Eight hotels with the best views of Auckland

Are you looking for accommodation in central Auckland where stunning views are part of the deal? Then look no further, because this vibrant harbour city has more than its fair share of hotels that offer enchanting outlooks, with rooms that make the most of the spectacular vistas. Whether you’re visiting for culture or sport, fine dining or a taste of the great outdoors, we have the perfect hotel for you.

The Hotel Britomart – 29 Galway Street

If you’re looking for style and sophistication when visiting the urban oasis of Auckland, check out The Hotel Britomart. Not only is this contemporary establishment passionate about sustainability, it’s also committed to making sure every detail of your stay is as elegant as can be. This starts at check-in – where a tōtara tree grows out of the reception desk – and extends to every element of your experience. Of the 99 stylish guest rooms, be sure to request one with a view of Waitematā Harbour as you’ll have the finest outlook all the way to Rangitoto Island and the North Shore. With rooms that feature abundant natural light and handmade ceramics – not to mention the hotel’s prime downtown location – The Hotel Britomart is the definition of perfection.

SO/ Auckland – Corner Customs St East and Gore St

When you stay at the luxurious SO/ Auckland, with the vibrant Viaduct Harbour and Wynyard Quarter on its doorstep, be sure to stipulate that you’d like one of the 19 SO/ Suites – the views will blow your mind as you gaze across the port, to the islands of Hauraki Gulf and beyond. Enjoy the oh-so-chic outlook from your private balcony, where uninterrupted views across the shimmering surface of Waitematā Harbour are laid out beneath you – just the thing to post to your socials to ensure your friends back home know you’re living the high life! That said, the city-view suites also offer mesmerising observation opportunities. In-house restaurant Harbour Society also makes the most of the splendid views, as does the HI-SO rooftop bar, which takes glamour to new heights. 

Mövenpick Auckland – 8 Customs St East

Mövenpick Auckland is a classy new establishment on the city’s accommodation scene. Taking indulgence to heady new levels, this classy hotel is located in the heart of downtown Auckland. With many of the lavish rooms on higher floors, guests can marvel at incredible harbour and city vistas. Whether you’re gazing out at the panoramic views from your sumptuous suite or you’re installed at a window seat at BODA, the hotel’s Asian fusion destination restaurant, magical memories are waiting for you.

M Social Auckland –196/200 Quay Street

Part of the Millennium Hotel group, M Social Auckland overlooks lively Princes Wharf and offers guests a choice of 190 rooms and suites, with many of them serving up sublime seafront views. Be sure to book yourself a super chic Harbour Suite or Social View Room if you’re specifically here to soak up the scenery from the comfort of your luxuriously appointed pad. If you can bear to tear yourself away from the glamour of your room, in-house restaurant Beast & Butterflies also offers spectacular bay views, while down on street level you’re never far from somewhere to shop, dine or explore.

Cordis Auckland – 83 Symonds St, Grafton, Auckland.

The Cordis Auckland is the epitome of understated elegance, with some of the best views seen from the suites and executive rooms in the Pinnacle Tower. Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by doormen, before being dazzled by glittering chandeliers in the lobby, setting the tone for your stay. As this hotel sits on one of Auckland’s elevated ridges, when you stay in one of the loftier rooms you’ll be wowed by spectacular views right across the wider city. Looking inland, the landscape is punctuated by several of the city’s 53 volcanic cones – remnants of Auckland’s explosive past. So polish your spectacles and gaze out the floor-to-ceiling windows to admire the metropolis below. While at Cordis Auckland, guests can also make use of the rooftop pool and the Chuan Spa wellbeing facilities. Bliss.

The Grand by SkyCity – 90 Federal Street

From the super stylish foyer to your opulent five-star room, The Grand by SkyCity makes the most of Auckland’s stunning city vistas of the Harbour Bridge and iconic Rangitoto Island. Many of the superior rooms have a contemporary oak-and-leather vibe, and if you’re in the mood to push the boat right out, why not book the Presidential Suite on the 21st floor. These decadent quarters boast all sorts of indulgent extras, including perfectly square California King beds, an infinity Roman bathtub and a shower with seven-nozzles. The Grand at SkyCity is also perfectly placed to help you make the most of central Auckland’s many charms, whether you’re dining at award-winning restaurants on Federal Street, enjoying the Sky Tower’s many entertainment offerings or simply kicking back and appreciating the panorama from your room.

Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour – 21 Viaduct Harbour Avenue

Sophisticated Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour is a luxury establishment that has guests sitting pretty on the water’s edge. Many of the suites and rooms include floor-to-ceiling windows, while private Juliet balconies offer views of the marina, which means you can spend your stay admiring the comings and goings of luxury launches. Depending on which floor your room is on, you can also enjoy looking across the city to coastal Coromandel Peninsula in the east and the Waitākere Ranges in the west. When you’re not luxuriating in your room, you might sneak out to enjoy the culinary marvels of in-house restaurant La Marée, or opt for a soothing wellness experience at Sofitel Spa. Whatever you decide, you’ll discover that everything at Sofitel is designed with luxury and comfort in mind.

Hilton Auckland – 147 Quay St

The Hilton Auckland is designed to resemble one of the vast white cruise ships that dock at adjacent Princes Wharf. This means you couldn’t get closer to the sea unless you were in it! Featuring 187 rooms and 10 suites – all of them leading out onto private balconies and decks – this nautically inspired hotel provides easy access to a comprehensive collection of restaurants and bars. Although perhaps you’d prefer to stay in, and dine at the magnificent in-house eatery FISH, or sip a cocktail at stylish bar Bellini. Take a dip in the outdoor heated lap pool on the fourth floor with its underwater viewing window – the reinforced glass panel offers views across the harbour, making for a truly remarkable way to see the world.  Arrange for someone to take a picture of you as you swim past the glass of arguably the best pool in Auckland, with the Sky Tower looming behind, and you’re likely to blow up the internet!