Radisson RED Auckland opens as Radisson Hotel Group makes bold New Zealand debut

Radisson Hotel Group has officially entered the New Zealand market with the opening of Radisson RED Auckland, bringing its design-led, upper-upscale RED brand to Australasia for the first time.

Located at 33 Lorne Street in the heart of Auckland’s Arts District, the 322-room hotel positions itself as a creative hub within the Central Business District. With bold interiors, immersive lighting and what is set to become the country’s largest rooftop space, the property signals a confident new chapter for the global group in this market.

A hotel tuned to Auckland’s creative pulse

Radisson RED Auckland draws direct inspiration from its surroundings. Corridor lighting mimics stage spotlights, lounge seating references opera boxes and contemporary installation pieces nod to the neighbouring gallery scene. Guest rooms are styled to evoke an actor’s dressing room, combining layered textures, expressive colours and curated artwork with sensory lighting designed to set the mood from arrival.

Higher-floor rooms deliver sweeping skyline outlooks, while the Suite Panorama captures views over Auckland City, Albert Park and the harbour.

The hotel’s address places guests within easy reach of some of the city’s most recognisable attractions, including the Auckland Art Gallery, Civic Theatre, Sky Tower and Auckland Museum, along with ferry connections to Waiheke Island and access to Auckland’s west coast beaches. A mix of cafés, restaurants and performance venues sit right on the doorstep.

As one of the city’s few pet-friendly hotels, Radisson RED Auckland also welcomes guests travelling with their four-legged companions.

Read: NZ Hotels post strongest summer in two years with double-digit RevPAR growth

A rooftop designed for social energy

The property is crowned by a vibrant rooftop bar connected to flexible event spaces, positioning it as a new social destination above the city. The soon-to-open Rooftop Restaurant & Bar is set to become the largest outdoor rooftop space in New Zealand, with open-air views towards the Sky Tower and capacity for up to 219 guests in a cocktail-style configuration.

The rooftop can be divided into four light-filled rooms, allowing it to transition from corporate functions to weddings, private celebrations, live performances and pop-ups. The design approach reflects the RED brand’s “Share & Connect” concept, where food, music and mixology are intended to spark interaction and community.

Inside, guests can access an all-day dining venue and bar, as well as a fitness centre open daily from 5am to 11pm.

A milestone for Radisson Hotel Group

Tim Cordon, Chief Operating Officer, MEA & SEAP, Radisson Hotel Group, described the opening as a significant step in the group’s regional growth strategy.

“Radisson RED thrives in cities fuelled by creativity, culture and community, and Auckland captures that spirit perfectly,” he said. “As Radisson Hotel Group’s debut in New Zealand and the first Radisson RED in the region, we’re excited to introduce a hotel bursting with energy, design and unforgettable moments.”

General Manager Reinout Engel said the hotel had been conceived as more than just a place to stay.

“We’ve designed Radisson RED Auckland to be far more than accommodation. It’s a creative hub where locals and travellers can plug into the heartbeat of the CBD and feel the city’s culture, colour and energy from the moment they arrive,” he said.

With its theatrical interiors, expansive rooftop and strong sense of place, Radisson RED Auckland sets a new benchmark for modern, design-driven hospitality in New Zealand, and signals Radisson Hotel Group’s clear intent to grow its footprint in the market.

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