Templeton Group has raised the curtains on Abstract Auckland, after a blessing by Ngāti Whātua Ōrakei, adding a chic New York-style boutique hotel to the creativity and vibrancy of K’ Rd.
Templeton Group’s 11-storey, 290-bed hotel is design-led and amenity rich. It offers a new style of inner-city hotel accommodation, with compact rooms complemented by cleverly curated spaces and flexible living areas that make living, lounging and entertaining a pleasure.
Elevated and accessible location
Abstract sits on the K ‘Rd ridge, by the intersection with Upper Queen Street. It’s conveniently close to major transport hubs and motorways, perfect for visitors seeking an essentially Auckland weekend or business travellers looking for a handy city bolt-hole with character and style.
Developed by Templeton Group under the leadership of Founder and CEO, Nigel McKenna, Abstract is a minimalist haven. Room layouts are optimised for comfort and efficiency, with high-quality finishes and thoughtful touches everywhere. Boutique-style studios and apartments contain everything guests need to make their stay cosy and comfortable.
Urban chic
Abstract is a chic urban space featuring large artworks commissioned from local artists. It’s designed for modern living, sensitive to the needs of today’s guests yet with a knowing nod to the past. Smart and stylish, yet comfortable and convenient: a well-appointed city hotel with spark and soul.
Step into the lobby from the porte cochère, and the angled wooden planes of the reception desk, the rich draped surroundings, copper light shades and bespoke artwork tell you immediately that Abstract is endlessly expressive. This is hotel-as-theatre: dramatic, flamboyant and full of personality, with intimate spaces, quirky corners, hidden delights and attention to detail at every turn. Every space has its own story. There’s nothing bland or ordinary to see here.
Each of the shared spaces on the ground floor has its own distinct personality. The wintergarden is all height and light, with a glass roof and an imposing schist central fireplace designed for year-round comfort and elegance. It’s perfect for embracing sparkling spring mornings, gentle autumn days and warm summer nights. The space leads to an open terrace and readily transforms from a quiet, casual sitting area into an inviting setting for hospitality or social gatherings.
The adjacent gallery, set off by floor-to-ceiling reeded glass is a white walled shared workspace featuring a curated collection of artworks by local artists, perfect for quiet concentration and reflection.
Gallery (shared workspace)
The studio, a private dining room, which can also be configured as a boardroom, draws its inspiration from a palette of deep blues expressed in heavy drapes, flocked wallpaper, velvet chairs, colours cunningly reflected in the artwork. The library is an elegant retreat featuring a series of underwater photographs and, of course, an eclectically curated collection of intriguing titles. Then there’s the bar, with wooden panels, soft green leather and moody lighting reminiscent of a mid-century gentlemen’s club.
Rounding out the communal living environment are a well-equipped gym, a restaurant and a luxury spa. On the upper levels guests of Abstract will also enjoy stunning views over the city to the north, across Auckland Domain to the east and out to the Waitakere ranges in the west.
Concierge services will provide security and assistance for guests, while in-hotel laundry, daily room servicing, smart TVs, unlimited Wi-Fi and well-equipped kitchenettes with in-room hobs make everyday life easy.
Design-led and in keeping with K’Rd style
The design is sensitive to the Victorian and Edwardian buildings that typify K’ Road’s architectural heritage, with extensive exterior brickwork cladding providing a visual connection. The brickwork is complemented with lush exterior foliage, which aligns with the extensive green spaces to the east of the hotel.
“While design principles inform all aspects of Abstract, to implement our concepts we’ve drawn on the efforts, skill and commitment of a multi-talented team of architects, designers, engineers, landscapers, artists, glaziers, builders, craftsmen, and specialists in textiles, lighting and interior design.” says McKenna. “Abstract is young in spirit, cosmopolitan in feel, yet comfortable with both the vitality and eclectic creativity of the neighbourhood and respectful of the heritage buildings that surround it.”
Where city meets soul
Abstract sits close to some of Auckland’s best and most exciting new restaurants and bars. Its aesthetic complements the exciting food, spicy entertainment, boutique shopping, art, music and all the variety of life that spills out from the constraints of the more sedate areas in Queen Street below.
“Our ambition with Abstract was to bring New York-style living to K’ Rd with concepts that would appeal to visitors of all types, but with particular appeal to Gen Z,” says, McKenna. “This is a generation that values distinctive, authentic experiences, technology integration, seamless booking processes and social spaces that make it easy to connect with other guests with group gatherings or intimate conversations.
“To cater their preferences, we’ve invested in technology and created flexible spaces that foster social engagement. Think Brooklyn – with its spectacular views, art, music, food, green spaces, neighbourhood feel and strong sense of community – and you have Abstract. It’s a place for people to gather and connect, a place where city meets soul.”
Rooms, rates and management
Abstract started taking bookings from 8 February. It offers a range of one bedroom studio and deluxe rooms and one- and two-bedroom apartments all with private bathrooms, WiFi, smart TVs and cooking facilities including hob, fridge, sink and microwave oven. Fully flexible room rates start from $140 per night for up to two guests in a one bedroom, studio room. Capstone Hotel Management is providing hotel operations management and marketing services.
Led by Nigel McKenna, Templeton is New Zealand’s leading private, non-listed property developer, with a multi-billion-dollar portfolio under development throughout New Zealand. Common to all Templeton projects is a strong focus on design aesthetics while always delivering places where people want to spend time and live.
