Sprawling over volcanic hills and boasting not one, but two harbours, Auckland may be New Zealand's largest city, but it still offers hidden corners to get away, without having to hit the highway. With lush native rainforests and black sand beaches in the west, sheltered golden sand beaches in the east, and a cultural hub of a CBD packed with eclectic eateries, it's hard to find a dull moment Tāmaki Makaurau. Visiting is truely a rare experience — one moment you're hiking through rugged bush, staring across stunning sea-views, and an hour later, you can be strolling through Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki or having a cocktail at a lively inner-city bar. There really is something for everyone in this picturesque and culturally diverse city. So, whether you're travelling from across the pond in Australia, or you're a Kiwi yearning for a staycation, we've pulled together 12 of the most unique stays for your next break. NZ SUMMER HOUSE, RIVERHEAD This one bedroom pool house is situated on a equestrian lifestyle property 30 minutes from Auckland's CBD. Close to vineyards, award-winning restaurants, West Coast beaches and popular bush-walking spot Riverhead Forest, it's the perfect place to park up for a mix of adventure and relaxation. From $240 a night, sleeps two. LEAFY URBAN GETAWAY, WEST LYNN It's hard to believe this renovated ground floor apartment, engulfed by lush bushland on the edge of a nature reserve, is just minutes from the city. With tasteful interiors and bifold doors leading to a deck made for sunset cocktails, this space is set to impress any traveller. With thoughtful touches like coffee, fresh bread and brekkie items on hand, you'll never want to leave. From $135 a night, sleeps two. CHARACTER-FILLED CBD OASIS, AUCKLAND CBD With well curated vintage furniture (Wassily chair, anyone?), exposed brick walls and checkered floors, this converted 1920s factory apartment in Auckland's CBD has serious wow-factor for any design-obsessed traveller. There are two bedrooms too, so you can invite some mates along for your weekend of wining and dining. From $195 a night, sleeps four. ROMANTIC BUSH CHALET, TITIRANGI Surrounded by over 3000 square metres of native New Zealand bush, this private timber bush chalet boasts a treehouse-esque timber deck and giant windows for panoramic views. It's also only a short drive to Karekare Beach, considered one of the world's most stunning beaches. From $170 a night, sleeps two. PIHA HUT, PIHA This newly built one bedroom house is nestled amongst Nīkau palms in Piha, a seaside spot known for great surf, rugged scenery and nearby waterfalls. The sheltered deck looks onto Lion Rock, a volcanic monolith with Māori carvings and war memorials. From $118 a night, sleeps two. PIHA RETREAT, RAINFOREST MAGIC Designed by internationally acclaimed architect Chris Tate, this retreat house is perched amongst native rainforest and boasts some of the area's most epic views of Lion Rock. Watch the sun go down from the outdoor bath, while your companion cooks up dinner on the deck's barbecue. From $265 a night, sleeps four. NYC STYLE LOFT, EDEN TERRACE If you're after a chic urban stay a stone's throw to restaurants and bars abounds, this industrial warehouse style apartment may be your next city getaway spot. From $145 a night, sleeps four. PIHA RETREAT, PIHA This architecturally designed abode with sweeping sea views is perfectly positioned on Piha, Auckland's world famous surf beach. With two bedrooms, an open plan living room and a massive timber deck, it's a perfect oasis for a beach getaway with friends. From $295 a night, sleeps four. URBAN BEACH HOLIDAY PAD, MURIWAI A sun-drenched, contemporary one-bedroom beach house set amongst native bushland, this modern but idyllic abode is only minutes from Muriwai Beach, one of the North Island's most popular black sand beaches. From $270 a night, sleeps two. RELAXING COASTAL RETREAT, MANUKAU HEADS Live out your castaway dreams at this coastal cabin positioned on a small farm. If the driftwood fence isn't enough to get you excited, the outdoor bathtub, sea-views and close proximity to a winery and golf club just might. From $190 a night, sleeps two. ALFRISTON STABLES, ALFRISTON Transformed from unused stables to a jaw-dropping industrial-style loft, this country escape has everything you need for rural R&R. Perched at the end of a tree-lined lane, with moody renovated interiors, a large swimming pool and a desk for your leisure. From $120 a night, sleeps two. ESCAPE WEST, WAIMAUKU You'll feel like you've travelled hours out of the city when you wake up in one of these two separate simple and stylish containers, overlooking picturesque bushland. Pick your veggies from the garden, cook in the kitchen and completely unwind on the deck. Perfect for a weekend of drawing, writing, reading… or doing absolutely nothing. From $100 a night, sleeps two.