Ascot Parnell guest rooms: Our small hotel is located in Parnell Village.
We are in walking distance of all Auckland city center attractions.

Parnell Village by night with the sky city tower in the background

Public transport nearby includes the Air-bus, the city loop 'Link bus', the train station, 'Intercity and Northliner bus terminals' and the ferry terminal. For more detailed information also read the directions and map page.

Parnell Village and Newmarket "NZ's best shopping and gastronomic centres" are in walking distance. There are restaurants, shops, theaters, art galleries, cinemas, olympic pool, and a fitness centre.

The IMAX & Civic Theatres in downtown

One of the 50 restaurants in our area

Major city venues within one mile from Ascot Parnell include the Aotea centre, the IMAX and Civic theatres, the University, Village 8 cinemas, the Olympic pool on Broadway, the ASB Tennis Centre, Carlaw park (rugby grounds), Auckland hospital, the Auckland Museum, the Maritime museum, 277 Broadway shopping centre....

In the Domain are the Winter and Fern gardens free to the public from 10 am - 4:30 pm every day.

Auckland Domain & Museum, a 10 minute walk from Ascot Parnell. The Auckland Museum is one of New Zealand's best known historic buildings, and one of Aucklands most visited attractions. A war memorial with galleries - "Scars on the Heart and Holocaust" - reflecting New Zealand's part in the wars of the world.

Overall, the Museum provides a window on New Zealand's cultural and natural history and houses a fine collection of Maori treasures. The Discovery Centres - "Weird and Wonderful" and "Treasures and Tails" are places for fun and exploration of the natural world and human culture for kids of all ages.

The three times daily Maori Show at the Auckland Museum is interesting and entertaining, and a great introduction to the Maori culture.

Every Sunday afternoon during summer, there is Jazz in the Park. Every January & February there are free large concerts in the domain, like "Opera in the Park" and "Symphony under the Stars".

On the way to the Domain from Ascot Parnell, you will walk past St Mary's Church and the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity. This is the world's newest Cathedral, the world's only Pacific style Gothic building. The Cathedral also acts as a centre for the performing arts.

The city Link Bus stop is a 5 minute walk from the Ascot Parnell, taking you to downtown, the ferry terminal and all major shopping streets and important locations such as the University, the Hospital, Sky city, intercity bus and railway stations, there is one every 10 minutes and they run until late.

The Maritime Museum on the waterfront has many active displays and can include a trip on a tall historic Sailing Boat. At a 5 minute walk from the Museum you find yourself in the America's-cup Village.

The ferry terminal to Devonport is in downtown, 1 mile away. You can hop on the Link bus to go there.

View the city from the highest building in the southern hemisphere at Sky City. There are two fine restaurants at the top of the tower.

Bart is also good at getting the best out of your time here in Auckland, he will be glad to make you an itinerary tailored to your interests. Tours he has done before include : The Coromandel peninsula, The Waitakere ranges, garden tours, wine tours, horse-riding trails, the Bay of Islands, and Rotorua.

Other activities nearby:

* theatres & cinemas
* harbour cruises, visit the islands and endangered bird sanctuaries.
* sailing & water sports
* historic buildings and churches
* cycling & jogging tracks, scooter hire
* tennis, gyms & swimming pools
* excellent New Zealand cuisine - numerous restaurants and cafes nearby
* language schools, the university
* the casino
* maritime museum and America's cup village
* observe the views from the many volcanoes in Auckland
* inner-city convention centres and the Aotea centre
* rugby and tennis stadiums
* the west coast, rain-forest, black sand beaches and vineyards
* scenic walks in the area and the coast to coast trail

MUST DO & SEE IN AUCKLAND:

• The Auckland Museum - (was previously called the War Memorial Museum) in Parnell, less than a 10 min. walk from our house. Housed in one of New Zealand's finest heritage buildings, tells the story of New Zealand as a nation, includes 3 x daily Maori Cultural Show. Natural history exhibits, discovery centres ....
• Parnell Village - Unique Colonial style picturesque village with lots of boutiques, art galleries, cafes and restaurants (less than a 5 min. walk from Ascot Parnell).
• The Parnell Rose Gardens - beautiful gardens overlooking the bay with hundreds of roses and views of the harbour. Our guests comment "the best and most beautiful Rose Gardens they have ever seen". FREE entrance.
• Auckland Art Gallery. Rich heritage of New Zealand art.
• Heritage Walk of Auckland City: This trail will take approx. 2 hours to walk and includes some of Auckland's earliest commercial buildings, the earliest street network in the city, historical and architectural development of Auckland from the Colonial period through to the 21st century
• Mt Eden - oldest and highest volcano in Auckland - an easy hike up with the best views across the harbour and the city - Not to be missed !
• Kelly Tarlton Underwater World - Aquarium with N.Z. species of marine life and also an Antarctic area with real penguins.
• Take the Ferry across (10 min.) to Devonport - a picturesque sea-side village with historic homes, out-door cafes, craft shops, walking tracks up Mt Victoria and North Head. Breathtaking views !
• Fullers Cruise to Tiritiri Matangi Island world renowned rare bird sanctuary with endangered native birds.
• Sail an Americas Cup Yacht on the harbour !
• Take the ferry for a hike on Rangitoto Island (extinct volcano) or to Waiheke Island : an island paradise, quiet beaches, nature tracks, very laid back 60's/70"s atmosphere. Markets, cafes, artists and vineyards. As beautiful as the Bay of Islands but only 35 minutes from Auckland, not 5 hours !
• Fine Wine Tour - Sample some of New Zealand best wines
• Do the "Bush & Beach" tour. Tour company will pick up from our door and takes you to the "Wild West Coast" of Auckland, where the NZ film "The Piano" was filmed. The west coast of Auckland has native rainforest with unique giant 1000's of years old Kauri trees (native tree of NZ), a gannet colony and also vineyards. A wine tasting tour is also possible.
• Go up the Sky Tower ! Highest tower in the southern hemisphere. You can imagine the views ! There is also a revolving restaurant at the top. If you are adventurous : do the SKY-JUMP !
• Harbour Bridge Bungy Jump ! The world's first harbour bridge bungy. <>
• Visit the Maritime Museum, includes history of immigration. You can go sailing on a tall ship. http://www.dolphinexplorer.com/
• Experience the wraparound sky and special effects of a southern hemisphere planetarium show at the Stardome Observatory.
• At the Auckland ZOO you can see the rare Kiwi-bird and more New Zealand wildlife.
• Walk to Mission Bay - esplanade with large beach front and lots of interesting cafes and restaurants.
• DAY-TRIPS : To Rotorua, Bay of Islands, Coromandel are all possible while you are based in Auckland. Tour buses pick you up from our door.
• THE LIST GOES ON....and ON ... What's on in Auckland