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Posted: 3/5/2023 | March 5th, 2023
Boasting harbors galore and multiple boat-packed marinas, Auckland, the largest and most sophisticated urban area in New Zealand (though it’s not the capital), is nicknamed the “City of Sails.”
In addition to its scenic seaside views and ample water activities, Auckland has an incredible food scene, insightful museums, verdant parks, third-wave coffee spots, and very welcoming locals.
Home to almost two million people (almost 35% of the entire population of New Zealand), Auckland has a plethora of vibrant, colorful neighborhoods. And as the main airport hub in the country, this is where most travelers start their trip.
To ensure you make the most of your visit (and that don’t spend all your time in transit between neighborhoods), it’s important to do some research to figure out the best place to stay while in this metropolis.
To help you decide where to stay in Auckland, here are the best neighborhoods (according to me) so you can choose the area that suits your travel style and budget.
But, first, here are some common questions I get asked about Auckland neighborhoods:
What’s the best neighborhood for first-time visitors?
Central (or Downtown) is home to the iconic Sky Tower, the Auckland Art Gallery, and several great restaurants. As the name implies, it’s a convenient, centrally located area.
What’s the best neighborhood for shopping?
Britomart is a bright, cheery part of town filled with indie boutiques and shopping malls — perfect for those who want to splurge on shopping.
What’s the best neighborhood for foodies?
Known locally as “K-Road,” Karangahape Road is a fun, up-and-coming neighborhood that is home to a number of great eateries.
What’s the best neighborhood for beaches?
Located on Auckland’s north shore, Takapuna is a world away from the bustle of the city. The long stretches of beach here are wonderful.
What’s the best neighborhood for history buffs?
With a long history and lots of Maori heritage, Devonport is a nice place to base yourself.
What’s the best neighborhood overall?
Central is a good spot for basing yourself right in the middle of Auckland. It might not have the charm of K-Road or Devonport, but you can get anywhere from here.
So, with those questions answered, here’s a breakdown of each neighborhood, with suggested accommodations, so you know exactly where to stay in Auckland:
As the name explicitly suggests, Central is right in the heart of everything in Auckland. The iconic Sky Tower, built in 1997 and standing over 328 meters (1,076 feet) tall, dominates everything here and also provides a remarkable view if you go up to the top. The Auckland Art Gallery is here too, as are the Maritime Museum and a handful of great restaurants and bars. In short, there’s plenty to see and do in this area. It’s also a convenient hub to visit other corners of town.
Best Places to Stay in Central:
Britomart is named for first the British ship that once navigated around the harbor here in Auckland. Centrally located and always buzzing with locals, the attractive district features streets flanked by boutique fashion shops, where you can snag items made by local designers and then get a caffeine boost at a third-wave coffee spot. It’s also home to nearby Commercial Bay, a huge, new-ish shopping mall. If you plan on shopping (or just want to browse), this is the best neighborhood for you.
Best Places to Stay in Britomart
The traditional go-to neighborhood for food lovers has long been Ponsonby, but adjacent Karangahape Road — known as “K-Road” — is the up-and-coming area in which to stick your fork into Auckland. A legion of chefs have gravitated here to open excellent eateries, so if you travel via your stomach, K-Road is the place to be. In between meals, there are plenty of other things to do: the streets are flanked with indie boutiques and art galleries perfect for browsing and people-watching.
Best Places to Stay in Karangahape Road:
Takapuna feels like a million miles from the relative bustle of Auckland. But it’s easily accessible by public transportation — a bus can get you there in about 20 minutes from the center of town. Once there, linger on the beach for a while and enjoy the cool breezes and the sound of lapping waves.
But Takapuna is not all just surf and sand. The area has Eat Street, a road flanked by a wide diversity of restaurants and bars, and there are also boutique shops, cafés, and art galleries to explore. Takapuna is essentially a vacation from your vacation.
Best Places to Stay in Takapuna:
Located in north Auckland and across the water from the Ports of Auckland, Devonport is a fascinating part of town that is rich in history and Maori heritage. Lovers of Victorian architecture will be dazzled by its charming 19th-century structures (this was one of the first areas of town that was settled; Maori were here as early as 1350). The charming neighborhood is also loaded with culinary pleasures. You can get between Devonport and the Ports of Auckland via ferry; it’s only a 10-to-15-minute ride.
Best Places to Stay in Devonport:
Auckland may not be the most exciting city in New Zealand, but it’s worth spending a few days exploring the cool museums, fun nightlife, great architecture, beautiful beaches, and top-notch restaurants. There’s easily enough to keep you busy here for a few days before you move on.
Book Your Flight
Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flight. They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned!
Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels.
If you’re looking for more places to stay, here is a complete list of my favorite hostels in New Zealand.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:
Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With?
Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use to save money when I’m on the road. They will save you money when you travel too.
Want More Information on New Zealand?
Be sure to visit our robust destination guide on New Zealand for even more planning tips!
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