Stay here: Park Hyatt Auckland review

New Zealand’s first Park Hyatt marked the return of the Hyatt brand to New Zealand after a nine-year absence, and it was worth the wait. Sitting right on the waterfront of Auckland’s revitalised Wynyard Quarter, the Park Hyatt Auckland looks out over the Viaduct Harbour marina and the mouth of Waitemata Harbour, and beyond to the Auckland Sky Tower and CBD. 

What’s the deal? 

Designed inside and out by Conran and Partners, the hotel takes inspiration from the dockside and warehouses of old in the slightly industrial look of its exterior. But the wow effect begins as we pass an intricate seven-metre waka canoe carving and, walking through a relatively narrow entrance, arrive at a vast atrium which seems to invite the sky down to the ground. A three-storey-high painting by Maori artist Emily Karaka celebrates New Zealand’s historic Treaty of Waitangi, while elsewhere in the atrium, the levels stack on top of each other, grounded by placid pools of water over which walkways seem to float.

Guest rooms maintain the same sense of space and nautical theme: the decor is mid-century modern, with plenty of wood, brass and leather – but that’s all softened by fabric walls inspired by Maori Tukutuku panelling from Auckland artist Beronia Scott. Each room has a walk-in wardrobe and separate toilet room, while the bathrooms are awash in white marble, with big bathtubs for a leisurely soak. Amenities include Park Hyatt’s signature Bergamote 22 from Le Labo, an elegant touch to elevate any morning. 

Our King Deluxe room has a large sitting area, with gorgeous views out over the marina, especially at sunrise, when the first rays intermingle with the steel mesh screen which cloaks much of the building. Other rooms have balconies, perfect for a coffee before heading out to explore.

Why stay?

It’s tempting to skip Auckland in your rush onwards to explore the rest of New Zealand, but the city – and the hotel – are well worth your time. The location is superb: a 15-minute waterfront stroll from the central Queen Street thoroughfare, via the Wynard Crossing bridge and through the buzzing Viaduct Harbour district, which is full of bars and restaurants and perfect for sundowners. We don’t even need to go that far: just outside the door is the Auckland Fish Market , with stalls selling freshly fried seafood, oysters shucked to order and more.  

On the other hand, if you’re not inclined to leave, then the hotel has plenty to offer. The 25-metre infinity pool is outdoors, but under cover – perfect for rainy Auckland days – and restaurant Onemata celebrates Kiwi produce with a real emphasis on small-scale suppliers from across the country. The breakfast is superb, with a chili oil-laden poached egg dish that lives on in our memory. 

Meanwhile, The Captain’s Bar continues the nautical theme in name, design and menu, with cocktails inspired by journeys across the seven seas. And if you have one too many and get lost on the way back to your room, just keep an eye out for Beau, the in-house canine concierge. This black labrador was trained as a guide dog for the blind – but found he was better suited to a life in hospitality. Find him in the lobby, greeting newcomers and acting as an “ambassadog” for Kiwi charity Blind Low Vision NZ .  

Cathay Pacific editors say…

“Auckland has bounded forward in the last decade, and the Park Hyatt is a jewel in the city’s crown. It’s a design-led delight in an ideal location, with F&B inside and around that makes it our top choice to post up and explore the city.”