Hotels

If your idea of a holiday is the best views, the best beds, the best food, and the last word in service, Auckland's luxury hotels won't disappoint. For long stays, you might opt for a fully serviced apartment. Among the best options is CityLife Auckland A Heritage Hotel, 171 Queen St. (tel. 0800/368-888 in NZ, or 09/379-9222; www.heritagehotels.co.nz), with 216 one- to three-bedroom suites and hotel rooms from NZ$372 to NZ$1,120 (US$264-US$795/£134-£404). Or treat yourself to their penthouse suite for NZ$2,025 (US$1,437/£729).

If you want home comforts, bed-and-breakfasts abound, many in homes of fine character. Pick up the free booklet Auckland Home, Farmstay and Bed & Breakfast Accommodation from the visitor center.

Rates include 12.5% GST (goods and services tax) and parking, unless stated otherwise.

In Inner City

Moderate -- I was impressed by the warm, welcoming atmosphere of the Crowne Plaza Hotel Auckland, 128 Albert St. (tel. 09/302-1111; fax 09/302-3111; www.crowneplazaauckland.co.nz), which surpasses many of its bigger, brighter hotel neighbors in the service and ambience stakes. Smart, modern rooms range in price from NZ$170 to NZ$420 (US$121-US$299/£62-£152).

In Parnell/Newmarket

To get to Parnell if you don't have a car, take The Link bus from Queen Street, which travels down Customs Street and along Beach Road to Parnell Rise. Sadly, most of the best B&Bs in this area have closed or are not what they used to be. If you want a middle-of-the-road hotel in a pleasant setting, try Kingsgate Hotel Parnell, 92-102 Gladstone Rd. (tel. 0800/782-5489 in NZ, or 09/377-3619). It's just across the road from a quiet park with 5,000 rosebushes and has 117 rooms priced from NZ$125 to NZ$175 (US$89-US$124/£45-£63).

In the Western Suburbs

Beach lovers should consider Bethells Beach Cottages, 267 Bethells Rd. (tel. 09/810-9581; www.bethellsbeach.com). They have two sunny, self-contained holiday cottages and a self-contained apartment set in lush, private gardens -- the ultimate Kiwi getaway -- for NZ$282 to NZ$395 (US$200-US$280/£102-£142). If you favor a bush environment, opt for Rangiwai Lodge, 29 Rangiwai Rd., Titirangi (tel. 09/817-8990; www.accommodation-nz.com), just a 4-minute walk from Titirangi Village. It has a heated indoor pool, and all rooms have a private deck and en-suite bathroom. Rates are from NZ$300 to NZ$375 (US$213-US$266/£108-£135).

In the Eastern Suburbs

The Point View Lodge, 316 Point View Dr., Howick (tel. 09/537-5678; www.pointview.co.nz), has three beautiful rooms that go for NZ$350 to NZ$450 (US$249-US$320/£126-£162).

Near the Airport

If you have an early-morning flight or you're checking into Auckland at night and want a quick bed, give one of the following a call. Jet Park Airport Hotel, 63 Westney Rd., Mangere (tel. 0800/538-466 in NZ, or 09/275-4100; www.jetpark.co.nz), gets many recommendations; rooms cost NZ$160 to NZ$325 (US$114-US$231/£58-£117). Centra Auckland Airport, Kirkbridge and Ascot roads, Airport Oaks (tel. 0800/080-236 in NZ, or 09/275-1059; www.centra.co.nz), has 248 rooms for NZ$168 to NZ$218 (US$119-US$155/£61-£79).