Apartments, airbnb and holiday homes for rent in Auckland

Visit Auckland, the most naturally beautiful city in the world!

If you dream of escaping to the other side of the planet and want to secure a holiday apartment in New Zealand, but you don't know where to begin, then look no further than Auckland. You will soon see what sets this metropolis aside from every other city across the globe. With its stretch of golden West Coast beaches, treks around the Hauraki Gulf and the Tawharanui Regional Park, all-natural assets which lay alongside the vast cultural attractions which are expected from a global powerhouse city, Auckland is both a surfers and a shoppers paradise! Whatever is drawing you to this deliciously diverse city, there is a perfect accommodation which is just waiting for you in this northern coastal haven. Whether you crave a beachside villa with a sea view or a luxury studio apartment in the central business district, the ideal holiday rental is just waiting to be secured.

When to visit

Thanks to New Zealand's position in the Southern Hemisphere, Auckland enjoy its seasons in the opposite way to the UK, meaning when the UK is knee-deep in snowy and rainy winter, Auckland is glazed in summer sunshine. Therefore, the best time to visit the city is in British wintertime, as you will be escaping to a hot summer climate… making the significant long flight that little bit easier! Autumn in Auckland has also been noted as exceptionally beautiful, so take a trip when the colours are changing to enjoy the city's natural wonders in an even more glorious light.

How to get there?

If you are travelling directly from the UK, the only way to reach Auckland is to fly, and it's going to be a long trip As one of the furthest away destinations in the world, the flight time to Auckland averages between 23 hours and 50 minutes, right up to 48 hours, depending on how long your layover time is. There are no direct flights available from UK airports, meaning whether you travel from London, Manchester, Edinburgh or Belfast, you are going to have to land en route, sometimes even more than once. Typical layover stops include Shanghai Pudong Airport, Dubai International Airport and Hamad International Airport before you touch down in Auckland in what can be more than a day after first setting off. One way to ease the long journey is to stop in accommodation in Australia before continuing to Auckland. For example, you can relax and unwind for a few days in a holiday apartment in Sydney and then complete the final 3 hours from Sydney to Auckland feeling more relaxed and ready to take on all that the city has to offer.

Where to stay in Auckland?

Britomart

Brimming with heritage, history and countless significant monuments, Britomart tells the story of Auckland's rich past, while the Britomart Transport Center and bustling cruise port serves as the city's primary transport hub. This electric hive is the ideal place to choose a self-catered apartment in Auckland if you want a taste of everything this city has to offer, as its waterfront position along with its enticing shops and irresistible restaurants and bars cram the best of Auckland into one fast-paced neighbourhood.

Central Business District

The Central Business District or 'CBD' is the most fashionable area in Auckland, with its unmissable Sky City, which towers above the naturally beautiful landscape of this green city. Though the Sky Tower promises impressive panoramic views of the cityscape, we believe the best pictures come from the luxury apartment rentals, with their striking glass windows and balconies which look out beyond this prestigious district.

Viaduct Harbour

You are never going to be short of things to do in Viaduct Harbour, the recently renovated maritime heart of the city, which brings out the best of the Auckland's industrial seaside past, right up to date into its vibrant present. Wake up in a room with a view of the yachts pulling into this colourful harbour, then talk a walk along the promenade, which is an epicentre of seaside culture during the day, and a hot-spot of restaurants and bars in the night. The harbour is also a great place to choose a cheap bed and breakfast, where you can fuel up with a fresh cooked breakfast before exploring the many sights which are compressed into this waterside concrete jungle.

Ponsonby

The bohemian district of Ponsonby is the ultimate destination in finding cheap and affordable holiday rentals, where you can spend your savings enjoying the neighbourhoods indie shops, cafes and unrivalled nightlife. Reserve your place in a youth hostel or a home-stay, then fill your days (and nights) with the unique spirit Ponsonby has to offer. Parnell Think Auckland's answer to The Hamptons, Parnell is the chicest district in the city. With its picturesque streets, art-deco architecture and exclusive art galleries, there is no finer place to choose accommodation in Auckland, than in one of the neighbourhoods many luxury holiday homes, Edwardian-style townhouses, or private villas.

The North Shore

As one of the biggest districts in Auckland, The North Shore is a destination itself, so it is unsurprising that it was considered an independent city of Auckland until only recently. Though this shore boasts the same standard of restaurants, bars and amenities of central Auckland, it has an undeniable laid back vibe, and friendly community feel, meaning the North Shore is the perfect place to choose a peaceful holiday home in Auckland.

History and culture in Auckland

The Māori were the first inhabitants to make New Zealand their home in the mid 14th century, and though much of the city is unrecognisable from its early days, the Māori roots still make up the heart of the city, nearly 700 years later. Choose a holiday apartment in Auckland's city centre which is in the prime location for exploring the fascinating Māori history, including the Auckland Museum, where you can discover a collection of artefacts and even watch a live performance of Māori culture. If the history of the city particularly fascinates you, then explore beyond the area of your city centre accommodation, and hike along the naturally striking Waiheke Island, which at only at 40-minute journey from downtown Aukland, feels as though it is a million miles away from the bustle of the city.

Food and drink in Auckland

Auckland has unsurprisingly clung to New Zealand's Māori roots, and have adapted the traditional recipes which have been cooked up in the country for centuries. Among the most famous of these age-old recipes is h?ngi, which is a hearty meat and vegetable based dish. What usually takes hours to prepare can be cooked up in minutes in Aucklands h?ngi cafe's, so remember not to leave the city without digging into this national dish. For the sweet-toothed among us, make sure sampling Hokey Pokey ice cream is a priority, and you will soon see why this caramelised honeycomb dessert is a favourite among natives. While you are guaranteed great Hokey Pokey anywhere in the city, Giapo near Queens Wharf is said to serve up the best!