Staying at Park Hyatt, Auckland: The Ultimate Innercity Wellness Retreat
Image: The Captain’s Bar, Park Hyatt Auckland
Overview
Park Hyatt is a sophisticated city hotel in the heart of Auckland. It’s ideal for international jetsetters and business travellers who want to be close to all that the North Island has to offer. The hotel interior design is understated luxury, with amenities that will impress even the most discerning travellers.
Part of the Hyatt hotel chain, Park Hyatt Auckland is the most premium 5-star Hyatt location available in New Zealand. It is one of only a handful of high-end hotels available in Auckland City and is our preferred choice when staying in Auckland.
Image: Park Hyatt Auckland, Wynyard Quarter
Location
Park Hyatt is located in Wynard Quarter, which is the quieter side of the Auckland waterfront area. If you are coming from Auckland Airport it will take about 45 minutes to get to Park Hyatt via taxi. Note that if you land during peak hour traffic (7 am - 9 am) it can take up to an hour and a half to get into the city due to traffic.
Once you arrive in Wynard Quarter you’ll find Park Hyatt located at the end of Halsey Street looking out to the waterfront. The left side has views of the Auckland Harbour Bridge and North Shore. The right side has the best view of the Skytower in Auckland city and suffers from less street noise. We recommend trying to ensure you are on this side of the hotel when checking in.
In the local area, you will find a vibrant, interesting dining scene with plenty to offer. The downtown Britomart and Commerical Bay shopping district is within walking distance and there are a number of high-end day spas in close proximity, including in the Park Hyatt itself.
Image: View of Auckland Viaduct from Park Hyatt Auckland Suite
Best Time To Go
The best time to go to Auckland is over the late summer months of February and March when the sun is finally out and the wind dies down. Over this period the inner city area is buzzing with locals enjoying the free summer events. Auckland council puts on a range of music shows and exhibitions citywide for the Auckland Art Festival. It’s also much calmer out on the water over this period, making it ideal to hire a yacht and head over to Waiheke Island.
This is peak tourist season as many cruise ships are in port over this period and there are many locals enjoying the holiday period. It may be slightly busier, but the weather over this period is worth battling the crowds as the rest of the year can be very rainy. You’ll find that during this time of year, the waterfront area where Park Hyatt is located has a great atmosphere and has been set up well for tourists with local guides and information stands available.
Image: Basic Room at Park Hyatt Auckland
Rooms
Park Hyatt has a range of rooms and suites. All rooms are fitted out in a luxe Scandinavian style with locally inspired design accents. The beds are spacious, soft, and large. The highlight of the interior is the aesthetically designed bathrooms.
We recommend trying to get a room or suite with a rooftop balcony, particularly if you are there over the summer to lap up the views while sunbathing on your lounger. This will also help to reduce street noise further.
Image: Park Hyatt Auckland Suite Bathroom
Our top recommendations for accomodation at Park Hyatt are:
Image:Park Hyatt Auckland Executive Suite
The Presidential Suite
The exclusive Presidential Suite at Park Hyatt is often booked out so you will need to plan in advance.
To book this room you need to contact Park Hyatt Auckland and arrange this directly as it’s not always on offer online, you can find the direct dial number here.
If you are able to lock in this rarity you can revel in sweeping 180-degree views of the Auckland Skyline from your wrap-around balcony. The large living area and dining space are ideal for entertaining with luxurious furnishings such as a small piano. For executives looking to stay a while, there is a fully equipped designer kitchen with Gaggenau appliances, and a private boardroom. Travelers who value privacy can use the secure VIP access direct to the rooms to avoid areas open to the public.
The Chairman Suite
The Chairman suite has similar amenities and comforts as the Presidential Suite, such as a designer kitchen, a large dining area for entertaining, and a well-appointed lounge. The Chairman suite is smaller than the Presidential Suite, at 141 sqm versus the 245sqm of the Presidential Suite.
The main difference between the Chairman and the Presential suites is a reduction of size across the main rooms and the outdoor space is reduced. This suite is the best option for those who are traveling solo and not looking to host anyone. You will also need to arrange to book this suite via a direct phone call with Park Hyatt Auckland. Contact information can be found here.
Image: Park Hyatt Auckland, King Bed Harbour View Rooftop with Balcony
King Bed Harbour View Rooftop with Balcony
We have stayed at Park Hyatt a number of times, in multiple room categories, and in our humble opinion, this room offers the best value of all the room categories on offer.
It might be significantly smaller than the Presidential Suite but if you are planning on eating out while on vacation then this room has everything you’ll need for your stay.
The harbour view rooftop balcony has a similar view to the Presidential Suite and the Chairman Suite, looking over the Auckland waterfront and sky tower. The beds are large enough to lose your partner in and there is an open plan, small but comfortable lounge. The bathrooms are elegantly equipped with a deep tub for bubble baths while sipping on red wine as the lights of the city shine through the large glass windows.
What About The Basic Suites?
The harbour suites are fine, they are larger in terms of square meterage than the King Bed Harbour View Rooftop with Balcony and we would recommend booking this if you are going to Auckland over the winter months as these rooms are cozy and spacious.
You just won’t be able to enjoy the sun as there’s not much of a balcony area. You will also likely be positioned on a lower level which can suffer from street noise.
Image: Park Hyatt’s Onemata Restaurant
Dining
The Park Hyatt has 4 restaurants and bars all located on the lobby floor.
Onemata
Onemata restaurant is Park Hyatt’s fine dining restaurant. The menu hero’s ethically sourced local produce and you’ll find classic dishes such as a steak, oysters, and fresh Salmon in a formal setting.
An a la carte breakfast is also served at Onemana, but when we are staying here we prefer to head down to Williams Eatery just around the corner as it’s one of the best breakfast cafes in Auckland.
The Pantry
The Pantry is Park Hyatt’s casual cafe and patisserie. The coffee and pastries here are worth getting out of bed for. Delectable French pastries are baked on-site daily, they are an art form in themselves covered with a range of fresh fruits, fluffy whipped custards, and golden flaky pastry.
Other casual lunch items such as salads and sandwiches are on offer in the cabinet, these are ideal for a grab-and-go cheap eat.
Image: The Captain’s Bar, Park Hyatt Auckland
Captains Bar
The Captain’s Bar has an old-world glamour to it. Walking in feels like stepping into a James Bond set, a roaring fire lights the brass-laden bar as mixologists shake up classic martinis. The outdoor area is surrounded by luxury mega yachts from the waterfront marina just meters away. A steady flow of olives and nuts are delivered by smartly dressed waiters in dinner jackets as you sip on exotic cocktails. It’s the ideal backdrop for planning your plot to take over the world.
Image: Park Hyatt Auckland Hydrotherapy Room
Spa
Hydrotherapy Room
The spa at the Park Hyatt is the most luxurious spa in Auckland. The glamourous design of the hydrotherapy room will lure you into spending your days in the sauna. This adults-only sanctuary has soft ambient music playing, a Himalayan salt cave, aromatherapy steam room and vitality pools. These amenities are available for guests use throughout their stay.
Treatments
Our favourite spa treatment is the Ultimate Haute Couture Facial, a 90 minute personalised anti-ageing facial. The facial uses algae derived V-Tox as a natural alternative to anti-ageing injectables.
Infusing oxygen into the skin to stimulate it’s natural metabolic process and speed up the production of collagen. We recommend booking your spa appointments in advance as there is a limited number of treatment rooms so the spa can often be fully booked for 2-3 weeks. You can book directly with the therapists by calling, see the contact details here.
Image: Park Haytt Auckland Fitness Center
Hotel Highlights
Besides the stunning view of Auckland harbour our favourite thing about this hotel is the spa and fitness facilities. The gym has two sections, one for cardio and weights and the other area is an open space for mat based workouts. It has brand new equipment that has been well selected including a variety of modern weight machines. It is always very clean, with fresh towels and cold water available.
There is a covered lap pool on the outdoor balcony next to the gym, and the hydrotherapy room is on the right side of the gym and has lockers and robes available. You can easily move between working out, swimming and having a sauna. Facilities are well maintained and are rarely busy.
If health and fitness amenities are one of key things you look for when traveling then the Park Hyatt will be your best hotel option in Auckland. There is also a Les Mills gym just 10 minutes away, and a pilates studio around the corner. The auckland waterfront has a great boulevard for running right in front of the hotel, and there are dedicated bike tracks around the city.
What To Do
One of the best things to do is eat your way around Auckland City. With so many great restaurants and varied cuisine you’ll be spoilt for choice. Our top picks nearby are:
Masu (Japanese)
Origine (Locally inspired French dining)
Alma (Spanish inspired tapas)
Bivacco (Waterfront Italian dining)
Cassia (Contemporary indian)
Hello Beasty (Asian fusion)
Continue revelling through the gourmet food and wine scene with a trip to Waiheke. You can get there via a 30 min ferry from downtown or book a private boat for a day out on the water.
Waiheke has some of the best vineyards and restaurants in New Zealand, set amongst stunning cliffsides and beautiful beaches. For a day trip to Waiheke we recommend heading to the following spots:
Tantalus winery
Cable Bay
Mudbrick Winery
If you’ve hired a boat for the day one of the best things to do is moor your boat at Man o’ War bay. From here you can access Man o’ war vineyard directly from the beach. Over the summer months you’ll find Auckland’s elite spending their weekends here listening to live music and playing petanque while downing bottles of champagne.
Final Thoughts
Park Hyatt Auckland is a haven in Auckland’s inner city. A sanctuary to put your feet up and be pampered after a long flight. The consistently high level of service and modern amenities make this our go-to hotel when visiting Auckland.
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