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

Abaco on Jervois

Abaco on Jervois

3.5 out of 5
57 Jervois Road, Ponsonby, Auckland
The price is ฿2,792 per night from 2 Nov to 3 Nov
฿2,792
฿3,211 total
2 Nov - 3 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star motel in Auckland. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, parking (surcharge) and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (676 reviews)
"Perfect for our one night stay as we were able to walk to the Jervois Road Wine Bar where we wanted to go. Recommend checking out their live music. Such a vibe. Plus it’s easy to walk home from the other nightlife of Ponsonby Road. Very nice room. Small but ideal for two. Clean with a small kitchenette ..."

Reviewed on 6 Oct 2025

Abaco on Jervois
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 ฿2,796 per night from 27 Oct to 28 Oct
฿2,796
฿3,215 total
27 Oct - 28 Oct
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! (1,404 reviews)
"great room size, pool warm and inviting, staff friendly and helpful"

Reviewed on 16 Oct 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 ฿4,244 per night from 26 Oct to 27 Oct
฿4,244
฿4,880 total
26 Oct - 27 Oct
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 ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,854 reviews)
"I left my mobile in the uber the reception staff were super helpful and within ten minutes i had my phone back with me and a nice cold bottle of water to drink during what was a very stressful time. I would definitely stay again."

Reviewed on 17 Oct 2025

The Grand by SkyCity
Horizon by SkyCity

Horizon by SkyCity

5 out of 5
85-93 Hobson Street,, Auckland, Auckland, Auckland
The price is ฿3,694 per night from 26 Oct to 27 Oct
฿3,694
฿4,248 total
26 Oct - 27 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Auckland. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and 24-hour room service. Popular attractions SkyCity Casino and Sky Tower ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (564 reviews)
"N/a"

Reviewed on 18 Oct 2025

Horizon by SkyCity
SkyCity Hotel

SkyCity Hotel

4.5 out of 5
Corner Victoria and Federal Streets, Auckland
The price is ฿3,282 per night from 26 Oct to 27 Oct
฿3,282
฿3,775 total
26 Oct - 27 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Auckland. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 11 restaurants and a casino. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,846 reviews)
"Huge room. Very clean. Nice staff"

Reviewed on 17 Oct 2025

SkyCity Hotel
Novotel Auckland Airport

Novotel Auckland Airport

4.5 out of 5
35 Tom Pearce Dr, Auckland International Airport, Auckland
The price is ฿5,690 per night from 4 Nov to 5 Nov
฿5,690
฿6,543 total
4 Nov - 5 Nov
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! (2,035 reviews)
"Construction happening so entrance was a bit hard to find. Not well signed. Staff were friendly and helpful. Room was very clean. Quiet. Shower lets water out into standing area of bathroom but seems standard with all open showers. Quick 2 minute or less walk to airport check in."

Reviewed on 18 Oct 2025

Novotel 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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Grey Lynn

Restaurants, spas and shopping highlight some of the noteworthy features of Grey Lynn. Make a stop by Ponsonby Road or Grey Lynn Paddling Pool while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

Grey Lynn
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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


Ponsonby Travel Guide