Auckland: short term apartment stays are the way to go!

I live in Auckland and pop in and out of the Viaduct area every once in a while – usually when friends are visiting, or we plan a girls night in the city.

But when I went in this week I was twirling in awe at what they’ve done in Britomart: new dessert restaurants, twinkling lights strung between buildings and new bars seem to have popped up all over. And that’s before you get to the restaurants down here and see what’s been happening on the newly cobbled Fort Street across the road.

Earlier in the week I took friends for a coffee at Soul (it was mid morning!) and am still keen to try out Simon Gault’s new restaurant Giraffe next door and spotted more new restaurants I haven’t tried yet.

If you haven’t been in this neck of the woods for a while, a lot has changed, so this post is about staying down here in your own apartment within footsteps of the action.

If you’re after best value short-term stays, like three nights to a few months (if you’re moving to Auckland for work) and you want to be right in the thick of it with easy access to the cool dining scene and nightlife, read on!

Quinovic Viaduct serviced apartments may not be the first place you think of when looking for Auckland accommodation, but with premium apartments dotted around the Viaduct, with your own balconies, kitchen, separate living room, and one or more bedrooms, some even with a pool and gym, they provide style, comfort and good value.

Not only are they beautifully appointed and located, but Quinovic can also arrange airport transfers and even have a starter hamper delivered with your favourite snacks and wine.

I checked out five apartments in these three buildings:

Princes Wharf

The Hilton Hotel is located on this wharf jutting into the Waitemata harbour and Quinovic have several apartments down here with sunset views and the Harbour Bridge out one side and Devonport, Rangitoto Island and beyond out the other. It’s just a few minutes walk to the ferry terminal for a day trip to Waiheke Island and some of my favourite restaurants are located just underneath (I’m looking at you Euro Bar!) Quinovic has a range of apartments from penthouse suites with sweeping views and decadent balconies with outdoor fireplaces, to one bedroom apartments for business stays or mini escapes right in the heart of Auckland’s dining scene.

Your balcony on Princes Wharf

Indoor/outdoor flow on Princes Wharf looking at the Harbour Bridge

Lighter Quay

If I was going to buy myself a waterfront apartment I’d like one in this building! It’s located right in front of the Sofitel Hotel  (Lava restaurant here is lovely) and some even have their own boat mooring at your door. With a glassed-in balcony (but you can slide the windows right open) I just love the idea of a dinner party with a fine cigar and a cheeky port out here. Two bedrooms and a spacious kitchen, lounge, dining room, and I envy anyone who stays here. There is also a gym and car parking – and the Sofitel has a sublime day spa which you could always slither into!

Looking at the Lighter Quay apartments

Your glassed-in balcony looking towards city

The pool!

The Quays

I felt like I was stealing my way through the hidden corridors of Auckland when we went into this block. I don’t know how many times I’ve been down here over the years but I’ve never paid attention to the gigantic entrance into these apartments that sit above the restaurants including the aforementioned Giraffe, as well as Portofino for delicious Italian, always-popular Soul Bar and new ones that are being opened all the time! Book your one or two bedroomed apartment and even though you have a kitchen, I’d be eating out downstairs!

The Quays apartments, above Viaduct restaurants

Lounge and balcony at The Quays apartments

Check out all the Auckland apartments for short or longer term rent at Quinovic Viaduct >>