Description:

Te Arikinui exemplifies the fusion of indigenous culture and architectural design. A partnership between Tainui, the original guardians of the land, and Auckland Airport aimed to create a destination reflecting the unique cultural significance of the location. The brief for the project was to incorporate a unique Aotearoa narrative while upholding the high standards and service expected of the Pullman brand by Accor.

The 311-room Te Arikinui Pullman Hotel stands as Auckland Airport's first 5-Star hotel. Its clever three-pointed footprint maximises space efficiency within the airport's flight path and airspace constraints, achieving a higher room density than traditional orthogonal buildings.

Tainui gifted the hotel the name of the late Maori Queen –Te Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikaahu. Her title Te Arikinui (meaning Paramount Chief) and name Te Atairangikaahu (meaning the hawk of the morning sky) were bestowed when she became monarch. The name was chosen to reflect the status and 5-star luxury premium experience that the hotel offers.

From foreshore to future, from sea to sky.

The 'sea to sky' design concept draws inspiration from the journey undertaken by the people of the Tainui waka (tribal canoe) upon their arrival at Manukau Harbour around 1350. The distinctive building shape pays homage to significant geographic sites associated with Tainui waka's journey. The northern spur is directed towards the Waitemata Harbour. The south-eastern spur encompasses the area from Whangaparaaoa in the Bay of Plenty, to Mookau, marking the southern tribal boundary, and extends to Kaawhia, the final resting place of the waka. The western spur faces the entrance to Manukau Harbour, from where the waka departed southward after being transported across the isthmus from Waitemata Harbour.

Exterior patterns extend into the interior surfaces, showcasing the cultural and historical wealth of Aotearoa. These patterns draw inspiration from our diverse natural habitats, marine and bird life, and iconic coastal formations.

The design process commenced with Tainui at the outset to gain and reflect on a deeper understanding and alignment with the significance of the site and the title bestowed on the hotel. Working closely together through all phases of the design process, a design response was crafted that imbued the building with the narrative woven into all aspects of the building.
Working with Renata Te Wiata, head of carving for Waikato-Tainui, from the outset, elements were developed and integrated into the very fabric of the building. Kiingitanga, a celestial voyage, stories of great Taniwha and references to ancient and precious korowai are the inspiration for cultural design patterns created for Te Arikinui hotel. These were then integrated into a range of materials including aluminium, stone, fabric, and timber.

Materials have been specifically chosen to reflect ‘sea to sky’ and to honour the history and values of Tainui iwi. Guest rooms embrace understated luxury with a refined interior. Features include a custom-designed carpet referencing the wash of the ocean as it reaches the shores of Manukau harbour, cultural design patterns carved into stone and timber panelling, and applied to fabric wall coverings. Throws designed by Awhi Company adorn guest suite beds. All of this combines to provide an experience that is uniquely of Aotearoa and seen in no other hotel in the world.