Originally Posted by
CHSBoater
Like others have said, this is a great thread, thanks.
We are flying into AKL early morning on a Friday and then taking the Northern Explorer to Wellington at 7:45 Saturday. Could someone recommend a hotel not too far from the train station and from there should be walk to the train station or taxi?
Any of the hotels in the CBD should work fine. I've stayed at the Langham, the Barclay Suites, the Crowne Plaza, and the Hilton, and can recommend all of them for a one night stay. All would require a taxi to the train station, however, and all of them have differing advantages and disadvantages.
My recommendation depends on if you think you'll be doing any sightseeing during the day in Auckland, and any hotel elite status you have. And, of course, the prices for the day you need! Based on experiences from others, I would not recommend the Copthorne that is close-ish to the train station (don't forget, you are leaving from Strand Railway station on The Strand, and NOT Britomart), unless it was extremely low priced compared to the others.