Ponsonby Travel Guide

Auckland

Ponsonby featuring shopping and signage
Ponsonby which includes signage
Ponsonby featuring heritage architecture and a park
Ponsonby
Ponsonby which includes signage

Visit stylish bars and excellent restaurants or shop for designer clothes when you visit Auckland’s most fashionable suburb.

Shop in boutique clothes stores, search for rare vinyl in second-hand record shops or sit in a café and people-watch as Auckland’s coolest folk strut by in Ponsonby. Explore the bustling marketplace in the suburb’s main street or take a stroll around the backstreets to see the stunning Victorian villas and homes for the city’s young professionals. Spend your evening in a bar watching live music or dance the night away at one of Ponsonby’s fashionable clubs.

Perched on a hill overlooking Auckland’s city centre, Ponsonby is known for being the city’s most happening suburb. In the 1960s, Ponsonby was one of Auckland’s roughest areas. It transformed into an edgy, alternative neigborhood when it became a hotspot for artists and the city’s gay community. Ponsonby is now one of Auckland’s most desirable residential areas and offers fantastic shopping, nightlife and cultural attractions.

You’ll find most of the shops, bars and restaurants along the main strip, Ponsonby Road. Walk from one end to the other and stop by fashion boutiques, music shops and more. Make sure you visit the Ponsonby Market, an undercover marketplace located about halfway down the street. Here, you’ll find stalls selling superb fresh produce and a short strip of great restaurants serving cuisine from all over the world.

Don’t miss a visit to one of Ponsonby’s cafés. Kiwis are serious about their coffee and Ponsonby is where you’ll find some of the best around. When evening comes, book a table in one of the many excellent restaurants. Ponsonby is known as the “dining room of Auckland” and you can find something to satisfy all palates in this area.

Ponsonby has accommodation options to suit different budgets. The suburb’s proximity to Auckland’s city centre makes it a great holiday base. If you’re staying elsewhere, reach Ponsonby via the free bus service that loops around the city centre.


Popular places to visit


Top hotels in Ponsonby

Novotel Auckland Airport

Novotel Auckland Airport

4.5 out of 5
35 Tom Pearce Dr, Auckland International Airport, Auckland
The price is ₹13,748 per night from 12 Aug to 13 Aug
₹13,748
₹15,810 total
12 Aug - 13 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Auckland. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), 24-hour room service and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,903 reviews)
"New and clean all"

Reviewed on 21 Jul 2025

Novotel Auckland Airport
Cordis, Auckland by Langham Hospitality Group

Cordis, Auckland by Langham Hospitality Group

5 out of 5
83 Symonds Street, Box 2771, Auckland
The price is ₹8,790 per night from 24 Aug to 25 Aug
₹8,790
₹10,108 total
24 Aug - 25 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star spa hotel in Auckland. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,345 reviews)
"Crowded. Long waits for service."

Reviewed on 21 Jul 2025

Cordis, Auckland by Langham Hospitality Group
The Grand by SkyCity

The Grand by SkyCity

5 out of 5
90 Federal Street, Auckland
The price is ₹8,850 per night from 10 Aug to 11 Aug
₹8,850
₹10,394 total
10 Aug - 11 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Auckland. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and 11 restaurants. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,726 reviews)
Great location
"Check in was quick and easy. The room is a great size, with lots of things literally at your door step. There’s a heated pool, spa, sauna and gym. There’s lots of cafe/restaurants near the precinct that you can charge to your room. Would definitely stay again."

Reviewed on 21 Jul 2025

The Grand by SkyCity
Holiday Inn Express Auckland City Centre by IHG

Holiday Inn Express Auckland City Centre by IHG

4 out of 5
Corner Wyndham & Albert Streets, Auckland
The price is ₹8,270 per night from 23 Aug to 24 Aug
₹8,270
₹9,510 total
23 Aug - 24 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Auckland. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (865 reviews)
Fabulous and affordable with great location
"This property has a great location just off Queen Street with easy access from two sides. Modern and welcoming reception area with friendly staff. Breakfast was varied and well stocked and a 15% discount given if you have a meal at the Voco hotel next door. Rooms were big enough for a family but ..."

Reviewed on 21 Jul 2025

Holiday Inn Express Auckland City Centre by IHG
Hotel Grand Chancellor Auckland

Hotel Grand Chancellor Auckland

3 out of 5
80 Wellesley Street West, Auckland, Auckland
The price is ₹6,166 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
₹6,166
₹7,091 total
27 Jul - 28 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Auckland. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a fitness centre. Popular attractions SkyCity Casino and Sky Tower are located ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (522 reviews)
"The pillow menu is the soolest option I have ever seen"

Reviewed on 21 Jul 2025

Hotel Grand Chancellor Auckland
JetPark Hotel Auckland Airport

JetPark Hotel Auckland Airport

4.5 out of 5
63 Westney Road, Auckland
The price is ₹7,627 per night from 2 Aug to 3 Aug
₹7,627
₹8,771 total
2 Aug - 3 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Auckland. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the restaurant and the ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,303 reviews)
"Second time staying here and couldn't fault it. Clean, comfortable, quiet, and good customer service. Extended carparking is a bonus and well priced."

Reviewed on 19 Jul 2025

JetPark Hotel Auckland Airport
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Ponsonby

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Viaduct Harbour

The captivating waterfront views and popular shops are a few things travellers love about Viaduct Harbour. Check out New Zealand Maritime Museum or Princes Wharf while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Halsey Street Tram Stop to get around town.

Viaduct Harbour
Auckland CBD featuring street scenes and cbd

Auckland Central Business District

4/5(215 area reviews)

Known for its captivating waterfront views and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Auckland Central Business District. Check out top attractions like Queen Street Shopping District and High Street, and jump on the metro at Gaunt Street Tram Stop or Halsey Street Tram Stop to see more of the city.

Auckland Central Business District
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Grafton

If you're spending some time in Grafton, Grafton Bridge and Symonds Street Cemetery are top sights worth seeing.

Grafton
Auckland Domain which includes a garden

Parnell

5/5(8 area reviews)

Visitors often come to Parnell for its abundant dining options, but many stay to explore sights like Holy Trinity Cathedral and Parnell Rose Gardens. Getting around the area on the metro is easy if you take a ride at The Strand Station.

Parnell
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Newmarket

Shopping and restaurants are notable features of Newmarket. You might consider stopping by Westfield Newmarket while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

Newmarket
Mt. Eden which includes tranquil scenes and landscape views

Mount Eden

5/5(4 area reviews)

Unique features of Mount Eden include the bars and shopping. Make a stop by Mount Eden or Eden Park while you're exploring the area.

Mount Eden

Ponsonby Travel Guide