Located in prime position at 67 Customs Street East, SO/ Auckland occupies the former Reserve Bank and home of the country’s gold reserves. As the seventh addition to the SO collection of rebellious lifestyle hotels around the globe, and the first to open in the Pacific region.

Renowned Kiwi fashion innovator WORLD has provided flair throughout the hotel as the signature design partner for this very individual, designer lifestyle hotel. WORLD’s influence includes the hotel’s bold emblem design, which reflects the volcanic history of Auckland, the natural beauty of New Zealand and the history of the building itself.

Playing on the volcanic theme, guests can choose their room design style from Vapour, Liquid and Solid in all SO Cozy, SO Comfy, SO Club and SO Studio rooms. A floor has been dedicated to Penthouse Suites, each enjoying their own exclusive style; SO Lofty features a Caldera theme and SO VIP, an Exposure theme. Set to become one of the city’s most Instagrammable hot spots and the place to be seen, SO/ Auckland is the city’s hottest travel and lifestyle destination for locals and visitors alike.

“We’re ecstatic to finally open the doors to Auckland’s most audacious hotel,” said SO/ Auckland General Manager Stephen Gould. “It’s been an exciting journey with the global SO team since 2011 to prepare for opening including two years of immersion with the brand at SO/ Bangkok. Every touch of a SO/ hotel is unique to its location and thanks in large part to our signature designer WORLD, we have unlocked a destination truly unique to our shores,” he said.

Following in the line-up of celebrated fashion designers, WORLD joins an international stable that includes Mr. Kenzo Takada in Mauritius, Monsieur Christian Lacroix in Bangkok and Viktor&Rolf in Berlin. An obvious fit for the hotel due to their bold, energetic, playful style, WORLD’s touch can be seen in everything from the staff ‘attire’, wallpaper, suite artwork, neon art installations and, most importantly, the hotel’s unique emblem.

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Benny Castles, Designer and Director for WORLD

Benny Castles, Designer and Director for WORLD explains, “We knew from the outset this was a very special project to collaborate on. Our role was to create an experience that helped guests and visitors leave the hustle and bustle of the city behind and welcome them in to a new world. Now SO/ Auckland has opened, I’m beyond excited to see the reaction.”

Click here to view the Official WORLD Brand website.

Furniture and lighting installations by Dutch design house, Moooi delight throughout the hotel. Most spectacularly, Mixo Bar on the ground floor entrance is home to the hotel world’s first Mega Chandelier created by Marcel Wanders.

The HI-SO rooftop bar, with expansive views of the Waitemata Harbour and Rangitoto Island, is set to transform the way Kiwis and visitors socialise this summer.

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French Chef Marc De Passorio

A feat for New Zealand’s already bursting culinary scene, SO/ Auckland’s Harbour Society restaurant on the 15th floor is home to French Chef Marc De Passorio, former owner of Michelin-starred restaurant, L’Esprit de la Violette. Marc sold L’Esprit de la Violette and jumped at the chance to make Auckland his next culinary home.

Preparing what’s set to become his signature dish, vodka crayfish, Marc explained: “I’m so pleased to have touched down in my new, beautiful home. In 2012 I visited New Zealand for the first time and fell in love with the country; the fantastic produce and wine as well as the amazing scenery wherever you go, fresh air and generous, friendly people.”

Click here to view the Official SO/ Auckland website.