QT Auckland

QT Auckland is a design-led hotel at 4 Viaduct Harbour Avenue, overlooking the Waitematā Harbour on the edge of the Viaduct Harbour. Its 150 rooms are styled in a bold, nature-inspired way by the designer Nic Graham, who drew on the harbour, oysters and the shape of an oyster trawler for the interiors. The look mixes smooth, clean surfaces with rough, raw textures in natural tones, and is quite different from the conventional business hotels nearby.

Rooms range from QT King and Deluxe rooms to Executive Balcony rooms and several suites, including the Viaduct Balcony Suite, the Harbour Suite and the Premier Harbour Suite. Balcony and harbour rooms are worth the upgrade if you want to watch the boats on the water.

Food and drink are a major draw. The signature restaurant, Esther, takes its inspiration from the French Riviera, Sicily and Morocco, and is listed in the Michelin Guide and awarded a hat in the Cuisine Good Food Guide. Rooftop at QT is a bar with city and harbour views and also serves food, which makes it a good spot for an early evening drink.

Facilities include free Wi-Fi, a gym, room service, 24-hour reception and conference and event spaces. The hotel is pet-friendly, with designated rooms and botanical pet products. Parking is limited and offered as valet parking on request, so ask when booking if you are arriving by car.

The location suits visitors who want to be close to the water. The Viaduct Harbour and the New Zealand Maritime Museum are on the doorstep, Wynyard Quarter can be reached across the Wynyard Crossing bridge, and the city centre is a short walk away. Auckland International Airport is about 21 kilometres from the hotel.

QT Auckland suits couples, design enthusiasts and travellers who want a hotel with personality and a strong bar and restaurant scene of its own. Members of the QT Club receive extra discounts, and longer stays of seven nights or more can attract further savings at participating hotels, so check the offers on the website before booking. A virtual tour on the website lets you look around the hotel first.