Auckland's Celebrated Sanctuary.

Unique. Dynamic. Beloved. It’s not only an accurate description of New Zealand, it sums up The Spencer on Byron Hotel on Auckland's North Shore. Here, you’re minutes from Auckland’s central business district and a short walk to all the excitement of this seaside suburb of Takapuna. When it comes to New Zealand hotels, The Spencer on Byron Hotel is one of the most celebrated, with a Qualmark four-star plus rating for Auckland hotels. Impressed? You will be. Especially with a panoramic view of “The City of Sails” (Auckland), Rangitoto Island, and Lake Pupuke from your suite. Studio, one-, or two-bedroom getaways are offered run-of-house, or you can ensure a view by reserving a City/Ocean View suite on a higher floor. There are also six penthouse apartments over all 23 levels and a total of four meeting rooms. Each suite has everything from a refrigerator and cooking appliances, to a mini bar and broadband Internet access. If you’re vacationing with family or friends or here on business, you’re in luck. There are interconnecting doors between suites, so getting together is easy. Grab a cocktail and a book at The Library Bar. Hit the tennis courts. Stroll to shops, art galleries, cafes, restaurants, and beaches. Work out at the gym. Relax in the Jacuzzi. There’s even a heated lap pool. You won’t find all this at other New Zealand hotels.

Your prime location also allows you easy access to the best that Auckland City has to offer. Head to top of the Sky Tower for a spectacular view of the area you’re about to explore. You can even jump if you want. There’s a cable-controlled bungie jump offered at the tower, giving you a view of the city from 192 meters and falling. For some underwater scenery, visit Kelly Thorton’s Antarctic Encounter and Underwater World. Take to the water yourself by sailboat or yacht, or ride the air in a parasail or hot air balloon launching from one of the many gorgeous beaches. Go climb a bridge. The Auckland Bridge Climb takes you to platforms 200 feet over the water.

Here’s something else that’s pretty amazing: Auckland has 23 golf courses and an indoor snow resort. You will not be short on things to do here. Explore a little further, and you’ll find there are all kinds of fun day trips to be had. A 30-minute ferry ride from downtown and soon you’re sipping a pinot noir at the vineyard. A trip south and you’re on the double-loop roller coaster at Rainbow’s End Theme Park. (We highly recommend doing those trips on separate days.) As far as the rest of New Zealand goes, you can get a taste of it all from The Spencer on Byron Hotel -- your home base from which to explore the culture, cuisine, scenery, lifestyle, and history of this fascinating place.