Australian-Born Boutique Hotel Brand TRIBE Has Opened Its First Aotearoa Stay In Auckland
Isabel Croker
Editorial Manager (AU + NZ) | Urban List
Auckland has recently scored a stylish new boutique stay, with TRIBE Auckland Fort Street officially opening in the heart of the CBD.
It’s the first Aotearoa outpost for the Australian-born brand that was born in 2017 in Perth and all about a design-led approach aimed at modern travellers who want elevated experiences, without the premium price tag.
Image Credit: TRIBE Auckland Fort Street | Supplied
Primely positioned between the waterfront and Spark Arena, the hotel places you right in the centre of the action. You’re an easy walk from Britomart’s transport hub, minutes from Commercial Bay’s dining and shopping scene, and close enough to the Viaduct and Wynyard Quarter to wander over for sunset drinks.
Inside, the 60 rooms maximise style and function with clever, compact layouts and bold interior details. There’s everything you need, yet nothing you don’t. There are five room types to choose from, which differ with room size, city views, lounge areas and accessible room features.
Image Credit: TRIBE Auckland Fort Street | Supplied
I love the colourful furniture, intuitive tech, Kevin Murphy amenities (IYKYK) and sleek design touches that make the space feel more boutique apartment than traditional hotel. In another step away from that traditional hotel feel, you can easily contact staff 24/7 with a direct WhatsApp chat available via a QR code on the television. And the black out blinds? Perhaps the best I’ve seen.
Downstairs, the lobby bar acts as a social hub that’s made to linger in; part coworking spot (yes, they’ve got wall ports everywhere), part casual hangout, and dotted with communal areas.
Image Credit: TRIBE Auckland Fort Street | Supplied
The onsite restaurant, Sienna, brings a So-Cal-inspired menu and easygoing vibe (and a seriously delicious Watermelon Spritz). I recommend starting with the shrimp tostada with a refreshing pineapple chamoy or the grilled corn bites with cilantro creme fraiche before moving onto the Baja cod tacos.
Image Credit: TRIBE Auckland Fort Street | Supplied
As someone is always on the move when exploring a new city, I also love the Erewhon-esque grab-and-go counter that offers fresh salads, bowls, sandwiches and snacks for those on the move.
Rooms start from $161 per night, keeping the design-led stay surprisingly accessible for both locals and visitors.
As Adrian Williams, Accor’s Chief Operating Officer for the Pacific, puts it: “Born in Australia, TRIBE was created for today’s modern traveller – people who want beautifully designed spaces, vibrant social hubs, and a hotel that matches the pace of their lifestyle.” And Auckland is the perfect home for TRIBE’s first foray into Aotearoa.
Image Credit: TRIBE Aucklan Fort Street | Supplied
If you’re planning a city break or just want to check out the newest addition to Auckland’s hotel scene, TRIBE Auckland Fort Street is officially open and ready to welcome guests.
Where To Eat While You Stay At TRIBE
I think one of the best ways to get to know a city quickly is via a walking tour—make it a foodie walking tour and now we’re really talking.
Two of my favourite walking food tours are Aucky Walky Tours, founded in 2016 by the vibrant Liz who is full of energy and fun facts (did you know New Zealand’s population is 90% birds?) and The Big Foody Food Tours which are—as the name implies—all about showcasing the best of Auckland through your tastebuds and are run by the passionate Elle. Both tours are about much more than just food (although there is a lot of that); you’ll learn about Auckland’s history, culture, nature and the local producers who make Auckland’s culinary scene what it is today.
Here are some of their favourite places to eat and drink around Auckland.
Giapo Ice Cream
Think you know ice cream? Think again. At Giapo you’ll find wildly creative flavours, edible art, entirely gluten-free baked goods, and handmade waffle cones that look straight out of a dream sequence (yep, a squid-shaped ice cream is a thing).
It’s the kind of place where you order with your eyes first, then spend the next ten minutes taking photos before you finally take a bite. The Hokey Pokey is simply not to be missed, and if you weren’t already sold, this is one of Cher’s favourite Auckland spots.
Mezze Bar
A longtime local favourite for over 30 years (which is huge in anyone’s books), Mezze Bar has been running since 1992 and nails cosy, European-inspired charm with shared tapas, sangria jugs and the kind of genuinely warm ambience that makes you stay longer than planned.
Culprit Dining Room & Bar
Image Credit: Culprit | Instagram
Culprit Dining Room & Bar is inventive, energetic and proudly Kiwi—expect modern snacks, clever cocktails and a bi-monthly changing chefs choice menu that champions local produce. I love that they offer alternate menus for a variety of dietary requirements, so no one has to miss out.
Trust me, when the fare is this good, you don’t want to miss out. If you’re feeling adventurous, check out Little Culprit, Culprit’s mischievous younger brother bar across the street.
Bar Magda
Image Credit: Bar Magda | Instagram
Somewhat of a hidden gem in the Karangahape Road precinct, Bar Magda serves Filipino-inspired dishes and moody, late-night energy in all the right ways. It’s intimate, sultry and the perfect spot for something a little different without trying too hard. While the menu frequently changes, sample highlights include Ora king salmon with blue swimmer crab and barbecue red cabbage with miso cream.
San Ray
San Ray is the rare kind of all-day spot that effortlessly shifts from great coffee in the morning to natural wines and share plates by night. And somehow, it just works. Buzzing with that signature K’ Road creative energy, I’m still thinking about their dreamy olive olive chocolate mousse and La Tête de Moine cheese.
Altezano Brothers
A local favourite for a reason, Altezano Brothers on Snickle Lane serves expertly roasted coffee with a side of warm, neighbourhood charm. Whether you’re grabbing a flat white on the run or digging into one of their impeccable almond croissants, it’s a reliably great stop for your daily caffeine fix.
What To Do While You Stay At TRIBE
Explore Commercial Bay
One of my favourite things about staying at TRIBE is how close it is to Commercial Bay. It’s an easy walk and a great place to kickstart your day in the city, whether that means browsing a few shops, grabbing a coffee or settling in for lunch by the harbour. I do tend to linger here much longer than planned.
Wander Britomart’s Courtyards
Britomart is always on my list. The mix of heritage buildings and quiet courtyards makes it ideal for a slow wander, with plenty of reasons—like being home to some of Auckland’s top restaurants and the flagship stores of Aotearoa's top fashion designers—to stop along the way.
Visit Auckland Art Gallery
Image Credit: Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki | Website
Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki is an easy walk from the hotel and a great option for a slower morning. With more than 18,000 artworks on display across four levels it’s the largest visual arts experience in Aotearoa and is a genuine must-visit.
Catch a Show at Spark Arena
One of the perks of staying at TRIBE is being so close to Spark Arena. Not much beats skipping the logistics and walking straight to a show, then heading back on foot once it wraps up. Expensive Uber, no more.
You Might Also Like:
Urban List Best Of: has our highest stamp of approval—curated lists of the very best recommendations for you to eat, do, see, buy or book, carefully chosen by our Editors.
Urban List editors independently select and write about stuff we love and think you'll like too. Urban List has affiliate partnerships, and if you purchase something through the links in this article, we will earn a commission from those partners. To find out more about who we work with and why read our editorial policy here.