William SmithFinding a place to live in Auckland resembles the hunt for a decent flat white: You know it’s out there, but you might dodge a few duds before striking gold.
Students need crash pads near the uni, professionals chase the high-rise lifestyle, and families prioritise safety above all else. The city offers a diverse mix to match these distinct needs.
I’ve dug through the clutter to find the best apartments in Auckland, highlighting five spots that actually deliver on their promises.
You might start your search looking for budget-friendly dorm vibes and end up considering high-end luxury.
These selections cut through the marketing noise to show you what living here is really like.
How much do apartments cost in Auckland?
Moving to Auckland requires financial preparation, as the city commands a premium that catches many off guard. A standard one-bedroom in the CBD averages mid $500s per week, but if you require two bedrooms or upscale finishes, that figure climbs past $600s or above Travellers weighing serviced apartments against hotels will find studio rates starting around $250 per night. However, luxury options featuring harbour views and concierge perks easily push costs above $400 nightly. Your final choice depends on prioritising a central address or investing in resort-style amenities. The market spans from practical necessities to opulent indulgences, so in most cases, what you pay generally tracks the location, size, and quality you’re getting, though there are always a few outliers. High demand often drives these prices, so budgeting for a bit of wiggle room is always a smart move.
1. AK Waterview Properties
Website: https://akwaterviewproperties.com/
Address: Auckland Viaduct, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
Contact: (+64) 21 446 216, [email protected]
Business Hours: Contact for information
AK Waterview Properties positions itself as Auckland’s newest property management company, offering luxury short-term apartments with uninterrupted waterfront views. Being Kiwi-owned and operated in the heart of Auckland’s CBD adds a local, hands-on feel to their apartment services.
Their apartment offerings are centered on delivering exceptional guest experiences by the sea, blending comfort with premium surroundings. This guest-first philosophy also supports stronger value and returns for apartment owner partners.
As a family-owned and operated business, AK Waterview Properties emphasizes attentive and tailored service throughout each stay. Their professionalism is paired with genuine care, creating a welcoming atmosphere for guests seeking high-end apartment living.
The company’s luxury short-term apartments stand out due to their exclusive waterfront locations. These views enhance both the aesthetic appeal and overall experience for guests staying in the apartments.
Customer satisfaction is a clear priority, with thoughtful touches extended to every guest during their stay. This attention to detail helps create memorable apartment experiences while reinforcing the brand’s commitment to quality.
For apartment owners, AK Waterview Properties focuses on maximizing both value and return on investment through careful management. Their growing presence in Auckland’s CBD reflects a focused approach to premium apartment services rather than volume-driven operations.
Customer Reviews
“Amazing!! Apartments in spectacular condition tidy homely and overall the best place I’ve stayed in Auckland, Amanda is the loveliest host and will ensure you feel welcome 10/10”
- Ahmed Shihab, Google Review
“My go to place when staying in Auckland. Family friendly, stunning apartments, very hygienic and the best customer service highly recommend”
- Deszire R6, Google Review
2. Zodiak Stays
Website: https://www.zodiakstays.com/
Address: 52 Courthouse Lane, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
Contact: +64 9 869 7709
Business Hours: Open 24 hours
Zodiak Stays is an Auckland-based accommodation provider specialising in fully furnished, professionally managed apartments. Their portfolio focuses on short-term and mid-term stays for both corporate travellers and holiday guests looking for a more flexible alternative to hotels.
Their apartments in Auckland are positioned in central locations such as the CBD, Viaduct Harbour, and surrounding inner-city suburbs, making them highly convenient for access to business districts, dining, and transport. Many listings also feature views, modern interiors, and easy access to key city attractions.
A key strength of Zodiak Stays is the hotel-like consistency paired with home-style living, offering fully equipped kitchens, laundry facilities, and spacious layouts. This makes their apartments suitable for both short visits and extended stays where comfort and functionality matter.
Another standout feature is their professional management system, which includes hotel-grade cleaning, structured check-ins, and 24/7 guest support. This ensures a reliable experience where guests can expect consistent standards across different properties.
Their apartments often include amenities such as fast Wi-Fi, smart TVs, and access to building facilities like gyms, pools, and secure parking. These added features make the stays more comfortable, especially for business travellers or families needing extra convenience.
Zodiak Stays also focuses on self check-in flexibility, allowing guests to arrive at their convenience using secure digital lock systems. This is particularly useful for international travellers or late arrivals who prefer a hassle-free entry process.
Overall, Zodiak Stays positions itself as a strong option for Auckland apartments that balance location, comfort, and professional management. It is especially suited for travellers who want more space and independence than a hotel while still maintaining reliable service standards.
Customer Reviews
“Located in the business center, this apartment features a spacious living room and dining table. While there is no dishwasher, other amenities are sufficient for basic cooking needs. Large supermarkets are nearby, and the ferry terminal is close by. The Sky Tower is approximately a 20-minute walk away. Parking is also available. This apartment is ideal for both business and leisure travelers.”
- Heiwing Tang, Google Review
“My stay was wonderful. Check-in is extremely well organized. All the necessary information is sent in advance, so there are no problems. The rooms are clean, well maintained, adequately equipped, but a little outdated. A little renovation would be good. The same applies to the entire building and especially the fitness center.”
- Michael Tumpel, Google Review
3. Park Tower
Website: https://www.parktower.co.nz/
Address: 110 Grafton Road, Grafton, Auckland
Contact: 0800 727 586
Business Hours: Daily 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Park Tower operates more like a high-end boarding house than a detached apartment complex, fostering a social atmosphere where isolation disappears.
Students and newcomers in Grafton find themselves well-positioned to skip the daily traffic grind, with universities and the hospital just a short walk away.
I chatted with residents who emphasised how easy meeting people is here, where shared spaces actually see use, and knowing your neighbour’s name is the norm rather than the exception.
You aren’t just renting a room, you are joining a network of potential friends.
However, privacy takes a backseat to this community feel. Shared bathroom facilities are common for many units, and noise travels easily when the building is full.
Absolute silence is hard to find here, so you should expect a constant buzz of activity.
If you need a library-like environment to study or sleep, the energetic social environment might prove distracting.
Customer Reviews
This is a very good dormitory for me. The staff are friendly, cheerful, and very helpful. The dormitory is new, and I like that there are many shared spaces to use. This place doesn’t feel like just an apartment—it feels like a big home because everyone here knows each other and always greets one another. I feel very warm and welcomed here.
- Mumay Mumay | Google Review
There is nothing better than Park Tower in Auckland, or in New Zealand. The furnished apartment rental building has been renovated to offer a stylish, modern, safe and clean environment for everyone living at Park Tower. There are friendly, professional property managers on site 7 days a week and reception is 24/7. The CBD is only a 5 minute stroll away and there are many cafe’s, takeways and convenience stores next door on Park Road.
- James Cowan | Google Review
4. The International
Website: https://theinternational.nz/
Address: 9 Princes Street, Auckland CBD
Contact: 021 123 4567
Schedule: 24/7 Concierge Available On-Site
The International wraps a historic facade around ultra-modern interiors, creating a lifestyle that rivals five-star resorts.
A private cinema, library, and heated pool sit right on your doorstep, alongside the rare greenery of Albert Park. Expansive apartments with high-spec finishes naturally impress guests the moment they walk through the door.
The concierge can help with day-to-day logistics, too. Think organising things like dry cleaning or handling deliveries, which makes the high price tag feel a lot more justifiable if it’s in your budget.
Exclusivity defines the experience here. Vacancies are rare, and securing a spot often requires waiting for a current resident to leave.
Even with a flexible budget, actually getting a foot in the door remains a challenge due to the high demand.
This building suits professionals who want their home to serve as a statement piece as much as a living space.
Customer Reviews
My mates flat is really nice. The flatmate is questionable… however the good food and wine makes up him. Will return.
- Stacey Hansford | Google Review
Amazing Views, Restaurant & Facilities!
- Jeena Percival | Google Review
5. Adina Apartment Hotel Auckland Britomart
Website: https://www.adinahotels.com/en/apartments/auckland-britomart/
Address: 2 Tapora Street, Auckland
Contact: 09 393 8200 and [email protected]
Schedule: 24/7 Hotel Reception Service, Check-In Time: 3:00 PM, Check-Out Time: 11:00 AM
Adina combines the autonomy of an apartment with the reliability of a hotel chain. It’s right by Spark Arena and the Britomart hub, making it the perfect pitstop when you’re heading to a show or catching the train.
You can catch a train to virtually anywhere in the city or hop on a ferry to Waiheke Island without ever needing a car.
Many of the larger rooms and apartments include full kitchens and in-room laundry, which is a game-changer for longer stays.
However, the building design features a quirk that might surprise you during a rainy visit: open-air walkways.
If the wind picks up, you might get wet just trying to get from the lift to your room door, a significant flaw in Auckland’s often wet weather.
Do note, the central location means concert nights bring noise from the nearby arena. Light sleepers should request a room on the quiet side of the building to avoid the post-show hustle.
Customer Reviews
Me and a few friends stayed here at their 2 bedroom premiere apartment and it was amazing! Although we didn’t stay long as we were out most of the time it was more than I could’ve asked for! The receptionist was amazing, check in was a breeze also had a car park which we could pay for upon leaving. The place was clean and spacious! Will definitely go back again.
- losaline Tevi | Google Review
Great stay, booked the apartment the night before my wedding and surpassed all expectations. Very spacious, modern and clean. Nice views and the staff were really accommodating to all the people coming and going I.e photographers, make up artists, friends & parents etc. Exceptional service and they even allowed late check out to accommodate on the day of my wedding. A complimentary bottle of bubbles upon arrival and a lovely card made it even more special. Cannot recommend highly enough and will definitely look to book again soon.
- Nicolas Arroyo | Google Review
6. Avani Auckland Metropolis Residences
Website: https://www.avanihotels.com/en/metropolis-auckland
Address: 40 Kitchener Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland
Contact: 080 000 5576, 09 377 1000 and [email protected]
Schedule: 24/7 Hotel Reception Service, Check-In Time: 2:00 PM, Check-Out Time: 10:00 AM
The Metropolis stands as an icon of the skyline, offering views over the harbour and Albert Park that draw people in.
Its central location puts High Street shopping and the Chancery within a short elevator ride, allowing for quick coffees or retail therapy sessions whenever the mood strikes.
The building carries a sense of history and prestige that makes you feel like you are staying somewhere important, rather than just another glass box.
While the views are world-class, some interiors show signs of age compared to newer competitors. Scuffed furniture or fittings occasionally hint at the building’s busy history.
It remains comfortable, but it lacks the crisp, brand-new feeling of recent constructions.
Elevator wait times also test patience, as residents sometimes stand in the lobby for long stretches during morning rush hours.
Despite the “wear and tear,” the location and status keep this spot in high demand.
Customer Reviews
Stayed here for 3 nights as part of our honeymoon. Great value for what we paid. Became a great homely base to come back to while we toured the city. Clean, modern and great service.
- Mitchell John | Google Review
What a place to stay! I felt very fancy staying in the Avani. The reception area is beautiful and the service is great. Our room was so big with 4 different areas. Having a washing machine was essential while travelling and was much appreciated. The lifts were fast so no waiting around. We also enjoyed the pool and jacuzzi. I’d definitely recommend staying here as the price wasn’t bad and it’s very good location wise. Well done team 👏
- Debbs Middleton| Google Review
7. Greenhouse Apartments
Website: https://www.stayurbanrest.com/apartments/new-zealand/auckland/greenhouse-apartments
Address: 20 Williamson Avenue, Grey Lynn, Auckland
Contact: 09 200 3731
Schedule: Check-In Time: 3:00 PM, Check-Out Time: 10:00 AM (Reception Hours Vary, So Contact Ahead)
Greenhouse Apartments provides a boutique, eco-conscious alternative in Grey Lynn, right on the edge of Ponsonby.
This spot is all about the lifestyle. You’ve got cafes, bars, and boutiques right on your doorstep instead of the usual CBD office blocks.
High-end appliances and natural light fill these beautifully designed spaces, making it feel like a neighbourhood home rather than a temporary stay.
Residents here often start mornings with runs in Grey Lynn Park before brunching at local eateries.
This spot appeals to those wanting to live like a wealthy local. However, working in the city centre still means a commute, like roughly a half-hour walk into town or an easy bus ride.
The smaller scale means no 24/7 hotel services or massive pools, catering instead to independent travellers who value style and location over extensive on-site facilities.
Customer Reviews
Lovely location for my mum’s 70th birthday. The vibe was modern living. Cooking utensils are not the cheap kinds. Also the appliances are great, all in working condition!
- Larry Rustia | Google Review
My favorite place to stay for long work trips – I wish Greenhouse was in every major city. The apartments are beautifully appointed with nice design touches. Plus the location is killer – steps to the supermarket and countless world class restaurants.
- Aaron Ward | Google Review
