Why Cordis is the king of the Auckland staycation

Sometimes, as Tim Phin finds out, you don’t need a long-haul flight to find a different headspace.

After a non-stop week at Remix HQ, the goal was simple: unplug, unwind, and indulge without leaving the 09. We checked into the Cordis, Auckland’s definitive urban sanctuary—one with a storied legacy—for a staycation that proved exactly why this spot remains the city’s gold standard.

We stayed in the brand-new Pinnacle Tower, and honestly, the name says it all. The moment you step into the room, you’re met with that crisp, modern interior styling that feels both high-end and incredibly welcoming. The bathrooms are a highlight—slick, contemporary, and stocked with everything you need for a serious soak.

But for these rooms, it’s the views that really seal the deal. Depending on which side of the tower you’re on, you’re either looking out over the lush greenery of Grafton and the iconic silhouette of Mount Eden, or catching glimpses of the sparkling harbour. Waking up to that skyline is the ultimate reminder of why we love this city.

As you know, Cordis is famous for a few things, and we made sure to tick them all off. If you’re a fan of the finer things, the High Tea here is mandatory; it’s a rite of passage to take a close friend or your Mother. 

And you can’t talk about Cordis without talking about Eight. For $100 per person, it's very good value. We hit the steak station for some perfectly seared cuts—my favourite—followed by the seafood station, which featured delicacies I literally hadn’t seen anywhere else. And, of course, no visit to Eight is complete without a prolonged stop at the cheese station. It’s the kind of meal that requires a very comfortable bed immediately afterward.

The beds are meticulously designed (I actually need to check the brand for my own place), and the whole atmosphere is one of sophisticated ease. Unlike some other central hotels where the logistics can be a headache, Cordis makes it easy. There’s heaps of parking—we opted for valet because, well, staycation vibes—and the service is seamless from start to finish.

Whether you’re here for one of their world-class conferences or just to hide away from the world for 24 hours, the Cordis remains the king of the Auckland staycation.

We left feeling recharged, well-fed, and ready to take on the next issue.

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