The first thing that strikes me when I enter SO/ Auckland’s lobby is a glossy black sofa, tipped sideways. It’s fun, yet fully functional – just a taster of the hotel’s playful personality that I’m about to spend the next three nights getting to know. This avant-garde, indoor playground, which doubles as a sleek hotel, was the perfect urban base for exploring Auckland City on my first trip to New Zealand. But it’s not just for tourists – it’s a hip, central stay for business travellers or locals craving a staycation.
Once the Reserve Bank of New Zealand, the building sits right in the heart of the action – just two blocks from the waterfront and a short stroll from Queen Street, Auckland Art Gallery, the iconic Sky Tower and many of the city’s most popular eateries – including Giapo, where the world-famous hokey pokey gelato is made just across the road. But you don’t need to leave the hotel for top-notch food and drinks, as SO/ Auckland has a Parisian-inspired café, stylish lobby bar, fifteen-storey restaurant and one of the city's hottest rooftop bars. Ride the elevator in the other direction, and you’ll discover an underground spa, heated indoor pool, jacuzzi and 24-hour fitness centre. We haven’t even mentioned the rooms yet – but its amenities are enough to sell us on a stay.
Why stay at SO/ Auckland?
Views, views, views! SO/ Auckland’s 130 design-led rooms and suites stretch across 14 floors, each offering striking vistas of Auckland City or Waitematā Harbour. After soaking in the scenery – whether from your bedroom window or a booth at the rooftop bar – turn your attention to the vibrant decor.
Dressed for a runway show, the avant-garde hotel is sure to win over any art appreciators. Dark, glossy floors greet guests in the lobby, making it feel as though you’re stepping onto the catwalk yourself. A sparkling 1,248-pendant lamp installation by renowned Dutch designer Marcel Wanders – one of only three in the world – reflects off the surface, guiding your eyes to the rest of the stylish furnishings. Think quirky chequered tables and bright red couches curated by Dutch firm Moooi, vibrant floral displays by Floral Centric and ever-evolving artwork by local artist Rachel Rush.
What are the rooms like at SO/ Auckland?
SO/ Auckland features 130 design-led rooms, including 109 bedrooms, 21 suites and two special penthouse suites on the upper floors. My abode for the weekend was a King Room on level 11 that felt spacious yet snug with its open-plan layout. I loved how the comfy bed was positioned right in front of the floor-to-ceiling windows, offering sparkling views of the bright city lights to the waterfront and beyond. At night, blackout curtains guarantee a good night’s sleep, though sounds from the street do travel up – so make use of those sustainable earplugs in your bathroom.
I also appreciated the master switch beside my bed, letting me turn off all the lights without so much as moving a muscle. But before you slip under the sheets, make use of the bath. A signature inclusion in every room, the tub is spacious enough for two and even comes with a board that holds two wine glasses (just grab a bottle from the mini-bar first). After your soak, you can rinse off under the rainfall shower and pamper yourself with body lotion from Maraca New Zealand’s Sevillian Neroli range. Other amenities I appreciated were the Nespresso coffee machine, Chromecast TV and compact desk for some work on the go.
What are the best restaurants and bars at SO/ Auckland?
Head up to level 16 for some of the best panoramic views of Auckland at HI-SO. Hidden in plain sight, this is one of the city’s hottest rooftop bars, with an outdoor terrace to drink up the views. Inside, luxury private booths are a cosy escape in winter, where you can enjoy everything from bottled cocktails to glasses of Veuve Clicquot, paired with snacks like Angus beef skewers and tempura eggplant.
One floor below, Harbour Society is SO/ Auckland’s signature restaurant, offering equally incredible city views. Open for lunch and dinner daily, its seasonal menu showcases local ingredients with French flair. Start with delights like comté cheese gougères and venison tartare, then share premium proteins cooked over a woodfire grill. You can also start your day at Harbour Society with a buffet breakfast, complete with an omelette station, salad bar, pastries, cereal with yoghurt and fresh fruit. Otherwise, swing by Java Lab – the hotel’s streetfront café serving French pastries and fair-trade Hummingbird Coffee.
Also on the ground floor, Mixo Bar is a chic spot for both guests and walk-ins to unwind with a drink. You’ll forget you’re sitting in a hotel lobby, thanks to its funky furniture, groovy tunes and fancy cheese boards.
What is the spa like at SO/ Auckland?
More than just a day spa offering facials and massages, SO/ Spa also features a heated indoor pool, jacuzzi and sauna. Every treatment begins in the Comfort Zone, a calming retreat where an expert therapist guides you through the luxury treatments available. I opted for a bespoke massage and was impressed that my request for “firm pressure” was met with real intensity – long, deep-flowing hand movements eased my muscle tension while refreshing essential oils revitalised my mind.
Beyond its evergreen spa collection, SO/ Auckland is proud to offer New Zealand’s only hotel spa collection of botanic-powered treatments by flow-skincare brand Waterlily, along with four new treatments – two facials and two body scrubs – by French beauty house, Codage Paris.
What is the pool like at SO/ Auckland?
SO/ Auckland’s pool offers almost a full luxury bathhouse experience, complete with a 20-metre heated pool, steamy jacuzzi and Finnish sauna. Both times I visited, I had the whole space all to myself.
What is the gym like at SO/ Auckland?
The 24-hour wellness space is kitted out with state-of-the-art cardio equipment, cable machines and free weights. You can roll out a yoga mat on the grassy surface or check your form in the floor-to-ceiling glass mirrors.
What is the service like at SO/ Auckland?
Dressed to impress, the staff at SO/ Auckland are attentive, friendly and always happy to assist. I particularly appreciated the concierge, who helped arrange taxis, parked my rental car and also handles valet parking with a smile (for $65 per night).
What's the area like around SO/ Auckland?
SO/ Auckland has one of the city’s best addresses. It’s just a matter of minutes’ walk to Queen Street, where you’re surrounded by top-notch shops, restaurants and bars. Auckland Art Gallery, Albert Park and Sky Tower are all just a 15-minute walk away. And if you want to venture further, SO/ Auckland is a three-minute walk from Britomart Station and four minutes to the downtown ferry and cruise ship terminals.
Address: Crn Customs St E & Gore St, Auckland Central, 1010
Closest transport link: Three-minute walk from Britomart station, or four-minute walk from ferry and cruise terminals
Price per night: From $265 per night for a room or $565 for a suite
Book now: Here