Let’s be real: sometimes you just want someone to plan a city break for you because who the hell can be bothered with more mental load, even if it is for planning a little getaway? Enter the SO/ Auckland Key to the City package – a package that the hotel says doesn’t just open your door… it opens doors all over Tāmaki Makaurau.
I tried it out with my husband. We stayed. We sipped. We spa’d. We went to new places and experienced new things – and we felt bloody special doing it. Here’s our review:
What is the SO/ Auckland Key to the City?
It’s a new experience from SO/ Auckland that’s part staycation, part curated city adventure. When you check in you’re handed a special keycard (and exclusive booking code) that gets you perks at some of Auckland’s best restaurants, rooftop bars, wellness spaces and boutique, alongside your hotel stay.
It’s designed for locals who want to play tourist, couples who want something extra, or friends looking to romanticise their own city, and it’s basically a ticket to indulge, even if it’s just for a day and night.
What’s included in the package:
- A night for two in a Collection Room
- Valet parking for one car (in Auckland this is worth its weight in gold!)
- Buffet breakfast at Harbour Society for $1 per person
- The aforementioned special key that unlocks actual offers around Auckland (think: secret menus, cocktail specials, wellness discounts, and VIP access)
Our Key to the City Adventure – Step by Step
Once we’d checked into our delightful room – check out our previous SO/ Auckland review here for the low down – we had a squiz at the large list of Key to the City partners for what we wanted to do (see more of the options below!) – but here’s what we decided to try out:
Stop One: Pici
Our first stop was Pici, tucked inside St Kevin’s Arcade. I’d never been for dinner before and it’s been on my husband’s list for ages – and thanks to the Key, we unlocked a secret $45pp menu complete with a complimentary glass of wine.
Cacio e pepe? Creamy. Venison bolognaise? A fabulous life choice. The vibe? Comfort food, but make it chic. It was incredible kai and the perfect start to our fancy-pants night.
Stop Two: Rooftop Cocktails at HI-SO
Back at the hotel, we took the lift to the 16th floor where the in-house bar HI-SO serves up skyline views and cocktails that are almost too pretty to drink. Almost!
The Key got us buy-one-get-one Pistachio Martinis, which felt like a small luxury and a big vibe, alongside a little fried chicken snack because I’m all about the high-low vibes. I love this bar – it’s always busy, the atmosphere is great and it’s a fab place to either start or end a night.
Stop Three: Sauna + Massage at Hana
After an indulgent night in a suuuuper comfy bed and taking full advantage of the $1 breakfast – trust me and try the make-your-own-juice station – the next morning I floated into Hana in Parnell, a wellness studio that’s part Nordic spa, part Instagram mood board. I flashed the key and got 20% off both the infrared sauna and massage.
The massage? Transformative (it did that thing where I couldn’t see straight for five minutes after it finished!) The sauna? Sweaty in the best way (they have iPads in there so you can watch stuff if you’re like me and can’t think of anything worse than an hour sitting around sweating!) The whole experience made me feel like the kind of woman who have skincare routines and consistent energy levels.
What Else Can You Unlock?
The Key also gets you exclusive offers at a curated selection of Auckland’s most stylish and well-loved spots. A few faves on the full list:
- The Facialist – Glowing skin starts here.
- SALA – Boutique yoga, reformer Pilates and infrared sauna access.
- Miller Road – Design your own fragrance (seriously fun, I’ve done it before!)
- Tantalus Estate, Waiheke – Think private wine tastings and vineyard vibes
- Bar Magda – one of Auckland’s best-loved restaurants
The Verdict
If your idea of a great weekend includes:
- A little glam
- A little wellness
- A lot of eating and sipping
- Minimal admin
…then the Key to the City is probably for you. You check in, and someone’s already done the work. You just show up, flash your key, and enjoy the kind of curated luxury we usually only see in a Nancy Meyers montage.
I loved it – there wasn’t a lot of thinking, just indulging in a fabulous time with my husband and enjoying some quality chats that can be hard to come by when you’re hurtling through everyday life. I love anything that makes me feel a little bit special and a little bit fancy – and if you’re needing a slightly hedonistic reset, then this is the offer for you.
Details:
Book here: SO/ Auckland Key to the City
Valid until 31 October 2025
Use code: KEYSTC when booking