A swimming pool is one of those unique features which turn a decent hotel experience into an astonishing one. It’s a way to relax after a day in the city, keep on track with your fitness goals, or a chance for parents to splash about with the kids — without resorting to an overcrowded local swimming pool.
Yet not all hotel pools are created equal, and the last thing you need is to turn up and find a dull pool with horrid decor and no discernible appeal. While it’s not immediately evident to visitors, Auckland is a haven for a broad range of pool designs.
In fact, there are over 20 hotels with pools in Auckland, and more if you start to count aparthotels and holiday home rentals. Some are family-friendly or kept chlorine-free – perfect for guests with medical irritability—, while others offer incredible views, saunas, or hot tubs.
More importantly, these marvellous swimming pools aren’t just confined to 5-star hotels.
There is a range of options, including price points and locations; we have done our best to cover them all. Read on to explore our list of the best Auckland hotels with pools guaranteed to make your stay one to treasure.
The Best Auckland Hotels With Swimming Pools
Cordis
The lowdown: A luxury Auckland hotel located uptown with contemporary rooms, a famous afternoon tea and posh international restaurant.
The swimming pool: Their rooftop retreat is an oasis of calm with a 12.36-meter pool framed by palms and comfortable sun loungers. The stunning rooftop pool is heated year-round to an inviting 27°C and uses saltwater, while the separate spa pool is kept at 37°C year-round.
During the summer months, Cordis also offers a poolside service with snacks and refreshments for the ultimate in indulgence. After your swimming, you can try out their unique ‘snail’ shower with relaxing massage jets or enjoy access to the saunas, ice experience and unique herbal steam room.
Emerald Inn on Takapuna Beach
The lowdown: A tranquil, high-end retreat just 2 minutes from Takapuna beach with plush studios and villas to escape to.
The swimming pool: Set in a serene tropical garden setting, most Aucklanders don’t even know this hotel is here – and yet it offers a dreamlike swimming pool nestled amongst palms and native kauri and kowhai trees.
While the beach is nearby, the refreshing water here offers a salt-free alternative, and without the crowds or waves. Your stress will just melt away as native birds fly overhead and you can let yourself unwind in a way you never thought possible.
Hilton Auckland
The lowdown: A nautical-style luxury hotel on the Auckland waterfront off modern rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows and a chic bar.
The swimming pool: The outdoor heated lap pool at the Hilton is very much a hidden gem, and while small offers an outlook over the Auckland harbour. The glass-edged pool is suspended off the fourth floor and the offers an exceptionally unique experience as you submerge into the depths of the water you’ll make those on the street below do a double take!
Preparing your swimsuit is required for a stay here for the novel perspective of looking at the city from beneath the water’s surface, though it is more ideal for an afternoon dip than all-day pool lounging.
Pullman Auckland Hotel
The lowdown: A premium hotel in the Auckland city centre with modern rooms, a gym, lively bar and hammam.
The swimming pool: The Pullman Auckland Hotel might appear like you typical business hotel, but they have created an urban retreat ideal for both fitness and regeneration with a stunning 25 meters heated swimming pool, complete with a retractable sunroof and sun terrace.
In the winter its kept closed to ensure the warmth stays in, but in summer the cross-breeze and views of the surrounding cityscape are simply divine. There is also a spa pool, sauna, chill-out zone and steam room should you want to unwind and cleanse rather than swimming laps.
Heritage Hotel
The lowdown: A polished hotel set in a grand former department store with a 7-storey atrium, chic bar and tennis courts.
The swimming pool: The crowning jewel of this storied hotel is its expansive rooftop pool with grand sweeping views of the magnificent Waitemata Harbour. There is plenty of seating, all-day sun and even a spa pool at night to slip into while the city lights up around you.
If you want to swim rather than lounge, there is a 17.3m long indoor heated lap pool and a sauna to sweat everything out at.
Delamore Lodge
The lowdown: A small luxury resort hotel in a magnificent setting on Waiheke Island with equally impressive suites, gardens and private terraces.
The swimming pool:The perfect escape from the world, this lodge boasts what is undoubtedly Auckland’s best hotel infinity pool with views of dazzling Owhanake Bay. The heated infinity swimming pool is open to all guests, though, with only four opulent suites and a single 2-bedroom apartment, you’ll often be able to enjoy this incredible spot all to yourself.
There is also a purpose-built spa and treatment facility, private cave-like Jacuzzi and steam sauna and extensive gardens cover over 5 hectares of property, with spectacular coastal views at almost every turn. What more could you possibly desire?
SO/ Auckland
The lowdown: Established in the downtown Britomart district in the heart of the city, SO/ Auckland is a fashionable urban hotel offering sophisticated rooms, a rooftop bar and incredible design.
The swimming pool: In the heart of the So/ wellness centre, there is a 20-meter heated lap pool offers a retreat for water lovers. It might be located inside and away from the sun, but this above-ground glass pool walls ensure this is one of the best swimming pools in Auckland. It is like being in an aquarium, except instead of corals and seaweed you have beautiful blue mosaic tiles.
Perfect for a few laps or relaxing dip after a day out, you can also renew your energy levels and soothe tired aching muscles in the Jacuzzi or detox in the Finnish sauna – the perfect way to reset and unwind.
Naumi Auckland Airport Hotel
The lowdown: A hip, contemporary hotel close to Auckland Airport with modern art by local artists, rainfall showers and free-standing tubs.
The swimming pool: If you have no desire to stay in the central city and want an Auckland hotel swimming pool with loungers and plenty of sunshine, the new Naumi Auckland Airport Hotel is the place for you. Start the day fresh with a dip in their gorgeous outdoor pool overseeing lush gardens, a mini putting green and yoga deck.
It all very Palm Springs chic. After dark, the Naumi swimming pool is illuminated with sumptuous hues of purple light casting a magical glow on the water and completely changing the atmosphere. You’ll want to enjoy a cocktail and unwind here for the night, and luckily you can with the pool open until 10 pm.
So, there you have it. Our favourite Auckland hotels with a swimming pool. There is a lot to choose from, and to love — but, our top picks would have to be the Delamore Lodge for the stunning views and luxurious island escape, Cordis for a chic city rooftop spot for cocktails and the Emerald Inn on Takapuna Beach for a lush getaway without getting away.
A few other hotels in Auckland with pools also made our shortlist, so if these ones didn’t meet your budget or expectations, you might want to consider them.
Stamford Plaza Auckland – An upmarket hotel with plush decor, an amazing Teppanyaki restaurant and high tea – not to mention an indoor pool with a hot tub.
Auckland Rose Park Hotel – A popular budget hotel due to its city-fringe location in Parnell offering a small outdoor pool sheltered by a thatched fence.
The Spencer on Byron Hotel – A laidback hotel in Takapuna with understated rooms, an outdoor heated pool and a hot tub
Airport Palms Hotel – An affordable airport hotel in Auckland with simple rooms and a lovely outdoor pool surrounded by greenery.
Waitakere Resort & Spa – A locally owned hotel and wellness retreat in West Auckland. It has a large outdoor swimming pool that has a lot of potential but is poorly executed.
Heartland Hotel Auckland Airport – A relaxed airport hotel with a free terminal shuttle, a small outdoor pool and a hot tub
CityLife Auckland – A affordable Queen St hotel with indoor swimming pool and basic suites ideal for business travellers.
Auckland Harbour Suites – An understated apartment hotel in the city centre with affordable rates and a quaint heated outdoor pool.
Mt Albert Motor Lodge – A renovated motel set in the neighbourhood of Mount Albert, with a great cafe BBQ area and inviting outdoor pool.