If you are flying through Auckland with kids, the airport hotel question comes up fast. Two hotels sit almost side by side on Tom Pearce Drive, a short walk from the international terminal: Pullman Auckland Airport and Novotel Auckland Airport. Both belong to the Accor group, both are used to families with tired kids and a lot of luggage, and they differ mostly in price and feel. Here is how they compare.
Pullman Auckland Airport
Where they are
Pullman is at 37 Tom Pearce Drive and Novotel is at 35 Tom Pearce Drive, right by the international terminal. Walking from either one to the terminal takes roughly one to two minutes, which makes a big difference with a stroller, a sleepy child and suitcases.
The trade-off is distance from the city. Central Auckland is about 25 to 30 minutes away by car, so these hotels suit a night before an early flight or a night after a late arrival better than a longer stay focused on sightseeing in the CBD.
Pullman Auckland Airport
- Class: 5-star
- Typical price: roughly NZ$165 to $350 or more per night, depending on dates
- Walk to terminal: about 1 to 2 minutes
Pullman is the more polished of the two. The architecture draws on Tainui Māori design, so the lobby feels distinctly local rather than generic. Guests often mention how quiet the rooms are for a hotel this close to a runway, which matters when kids need to sleep at odd hours after a long flight.
There is a restaurant on the top floor with views toward the airfield and harbour, and the menu includes options for children. If you want the airport stay to feel like part of the trip rather than just a place to sleep, this is the one that leans that way.
Novotel Auckland Airport
- Class: 4 to 4.5-star
- Typical price: roughly NZ$170 to $265 per night, depending on dates
- Walk to terminal: about 2 minutes, directly opposite the international terminal
Novotel is the more practical choice. It is a modern building with 263 rooms and is well used by families. Guests often highlight the blackout curtains, the sound insulation and the room service. A buffet breakfast is available, and children are charged separately, so check the current rates when you book.
For early departures it is hard to beat the convenience: you can be at check-in within minutes of leaving your room.
https://www.trip.com/t/UJGfwMudsW2
Side by side
| Pullman Auckland Airport | Novotel Auckland Airport | |
|---|---|---|
| Class | 5-star | 4 to 4.5-star |
| Price per night (NZD, approx.) | $165 to $350+ | $170 to $265 |
| Walk to terminal | 1 to 2 minutes | About 2 minutes |
| Breakfast | Depends on the rate you book | Charged per person, children priced separately |
| Feel | Upscale, strong local design, rooftop dining | Clean, modern, practical |
Prices are approximate and change with season, dates and promotions. Always compare the hotel's own site with booking platforms before you reserve.
Which one for a family?
Choose Pullman if the budget has some room and you want a more relaxed, upscale stay, especially after a long-haul flight when a good night's sleep and a proper meal matter.
Choose Novotel if you mainly need a comfortable room steps from the terminal at a friendlier price. It does the job well for early flights and late arrivals.
On location alone there is little to separate them, since both are within a couple of minutes' walk of the terminal. The decision really comes down to budget and how much you want the hotel itself to be part of the experience.
Before you book
- Check whether breakfast is included in the rate you are looking at.
- Book early for summer holidays and the end-of-year period, when prices move a lot.
- Ask about extra beds or cots if you are travelling with young children, and confirm before you pay.
- Compare the official hotel website with booking platforms for the same dates.
Bottom line
Both hotels make an airport stay with kids much easier. Pullman is the pick for a more comfortable, polished stay, and Novotel is the practical choice at a gentler price. Either way, you will not be dragging suitcases far.
