Best for city views
£ £ SO AUCKLAND
White wakes line the expanse of Waitematā Harbour, which separates the city centre from its North Shore suburbs across the bay. It looks especially impressive from Hi-SO, the 16th-floor cocktail bar at SO Auckland. Order a high&loud for a smoky-sweet mezcal number, while taking in views of the high-rises along the waterfront. The hotel sets itself apart from other chains in the CBD with avant-garde art across its lobby, which feels part-exhibition, part-nightclub. Running routes are laid out on the in-room screens to help you see the best of Auckland, and with a spa, sauna, and pillow menu, unwinding in style is guaranteed.
ROOMS: From NZ$398 (£192), room only. so-auckland.com
Best for wellness
£ £ £ PAROHE ISLAND RETREAT
Thickly forested Kawau Island lies just beyond the urban
