How we holiday has changed. We're no longer jetting off across the globe, searching for luxury and relaxation; today, the perfect trip is a staycation. So, with that in mind, we've taken the hard work out of finding a blissful destination at the new Cordis Pinnacle Tower in the heart of Auckland City. For the ultimate romantic escape or a girl's weekend, it's a hotel like no other. The team at BeautyEQ share the highlights of a short-stay vacay in their home town. By editor Trudi Brewer.
Located in the heart of Auckland's Tāmaki Makaurau, this swanky 17-storey tower is home to 244 luxurious rooms at Cordis Auckland. The new addition named has made this the largest hotel in New Zealand, hosting 640 rooms in total and a destination that will suit any budget. "We are looking forward to welcoming guests to the Pinnacle Tower where they can revel in spectacular city skyline and Waitematā Harbour views and enjoy the warm hospitality Cordis, Auckland is so renowned for," says Franz Mascarenhas, Managing Director of Cordis Auckland. Here's what to expect from your stay.
Executive Suite where style director Louise Hilsz stayed.
Your welcome starts the moment you arrive
When you arrive at the Pinnacle Tower, you're greeted by breathtaking 360° views across our beautiful city. Including some of Auckland's most famous landmarks, the Harbour Bridge, One Tree Hill, Rangitoto, Mount Eden and the Sky Tower. Inside the acclaimed New Zealand architect Jasmax, have created an interior that is sleek yet comforting and contemporary, to include one of the largest curated locally commissioned art collections by curators Coupland Cormack. With 46 innovative, breathtaking beautiful commissions in multiple mediums by nine of Aotearoa's most prominent contemporary artists, this is one of the features to make your visit both memorable and unique.
Seung Yul Oh epoxy painted and mirror polished, welded Stainless steel spheres and Lonnie Hutchinson anodized aluminium greets you at the Pinnacle Tower. Photography by Sam Harnett.
Inspired by our Māori ancestors, the concepts of Te Whai Ao (light before the dawn), The Manawa Line (a heartfelt connection) and Kaitiakitanga (guardianship of the natural world) are highlights of the hotel. The art is scattered through every floor and discretely dotted outside. From the exquisite art collection, interior fit-out to the food and beverage offering - the best of New Zealand is on offer helping guests to connect with our beautiful country during their stay at the Pinnacle Tower.
Pinnacle Tower has a discreet entrance, another feature that sets it apart from other inner-city hotels.
Summer is the ideal time to visit the Cordis Chandelier Lounge for a high tea. It's the perfect girl's day out. Enjoy a glass of Louis Roederer Brut NV champagne infused with crème de cassis on arrival - don't say no. Delicate cucumber and whipped goat cheese sandwiches, compressed apple; lemon basil scones with whipped cream and vanilla and strawberry mille-feuille - are on offer, one tip, don't eat the day of your booking, it's a very generous serving.
Summer high tea in the Chandelier Lounge.
Amanda Gruenwald acrylic, alkyd and oil on canvas and Sanné Mestrom Cast bronze sculptures by Sanné Mestrom, that celebrate the unique role that female goddesses play within Maori mythology. Photography by Sam Harnett.
Art is what connects us to our surroundings and for Cordis Auckland, the art collection on show is all about showcasing the best from our most talented. “The visitor’s journey through the hotel’s architecture is accentuated at key unique spaces, featuring these artworks which tell the stories of the local culture and land,” added Franz. The series of light boxes centre around the four elements of earth, water, fire and wind, located at each of the sixteen lift lobbies.
Photographic images mounted on the LED light boxes designed by Korean born New Zealand artist Jae Hoon Lee. Photography by Sam Harnett.
The unique collection also features a diverse range of significant works on paper and sculptures by Seung Yul Oh, Joe Sheehan, Raukura Turei, Amanda Gruenwald and Nikau Hinden. As well as a commission with the Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei weavers found at reception where you check-in, these are the touches that set Cordis Auckland apart.
Each room has a view
The stunning Chairman Suite at the top of the Pinnacle Tower, Cordis Auckland.
From the premier rooms to the suites in the new Pinnacle Tower, you get a view of our gorgeous city. The interiors combine understated elegance with high-tech gadgets, all designed for your relaxation. But why we love a get-away at the Cordis is not only time out from work-life pressure but to sink into one of the signature Dream Bed's that promises the best night's sleep. If you book an Executive Room or Suite, the Cordis Club Lounge awaits you on the 14th floor and complements your bookings. So enjoy a glass of fine New Zealand wine after work or canapés and a brilliant breakfast; a must-visit is the station for made-to-order eggs - it is the perfect way to start a busy day.
The new Cordis Club Lounge .
Dine in, you don’t need to leave
The best part about a staycation is you don't need to leave to enjoy fine wine and delicious food. The Cordis Auckland offers dining options, including Eight Restaurant, prepare for a feast, smorgasbord style, with food stations that cater to every taste. Our favourite, Our Land Is Alive, exclusively showcases New Zealand delicacies and beverages with a local twist, "We aim to continue to be at the forefront of the hospitality industry." Cordis Auckland's Pinnacle Tower celebrates everything unique to Aotearoa – the culture, the community and the freedom to experience and connect," says Franz Mascarenhas, Managing Director of Cordis Auckland.
The outdoor pool and new pool bar where you can relax and recharge in your home town.
NEW VACCINE MANDATE IN PLACE
To visit Cordis Auckland from staying to dining or getting a spa treatment, you must be fully vaccinated and provide your Covid vaccination certificate upon arrival. This vaccine mandate includes all colleagues, suppliers and staff working at the hotel.
We visit NZ's capital city.