Are you travelling to Auckland and have a stopover or an early morning flight? Staying at Auckland Airport is actually very straight forward, with most hotels offering free shuttles, or being located on the Yellow bus route.
Today we'll be looking at the best Auckland Airport hotels to stay in for every budget, whether you're on a budget or looking for luxury.
Like most airport hotels, it pays to book early so you can get the best deals possible. The hotels at Auckland airport regularly sell out, especially during school holidays.
Best Auckland Airport Hotels
1. Novotel Auckland Airport
Being one of the best-branded hotel chains across major cities throughout the world it’s hard to go past the Novotel Auckland Airport Hotel.
From the outside, it is a stunning modern complex, and the elegance continues throughout the interior in both the general areas and into guest bedrooms.
The hotel is conveniently located next door to the Auckland International Airport and an easy 5-minute walk from the domestic terminal. The city’s CBD is only 30 minutes away by car for access to sightseeing or business.
Inside the hotel, you’ll find an international standard restaurant offering local New Zealand cuisine and a wide selection of wines. Buffet style breakfast is served every morning in the restaurant as well, and snacks and drinks are also available at the relaxing bar area.
The hotel also offers a fully-equipped fitness centre and a business centre with free WiFi. Staff are welcoming, accommodating and put their all into making guests feel at home. Nothing is too much trouble.
All the guest bedrooms in the Auckland Novotel are modern and elegant, featuring a minibar, satellite TV, work desk and safety deposit box along with all other standard features.
Whether it’s a quick stopover or a more extended stay you’ll find the Auckland Airport Novotel will meet all expectations.
2. Ibis budget Auckland Airport
Only 900 metres (10-15 minute walk) from the Auckland Airport Domestic and International terminals the Ibis Budget Hotel is the ideal choice for your stay whilst in transit between flights, or simply visiting Auckland for business or pleasure.
The hotel is close to shops, restaurants, cafes, and also within easy access to attractions such as Villa Maria Vineyard, Butterfly Creek Adventure Park, and a full and a mini-golf course. The city centre itself is a 30-minute drive away.
The Ibis Hotel itself offers an appealing modern bright décor with guest bedrooms featuring air-conditioning, comfortable Queen size beds, private ensuite bathroom, tea/coffee making facilities, microwave, toaster, refrigerator, and a flat-screen TV.
Patrons can purchase snacks and drinks from convenient vending machines, and a fresh tasty breakfast is served every morning. There is a large supermarket right next door and an independently operated bar and restaurant underneath the hotel.
The Ibis offers an airport shuttle service and WiFi is available throughout the hotel.
No matter when you check-in, or out, the staff will be friendly, helpful and make sure that your stay is hassle-free throughout. As a budget hotel, the Ibis Auckland Airport is a perfectly well-appointed option for the traveller watching their pennies.
It’s clean and comfortable with all the basic amenities you want, plus a few that might surprise.
3. Sudima Auckland Airport
With a 4.5 star rating, the Sudima Auckland Airport Hotel is one of the best options for the traveller passing through Auckland or those who are there for business or pleasure.
The Sudima is located a convenient 3-minute drive from the airport terminals, close to local attractions such as Manakau Harbour, Butterfly Creek and Rainbow’s End, and 40 minutes from the Auckland CBD.
The hotel complex is set up to offer more than 150 guest bedrooms all equipped with flat-screen TV’s with satellite channels, double glazed windows and block out curtains for soundproofing and light control, safety deposit box, work desk, tea/coffee making facilities, and 24-hour room service. The bathrooms feature a full-size bath.
You will also enjoy free unlimited WiFi throughout the hotel and 24/7 reception services. The hotel operates an airport shuttle service for a small charge.
Outside the rooms, there is a stunning indoor heated natural water swimming pool, a fully-equipped fitness centre, and a guest laundry.
The Visaya Restaurant offers international cuisine choices and a selection of world-class New Zealand wines. The bar is open for more relaxed drinks and snacks. A buffet-style breakfast is also available in the restaurant every day as an alternative to room service.
For corporate customers, the Sudima Auckland has state of the art conference facilities available for hire as well.
4. Naumi Auckland Airport
If you’re lucky enough to arrive at the Naumi Auckland Hotel after dark you’ll be impressed from the outset by the stunning lit-up exterior of this highly regarded hotel. Inspired by the Tui bird, a New Zealand native, the hotel complex features contemporary and bold design accents throughout.
The guest bedrooms are referred to as ‘nests’. Large, bright and lovely, they all boast private patios and all feature large flat-screen TV’s with over 60 satellite channels, plus Netflix, available to watch.
Free and unlimited WiFi is also available throughout the hotel. All rooms have all the facilities, the services and the little touches you expect from a world-class hotel.
In terms of location, the Naumi Hotel Auckland is 3km from the airport terminals and an 18-minute drive from the CBD.
There are many local attractions to explore in nearby neighbourhoods or further abroad.
The complex features an on-site restaurant offering an extensive a la carte menu with an emphasis on Asian fusion cuisine.
There is also a bar to enjoy a cocktail and a snack. Breakfast is included in the overnight rate (children are extra). There is even a popcorn machine for a bit of fun.
The fitness centre is fully equipped and there is a pool with sun loungers to relax on, and a nearby golf course.
Facilities also include a shuttle transfer service and friendly and helpful front desk staff who will go out of their way to make you feel welcome and resolve any issues you may have.
5. Jet Park Airport Hotel
Featuring generous rooms and well-appointed communal areas the Jet Park Auckland Airport Hotel is a really compelling option for a stopover or more extended stay in Auckland.
Located a very convenient 5-minute drive from the Airport terminals, the hotel is also only 10 minutes from Manakau Harbour and 25 minutes from both the CBD and the Auckland Zoo.
The air-conditioned guest bedrooms are comfortable and quiet and feature a flat-screen TV, safety deposit box, minibar, and fully equipped ensuite bathroom with hairdryer and toiletries. Free WiFi is also available.
The hotel offers 24-hour room service so you can eat whenever it suits you in the privacy of your room.
Inside the general areas of the Jet Park, you’ll enjoy the Maroro Restaurant for a meal of either local or international cuisine.
The comfortable and relaxing lounge bar overlooks the outdoor swimming pool and offers cocktails, wines, light meals and snacks all day.
The pool itself is resort style with sun loungers, umbrellas and beach towels for your comfort. There are two children’s play areas. And the fitness centre is open for guests to exercise 24/7.
The hotel operates a free 24-hour airport shuttle service, as well as free valet assisted car parking.
Overall the Jet Park is a welcoming and warm place to rest your weary head after a long international flight. It has all that you will need without having to leave the complex, and more.
Can You Sleep At Auckland Airport?
There are no dedicated sleeping facilities within the airport and there are limited foot and beverage options late at night, if any.
The airport is open 24/7 and the best place to sleep is on some of the few armrest free benches on the second floor of the international terminal.
Going through to arrivals, there's really no sleeping options so you should consider one of the close by airport hotels or take the yellow bus to one of a handful of cheaper alternatives.
How To Get To Auckland Airport Hotels?
Before rushing out and choosing a taxi, there's actually some cheaper options you might be interested in exploring.
Most hotels around Auckland Airport usually offer a free or subsidised shuttle service but most of these only operate between 6am and 9pm. Some, like Jet Park operate 24/7/365.
Check your hotel first, there's nothing better than a free shuttle. These usually run every 30 minutes. If not or you arrive after 9pm you should take the Yellow Bus which runs every 30 minutes, 24/7.
The Yellow bus costs $6 per person and can take 10-60 minutes depending on your hotel destination. Despite being closest to the airport, the ibis Budget can actually be the last stop on the route so it can be quicker to walk to this hotel.
You can easily walk to the Novotel in under 2 minutes. The ibis Budget is a bit further at 20 minutes. Other hotels require you to take the freeway which isn't suitable for walking.
Best Accommodation Near Auckland Airport
If you've got no budget then you should definitely book the Novotel Auckland Airport. It's literally a 2 minute walk across the bridge or road from the departures hall or arrivals hall from the International terminal.
You can walk to the Novotel from the domestic terminal in 15 minutes by following the colour strip on the curb of the pavement.
If you're on a budget then most common is the ibis Budget hotel which can be very affordable, yet slightly cramped for more than 1 person. But you can usually save over $200 compared to the Novotel.
For those who aren't pushed for time or are looking to stay for more than one night, you can take the Yellow bus out to some of the luxury hotels in the vicinity such as Naumi or Sudima.
Auckland Airport Yellow Bus Review
I've taken the Yellow bus on many occasions. It's especially helpful if you arrive late at night or early in the morning and the free hotel shuttle bus isn't operating.
The Novotel regularly sells out in advance, so a last minute flight could see this hotel sold out. Taxi drivers likely won't take you the short 5-10 minute journey to closeby hotels so the Yellow Bus is perfect.
Buses are modern, clean and often pretty empty. There are luggage racks at the front. You can buy a ticket online or via the machine by the bus stop outside the International arrival (door 8) or domestic terminal (door 3 or 4)
You tell the driver your hotel upon boarding.
Buses come every 20-30 minutes. The only annoying thing about the Auckland Yellow bus is that they wait a few minutes at each hotel, often the driver goes into the lobby. This means you can be waiting up to 40-60 minutes on the bus to get to your hotel (if you're the last stop!).
I've also seen drivers not follow the route, for example late at night the ibis Budget which is the closest to the airport was the first drop off. In the morning, it's often the last drop off. You should allow one hour to get to the airport taking this bus.
Bottom line, for $6 it's the cheapest option if you arrive late at night. At all other times try and take the free shuttle bus if there is one.
Best Auckland Airport Hostels
Is there such thing as an Auckland Airport hostel? Yes there is, but when you factor in the time and how to get there, the ibis Budget can often be cheaper, especially if you're travelling with a companion.
The closest hostel is called Kiwi Airport Backpackers which is more of a motel than a traditional hostel. There's an onsite restaurant and they offer dorm style rooms. You can expect to pay around $25 per person per night. You also need to take the Yellow bus which will cost $12 return.
This has mixed reviews online, so do your own research.
Now you know the best Auckland airport hotels, the question is, where are you going to stay? Let us know in the comments below if you have any questions.
