Hotel Indigo Auckland has officially opened its doors in Midtown, bringing a bold blend of boutique charm, local storytelling, and creative design to New Zealand’s largest city.
As the country’s first Hotel Indigo and the fifth in Australasia, this much-anticipated debut by IHG Hotels & Resorts is already making waves among travelers and Aucklanders alike.
Built on the historic site of a 1912 motor house once used to import Cadillacs into the country, the hotel seamlessly merges past and present through a mix of heritage-listed architecture and contemporary design. The 225-room property spans 27 floors of a 41-storey tower on Albert Street, offering stunning city and harbour views through floor-to-ceiling windows.
True to Hotel Indigo’s “neighbourhood story” concept, the design of the guest rooms pays tribute to the building’s automotive heritage. Each room features quirky touches such as rear-view mirrors above the beds, headlamp-style lighting, and materials reminiscent of classic car upholstery. The hotel’s creative flair extends to custom carpets designed to resemble maps of Auckland streets, reinforcing the property’s deep connection to the city it calls home.
A Cultural Experience From Lobby to Rooftop
Hotel Indigo Auckland is more than just a place to stay—it’s a visual journey through local art and identity. All 25 accommodation floors feature a curated photographic exhibition by acclaimed Kiwi artist and photographer Stuart Robertson, best known for his “Peace in 10,000 Hands” project. Each floor tells a different story of Auckland through the artist’s lens, turning hallways into immersive galleries.
The lobby, designed by stylist Simone Haag, is a celebration of handcrafted local artistry. Expect to see everything from wooden sculptures and ceramics to glasswork and leather pieces. Māori artist Raukura Turei has also contributed two striking installations using organic materials sourced from ancestral land, exploring spiritual connections to atua (gods) and tīpuna (ancestors).
In keeping with its boutique ethos, the hotel’s mini-bars are stocked with local favourites like Kokako organic drip coffee, Zealong teas, Karma Drinks, and artisan water designed by local artist Flox. Bathrooms are equally curated, featuring GHD hairdryers and MARACA body care products made exclusively in New Zealand for the hotel’s Waitematā collection.
Accessibility is also top of mind. Ten of the 225 rooms are fully accessible, ensuring every guest can enjoy the vibrant Indigo experience in comfort and style.
Bistro Saine and More Culinary Surprises
Dining at Hotel Indigo Auckland is an experience in itself. The hotel’s signature restaurant, Bistro Saine, is led by Executive Chef Yutak Son, a Korean-born, French-trained culinary talent. The menu fuses French-Mediterranean techniques with the energy of New York’s brasserie scene and flavours from Southern Europe. Seasonal ingredients and local produce take centre stage in a setting that’s as refined as it is welcoming.
Guests can also unwind at Café Etiquette, a chic café and wine bar, or head to The Henry, an elegant cocktail lounge that draws inspiration from the sophistication of London, Paris, and Manhattan. Whether you’re looking for a relaxed breakfast, an afternoon aperitif, or a stylish evening drink, Hotel Indigo offers a variety of spaces for every mood.
Mathew Simister, General Manager of Hotel Indigo Auckland, shared his excitement about the launch, highlighting the hotel’s deep integration with the local community. “From our uniquely designed guest rooms to our signature dining experience at Bistro Saine, we can’t wait for guests to experience everything we have carefully curated to connect them with the neighbourhood.”
Matt Tripolone, Managing Director – Australasia & Pacific at IHG Hotels & Resorts, added, “Hotel Indigo is one of the world’s leading boutique lifestyle brands, and we are excited to see its New Zealand debut in Auckland as we continue to grow IHG’s portfolio of exceptional luxury & lifestyle stay experiences in the region.”
With its prime Midtown location, Hotel Indigo Auckland puts guests close to key landmarks such as the Sky Tower, SkyCity Casino, the Viaduct, Wynyard Quarter, Britomart precinct, and the upcoming New Zealand International Convention Centre, set to open in early 2026. Whether you’re in town for business or leisure, this striking new hotel is setting a high bar for boutique hospitality in the City of Sails.
