Here's a glimpse at where the rich and famous sleep when they are in town.
On a holiday weekend when we flock to hotels, and as Queenstown builds what it claims will be the country's most expensive hotel room, we take a glimpse inside the swankiest rooms in Auckland - favoured by some of the world's biggest stars.
Royal Suite at the Langham
What willit cost? This five-star suite comes with a wallet-busting price tag of $2,500-$3,000 a night.
What do I get for my money? A full butler and concierge service, plus a shoeshine and an on-call luxury sedan. Unwind with vintage Champagne in the club lounge and enjoy free access to Chuan Spa tri-bathing facilities, including the sauna, herbal steam room, heated outdoor pool, Jacuzzi and the state-of-the-art gym.
How flash is it? The top-floor suite has stunning city views. It boasts hardwood furniture and rich textiles and has a large marble bathroom and walk-in wardrobe. A luxurious lounge and dining room gives guests privacy to dine or entertain.
Can I get a room? Mere mortals with spare cash to flash are welcome to book the suite. However, VIP guests can arrange a discreet stay by having their "people" contact the hotel management or business development managers directly.
Famous guests: The Langham is a longstanding favourite with visiting rock and pop stars. The Rolling Stones, Ricky Martin, Sting, Paul Simon and One Direction's Harry Styles, have bunked up there.
The Royal Suite at the Langham in Auckland.
Interior of the Royal Suite at the Auckland Langham Hotel. Photo / Michael Craig
The Presidential Penthouse at the Pullman
What will it cost? An eye-watering $10,000 a night.
What do I get for my money? The penthouse experience is tailored to each guest's tastes. This can include an in-house chef, butler service, luxury transfers, a personal security detail, a personal concierge or a change of artwork.
How flash is it? Stocked with the highest quality furnishings and fittings, the penthouse measures up at 286sqm and covers two levels on the top floor of the hotel's Residence Tower. It has 85sqm of terraced balconies with panoramic city and harbour views. The lower floor includes a kitchen, lounge and king-size bedroom as well as an expansive living space with a sweeping staircase to a mezzanine level. The upper floor includes further plush living spaces and two king suites with luxury bathrooms.
Can I get a room? Punters can't just walk in off the street or book online - this is available by invitation-only. Bookings are by pre-approval and on the general manager's say-so. The rooms were designed to appeal to visiting international celebrities, musicians, the sporting elite and royal guests.
Famous guests: Celebrities who have shelled out for the penthouse include Miley Cyrus, Nicki Minaj, Justin Bieber and the Foo Fighters. Two years ago it was reported pop superstar Rihanna missed out staying during her sell-out concerts at the Vector Arena because the penthouse was being prepared for a visit by Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan.
A $10,000-a-night penthouse suite at the Pullman Hotel, Auckland. Photo / Doug Sherring
The interior of a $10,000-a-night penthouse suite at the Pullman Hotel Auckland. Photo / Doug Sherring
Grand Presidential Suite at SkyCity Grand
What will it cost? From $1,995 a night.
What do I get for my money? A chic, elegant suite on the top floor of SkyCity's five-star hotel, with views looking over Auckland city and the Waitemata Harbour. The room recently won Best Suite at the World Travel Awards.
How flash is it? Guests have little time to get bored here. They can enjoy two plasma televisions, a separate dining area, a large marble bathroom with an infinity bath, plasma TV and a generous king-size bed. Then there's the walk-in shower with wall jets, a separate guest bathroom and a walk-in wardrobe and dressing room. If that weren't enough, get busy with the in-room Nespresso machine or the complete entertainment system. There is also 24-hour room service from the award-winning Gusto restaurant run by celebrity chef Sean Connolly. Oh, and if you are a gambler, top-class casino facilities are on tap.
Can I get a room? You don't have to be a real president to stay here - but it helps. Any guests with deep enough pockets are welcome to book the Grand Presidential Suite.
Famous guests: British rockers Coldplay and Aussie pop queen Kylie Minogue have enjoyed the facilities when here for gigs. It is also a favourite with judges and performers from X Factor NZ. In 2006, former US President Bill Clinton booked an entire floor for himself and his security detail while attending a conference in Auckland.
The Grand Presidential Suite at the SkyCity Grand Hotel in Auckland. Photo / Michael Craig
Interior of the Grand Presidential Suite at the SkyCity Grand Hotel in Auckland. Photo / Michael Craig
The top five priciest hotel rooms in the world ...
The Royal Penthouse Suite at the Hotel President Wilson, Geneva, Switzerland
At about $94,000 a night, this outrageously opulent suite has hosted the likes of Bill Gates and Michael Douglas. It includes a private lift, gym, and pool table. It also has a Steinway grand piano and a panoramic view of Lake Geneva.
The Shahi Mahal Suite at the Raj Palace Hotel, Jaipur, India
Costs $62,000 a night. It has six bedrooms, a private theatre, a library and its own kitchen staff.
The Ty Warner Penthouse at the Four Seasons in New York
This will set you back a cool $62,000 a night. It is the highest hotel room in New York and has a panoramic view of the city. The room has its own art concierge and a huge library. It only houses three people, though, and has accommodation for a child.
The Sky Villa at the Palms Resort in Las Vegas
At $56,000 a night, the mind-boggling Sky Villa offers a private glass elevator, a glass spa jutting out over the balcony and views of the world-famous Vegas strip. It also boasts a dry sauna and 24-hour butler service.
