Auckland Hotels and Accommodation

(Auckland, North Island, New Zealand NZ)

The city of Auckland comes with plenty in the way of affordable accommodation, being home to the largest selection of hotels on the North Island. Much of the lodging available in Auckland tends to be spread around the city centre and the inner suburbs, where prior booking is really quite essential if you wish to secure your chosen hotel and a waterfront view.

Central Auckland is renowned for its abundance of youth hostels, which provide cheap accommodation for budget travellers and backpackers alike, being clustered around Queen Street. Further hostels reside within the more peaceful areas of Parnell and Ponsonby, where they come with better parking opportunities. The leafy suburb of Mount Eden is also known for its youth hostels and hotels, and is connected by regular buses.

Where to Stay

Budget hotels are also widespread in Auckland, with those located within the stylish neighbourhood of Parnell being approximately a 30-minute stroll from the city centre. The Devonport neighbourhood is filled with a plethora of B&Bs and homely accommodation, and is little more than a ten-minute ferry ride away from Queen Street.

Close to Auckland Airport are literally dozens of cheap hotels and motels, within the Mangere area - a suburb of the neighbouring Manukau City. Accommodation in this location is especially prevalent along both the Kirkbride Road and McKenzie Road. Free airport transfers can be expected, together with competitive room rates.

Some of the areas in Auckland with the largest concentrations of luxury accommodation include Quay Street, Hobson Street, Princes Street and Queens Street. Of note, hotels in the city centre tend to reduce their rates at the weekend, since business travellers contribute greatly to occupancy levels between Monday and Friday. The busiest tourist season is during the New Zealand summer months, from December to February, and many of Auckland's hotels do increase their rates at this time of the year.

Also, during the long university holidays, many rooms within the University of Auckland's halls of residence become available for rent, the best of which are to be found at the Grafton Hall of Residence of Seafield View Road, the Huia Residence on Grafton Road, and the International House on Whitaker Place. In some residences this student-style accommodation is available all year round.

Cheaper hotel rates are often available out of season in Auckland, during the New Zealand winter months of June to September. Do also bear in mind that prices are usually quoted per room, rather than per person.