Auckland is a tourist haven and has hotel options in all categories and price ranges. From backpackers to well-heeled tourists, singletons to honeymooners; all are catered for. The city centre is home to the flashiest five-star places, while many of the nicer neighbourhoods surrounding the city house further high-end options. December to February is the busiest time in Auckland.

Auckland has the best selection of top-end hotels in New Zealand where service, facilities and good views are virtually assured. Most neighbourhoods in Auckland have luxury hotels, especially Ponsonby and Parnell as well as the area surrounding the airport. In the city, the Viaduct Harbour is one of the best places to stay.

Some of Auckland's top hotels include: the Hyatt Regency Auckland and the five-star Langham Hotel Auckland in the city centre; the swanky Aachen House bed and breakfast at Remuera; the Hilton Auckland at Princess Wharf; Amitees Hotel in Ponsonby; and Braemar on Parliament Street. The Ventura Inn & Suites Auckland Airport out at the airport is also a good luxury Auckland hotel.

Auckland city centre is ideal for those who prefer to walk to the sights and sounds of the city but is not the most attractive area to stay. There are, however, many four- and five-star places and great shopping.

Parnell is one of the closest smart neighbourhoods to the city centre and comes with an array of upmarket hotel options. The area has that charming, hemmed-in feel with many historic homes and great shopping and nightlife. Parnell Village is good for arts and crafts.

Nearby Newmarket is another posh neighbourhood of Auckland and has tons of accommodation options ranging from mid-level to five-star. Ponsonby is also a smart neighbourhood to be based, with the best hotels here along the bustling and historic Ponsonby Road, where there are many old buildings and views of the Sky Tower.

Mount Eden is a popular Auckland suburb to the south of the city centre and is characterised by the large dead volcano here. Although there are no hotels on the volcano, there are many nearby and it is a nice quiet neighbourhood to be based. One Tree Hill is also laidback and nearby.

There are also many popular Auckland hotel options farther afield including at the seaside area of Devonport. It is just 10 minutes by ferry and has loads of bed and breakfasts and luxury digs in converted Victorian and Edwardian abodes. Views of the city from here are breathtaking. Also out of town are the Waitakere Ranges, which are characterised by beaches, mountains and vineyards.