Mark Ford, Founder of Plus1 Travel
It’s great to have you here searching for Auckland travel tips. Auckland is situated In the southwest Pacific Ocean and about 1.5 million people live in New Zealand’s most densely populated city. Auckland is the perfect base for exploring. The beautiful coastal landscape of the North Island and idyllic bays. Auckland is called the City of Sail and has the most boats per capita in the world. The city is nestled between two natural ports, so here it is never far to the water. Auckland’s biggest landmark is Rangitoto Island, which can be seen from all over the city. Auckland is the country’s largest city and has modern shopping centers, lush city parks and plenty of culture. Have breakfast in Elliot Stables, a Renaissance-style warehouse, and then stroll along Queen Street. Then head out to explore the city’s attractions.
Outside the downtown business district you can visit trendy shops and restaurants in Ponsonby – Auckland‘s coolest area. Experience this central beach as you stroll along Mission Bay. The most striking building by the water is the Edwardian-style ferry terminal. On the other side of the bay, in Devonport, you can enjoy a lunch of fresh seafood. You can explore Auckland’s streets and squares for days, but the main attraction is outside the city limits: The untouched nature.
Auckland’s hilly coast with dramatic cliffs and rolling hills are unbelievably beautiful.
Auckland is served by Auckland Airport located 21 kilometers south of the city center. When searching for Auckland travel tips and how to best get from the airport there are a couple of great options in various price ranges that will get you there as smoothly as possible. Let’s have a closer look at those options right now.
Bus
SkyBus operates in Auckland and there are two express bus lines from the city center and the North Harbour district to the airport. The bus ride to the city center cost $17 for a one way ticket and it takes around 40-50 minutes, with added time during rush hours. The ride to North Harbour costs $24 and gets you there in 50-55 minutes. Tickets can be purchased online or at the airport kiosks.
Taxi
Taxis are readily available outside the arrivals terminal and a ride to the city center takes around 20 minutes and cost around $70. Uber also operates in Auckland and is an alternative to the regular taxis.
Auckland’s city center can be easily navigated by foot, but if you want to get outside and around the city walking simply isn’t going to cut it. When searching for Auckland travel tips that’s why we’ve put together this simple guide on how to get around Auckland using the public transport system and other forms of transportation. Let’s have a closer look at those.
Auckland
Bus
There are three different bus lines operated by Transport’s Link that will get you from point A to B. The red buses (CityLink) have seven stops within the central business district. The green buses (InnerLink) travel in a circular route around central Auckland. And the orange buses (OuterLink) that serve the inner suburbs of Auckland. A single ticket cost from $1 to $4 depending on the route traveled. You can pay cash directly to the driver or buy a daily pass AT HOP card for $18 per person at various retail shops such as newspaper kiosks.
Ferry
The easiest way to visit neighborhoods such as Devonport, Half Moon Bay and Waiheke Island is by using the ferry system. Ferry tickets can be purchased at the CBD’s Downtown Ferry Terminal and cost NZ$6.50.
Taxi
There’s six taxi companies operating in Auckland with varying fares. A standard fare starts around NZ$3 and increases by NZ$2.15 per kilometer traveled. Taxis are often available outside many hotels in the CBD, shopping centers and attractions such as the Maritime Museum and Sky Tower. Uber also operates in Auckland if you prefer that or can’t find a cab in the streets.
Auckland is a beautiful city made up of four neighborhoods: Auckland, North Shore, Manukau and Waitakere. When searching for Auckland travel tips and the best places to stay in Auckland it’s not always easy to know where to stay for the first time visiting. That’s why we’ve put together this guide with our top three picks on the best areas, what makes them special and our top hotel picks. Let’s dive right in!
Central Business District (CBD) is the heart of Auckland, the cosmopolitan area where there’s always some action going on. Here are plenty of the major tourist attractions in the city and there are many great restaurants, bars, shops and hotels in this area. If you want to stay right in the middle of it within walking distance to museums, art galleries and shopping experiences, then CBD is a great choice.
Recommended Hotel: The Shakespeare Hotel
Downtown Auckland
Grey Lynn is a suburb located a couple of kilometers outside of the city center. This area is the place to stay if you’re on a budget. It’s one of the cheapest areas to stay in Auckland, and while it is a bit rough around the edges, there’s been several developments over the years. Here you’ll have access to cafés, restaurants, parks, museums and the Auckland Zoo. This is the best place to stay if you’re on a budget.
Recommended Hotel: Taylors Inn
Ponsonby is a trendy part of the city with some of the best nightlife in Auckland. Alongside the bars, clubs and restaurants in this area you can also experience beautiful nature, art galleries, high end shopping, beaches, restaurants, cafés and stroll along the elegant villas and mansions in this area.
Recommended Hotel: The Great Ponsonby Arthotel
Sky Tower Auckland
Accreditation: Island Hopper TV
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Mark Ford – Founder of Plus1Travel.com – For More Travel Tips > Go Here