Our Dreamy Family Stay at the Hilton Auckland: The Perfect First Stop in New Zealand

When we started planning our first-ever trip to New Zealand, we were thrilled—but also a bit overwhelmed. With so many places to explore and so much natural beauty to take in, we weren’t quite sure where to begin. Thankfully, our decision to partner with and stay at the Hilton Auckland turned out to be the best starting point we could have imagined. From the moment we arrived, we felt welcomed, inspired, and perfectly situated to explore all that Auckland—and beyond—has to offer.

Whether you’re traveling with kids, grandparents, a partner, or even solo, the Hilton Auckland is an incredible home base for your first (or tenth!) visit to New Zealand.

We were traveling as a multi-generational group—two adults, a five-year-old, and grandparents—and each of us found something to love about the Hilton Auckland. The hotel strikes that perfect balance between luxury and comfort. It’s sophisticated without feeling stuffy, and stylish while still being welcoming for families with young kids.

The rooms are spacious, light-filled, and modern. We were lucky enough to stay in the Bow Suite, which offered us not only a luxurious layout and modern amenities, but also a stunning balcony overlooking the harbor. Every morning, we sipped our coffee watching the ships pass by, and every evening, we watched the sunset light up the sky over the water. It was peaceful and picturesque, and we genuinely never got tired of the view.

The room layout was perfect for our family setup—there was space for everyone to relax and unwind after a day of exploring, and the beds were incredibly comfortable (a must when traveling with little ones!). From the comfy robes to the in-room coffee and tea bar, everything was thoughtfully designed to make us feel at home, with a touch of indulgence.

One of our favorite things about the Hilton Auckland is its location—right on Princes Wharf, just steps from the best of downtown Auckland. We were able to walk to incredible restaurants, cafes, and shops, which made exploring super easy, especially with our five-year-old in tow.

If you’re new to the city, you’ll appreciate how close the hotel is to the Auckland Ferry Terminal, Britomart, and Viaduct Harbour. We loved being able to step out of the hotel lobby and within minutes, be somewhere exciting—whether that was an ice cream stop, boutique shopping, or boarding a ferry to a nearby island.

The lobby itself is a design-lover’s dream. Sleek, modern, and infused with natural elements, it sets the tone for the entire stay. Floor-to-ceiling windows bring the harbor inside, and the open, airy vibe makes it a place you actually want to hang out in (we found ourselves pausing here for pre-adventure chats and post-adventure recaps more than once).

There’s so much to do in and around Auckland, and Hilton Auckland’s location made it easy to reach every destination on our must-see list. Here are a few of our family’s favorite experiences:

1. Ferry to Waiheke Island

Just a short walk from the hotel, we hopped on a ferry to Waiheke Island—and it was truly a highlight of the trip. The ferry ride itself was fun for our son, and the island was even better than we expected. We spent time on the beach soaking up the sunshine and even visited Mudbrick Vineyard & Restaurant, which was both kid- and adult-friendly (a rare combo!). The views, the food, the wine—it was all magical.

2. Rainbow’s End Theme Park

This is a must-visit for families with kids! Our son had the time of his life riding the kid-friendly roller coasters and playing games. It’s New Zealand’s largest theme park, and it’s only about 20 minutes from the hotel by car. We loved that there were rides for every age group and plenty of shaded spots for grandparents to rest and enjoy the excitement from afar.

3. Auckland Rugby League Game

A spontaneous decision, but one we’re so glad we made! Going to a live rugby league game gave us a unique, up-close experience of Kiwi culture. The energy in the stadium was electric, and our entire group (even those of us who didn’t know the rules!) had an unforgettable time.

4. Ponsonby Shopping

If you love fashion, home goods, or just browsing through cool boutiques, you’ll love Ponsonby. It’s just a short drive or Uber ride from the hotel, and the area is filled with trendy shops and cute cafes. It was the perfect spot to pick up a few souvenirs and enjoy a laid-back afternoon of shopping.

5. Sheepworld & Auckland War Memorial Museum

For something off the beaten path, we ventured out to Sheepworld—a fun, educational, and super unique attraction where kids can learn about farm life in New Zealand (and pet some adorable animals!). We also visited the Auckland War Memorial Museum, which is a must for history buffs and culture lovers. It’s beautifully curated and offers a great overview of New Zealand’s history, culture, and natural wonders.

Dining at FISH: A Culinary Highlight

One of the standout features of the Hilton Auckland is its on-site restaurant, FISH—and it lives up to the hype. We started every morning with the breakfast buffet, which had something for everyone in our group. Fresh fruit, pastries, eggs, hot dishes, smoothies—you name it, it was there, and it was delicious.

We also had dinner at FISH one night, and it was easily one of the best meals of our entire trip. The atmosphere was modern and inviting, with panoramic harbor views that made the experience feel extra special. Our menu highlights included the pan-fried gnocchi, the grilled market fish, and the Savannah Eye Fillet—each dish was thoughtfully prepared, beautifully presented, and incredibly flavorful. Even our five-year-old was impressed with the kid-friendly options and warm service from the staff.

We left New Zealand with full hearts, unforgettable memories, and a long list of places we want to revisit. The Hilton Auckland played such a big role in making our first trip to New Zealand feel like a dream come true. It’s more than just a beautiful hotel—it’s a launching pad for adventures, a retreat after a busy day, and a warm, luxurious space that truly welcomes every kind of traveler.

Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a solo escape, or a family adventure like ours, we can’t recommend the Hilton Auckland enough. We’re already dreaming of our next stay!

Thank you to the Hilton Auckland for hosting our family and being a part of our unforgettable journey!