Auckland, the "City of Sails," is New Zealand’s economic powerhouse and a stunning blend of harbors, islands, and urban energy. For digital nomads and new arrivals, it offers an incredible lifestyle but comes with a notoriously expensive and competitive rental market. Securing a traditional flat often requires weeks of viewings, expensive bonds, and purchasing your own white goods.
Coliving is the "hack" for the Auckland housing crisis. These operators provide fully furnished rooms with flexible lease terms and all-inclusive billing (covering power, water, and incredibly fast fibre internet). They offer a "soft landing" in neighborhoods like Grey Lynn, Uptown, and the CBD, allowing you to bypass the stress of setting up a new home from scratch.
While rent in Auckland is high (often $300-$500 NZD/week for a room), the "Coliving Premium" delivers value through convenience, warmth (modern insulation), and instant community. The list below covers the top operators you need to know.
For a quick overview of the best options, here is the full list at a glance:
Top Auckland Coliving Companies (Quick Reference)
- Shared Living: A prominent operator managing multiple high-quality boarding houses and studios in suburbs like Mt Eden and Remuera.
- The Coh: A purpose-built coliving space in Uptown (Symonds Street) famous for its social vibe and cinema room.
- Outsite: The global nomad standard (operating via partner networks or waitlists in New Zealand).
- Residence Studios: (Refers to studio-style student and professional accommodation, specifically 55 Symonds or UniLodge).
- Cohaus: A famous resident-led co-housing community in Grey Lynn, focusing on sustainability and shared ownership.
- Stayhub: A property management company offering serviced apartments and flexible short-term rentals.
- Flatio: A rental marketplace specializing in deposit-free, monthly stays for digital nomads.
Shared Living
Shared Living NZ is one of the most established operators in the city, managing a portfolio of boarding houses and boutique coliving properties. They bridge the gap between traditional flatting and serviced apartments, offering secure, managed rooms in key suburbs.
Location: Properties are scattered across Central Auckland suburbs like Mt Eden, Remuera, and Epsom. These locations offer a quieter residential feel while staying connected to the city via bus routes.
Website: https://sharedliving.nz
Pricing: Affordable to Mid-Range ($250 - $400 NZD per week). Pricing depends on room type (single vs. ensuite studio) and typically includes power, water, and internet expenses.
Deposit: Low move-in costs comprising just 1 week's rent as bond plus 2 weeks' rent in advance. This is significantly lower than the private market standard of 4 weeks' bond.
Rental Terms: Flexible terms with minimum stays often starting at 3 months. This provides stability for those on working holiday visas or seasonal contracts.
Amenities: Includes furnished rooms with personal fridges and lockable pantries. Residents share communal kitchens, lounges, and laundry facilities, with weekly cleaning of common areas provided.
The Coh
The Coh (The Cohabitats) is a flagship coliving space located in the "Uptown" precinct. It was designed specifically to cure urban loneliness, offering a high-density but high-social environment. It attracts a mix of young professionals, creatives, and students.
Location: Located at Symonds Street, Uptown, perfectly positioned between the CBD and Mt Eden. It sits near the bohemian Karangahape Road (K-Road) and major universities.
Website: https://www.uptown.co.nz/the-coh
Pricing: All-inclusive rates typically range from $300 - $340 NZD per week. This single bill covers rent, utilities, internet, and basic household supplies like eggs and milk.
Deposit: A standard bond is required to secure the room. This deposit protects the property and is refundable at the end of the tenancy.
Rental Terms: Flexible contracts designed for mid-to-long term stays. The application process involves a "fit" interview to ensure you contribute positively to the community vibe.
Amenities: Features a private cinema room, games room, and large communal kitchen. The rent includes weekly cleaning, and "family dinners" are a staple of life here.
Outsite
Outsite is the global standard for productive nomads. Note: As of early 2026, Outsite typically operates in New Zealand via Partner Networks or waitlists rather than a permanent dedicated building. However, they are a key resource for members looking for vetted, work-ready environments.
Location: Partner Locations target central, walkable neighborhoods close to cafes. Expect to find options in areas like Ponsonby or the CBD fringe.
Website: https://www.outsite.co
Pricing: Member Rates apply for all bookings. Pricing reflects the premium assurance of workspace quality and community access.
Deposit: Minimal deposit requirements for members. Booking holds are managed centrally through the global Outsite platform.
Rental Terms: Flexible terms range from weeks to months. This is designed to suit the transient lifestyle of digital nomads visiting the city.
Amenities: The core promise is verified high-speed Wi-Fi and ergonomic workspaces. Residents gain access to the global member directory and community events.
Residence Studios
"Residence Studios" refers to the category of purpose-built studio accommodation often found near Auckland's universities (like 55 Symonds or UniLodge). These offer independent living with shared building facilities, catering to both students and young professionals.
Location: Concentrated in the CBD and Grafton, specifically along Symonds Street and Anzac Avenue. You are walking distance to the University of Auckland and AUT.
Website: Check UniLodge (55 Symonds) or Empire Apartments. These platforms allow you to book specific studio types for the academic year or short summer stays.
Pricing: Mid-Range studios range from $465 - $515+ NZD per week. Rates often include water and power, though internet packages may vary by provider.
Deposit: Standard Bond of usually 4 weeks' rent is lodged with Tenancy Services. This is a strict requirement given the high volume of residents.
Rental Terms: Fixed Term leases often align with university semesters (42-52 weeks). However, flexible short stays are frequently available during the summer break (Nov-Feb).
Amenities: Facilities include gyms, lap pools, and theatre rooms. The buildings are highly secure with swipe card access and on-site management teams.
Cohaus
Cohaus is a famous "co-housing" development in Grey Lynn, distinct from commercial coliving. It is a resident-led community where households own their units but share extensive common spaces. It represents the "gold standard" of intentional community living in New Zealand.
Location: Located at Surrey Crescent, Grey Lynn. One of Auckland's most desirable leafy suburbs, known for its villas, organic cafes, and parks.
Website: https://cohaus.nz
Pricing: Premium Market Rates. If a unit comes up for rent, it commands top-tier pricing due to the high quality of the sustainable build.
Deposit: Standard Bond applies for any rental agreements. This would be lodged privately by the unit owner.
Rental Terms: Long-term leases are the norm. This is a stable community, so transient nomad stays are rare unless sub-letting.
Amenities: Features shared electric cars, productive gardens, and guest rooms. The central courtyard and communal laundry serve as social hubs for the residents.
Stayhub
Stayhub is a property management company that specializes in short-term and flexible rentals. They manage furnished apartments and houses across Auckland, offering a "serviced apartment" experience that works well for digital nomads needing a month-long base.
Location: City-wide listings cover the CBD, Ponsonby, and suburban areas. They manage units in various residential buildings rather than one central hub.
Website: https://www.thestayhub.co.nz
Pricing: Variable rates differ by property size and location. Prices are nightly or weekly, often higher than long-term rentals but lower than hotels.
Deposit: Credit Card Hold. Standard booking security applies, functioning similarly to a hotel check-in.
Rental Terms: Flexible terms from daily to monthly. Perfect for bridging accommodation while you look for a permanent flat or for short business trips.
Amenities: Fully furnished homes come with linens, kitchenware, and Wi-Fi. Professional cleaning and 24/7 guest support are standard inclusions.
Flatio
Flatio is a mid-term rental marketplace gaining traction in New Zealand. It connects nomads with landlords offering monthly rentals. Its key value proposition is "deposit-free" (or low deposit) renting, solving a massive cash-flow issue for travelers.
Location: City-wide listings. You can find apartments in the CBD, Parnell, and the North Shore. Inventory grows constantly as more landlords join the platform.
Website: https://www.flatio.com/ – Filter by "Auckland" to find nomad-ready flats. The platform allows for secure, digital lease signing.
Pricing: Mid-to-High Range. Monthly rents are competitive with Airbnb but offer significantly better terms for stays of 4 weeks or more.
Deposit: None/Low deposit options are available. A major differentiator from the local market which strictly demands a 4-week bond.
Rental Terms: Monthly terms (1-12 months). Leases are digital and designed for remote workers needing proof of accommodation.
Amenities: Verified Wi-Fi and utilities included. Flats are vetted to ensure they are fully equipped for living and working immediately.
Navigating Auckland's rental market can be daunting, but choosing the right coliving operator can turn a stressful search into a seamless arrival.
- Understanding the "Healthy Homes" Standard: Auckland winters can be damp and chilly (reaching 7°C/45°F). When booking any coliving space, especially converted villas in suburbs like Mt Eden or Grey Lynn, verify that the property complies with the Healthy Homes Standards. This legislation ensures proper insulation, heating, and ventilation. Modern purpose-built spaces like The Coh or Residence Studios (55 Symonds) are guaranteed to be warm and dry, whereas older independent rentals might vary.
- Location Strategy: Auckland is sprawling, and traffic is a major factor. If you work in the CBD, living in Uptown (The Coh) or Grafton (Residence Studios) allows you to walk or scoot to work, saving you time and money. If you prefer a "village" vibe with weekend markets and brunch spots, look for options in Grey Lynn or Ponsonby, but be prepared for a bus commute.
- The Cost Benefit: While weekly rents of $300-$400 might seem high compared to a room in a shared flat (which can be $200-$250), the "all-inclusive" nature of coliving is a massive saver. You avoid the setup costs of internet contracts ($80/month), power bills (which spike in winter), and buying furniture. For stays under 6 months, coliving is often mathematically cheaper.
- Community First: If you are solo, The Coh is the undisputed winner for social integration with its community dinners and cinema room. For couples or those seeking privacy, Stayhub or Flatio offer the independence of a private apartment with the flexibility of a monthly lease.
Want to get your coliving space listed? Contact us to be featured in this guide.