Monday 31 August 2015

Auckland Accommodation – South Auckland


The wonderful thing about South Auckland, other than the fact that it’s a beautiful region with lots to see and do is that it’s also one of the few places in Auckland that offer the most affordable accommodation. You can get great accommodation for less than $50. In short, South Auckland accommodation
caters to all budgets and styles.
Auckland Accommodation 


Some of the best places to stay in South Auckland

Big Bay Holiday Park

Big Bay Holiday Park is located in Big Bay, Waiuku. It’s possibly one of the cheapest places to stay in South Auckland, but that is not why it’s popular. Big Bay is a holiday park and camping ground where you can pitch up a tent and enjoy a peaceful sleep under the stars. it’s the perfect place for families, singles and especially couples.

The park is well equipped to accommodate campers. It features kitchen cabins, power sites, camp kitchen, showers, toilets, BBQ pits and a pizza oven. It also offers self-contained units for those that prefer the comfort of sleeping on a bed.

Big Bay is conveniently located 75 minutes from Auckland airport and it’s close to Big Bay Beach, Hudson’s Beach, Wattle Bay and Orua Bay. Nearby attractions, include Waipipi Bird Park and Glenbrook Vintage Railway.

Tuakau Hotel

Established in 1875, Tuakau Hotel has won several international awards since it reopened in 2011. The beautifully renovated hotel offers more comfort and convenience, yet still maintains its original charm. It features several luxury rooms, seven self-contained apartments, a restaurant, bar and gaming area.

The hotel is located in Tuakau and is only 35 minutes from Auckland Airport.

Castaways Resort

Castaways Resorts sits on the cliff tops of the beautiful Karioitahi Beach in Waiuku. The resort offers ocean front chalet and studio accommodation all equipped with kitchenettes, TV and free WI-FI. There is also a restaurant and a spa. All accommodation feature private decks and spectacular views of the sea and surrounding areas.

Manukau Motor Lodge

Manukau Motor Lodge is located in the heart of Manukau. It is ten minutes away from Auckland Airport making it the perfect place for visitors on business or on holiday. The lodge features comfortable suites equipped with all the conveniences to make your stay more comfortable. There is also a spa, sauna, swimming pool and other facilities. Nearby attractions, include Butterfly Creek, Spookers theme park and Rainbow’s End theme park.

Monday 24 August 2015

Auckland Restaurants

Cheap Accommodation in Central Auckland


Who says you have to have a lot of money to visit the beautiful city of Auckland. While it’s true that Auckland City is dotted with first-class hotels and gorgeous holiday apartments with all the privacy you want, these options are not exactly cheap. Some of these hotels and holiday apartments charge anywhere between $300 and $2500 per night.
Photo  Quality Hotel Parnell
While such places offer high rates for accommodation, there are places that charge as little as $50 a night. Therefore, if you are looking for budget friendly accommodation, you will find plenty of them in the city.

Backpacker hostels are one of the cheapest of Auckland accommodation options. Hostels, such as YHA Auckland City and YHA Auckland International charge as little as $20 per night. While this option is not ideal for families, it’s perfect if you are visiting Auckland with a group of friends.

Another great place to stay is at the Nomads Auckland Backpacker Hostel and Bar located on Fort Street. The backpacker hostel is close to the Viaduct Harbour, Skytower and Vector Arena. The rooms are clean and they have excellent facilities.

If you are visiting with family, try the Quality Hotel Parnell on Gladstone Road. The hotel is close to great shopping and attraction spots such as Parnell Tourist Village, Newmarket and Domain. You can also easily access attractions such as Rangitoto Island and the Hauraki Gulf. The hotel has serviced apartments and 105 rooms. All rooms are equipped with modern facilities for your comfort such as, a refrigerator, TV, Wi-Fi and kitchen facilities. The rooms also offer excellent views of Auckland Harbour.

Another excellent option is City Lodge on Vincent Street. Its budget-friendly rates and high quality accommodation and services, makes it one of the best of Auckland accommodation. City Lodge offers safety and good security to its guests. All the rooms are well equipped with facilities such as, a fridge, TV, Wi-Fi, electric heater and more for your comfort and convenience.

The Surrey Hotel located in the suburb of Grey Lynn in Auckland Central is an English-styled hotel that also offers great accommodation at very affordable rates. It features deluxe rooms, a lounge, gym, indoor heated pool and a private spa. There is also a restaurant and bar serving great food, excellent wine and local beers.

The Ibis Auckland Ellerslie hotel on Greenlane East, Copthorne Hotel Auckland Harbour City on Quay Street and the Scenic Hotel Auckland on Queen Street are just some of the most affordable Auckland accommodation options in the city.

Article by Anne Murigi

Monday 17 August 2015

Boutiques, Lodges and Holiday Homes in North Auckland


North Auckland is home to many incredible islands, fine wineries, unspoiled beaches, native forests and natural hot pools. It is the perfect holiday destination for families and married couples.
Auckland Accommodation


The region is not short on fun activities, great restaurants, charming cafes as well as amazing accommodation. North Auckland accommodation options range from grand hotels to charming little cottages. You will always find excellent accommodation in the area that fits your budget.

Holiday Homes and Cottages

If you are looking for a holiday home, you will find plenty of them in North Auckland. One of the best holiday homes in the region is Kotani on Balboa Drive, Whangaparaoa. With seven bedrooms and seven bathrooms, this gorgeous home is well equipped, tastefully furnished and offers some incredible views. You will find all the comforts of home plus other amazing facilities that will make your stay even more comfortable and relaxing.

The Radcliffe Cottage has a different setting to that of Kotani. Located at Waitapu Farms in Tomarata, Wellsford, this enchanting 3-bedroom cottage is the ideal countryside escape. It has a lounge and dining area, outdoor seating area, a BBQ pit, a fully equipped kitchen and all facilities to make your stay more comfortable. The cottage is near beaches, great food and wine, farmers markets and horse riding.

Other great holiday homes and cottages you might want to check out include Riverside Matakana located in Matakana, Sandspit Retreat, Omaha River Retreat, Rata Cottage, Hyperion Heights, Davenport Cottage, Colonial Villa just to name a few.

Boutiques and Lodges

Boutiques and lodges are a much cheaper option compared to holiday homes. The Bridgehouse Lodge is quite popular. Located on Elizabeth Street, Warkworth, this lodge is well serviced and equipped with all the comforts of home. There is also a splendid bar and restaurant that serves great food and beverages.

Warkworth is a gateway to vineyards, local markets, beautiful beaches, golf courses and the Matakana Wine Country.

O’Grady Lodge in Wainui is quite incredible. Located only 30 minutes from Auckland city, the lodge is very close to Orewa Beach and other Auckland attractions. It offers luxury suites with private patios or decks overlooking tropical gardens, and each room is equipped with a mini bar and coffeemaker.

The Waimana Point Lodge situated on the coast of Matakana and Verdelais on Tindalls Bay Road, Whanaparaoa, are just some of the other lodges in the area that offer comfort, beauty and great food.

Article by Anne Murigi

Friday 7 August 2015

Auckland Accommodation- Hotels


If you plan to spend your vacation in Auckland, finding great Auckland accommodation within your budget should be on the top of your list. Auckland offers a range of accommodation options from five star luxury hotels to motels, lodges and holiday apartments. So regardless of how big or small your budget is you will find great accommodation in Auckland.
One of the best and most reputable luxury hotels in Auckland is the SKYCITY Grand Hotel. The hotel, which in itself is a major Auckland attraction, is quite popular with visitors. Located on 90 Federal Street, Auckland Central, SKYCITY Grand Hotel offers luxurious accommodation and you can even choose the type of pillow you would like to sleep on.

The rooms are spacious with stunning décor and spectacular views of the Waitemata Harbour. There is free WIFI, 24-hour room service, plasma TV and more. The restaurants in the hotel are some of the best in New Zealand. So enjoy a delicious steak at The Grill by Sean Connolly or Japanese cuisine at MASU by Nic Watt or delectable Italian at Gusto at the Grand.

The Langham 5-star hotel located on 83 Symonds Street, Auckland Central is yet another luxurious hotel and is close to many Auckland attractions. It has two restaurants, two bars, free WIFI, a Jacuzzi, heated rooftop pool and a fitness studio.

Luxurious accommodation can also be found at The Hilton Hotel, SKYCITY Hotel, Pullman Hotel and the stunning Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour Hotel.

If you are looking for a more affordable option, try the Rydges Auckland Hotel. Located on Hobson Street, Rydges offers great accommodation with views of the Waitemata Harbour and Auckland Harbour Bridge. The rooms are equipped with modern conveniences, such as hairdryers, irons, mini-bar and coffeemakers. The hotel is situated within a walking distance to the CBD, Auckland’s breathtaking waterfront and the Viaduct Harbor.

The Spencer on Bryon Hotel is another affordable option. Located on Byron Avenue, the hotel is only minutes away from the Takapuna Beach, Albany Business Park and Auckland CBD. It offers gorgeous views of the Hauraki Gulf, Rangitoto Island and Auckland Harbour.

A much cheaper option is the Holiday Inn Auckland Airport Hotel, which located not to far from many Auckland attractions such as Butterfly Creek, Auckland Zoo and Eden Garden. The hotel sits on a 10-acre piece of land surrounded by stunning gardens. The rooms overlook the gardens and the fountains within its compounds. There is free WIFI, one restaurant, bar and gym.

Article by Anne Murigi