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

Things to do


Top hotels in Ponsonby

Cordis, Auckland by Langham Hospitality Group

Cordis, Auckland by Langham Hospitality Group

5 out of 5
83 Symonds Street, Box 2771, Auckland
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ฿3,227 per night from 31 Aug to 1 Sept
฿3,227
฿3,711 total
31 Aug - 1 Sept
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! (1,367 reviews)
"Great place to stay with great staff. Located well."

Reviewed on 24 Aug 2025

Cordis, Auckland by Langham Hospitality Group
The Grand by SkyCity

The Grand by SkyCity

5 out of 5
90 Federal Street, Auckland
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ฿4,304 per night from 31 Aug to 1 Sept
฿4,304
฿4,950 total
31 Aug - 1 Sept
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! (1,770 reviews)
"Lovely staff, great location and large, clean rooms"

Reviewed on 26 Aug 2025

The Grand by SkyCity
Heartland Hotel Auckland Airport

Heartland Hotel Auckland Airport

4.5 out of 5
14 Airpark Drive, Auckland
The price is ฿2,904 per night from 12 Sept to 13 Sept
฿2,904
฿3,340 total
12 Sept - 13 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Auckland. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,423 reviews)
"Loved the friendly staff"

Reviewed on 24 Aug 2025

Heartland Hotel Auckland Airport
Novotel Auckland Airport

Novotel Auckland Airport

4.5 out of 5
35 Tom Pearce Dr, Auckland International Airport, Auckland
The price is ฿5,328 per night from 13 Sept to 14 Sept
฿5,328
฿6,127 total
13 Sept - 14 Sept
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! (1,967 reviews)
"Just across the airport so very convenient."

Reviewed on 27 Aug 2025

Novotel Auckland Airport
JetPark Hotel Auckland Airport

JetPark Hotel Auckland Airport

4.5 out of 5
63 Westney Road, Auckland
The price is ฿3,255 per night from 10 Sept to 11 Sept
฿3,255
฿3,743 total
10 Sept - 11 Sept
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! (1,362 reviews)
"A bit clinical feeling but great bed. It was just an overnight stay between flights and perfect for this."

Reviewed on 24 Aug 2025

JetPark Hotel Auckland Airport
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 ฿2,681 per night from 24 Sept to 25 Sept
฿2,681
฿3,083 total
24 Sept - 25 Sept
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 ...
9/10 Wonderful! (891 reviews)
"Great hotel right in the center of the city. Perfect location"

Reviewed on 24 Aug 2025

Holiday Inn Express Auckland City Centre by IHG
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 Parnell Rose Gardens and Auckland Museum. 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