Auckland Travel Tips. An article sharing travel tips about visiting Auckland. How to get there and more…

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 Travel Tips – How To Get From The Airport To Auckland

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

Flights to Auckland

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 Travel Tips – How To Get Around Auckland

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. 

Best Places To Stay In Auckland

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

Top 7 Experiences You MUST Have In Auckland

1. Take a Lord of the Rings tour if you’re a fan of the movie and you’ve enjoyed the incredible nature scenes that have been featured in the film. A lot of them were actually filmed in New Zealand and in Auckland you can take a tour and visit the Hobbiton and experience where Tolkien’s Middle earth came to life. The village is an amazing set that pays tribute to the movies and is a must for Lord of the rings and Hobbit fans. Book a tour well in advance. 
2. Visit the Sky Tower that stands tall in the center of Auckland. Here you can get a panoramic 360 view of the city from 220 meters above the streets. Daredevils can enjoy a base jump from the building and if that sounds like not your cup of tea you can take in the incredible view of the city from the restaurant.
   

   Sky Tower Auckland

3. Mt Eden (Maungawhau) is Auckland’s highest natural point that is a volcanic cone reaching 196 above sea level. This is spectacular natural phenomena that has created a 50 meter deep bowl like crater and is well worth the hike to take in this breathtaking attraction. 
4. One Tree Hill (Maungakiekie) is a volcano that stretches 182 meters above sea level and features a 30 meter tall stone obelisk to mark Auckland’s centenary commemorations in 1940. This spot serves as an important memorial place for the indigenious population.
5. Waiheke Island is located a 40 minute ferry ride from downtown Auckland where visitors can experience its famous vineyards, beautiful beaches and incredible natural landscapes. A truly great relaxing experience that can’t be missed when in Auckland. 
6. Piha Beach, located on the west coast of Auckland is famous for its great surfing conditions and breathtaking scenery. Photographers are especially drawn to this beach with the Lion’s Rock and traditional Maori carvings.
7. Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki hosts a collection which features over 15.000 works making it the largest art institution in New Zealand. The original museum opened in 1887 and the architecture has had major transformation since then. And today it hosts collections and artworks from around New Zealand, the Pacific as well as international exhibitions. 

Auckland Travel Tips Video

Accreditation: Island Hopper TV

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Mark Ford – Founder of Plus1Travel.com – For More Travel Tips > Go Here