Auckland: short term apartment stays are the way to go!
I live in Auckland and pop in and out of the Viaduct area every once in a while – usually when friends are visiting, or we plan a girls night in the city.
But when I went in this week I was twirling in awe at what they’ve done in Britomart: new dessert restaurants, twinkling lights strung between buildings and new bars seem to have popped up all over. And that’s before you get to the restaurants down here and see what’s been happening on the newly cobbled Fort Street across the road.
Earlier in the week I took friends for a coffee at Soul (it was mid morning!) and am still keen to try out Simon Gault’s new restaurant Giraffe next door and spotted more new restaurants I haven’t tried yet.
If you haven’t been in this neck of the woods for a while, a lot has changed, so this post is about staying down here in your own apartment within footsteps of the action.
If you’re after best value short-term stays, like three nights to a few months (if you’re moving to Auckland for work) and you want to be right in the thick of it with easy access to the cool dining scene and nightlife, read on!
Quinovic Viaduct serviced apartments may not be the first place you think of when looking for Auckland accommodation, but with premium apartments dotted around the Viaduct, with your own balconies, kitchen, separate living room, and one or more bedrooms, some even with a pool and gym, they provide style, comfort and good value.
Not only are they beautifully appointed and located, but Quinovic can also arrange airport transfers and even have a starter hamper delivered with your favourite snacks and wine.
I checked out five apartments in these three buildings:
Princes Wharf
The Hilton Hotel is located on this wharf jutting into the Waitemata harbour and Quinovic have several apartments down here with sunset views and the Harbour Bridge out one side and Devonport, Rangitoto Island and beyond out the other. It’s just a few minutes walk to the ferry terminal for a day trip to Waiheke Island and some of my favourite restaurants are located just underneath (I’m looking at you Euro Bar!) Quinovic has a range of apartments from penthouse suites with sweeping views and decadent balconies with outdoor fireplaces, to one bedroom apartments for business stays or mini escapes right in the heart of Auckland’s dining scene.
Lighter Quay
If I was going to buy myself a waterfront apartment I’d like one in this building! It’s located right in front of the Sofitel Hotel (Lava restaurant here is lovely) and some even have their own boat mooring at your door. With a glassed-in balcony (but you can slide the windows right open) I just love the idea of a dinner party with a fine cigar and a cheeky port out here. Two bedrooms and a spacious kitchen, lounge, dining room, and I envy anyone who stays here. There is also a gym and car parking – and the Sofitel has a sublime day spa which you could always slither into!
The Quays
I felt like I was stealing my way through the hidden corridors of Auckland when we went into this block. I don’t know how many times I’ve been down here over the years but I’ve never paid attention to the gigantic entrance into these apartments that sit above the restaurants including the aforementioned Giraffe, as well as Portofino for delicious Italian, always-popular Soul Bar and new ones that are being opened all the time! Book your one or two bedroomed apartment and even though you have a kitchen, I’d be eating out downstairs!
Check out all the Auckland apartments for short or longer term rent at Quinovic Viaduct >>
All look great for a break away and Viaduct adds to fabulous food and entertainment options. My Xmas day birthday celebration coming up and would be perfect to share with family? thanks ?
Husband has been a real country bumpkin and I enjoy the things that cities have to offer. Would be great to have a few days in our biggest city to show him that it aint that bad!!!!
Lighter Quay I think
They all look amazing, and it would be a great Christmas gift for my husband as we haven’t been away together in a very long time.
Look forward to hearing from you 🙂
A stay on the viaduct with my husband would be awesome.
This would be a wonderful way for a family catch up in Auckland. What gorgeous dreamy apartments to spend some quality family time in. Those views are ‘to die for’
My partner’s birthday in November and it would be great to have a weekend in these apartments.
This is such a hard choice to make between Lighter Quay and Princess Wharf. This would be amazing to win the chance
IVE NEVER SPENT TIME IN THE BIG CITY OF AUCKLAND I WOULD LOVE TO SAMPLE CITY LIFE WITHOUT THE HASSLE AND EXPENSE OF PARKING.MY HUBBY HAS HAD HEART SURGERY SO HE WOULD LOVE A PAMPERING SESSION IN THE BIG CITY GO ON SPOIL US PLEASE
Princes Wharf is my choice. Have been to the wharf numerous times and always admire the Apartments.
This would be fantastic, getting to know Aucklands stunning viaduct and surrounds whilst staying at excellent accommodation. ?
Great giveaway, i would love to stay in Auckland to catch up with old friends
Lighter Quay looks pretty fabulous! What a special prize to enjoy some unique time with friends and family.
I can see a girls weekend coming up. Fingers crossed.
We would love to visit Auckland and see the viaduct, sky tower etc, and stay in a luxury apartment, hope we’re the lucky ones.
Would love to spend a weekend down in the viaduct, haven’t been there for ever and a day. We have lovely friends that we would take with us as she is under health problems right now and it would I hope cheer her up a bit. Still awaiting results back.
Thanks for the opportunity.
Kerree
Any one of those delightful choices would be such a treat, fingers crossed 🙂
Ooh the Lighter Quay apartment in front of Sofitel hotel is my pick!
Nice pool great view. Thanks for the opportunity ?
Love to see auckland city again after left for two jears and live in contry town now
This would be an amazing prize. I love travel but since becoming a Mum ( which I wouldn’t change for the world) the only travel I get is travel to the supermarket, Kindy or Plunket appointments to name a few. A break away to explore all the changes the big city has to offer would be truly amazing. I love reading travel adventures and advice from other people. I kind of get to experience it too in a small way.
Just checking that you have filled in the form on the link to be in to win? The winner will be drawn at random by a robot. Good luck!!
What a welcome treat this would be……..
They look fantastic such lovely apartments and Auckland is such a vibrant going on city too explore…would be a special 3 days away of relaxation and fun thanks 4 the chance ..
Princess wharf would be great!
Sounds great. I think Auckland is changing so much so would love to experience a few days there for a good look around.
Just wow; they look like a much preferred option, especially for a girls’ getaway and right on the waterfront.
Exactly!!
Would love to spend a few days in Auckland in the Viaduct and surrounds with our friends. Would be super cool to take a few days out thanks.
I would love to have this as my husband is having chemotherapy at the moment & a short trip to Auckland would be a refreshing break
Would love this as a surprise for my husband and myself and my brother and sister-in law who are coming over for a first visit in March next year sooo excited ?
Id love to have a weekend away from home and the kids because its way overdue
This would be awesome. Havent had a night away with my partner let alone a weekend. To busy putting everyrhing beforw ourselves
Me and my three grandchildren would have so much fun.
What an amazing giveaway to win for a getaway. I have my fingers and toes crossed. My partner and I would love to visit <3
So gorgeous and it’s in my dream waiting for relaxing long weekend.
Princess wharf please. Oh it would be so nice to have a few nights away
These apartments are fantastic. Hidden gems in the heart of Auckland. My hubby and I would love to wake up to that view for a few days. What a great competition to hold. Thank you.
Stunning looking apartments with wonderful views
This would be fantastic. Haven’t visited Auckland for a while so would be great to have the opportunity to stay in one of these awesome apartments and go sightseeing around the area.
I would so love this break the place looks amazing
Love to win this as my sis and brother in law coming over, would be great to stay in Auckland for a few days, so they can experience the city life.
Would have a girls trip away with some wonderful friends…. here’s hoping….
Would love to win this would take my three sisters for a girls few days away
Great competition, have fingers crossed!