Practical Info Auckland

Arrival at the Airport

The Auckland Airport (AKL) is located 20 km south of the city. Transfer options:

• SkyBus: 18 NZD one way (online 16 NZD), every 15–30 minutes, 45–60 minutes to the CBD. Also stops at Britomart Station. The cheapest and easiest option.
• Taxi: 75–90 NZD to the city. Agree on a fixed price in advance!
• Uber/Ola: 45–70 NZD depending on time of day and demand. Pickup area: Door 8 (International) or Door 4 (Domestic).
• Rental Car: All major providers at the airport. CAUTION: Left-hand traffic! The first kilometers on Auckland's motorway with jet lag are brutal — consider a transfer to the hotel and pick up the rental car the next day.

Public Transport

Auckland's public transport (AT = Auckland Transport) consists of buses, trains, and ferries. The AT HOP Card (10 NZD purchase, rechargeable) is a must — without it, you pay significantly more. Ferries to Devonport, Waiheke, and Rangitoto are integrated into the AT system.

How long to stay?

Minimum 2 days: One day city (walking tour + Sky Tower + Ponsonby), one day Waiheke Island or Rangitoto. Ideal 3–4 days: Plus Piha/Waitakere Ranges, Auckland Museum, an upscale dinner. Many travelers rush through Auckland — a mistake. The city has more to offer than passersby think, especially culinary.

Accommodation

• € Budget: YHA Auckland City (18 Emily Place, dorm from 38 NZD). Haka Lodge (373 Karangahape Road, dorm from 35 NZD, great location on K Road). Base Auckland (229 Queen Street, party hostel, dorm from 30 NZD).
• €€ Mid-range: Adina Apartment Hotel (2 Tapora Street, Britomart, from 180 NZD — perfect location). CityLife Hotel (171 Queen Street, from 160 NZD, central with kitchenette).
• €€€ Upscale: Hotel DeBrett (2 High Street, from 280 NZD — boutique hotel in a historic building with rooftop pool). QT Auckland (4 Viaduct Harbour Avenue, from 320 NZD — design hotel at the Viaduct).