Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour is the hotel for visitors who want the harbour at their door. It stands at the Viaduct Harbour, the old commercial basin that became the heart of the America’s Cup village in 2000 and 2003, and that now holds a ring of waterfront restaurants and bars around a marina full of yachts. The Sofitel brand brings a French sense of style, and the hotel is aimed at leisure travellers and business guests who like polished service and a location where the evening plan is a short stroll. Rooms are designed for comfort and calm, and the better categories look over the marina, though availability and views vary, so it is worth checking what you are booking. The location puts the city’s waterfront within reach on foot, including the Maritime Museum, the Wynyard Quarter and the walk to the Downtown Ferry Terminal.
Location and getting around
The Viaduct Harbour is at the western end of the waterfront, a short walk from Queen Street and the Downtown Ferry Terminal, which is the departure point for Waiheke, Rangitoto and Devonport. The New Zealand Maritime Museum is nearby, and the Wynyard Quarter is reached by a short bridge over the harbour. The Sky Tower and the SkyCity precinct are a ten to fifteen minute walk inland, uphill, so a taxi may suit if you have heavy bags or are heading out late.
Rooms
Choose a harbour or marina view if you can, since the setting is the reason to stay here. Rooms are comfortable and well-equipped, and higher categories and suites offer more space for longer stays or special occasions. Light sleepers should ask about quieter rooms away from the harbour bars, since the waterfront is lively at weekends.
Who it suits
Couples on a special trip, travellers who want to walk everywhere along the waterfront, and visitors planning sailing or cruise outings from the harbour. The dolphin and whale cruise and the America’s Cup sailing experience both leave from the Viaduct Harbour area, which makes the location unusually convenient for them. It is less suited to anyone on a tight budget, since waterfront hotels carry a premium.
Good to know
Breakfast and parking are normally charged separately unless your rate includes them, and valet or on-site parking comes at a daily fee. The Viaduct can be noisy on event nights, so check the local calendar if quiet matters to you.
Why stay here
- ✓Marina and harbour setting
- ✓On-site restaurant and bar
- ✓Fitness facilities
- ✓Room service
- ✓Concierge desk
- ✓Air conditioning
- ✓Luggage storage
- ✓Walk to the ferries
Good questions
Where is Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour?+
It is at the Viaduct Harbour on the central waterfront, close to the marina, the Maritime Museum and the Downtown Ferry Terminal.
Is it close to the ferries?+
Yes, the Downtown Ferry Terminal, for Waiheke, Rangitoto and Devonport, is a short waterfront walk from the hotel.
Is the Viaduct Harbour noisy?+
The waterfront is lively on weekends and event nights, so ask for a quieter room if you are a light sleeper.
