FOUR POINTS BY SHERATON AUCKLAND
This well-located hotel in the city’s arts precinct makes a great base to embark on family adventures
THE LOWDOWN
With views of the city skyline, staying at this stylish Queen St hotel makes you feel like you are in the heart of the action and ready to explore the vibrant city of Auckland on New Zealand’s North Island.
LOCATION
Centrally located in the heart of the Auckland Arts Precinct, the Four Points by Sheraton is just 30 minutes from Auckland Airport and lies on the doorstep of the city’s family-friendly attractions. It’s within walking distance of Queen St shops and restaurants, as well as the waters of Waitematā Harbour.
ACCOMMODATION
Each of the 255 enticing guest rooms boasts expansive city views, flatscreen TVs and all the modern amenities you need for a comfortable stay. High-speed Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel and you can take advantage of the complimentary in-room movies to keep the kids entertained after dark. With two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and separate living and dining spaces, the Sky Suite is ideal for families needing a little more room to spread out. If you want to prepare your own snacks and meals, opt for one of the Four Points studios equipped with kitchenettes, microwaves and minifridges.
ACTIVITIES
Newly opened, the Four Points by Sheraton’s fitness centre features a Techno Gym, offering plenty of motivation for your morning workout. There’s also a business centre if you need to access a computer, printer or fax machine, together with a full-service laundry for catching up on washing.
FOOD AND DRINK
Bright and friendly, the Queens Head Bar & Eatery offers meals throughout the day, drawing on locally-sourced New Zealand produce. Begin the day with bircher muesli, waffles and baristamade coffee, or dine on Marlborough salmon and popcorn chicken for dinner. If you’re after a nightcap, the hotel’s
rooftop bar The Churchill has sweeping views across Auckland.
EXPLORE
The hotel is a short stroll from the Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki, Albert Park and the Sky Tower, which is the tallest structure in the Southern Hemisphere, rising to more than 300m with views stretching up to 80km in all directions from its observation deck. The SkyWalk and SkyJump are must-dos for thrillseeking families (kids must be 10 years or older). Children can also let off steam in the modern playground of Myers Park, or get lost in the immersive Odyssey Sensory Maze. Occupying a reclaimed piece of land on the Waitematā Harbour, the Wynyard Quarter has recently undergone an exciting transformation. Kids will love the maritime-themed playspace and the free Workshops on the Wharf, with markets, live music and an outdoor cinema held in Silo Park during summer. Don’t miss New Zealand’s premier theme park, Rainbow’s End, which has more than 20 rides and attractions. They include adrenalinpumping rides for older kids, such as the Stratosfear and Corkscrew Coaster, while younger visitors can head to Kidz Kingdom’s Choco Express and Fortress of Fun. Get up close to native animals and exotic species at the Auckland Zoo and book the Fullers Rangitoto Volcanic Explorer Tour to Rangitoto Island to explore its volcanic landscapes and pohutukawa forest, before taking a short walk to the summit to take in the views. Just a ferry ride away is Waiheke Island, where EcoZip Adventures offers an immersive forest walk and flying fox ziplines. Guides educate guests about conservation and share stories about how the land has changed and adapted with Maori and European settlement.