Destinations
Discover more about our local tips for the country you want to visit.
Plan a Trip
Start your travel planning with our travel partners.
.webp){kind=small}
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
.png)
Discover more about our local tips for the country you want to visit.
Start your travel planning with our travel partners.
Like most cities, Auckland’s nightlife happens in and around its central business district. However, there are also niche satellite districts, which is very much what Locay is all about: getting off the beaten track.
Ponsonby Road, Grey Lynn, and Karangahape Rd (K’d to the locals) are all niche sub-cultures that entertain and host an eclectic mix of both locals and visitors during the week and well into their energetic weekends.
At Locay, may we suggest that any good night starts downtown in the Britomart district, where you will find some of Auckland’s oldest buildings and newest architecture within nine blocks. Chocker block with inspiring fashion retail, day and night dining establishments from grand, contemporary dining rooms to hole-in-the-wall Japanese.
The Hotel Britomart is an intelligent, mature, and modern 5-star green hotel (New Zealand's first!) that doesn’t skimp on comfort. A standout design hotel, this boutique location has brought a huge lift of energy and direction to the Britomart area and is an impressive home base after a fun night out on the town.
We love starting out at twilight with an Italian aperitif at Bar Non Solo, overlooking the twinkling lights of Tyler Street. Friday evenings especially kick the vibe up a notch, with tunes from Auckland's best DJs in a cool, casual setting.
If you’re staying at Hotel DeBrett, slink into the impossibly glamorous House Bar, where back in the 90’s New Zealanders tried our first 'real' Martini! The long, narrow, wood-panelled room has an intimate atmosphere as you step back to a time when classic cocktails with a gin, whisky, or vodka base were the only drinks on offer. If you’re still feeling a little more nostalgic, pop around the corner to the Occidental Belgian Beer Café. Offering traditional Belgian fare and an arrangement of Euro beers on the delightful Vulcan Lane off High Street, in one of Auckland’s oldest buildings.
Jump in an Uber and discover that small bar culture is alive and well on K’Rd with the endearing Tom Foolery, a 1930’s cocktail salon with sass, or underground bar The Wine Cellar in the recently restored 19th-century St. Kevin’s Arcade.
Cross the Rainbow Bridge to Auckland’s latest Peruvian cuisine sensation, Madame Georges, with a cocktail list as long as the food menu. Dine al fresco on the pavement to let everyone know you’re at the coolest place in town, or more discreetly under the soft, naked light bulbs in the rustic dining room.
To ensure you are in prime position to take in all the city has to offer come sundown, check out Locay's top boutique hotels and city concepts that will make your night all the more memorable.
A national standout that has made waves on the hotel design scene.
Be sure to check out more on this incredible conversion in Locay's feature article, 'Bedside at The Hotel Britomart: New Zealand's First 5-Star Green Hotel'. This central, nine-block area may have once been forgotten, but it's quickly become the beating heart of one of the city's most energetic neighbourhoods.
Although the rooms at The Hotel Britomart may be a bit compact (averaging just 22 square metres), the mesmerising art collection and intricate details of this remarkable architectural marvel more than compensate for it. If you have a passion for the arts, staying here presents an opportunity to fully immerse yourself in New Zealand's finest artistic creations. Whether you appreciate the impactful and daring paintings of Shane Cotton or the visually captivating photography of Kieran Scott, you'll find yourself encompassed by a plethora of exquisite artworks.
Providing a blend of trendy fashion boutiques, acclaimed eateries, and trendy bars, the Britomart neighbourhood keeps infusing Auckland with a real sense of swagger. It confidently establishes itself as the city's trailblazing district, introducing captivating retail and cool dining experiences, transformative investments, and innovative urban conversions.
Just steps away from vibrant social clubs, bars, and famed restaurants, when you're ready to bed down for the night, be sure to check in at The Hotel Britomart.
.webp){kind=small}
A stamp of quality and confidence is delivered with any stay at the QT Auckland, the ultimate destination for those seeking a bold, gutsy hotel experience in the heart of the city.
With panoramic views of the stunning Waitematā Harbour, this vibrant hotel provides the perfect backdrop for urban couples looking for a socially engaging boutique getaway.
Internationally renowned Chef Sean Connolly adds his culinary expertise to the hotel's chic Mediterranean restaurant, while the rooftop bar offers a cool and fun atmosphere with stunning city and harbour views.
The converted office building may not have a pool, but upgraded rooms with breathtaking harbour views and free-standing baths are sure to impress. With breakfast, parking, and amenities geared towards both dining and business, it's easy to see why QT Auckland is quickly becoming the go-to spot for anyone looking for a modern, sophisticated experience.
An easy choice to explore the local attractions, including your morning run through Auckland Domain (the city's oldest park), which is just 2 km away!
Hotel DeBrett is a boutique hotel icon in Auckland that delivers big on a local experience, offering guests an 'old world' vibe that encapsulates the heart of Auckland yesterday and today.
This no-fuss boutique hotel is much more than just a place to rest your head, as each room is adorned with mid-century furniture and art, creating a quirky and unique charm that isn't replicated elsewhere in the city. Although this hotel may not be the latest cutting-edge accommodation the city has witnessed, this cosy and welcoming boutique hotel doesn't require such status. It's all about the heart.
The House Bar is an easy place to experience the hotel's authentic art deco style, where classic cocktails and refined pub snacks are served in an intimate wood-and-mint decor that transports you to another era.
DeBretts Kitchen is the hotel's on-site restaurant, serving up classic bistro-style food. Walking past here at night, there is a constant glow from the dining room and a hurl of laughter from the locals, who classify this as a true city landmark. It's casual, possibly a bit dated; however, this is exactly why we love it: a city dining institution.
Additionally, guests of Hotel DeBrett are dangerously close to the Britomart shopping district, Lower Queen Street's designer shops, and Auckland's waterfront, creating an unbeatable home haven for the modern and trendsetting traveller.
Sitting by the dock of the bay is the Ohtel Auckland. Step into an urban paradise of funky mid-century furnishings and Kiwiana artwork at this boutique hotel in the heart of Viaduct Harbour. It's bright and daring, however, in all the right places.
From the moment you arrive at Ohtel Auckland, you'll be greeted with stunning water views of the marina in the Wyndard Quarter, setting the tone for a stay central to all the activities of Auckland's harbour precinct.
Each suite boasts in-room smart tech, including one-button touch screens, to ensure ultimate comfort while away from home.
Guests can unwind listening to classic vinyl records on old-school record players or take a dip in the resort-style pool. The 5-star penthouse suite takes luxury to another level with a king bed, bath, lounge, and expansive views from floor-to-ceiling windows.
Even though the hotel may appear conservative from the outside, its colour-filled rooms and pop-cultured decor are sure to brighten your stay in arguably one of the best locations in Auckland to head on out!
Discover the vibrant essence of urban Auckland at M Social, a sleek and contemporary hotel concept at an affordable price point.
Located on the iconic Quay Street, this hotel offers an unbeatable location for both work and play, catering to the needs of modern travellers. With its clean lines and pop-style aesthetics, the 190-room M Social Auckland effortlessly embraces Millennium Hotels' newer hotel concept, targeting the tech-savvy millennial demographic.
M Social delivers a cutting-edge user experience and breathtaking views of the harbour from every room. It epitomises quality and convenience without the hefty price tag.
Relax and soak up the sun by the pool while indulging in delectable meals at the trendy onsite restaurant, Beast & Butterflies. Stay active at the hotel's state-of-the-art guest gym or embark on an adventure to explore Waitematā Harbour by ferry.
For suite guests, enjoy the ultimate relaxation at the hotel's private lounge. All guests can unwind in the modern and well-appointed rooms, complete with flat-screen TVs, complimentary Wi-Fi, and luxurious glass-enclosed bathrooms.
Experience glamour and elegance at Fable Auckland, a 5-star boutique art deco icon that expertly blends vintage 1920s character with a very modern appeal.
Renovated in 2017 and located in the heart of downtown Auckland on bustling Queen Street, Fable Auckland is an impressive hotel that delivers every element a quality 5-star hotel should.
The hotel has become a central city favourite, perfect for those in town for business or looking to explore iconic landmarks like the Auckland Domain and Sky Tower. The hotel is within easy walking distance of the Viaduct Harbour precinct, North Wharf, and the stunning Waitemata Harbour.
The hotel's wellness centre is ultra-luxe and should be booked in advance of your arrival to ensure you don't lapse on your pamper treatment. Their fine-dining restaurant and bar should be on the cards, serving a range of delectable dishes throughout the day and being the perfect spot for meeting up with friends and colleagues too.
The hotel shines with marble floors, plush velvet furnishings, and exquisite golden chandeliers. Each room draws inspiration from Wallis Simpson’s famously opulent jewellery collection, transformed into jewel-toned velvets, gold-toned lighting, and bathrooms adorned in shimmering tiles.
Instead of a standard hotel pool, guests have the option to reserve a private session in the plunge pool, in addition to enjoying access to a sleek, compact gym. Dare we say, all necessities in recovering after a night of celebration out on the town!
The Park Hyatt Auckland may not fit every criteria for a boutique hotel, but it delivers on some pretty impressive features.
Situated on Auckland's gorgeous harbour, the hotel provides panoramic views of both the Lighter Basin and Waitemata Harbour.
Stylish and spacious guest rooms incorporate Māori artwork, such as custom-designed Tukutuku panels and rugs made from New Zealand wool. Modern guest rooms boast floor-to-ceiling windows, perfectly setting the stage for an evening city experience.
With 195 5-star guest rooms, four restaurants and bars, elegant event spaces, a spa, an infinity pool, and a fitness centre, this waterfront residence offers absolute convenience. While it may not sing true to a totally boutique experience, the precinct location of the Park Hyatt and its strong focus on design make it one of the most confident accommodations for those seeking a true city pad.
The hotel's dynamic culinary spaces are purposefully designed for guests to socialise, dine, and relax alongside panoramic water views. It's the perfect spot to take in all the affluent energy of the stylish locale, from gin palaces to high-tech racing crafts. One thing is for sure: we'd love to be getting ready here for a night out, and we're certain you would too!
.jpg)
Become a local guru!
For all the latest gossip on new hotel openings, great travel deals, happening neighbourhoods and unique local adventures subscribe with Locay today.
%20(1).gif){kind=icon}
Become a local guru! For all the gossip on new hotels, neighbourhoods and local adventures subscribe to the locay community.
Become a local guru! For all the gossip on new hotels, neighbourhoods and local adventures subscribe to the locay community.
