The economic hub of Aotearoa, there is a high chance you will find yourself in Auckland for work at some point in your career.
So if you do find yourself in the city of sails, you’re going to want the inside scoop on the best places to call home for your stopover.
BRITOMART
Downtown Auckland is a bustling city centre with great restaurants, cool bars and superb people watching.
At its heart is Britomart.
The hospitality hub is always bustling. Daytime events including outdoor screenings of sports games and live music are frequently hosted here, along with dozens of bean bags and outdoor seating on fine days.
Some of Auckland’s best bars and restaurants are located here making it the perfect place to arrange meetings, as well as high end shopping to help you pass the time between engagements.
Close to the ferry terminals, Britomart can also be your gateway to a quick jaunt to Waiheke Island or Rangitoto (the volcano island in the middle of the harbour) – or even
With a number of hotels in the square, or bordering it, there is ample accommodation options, too. Don’t forget to check out Airbnb for a unique apartment to stay in.
WYNYARD QUARTER
Another downtown hospitality hub, Wynyard Quarter is a short stroll along the waterfront to Queen St but as the CBD has expanded, now hosts a growing business community of its own.
Arrange meetings at any of the bars, restaurants or cafes lining the waterfront strip and enjoy a morning or evening stroll along the boardwalk to Westhaven Marina. Enjoy the oceanic outlook to Rangitoto and the Auckland Harbour Bridge as you pass extravagant superyachts and smaller crafts – their masts an especially magnificent sight against the sky at sunrise and sunset.
Wynyard Quarter features the Viaduct Events Centre and is in close proximity to the Auckland Viaduct itself – another hospo hotspot known for it’s mix of upmarket eateries and tourist-centric nightlife.
PONSONBY
Lacking the corporate vibe of the city, Ponsonby is a vibrant suburb known for its cafe and bar scene and unrivalled retail offerings.
Home to many of Auckland’s creative industries, the gentrified suburb is known to host a long or two.
With many boutique accommodation offers, Ponsonby is a great place to stay if you want to experience the local cafe culture while still feeling a slick, city vibe.
You’ll find a lot of hip, twentysomethings hanging out here as It’s proximity to residential streets makes the suburb very popular for renters, but you’ll also see a refreshing mix of families – and quite a few dogs.
Easy to access off the motorway and a very short drive to the city, you’ll want to take note of the parking restrictions or find an unrestricted spot on the nearby residential streets. Also check out the adjacent suburbs of Grey Lynn, Freeman’s Bay and Herne Bay.
TAKAPUNA
A quick drive over the Auckland Harbour Bridge (outside of peak traffic time), Takapuna has everything you could need while you’re staying in the 09 – plus some beaches.
The North Shore is known for its many beaches which give it a more laidback vibe than its ‘cross-bridge cousin.
Takapuna is the centre of the business community over here, making it the perfect place to stay if that’s where your business takes you.
Off the motorway that leads to more industrial areas like Albany, staying in Takapuna will give you access to still popular but less crowded eateries and accommodation with views across the harbour and back to the city’s skyline.
WESTMERE
Another coastal suburb, Westmere is the perfect place to stay if you prefer a bit more peace and quiet – but still want the option of getting in on the big city action.
A 5-minute drive to Ponsonby and 15-minutes into the city or North Shore, Westmere has a number of great local parks and beaches to escape to.
The collection of cafes on West End Rd are the perfect meeting places and the takeaway bars are the perfect excuse for a solo dinner at one of the aforementioned parks or beaches.
This area has more boutique bed and breakfasts and some motels compared to the city and city-fringe suburbs, but is full of excellent Airbnb options.
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