rotation every hour. This means you get a panoramic dining experience without even leaving your table. Plus, the kiwi-inspired à la carte menu is just as sensational as the view.
2. Scenic Helicopter Tour
For even more impressive views of the city, take to the sky by helicopter. These scenic tours not only soar over the city skyline but also over the nearby dormant volcano. For an extra taste of luxury, you can book a champagne sunset tour where you can enjoy the changing colours of the sky with a glass of bubbly in hand.
3. Enjoy a high tea harbour cruise
For a memorable afternoon and unique dining experience, book the high tea harbour cruise. As you enjoy a leisurely cruise around Waitemata Harbour, you’ll indulge in a classic high tea, including finger sandwiches, savouries and cakes, along with bottomless tea. There’s also the option to include a glass of champagne so you can toast to your Auckland vacation.
4. Explore the beaches and vineyards of Waiheke
Waiheke island not only boasts gorgeous white sandy beaches. It is also known as New Zealand’s ‘Island of Wine’ as it is home to many award-winning wineries. Plus, it’s only a 40-minute ferry ride from downtown Auckland, so it makes for a splendid day trip. Spend your morning on Waiheke beach hopping. Onetangi beach is the most extensive stretch of sand on the island and is great for water activities. Then, in the afternoon, go wine tasting at Cable Bay, Kennedy Point, and Mudbrick.
5. Bungee Jump from the top of Sky Tower
Queenstown legends AJ Hackett have brought their adventure spirit to Auckland, offering fun, adrenaline-filled activities. SkyJump allows you to leap off the Sky Tower with a stomach-turning 192m drop! If you’re not courageous enough for that, you can do the SkyWalk instead. With a full-body harness and overhead safety lines, you can walk around the 1.2-meter wide platform at the top of the tower.
6. Stargaze at Stardome Observatory & Planetarium
For an alternative but memorable evening, visit Stardome Observatory & Planetarium. In the observatory, you can gaze up into space through their huge telescopes. Then you can lay back and enjoy the planetarium show, which is a mesmerizing and profoundly relaxing experience. These shows run every night of the week except Mondays.
7. Dine at Auckland’s most exclusive restaurant
The fine-dining restaurant Pasture is the city’s most exclusive restaurant, which offers an almost private dining experience. This small independent restaurant purposely has just 20 seats to ensure every diner receives the highest-quality food and service possible. The restaurant serves one tasting menu specially curated for the season. Every dish is paired with wine or other alcoholic drinks. However, Pasture does not accommodate vegetarians or any dietary requirements. Instead, they offer an ‘eat what you are served’ approach, with complete confidence that you will love every dish. Therefore, if you’re someone who eats anything, you will have a fantastic evening at Pasture.