Description:

Horizon by SkyCity delivers a five-star hotel that is both globally competitive and uniquely of Aotearoa New Zealand - a hospitality experience that connects physically and culturally to its city context.

Playing a pivotal role in supporting the New Zealand International Convention Centre precinct, its 303 rooms and function spaces increase the city’s capacity to host large-scale international events, driving visitor spend and supporting the broader tourism and hospitality sectors. The hotel also strengthens SkyCity’s brand as a key player in Auckland’s entertainment and visitor economy, with a building that is unmistakably premium, vibrant, and distinctive.

The core concept centres on connection: between city blocks, between people and place, and between global travellers and local identity.

The elliptical plan form emerged from complex site constraints - a protected viewshaft and a microwave transmission path - and was transformed into a design strength. The result is a sculpted, dual-curved tower: the northern arc maximises harbour views, while the southern arc enhances the laneway interface.

The guest rooms are conceptualised as a “travel case,” with crafted, portmanteau-inspired detailing. Materials, fittings and layouts evoke a sense of considered luxury. The central glazed atrium rises 12 storeys, bringing natural light deep into the building, and is animated by a striking art installation of abstracted Pohutukawa leaves, reinforcing the connection to nature and place.

The project reconnects city blocks through a new pedestrian laneway, activates street edges with public-facing spaces, and enhances the quality of the surrounding streetscape. These interventions contribute to a more walkable, sociable, and welcoming city - benefiting not only hotel guests, but the wider community. Public spaces - bars, lounges, courtyard and laneway - are deliberately welcoming and accessible, designed to blur the boundary between hotel and city. A Level 4 promenade offers convention space with city views, while ground-level entries support active street edges and pedestrian movement.

Horizon by SkyCity delivers a crafted, visually rich, and technically resolved building that is highly fit for purpose - operationally, experientially, and symbolically. It reflects the aspirations of a future-facing Auckland and offers guests a deeply considered experience that is both international in standard and local in character.