6 Best Hotels in Auckland, New Zealand

Commanding the corner opposite the pier, this turn-of-the-20th-century Edwardian baroque-revival hotel is the first thing you see when approaching Devonport by ferry. (And it's advisable to get here by ferry, as the traffic into Devonport can be bumper-to-bumper, especially when the trendy suburb is hosting a music or food festival). Upstairs, a wide corridor hung with chandeliers leads to generous rooms with period furnishings and long drapes hanging from high windows. Harbor views come at a slightly higher rate. The elegant two-bedroom, two-bathroom Penthouse Suite is ideal for families (at around twice the standard rate).

Standing on the end of Princes Wharf, the Hilton resembles the cruise ships that dock alongside it, with white walls and neutral furnishings in chic rooms that allow your eyes to drift to the great views. The hotel's restaurant is good, while the cocktail bar is the best place to relax after a day of sightseeing. The Viaduct Basin and its raft of restaurants is five minutes away on foot.

This waterfront hotel presents the customer with both luxury and a friendly environment, as well as views of the ever-changing Viaduct Basin from some rooms. Bedrooms are expertly appointed, and each has Wi-Fi Internet access. The Harbour View corner rooms with their floor-to-ceiling windows are in particularly high demand. Lava Dining serves a great breakfast, lunch, and dinner, while the casual 21 Viaduct Cafe offers waterside dining. If you don't want to dine in the hotel, you're just a short stroll from the Viaduct Basin or the developing Wynyard Quarter park and restaurant area.

If you feel like staying in a "lighthouse" without being responsible for the ships, the two-story turret suite at The Boatshed may be the place for you, though there are other options, and dinner can be a well-earned add-on. Up a spiral staircase glass doors open to a wraparound deck with views to Oneroa Bay. A long central room leads to a sail-covered deck and opens onto a cozy sunken lounge. In the Bridge Room, bi-fold windows frame a view of the bay. Helicopter transport to and from the Boatshed can be arranged.

A bonus of staying at this central city hotel is the specially commissioned artwork by top New Zealand artists hanging in the soaring lobby. There is great attention to design throughout—even the staff uniforms are designed by local fashion mavens. Beautifully furnished rooms are decked in light contemporary hues. Some 53 floors up is the Sugar Club, which adds stunning views to its innovative menu. You'll also find some fantastic eateries just outside the front door.

Local original art gives this villa hotel on a quiet street off Ponsonby Road a special touch. Each room is well furnished, and the cozy lounge is stocked with music, films, books, and magazines; it also has an honor bar. Five of the rooms have kitchenettes and open to the courtyard. Breakfasts are made to order. A few minutes' walk puts you in the thick of the Ponsonby cafés.