A gateway marker
Nestled adjacent to the esteemed Novotel building, the new Pullman Hotel stands as a distinguished gateway, warmly welcoming visitors and residents journeying to and from the bustling Auckland Airport.
The only five-star premium hotel at Auckland Airport, Te Arikinui comprises 311 guest rooms, including six suites and 305 premium rooms. All rooms feature full-length soundproof windows, ensuring natural light, peace, quietness and reprieve. Te Kaahu, (bar, dining and lounge), is located on the top floor, offering stunning views of Manukau Harbour, Auckland Airport and north to Auckland city.
Te Arikinui Pullman Hotel exemplifies the integration of te ao Māori and architectural design. It has seamlessly blended a truly indigenous design into the innovation of a high-class modern space. The name Te Arikinui holds exceptional mana in Aotearoa New Zealand and the judges have agreed that this design, narrative, and innovation upholds that mana and is the pinnacle of the spatial category in 2024.
Each visit to Te Arikinui will deliver a memorable New Zealand experience inspired by the spirit of discovery, past, present and future. Guests will encounter environments that reflect our unique culture and landscape, from sea to sky, infused in the form and fabric throughout.
The design concept – sea to sky - is inspired by the journey of adventure and discovery by the people of Tainui waka following their arrival at Manukau Harbour around 1350. From settlement at Manukau, where the sea provided plentiful food resources and the fertile soils were ripe for growing an abundance of vegetables and fruit, to further inland exploration, establishing the wider Taamaki and northern Waikato as Waikato tribal territory.
Every aspect of your stay at this hotel has been designed to inspire and nourish the senses.
A new arrival experience
On arrival, the Pullman offers a sense of composure; calm, and a unique sense of place. Guests will be greeted in person and invited to seek comfort at the nearest possible opportunity. Personalised ‘pods’ reflect the renowned, open hospitality of New Zealand’s people.
An exquisite blend of cultural richness, unparalleled design, and top-tier hospitality.
An activated experience
Te Arikinui offers the opportunity to connect with the community, offering regional tastes and sensations of the finest New Zealand cuisine. This dynamic food and beverage experience is realised through a variety of engaging environments.
From the informal lobby hub, to the roof level bar and dining experience with sweeping views from the Manukau Harbour to Auckland City, the space entices an opportunity to linger and soak in the sunset.
Sea to sky
Honouring the history and values of Tainui iwi, materials reflect 'sea to sky'.
The gold-coloured external and internal soffit represent the inner lining of a Korowai and reference the metaphor ‘under the protection of the Korowai (cloak)’. Located at the entrance, the soffit is formed by over 1,500 triangular aluminium panels. Each geometric panel is uniquely shaped with no two panels the same.
This design element was inspired by a story shared by Elaine Preston about Maaori Queen Te Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikaahu:
“I recall the grace of The Lady who, although noble in presence, extended her Korowai to welcome everyone, particularly children. The inner lining, a glimpse of gold, reflects her love and warmth for her people and those seeking refuge."
The joint project team has gone to great lengths to ensure a world-class experience for travellers, including a top floor restaurant and bar offering stunning views across the Manukau Harbour and Waitakere Ranges as well as luxurious guest rooms. All this is within a short and effortless walk from the terminal.
Te Arikinui Pullman Auckland Airport Hotel delivers fusion of cultural and high-end design