Auckland’s newest and most luxurious hotel, Park Hyatt Auckland, is a five-star waterfront stay unlike anything New Zealand’s largest city has seen. Here, it’s not just about the luxe hotel, it’s also about the exceptional experiences it opens up to you.
Traveller: Kirstie Bedford
Room: Harbour Suite. Room: 518
Address: 99 Halsey Street, Wynyard Quarter, Auckland city
Date: May 2022
Price range NZ$400 – $12,000 per night
Best for: Friends, honeymooners, or a luxe family escape
Where to find Park Hyatt Auckland
Within a short walk you can find…
Park Hyatt Auckland is located at Wynyard Quarter, directly opposite the Viaduct Harbour where you’ll find multiple bars and restaurants. It’s just a short stroll to the main shopping strip, Queen Street. And, just minutes from the relatively new nine-block Britomart, where you’ll find flagship stores of New Zealand’s best fashion designers and multiple eateries. The Auckland Ferry Terminal is also a few minutes’ away, making it easy to access the many islands in the Hauraki Gulf.
Park Hyatt Auckland’s claim to fame
This property takes luxury to a whole new level. Everything about it is exceptional.
The design of the hotel was inspired by the Māori wharenui (house). This nod to the Indigenous culture carries through the entire hotel: it’s in the native totara pouwhenua (carvings) that line the entrances, the dramatic blue and green artwork by Māori artist Peata Larkin, and in each room there are Māori designed tukutuku panels and rugs.
There’s a 25-metre infinity pool, state-of-the-art spa and separate, private hydrotherapy room with an aroma steam room, sauna and vitality pools.
The signature restaurant, Onemata, has a chef hat, and for good reason. Using only locally sourced produce, it’s fine-dining at its best – with views to boot.
The showstopper
This has to be the location. This property sits on reclaimed land on Wynyard Quarter, looking directly out to the Viaduct Harbour with its bobbing boats and multiple restaurants. It’s quiet, and yet you’re only a short stroll to the centre of the city. It would undeniably have the best views of any hotel in the city.
The family factor
The kids will spend hours splashing in the 25-metre undercover heated swimming pool.
They’ll also love spreading out in the spacious rooms watching their favourite shows after a long day out thanks to the high-speed Wi-Fi.
Resident black Labrador, Beau, is in the hotel lobby most days for cuddles, or photos.
And, the nearby Sky Tower, Auckland’s largest building, is home to the country’s only All Blacks Experience. Here, you’ll get a fully guided, state-of-the-art, interactive showcase of the world renowned All Blacks. Experience the haka, test your rugby skills and hear from legends of the game.
The room
My room was a corner Harbour Suite with views to the Auckland Harbour Bridge on one side and the Viaduct Harbour and Sky City on the other.
On entry is a hallway where you’ll find a discreet kitchenette with a mini-fridge, kettle and Nespresso pod machine.
This leads to an open-planned lounge and dining area. A large door slides across to reveal the bedroom, where a plush bed sits centre stage with wraparound floor to ceiling windows showcasing the harbour views.
The views extend to the marble bathroom which has an egg-shaped bath facing floor to ceiling windows. There’s an oversized shower with a large rain shower head and double basins.
All the lights operate at the touch of a button, as does the motorised blinds. From the bedroom, a covered furnished balcony is the perfect spot to watch luxury boats entering or leaving the harbour and take in the city skyline.
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I wish I could take home
The bed. It is so soft I felt like I was sinking.
Park Hyatt Auckland’s dish to dine for …
The hotel’s signature restaurant, Onemata, has a food philosophy of fresh, local produce. In fact, it’s so serious about its concept that Executive Chef Brent Martin has visited most of the producers it uses. The result: Cloudy Bay clams, spaghetti and chilli soffritto; whisky cured salmon, lemon and yuzu crème fraiche and finish on desserts like caramelised pear, walnut ice cream, dulcey ganache and almond sponge. All washed down by carefully selected, matched local and international wines.
Before booking
Ask for a corner Harbour Suite. You’ll have views of the Auckland Harbour Bridge on one side, and the city skyline on the other.
Insider tips
Autumn is a great time to visit Auckland. While the weather is cooler in the mornings and evenings, you will miss the crowds you’ll get around the city in summer.
Staying in
Park Hyatt Auckland has three restaurants and a bar. Signature restaurant, Onemata, is a must. Or, for something more casual try The Living Room where you can sit in oversized armchairs and take in the harbour view.
The Pantry is also a great go-to for cafe style food, where you can grab a coffee by specialist roasters Eightthirty (the hotel will also organise for you to visit the nearby roaster and do a coffee tasting).
At the other end of the day, head to Captain’s Bar. Follow the noise to this lively bar with a tapas menu where there are dozens of different rums to choose from. For those with a sweet tooth, don’t miss the Caribbean rums paired with local Foundry Chocolate, made with the world’s finest cacao beans and organic cane sugar.
Before you dive into the selection or rums, burn some calories in the gym, which is as impressive as everything else in this hotel, or swim some laps in the 25-metre undercover heated infinity pool.
If you want to soothe the soul, head to The Spa for any number of massage and facial treatments. Our pick: a native clay and hot oil full body massage using anti-inflammatory herb and plant extracts to provide long lasting muscular pain relief. Afterward, head to the hydrotherapy area with vitality pools and a steam room.
It’s little wonder The Spa was awarded New Zealand’s Best Hotel Spa 2021 at the World Spa Awards.
Stepping out
Park Hyatt Auckland has premier partnerships that give stepping out a whole new meaning.
Fly by helicopter with Heletranz to any number of islands in the Hauraki Gulf. Our pick is Waiheke Island, home to Mudbrick Vineyard and Restaurant with its tasting room, rooftop bar and restaurant with views over the vines.
For a day on the water, board one of Cruise New Zealand’s yachts where you can fish, dine, swim or simply explore the many islands in the bay.
Road tripping is also a great way to see the city. Take a Tesla (the hotel will also organise a driver for you) from Go Rentals, pop a picnic in the boot and drive roughly 45 minutes to lay a rug down at Muriwai beach. You’re likely to be the only ones on the windswept rugged coastline that stretches 60 kilometres.
For something a bit more sedate, take the short walk to nearby Britomart – home to high-end boutiques Karen Walker and Kate Sylvester and multiple eateries.
V&T expert rating
Park Hyatt Auckland receives 10 out of 10
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