A welcome new addition to the City of Sails’ hostel accommodation scene, Haka House Auckland City is quickly making a name for itself among discerning backpackers as one of the best hostels in Auckland to stay in thanks to its cosy and functional rooms, range of facilities, laid-back welcoming vibe and central city location.
Situated just off Queen Street, the newly refurbished hostel is within walking distance of many Auckland city activities and attractions, making it an ideal home-away-from-home from which to discover New Zealand’s largest and most cosmopolitan city.
Offering great Auckland accommodation deals, Haka House Auckland City has both private and shared rooms, and facilities that include a fully equipped kitchen, dining and living room, movie room, pool table and foosball table, laundry and free WiFi.
Auckland is a fantastic destination to explore, an exciting and captivating mix of food, music, arts, culture, urban modernity and natural beauty. It sits on and around a narrow isthmus of land, with the Pacific Ocean’s Waitemata Harbour on one side and the Tasman Sea’s Manukau Harbour on the other.
With nearly 50 volcanic cones in the area, the Auckland region is the most densely populated volcanic site in the world. The highest of these is Mount Eden at 196 m high and situated just 10 minutes from the city centre, offering panoramic 360 degree views of the city and harbour. At 600 years old, the youngest and largest is Rangitoto which is reached by ferry from downtown Auckland.
Along with all the trappings of a modern city, Auckland is also known for its outdoor activities and nature. Native bush, parks and beaches surround the city offering walking and hiking, surfing, camping, kayaking and a lot more. In the Waitemata Harbour and Hauraki Gulf there are islands like Waiheke to visit, harbour cruises, sailing, and whale and dolphin watching cruises.
Top sights to see and things to do in the city itself include the 328 m high Sky Tower, with fantastic views to be had from the top and – for those who dare – the chance to walk its edge (SkyWalk) or jump off it (SkyJump); the Auckland Harbour Bridge climb and bungy jump; the New Zealand Maritime Museum, Auckland War Memorial Museum; and Auckland Art Gallery.
Another Auckland city attraction is Auckland Zoo, a 10-minute drive from the city centre, nestled alongside the picturesque Western Springs park and home to over 1,000 animals from 126 species. Also a 10-minute drive from the city, in this case along the waterfront towards Mission Bay, is SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton’s Aquarium which houses over 10,000 marine animals from sharks to tropical fish to penguins.
Auckland’s food and wine scene is another must-experience. Food critics and chefs from around the world have praised the culinary creativity, variety and quality of Auckland’s restaurants and eateries, its unique food culture inspired by the city’s multiculturalism and abundance of fresh produce, and a particular characteristic being the number of independent restaurants as opposed to big chain outlets.
Among the top dining districts are Ponsonby Road – nearly two km long and packed with hip restaurants, bars and cafes; Viaduct Harbour – created as a hub of bars and restaurants for the 1995 America’s Cup and fantastic for venue hopping; and Wynyard Quarter – the newest dining area and one with plenty of harbour views.
Like many of the city’s attractions such as the Skytower and Waitemata Harbour waterfront, there are many restaurants, cafes and bars within walking distance of Haka House Auckland City. It’s another reason this new backpackers haven is a wise choice in Auckland accommodation deals, and among the best Auckland hostels on offer.
Walk into any Haka Hostel, and you’ll discover stories of Māori culture, told through custom-created mural paintings. Each mural gives a glimpse into fascinating legends, and an introduction to the artistry of the Māori people, brought to life by Charles and Janine Williams, local contemporary artists who are passionate about sharing their heritage.
Long renowned as a geothermal wonderland, a nature-lover and outdoor-adventurer’s playground, and a center of Maori culture, the list of things to do and places to visit in Rotorua – one of New Zealand’s most popular tourist destinations – is both a long one and a fun one!
Occupying a fantastic location on the shores of stunning Lake Wakatipu, within minutes of Queenstown’s shops, restaurants and charming pedestrian avenues, is an absolute jewel in cosy and modern hostel-style Queenstown lakefront accommodation – the aptly named Haka House Queenstown Lakefront.
Haka House Aoraki Mt Cook couldn’t be better named and it couldn’t be better located – nestled snugly as it is into the gorgeous alpine landscape of Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park and with the mighty Mt Cook, stunning Tasman Glacier and gorgeous Southern Alps mountain range all on its doorstep, making it the best Mt Cook hostel for mountain walks.