Katy RosserMy earliest memories of a family vacation are hazy recollections of splashing around in the water under the warm sun. The pool couldn’t have been bigger than 10 by 20 feet, but I remember staying so long that I had prunes for fingers when I got dragged out.
Luckily, Auckland has a whole list of hotels where I can recreate that memory.Whether you’re a traveler seeking a retreat or a local in search of a serene getaway, Auckland’s hotels offer a variety of poolside havens where you can make your own memories.
Excited to dive in? Come with us as we guide you through rooftop options all the way to more private swimming sessions in the hotels in the city with the best pools.
- Get Views Overlooking the Waitemata Harbour at the Auckland Harbour Suites
- Enjoy a Heated Pool Experience at the Cordis Auckland Hotel
- Indulge in Some Poolside Drinks at the Doubletree By Hilton Karaka
- Treat Yourself to a Convenient Stay Heartland Hotel Auckland Airport
- Get the Best of Both Worlds at the Heritage Hotel Auckland
- Have a Nautical Stay on the Princes Wharf at the Hilton Auckland Hotel
- Experience a Stay Filled with Luxury at the JW Marriott Auckland Hotel
- Have Your Meal Poolside at the Mount Richmond Hotel
- Visit a Tropical Oasis in the City Center at the Ohtel Auckland
- Enjoy a Swim in Fresh Air with No Sun Damage at the Park Hyatt Auckland Hotel
- Enjoy An All Inclusive Stay At the Parkside Hotel & Apartments
- Go for a State of the Art Pool at the Pullman Auckland Hotel
- Get Garden Views While Taking a Dip at the Sudima Auckland Airport Pool
Get Views Overlooking the Waitemata Harbour at the Auckland Harbour Suites
– Media Credit: thevacationgetaway
Address: 16 Gore Street, Central, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
Phone number: +64 9 909 9999
Rating: 4 Star Hotel
Pricing: $ $ $
Located right on the Waitemata Harbour, Auckland Harbour Suites has 150 rooms all of which have great views of the waters below. Each of the rooms have connection to high speed Wi-fi and a flat screen TV for maximum relaxation.
If you get sick of your hotel room, you can go bask in the New Zealand sun at the outdoor pool. The pool itself is rectangular and is perfect if you want to do full laps for some exercise. There are lounge chairs by the poolside if you’d rather sit and relax.
The outdoor area grants you views of the city lights at night. In the daytime, you can watch boats and even cruise ships float by the hotel.
| Pro Tip: The Auckland Harbour Suites is quite near the Viaduct Harbour which is chock full of restaurants and bars that you can go for dining and drinking options. White and Wong’s is one of our favorites with their flavorful Asian fusion cuisine. |
Enjoy a Heated Pool Experience at the Cordis Auckland Hotel
Address: 83 Symonds Street, Grafton, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
Phone number: +64 9 379 5132
Rating: 5 Star Hotel
Pricing: $ $ $
The Cordis Auckland Hotel is a 5 star hotel and it shows. The main attraction is their outdoor pool on the hotel’s rooftop. Not only is the pool refreshing during the summer months, but it’s also heated and temperature controlled at a steady 27 degrees.
This means that even in cooler months, you can still enjoy a dip in the water and not freeze your toes off. The pool hours are restricted to 6 am until 9:30 pm for your safety.
If you’re a fan of even warmer water, you can opt to use their spa pool indoors which is maintained at a 37 degree temperature all year long. They even have a snail shower to wash away the stress of traveling and being away from home.
| Pro Tip: The Cordis Auckland Hotel offers a lot of promos and discounts. One of the best ones that you should take advantage of are the 25% off they give when you stay 2 nights or anything longer than that. This is especially useful if you’re staying with a big group. |
Indulge in Some Poolside Drinks at the Doubletree By Hilton Karaka
Address: 8 Hinau Road, Karaka, Auckland 2113, New Zealand
Phone number: +64 9 296 2002
Rating: 4 Star Hotel
Pricing: $ $
If you’re looking for a hotel for a family staycation that takes you out of the city center by a bit, then the Doubletree By Hilton Karaka is a great option to choose. This hotel has great rooms and even better suites with all the amenities you’ll need for a comfy stay.
The hotel even has an outdoor pool that is accessible for all guests staying there. The size of the pool is big enough to accommodate a lot of guests without feeling too crowded. Plus, you can use their lounge chairs to sunbathe while you’re there.
The poolside area also transforms into a socializing space at night when people bring up drinks from the hotel bar and make use of the cocktail tables beside the pool.
| Pro Tip: Speaking of bars, the Horseshoe Bar located within the hotel also has indoor seating with views of the pool deck for extra warm days. They make great versions of classic cocktails like martinis and have a big enough list of wine and beer to choose from. |
Treat Yourself to a Convenient Stay Heartland Hotel Auckland Airport
– Media Credit: tofiga
Address: 14 Airpark Drive, Airport Oaks, Auckland 2022, New Zealand
Phone number: +64 9 275 4540
Rating: 4 Star Hotel
Pricing: $ $
If you have some business to attend to near the airport, then there’s no other place you should be considering other than the Heartland Hotel Auckland Airport. This place provides convenience because of its location and proximity to other attractions.
The 24/7 shuttle to and from the airport makes the experience all the more hassle free. Just be sure to call ahead and inquire about the schedule or to request the service.
Once you get to the hotel grounds, you’ll immediately be met with the pool that’s located right by the entrance. This is one of the more unique and interesting pools we’ve tried. The main one is a quarter of a circle with a small jacuzzi on the side.
| Pro Tip: If you want to make the most of your stay then make sure you try and check off other places in the area. Manukau City is just a short drive away where you can shop at the many stores there or enjoy a day at the Rainbow’s End Theme Park. |
Get the Best of Both Worlds at the Heritage Hotel Auckland
Address: 35 Hobson Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
Phone number: +64 9 979 7300
Rating: 4 Star Hotel
Pricing: $ $
Heritage Auckland is located inside a beautifully restored building, but what waits for you inside is just as nice of an experience as the pretty exterior. This hotel offers facilities you would normally expect from resorts only.
They have a full outdoor tennis court where you can squeeze in a few rallies during your stay. Afterwards, the rooftop pool is the perfect place to cool off in. Located on the top of the hotel, it gets cool breezes blowing from the harbor nearby which you can see.
They take it a step further with another 17 meter pool which is located indoors. This is better if you prefer less people so you can concentrate on getting your laps in.
| Pro Tip: The Heritage Auckland Hotel has 2 wings that you can choose from. The Hotel Wing stays true to the building’s rich history with art deco style decor while the Tower Wing is more modern and contemporary. Book ahead so you have the liberty of choosing! |
Have a Nautical Stay on the Princes Wharf at the Hilton Auckland Hotel
Address: 147 Quay Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
Phone number: +64 9 978 2000
Rating: 5 Star Hotel
Pricing: $ $ $
The Hilton Auckland Hotel has one of the prettiest pools we have seen in Auckland and even beyond the city. The pool stretches across the 4th floor of the hotel and ends in a glass edge for an exciting view of the city down below while you’re under water.
While you’re there, you’ll also be treated to views of the harbor down below. The pool is comfortable all year long because it’s heated to a constant temperature. This makes night swims enjoyable, especially with the added thrill of the glass edge at night.
The entire hotel follows a nautical theme inspired by its location, so you can expect the ocean fun to extend well into the decor of the rooms and facilities.
| Pro Tip: The Hilton Auckland Hotel is a 15 minute walk from the ferry station that can take you to Waiheke Island. We highly recommend going for a day trip there and enjoy a day of wine tasting at one of the world renowned wineries like the Mud Brick Restaurant. |
Experience a Stay Filled with Luxury at the JW Marriott Auckland Hotel
Address: 22-26 Albert Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
Phone number: +64 9 309 8888
Rating: 5 Star Hotel
Pricing: $ $ $
Another 5 star hotel in the city that shouldn’t be missed is the JW Marriott Auckland located right in the heart of the CBD. This place has 286 rooms to choose from with 15 suites for a stay that’s even more elevated.
The amenities reflect the same level of opulence with a full size indoor pool where you can do laps or just splash around in the water. To relax, you have an option to warm up in the jacuzzi with powerful jets for a rejuvenating aqua massage.
There are towels available for use near the entry to the pool area so that you won’t have to lug down some from your hotel room.
| Pro Tip: They regularly renovate their rooms and suites in batches to always stay in line with new trends and quality standards. Before you book, you can check their website or give them a call to ask which rooms are newly repaired for the extra pep to your stay. |
Have Your Meal Poolside at the Mount Richmond Hotel
Address: 676 Mount Wellington Highway, Mount Wellington, Auckland 1062, New Zealand
Phone number: +64 9 270 2900
Rating: 4 Star Hotel
Pricing: $ $
The Mount Richmond Hotel in Mt Wellington has been in the hospitality industry for over 35 years and the friendly staff and great service is a reflection of that. We always enjoy our time here because of the employees who make the effort to assist us in all ways.
This service extends to the dining options here. They have an onsite restaurant that offers great food, but our favorite part is enjoying the dishes poolside.
The pool area is unlike the common ones you see. The deck is covered in hardwood and grass carpeting that makes it feel more like a jungle watering hole than a regular hotel pool. The ambience is very enjoyable even if you’re dining or dipping into it.
| Pro Tip: The Poolside Bar and Restaurantis open from breakfast to dinner so there is such a big menu to choose from. For breakfast, we always get the Richmond Kiwi Breakfast which comes with egg, bacon, sausage, mushrooms, hash, and ciabatta. |
Visit a Tropical Oasis in the City Center at the Ohtel Auckland
Address: 32 Market Place, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
Phone number: +64 9 886 8388
Rating: 5 Star Hotel
Pricing: $ $ $
If you’re looking for a hotel that’s more than just somewhere to spend a night, then Ohtel Auckland is just the one for you. Staying here is the same as going on a vacation.
The entire place is decorated to look like an island paradise with the rooms decorated in warm summer colors and wood accents. The spa offers services inspired by the tropics like sauna sessions and fruit facials.
But, the main element is the pool which is located outdoors. It’s set in limestone and is surrounded by greenery including palm trees that tower near the edge that really add a non-urban vibe to the area. Wooden lounge chairs complete the feel and let you relax.
| Pro Tip: If you’re planning to stay with family or a group of friends, we really recommend going for a suite. You get a dining and lounge area, plus the Kiwiana artwork, working record player, and balcony hanging over the Waitangi Park make it so worthwhile. |
Enjoy a Swim in Fresh Air with No Sun Damage at the Park Hyatt Auckland Hotel
Address: 99 Halsey Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
Phone number: +64 9 366 1234
Rating: 5 Star Hotel
Pricing: $ $ $
One of the only cons of outdoor pools is the constant fear of the sun playing through my head. On the other hand, indoor pool areas can get stuffy especially if it isn’t ventilated well. The Park Hyatt Auckland Hotel removes both of these issues with their pool.
The pool itself is located on a veranda style area with a roof overhead to protect you from the sun. But since the area is open air, you still get the cool breeze blowing in.
The poolside becomes an especially nice place to chill at when nighttime comes with soft lights peeking through the drop ceiling. Plus, you get a view of the sparkling city lights through the openings across from you.
| Pro Tip: There are 3 restaurants on site at the Park Hyatt Auckland Hotel, so you won’t have to travel to dine well. The Ornemata is best for seafood lovers, the Living Room serves great afternoon tea sets, and The Pantry is the go to for comfort food. |
Enjoy An All Inclusive Stay At the Parkside Hotel & Apartments
– Media Credit: notyetyvette
Address: 100 Greys Avenue, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
Phone number: +64 9 375 1800
Rating: 4 Star Hotel
Pricing: $ $
The Parkside Hotel & Apartments, previously known as the Amora Hotel, is one of our go to choices when we need a hotel in the Central Business Area in Auckland. It grants you access to nearby attractions like the
But, you might not want to actually leave the hotel grounds with all the amenities they have ready for you. The Spa Nomad offers beauty services and pampering sessions while the 24/7 gym and an outdoor pool lets you exercise even while on vacation.
The pool itself is located in the central outdoor area. It’s big and spacious and comes with a hot tub. Both of these overlook the Myers Park down below for a refreshing view.
| Pro Tip: If you have a family of 4 or less, we highly suggest booking one of the Deluxe Family Rooms instead of going for 2 separate rooms. In each family room, you get 2 queen size beds and a balcony which comes at a lower price tag for extra savings. |
Go for a State of the Art Pool at the Pullman Auckland Hotel
Address: Corner Waterloo Quadrant &, Princes Street, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
Phone number: +64 9 353 1000
Rating: 5 Star Hotel
Pricing: $ $ $
Whether you’re a professional swimmer who can’t let up on consistent practice even on vacations or just an avid fan of swimming as an exercise, you’ll enjoy the pool at the Pullman Hotel Auckland. It’s indoors and comes with a sauna and steam room.
The pool itself measures 25 meters in length and has floor markings to maintain the separation between the 3 lanes. There is seating under the area’s roof, but there are also plenty of lounge chairs towards the edge where you can get some sun too.
Apart from the pools, the hotel has 300 rooms to choose from, all of which are spacious, comfy and equipped with modern appliances and views of the city and the sea.
| Pro Tip: For a relaxing way to end your day, we recommend you explore the Luxe Spa & Power Fitness Center that’s open to all guests. They offer 6 different treatments ranging from deep tissue massages to aroma therapy rooms. |
Get Garden Views While Taking a Dip at the Sudima Auckland Airport Pool
Address: 18 Airpark Drive, Māngere, Auckland 2022, New Zealand
Phone number: +64 9 551 8888
Rating: 4.5 Star Hotel
Pricing: $ $
The Sudima Auckland Airport puts sustainability at the forefront of their service and is a Toitu carboreduce certified hotel. This aspect is reflected in the design and architecture of the place that allows for natural cooling and heating of several spaces and amenities.
The hotel’s pool is strategically designed with black tiles to help with heat retention which it gets from the floor to ceiling windows that line one side. Lighting is also all natural because of the light bouncing on the white and reflective ceiling.
The windows give you a view of the very lush garden outside. And with lounge chairs positioned near them, you can even read up on a book or 2 to relax.
| Pro Tip: If you’re not driving your own car to the Sudima Auckland Airport, make sure to call and ask about the Yellow Bus. This independent transportation service works for multiple hotels in the area and is faster than booking on a ride share app! |
