Straddling a narrow isthmus between two harbours, Auckland is New Zealand's largest and most cosmopolitan city, and getting around by public transport involves a jigsaw puzzle of different services on land and sea.
For locals, travelling by car is the most popular option; it keeps the roads busy, so stay off the motorway system during the morning and afternoon rush hours. For visitors to the city, a combination of city buses, local ferries and occasional short trips by car share, electric scooter or electric bike will get you to all the highlights of Auckland.
Here's what you need to know about getting around Auckland.
Introduction to New Zealand's North Island
Take an AT HOP pass to save on public transport in Auckland
Auckland's buses, trains and ferries are run by a range of different operators, but the integrated AT HOP stored value card service offers discounts of at least 20% on most buses, trains and ferries. It costs NZ$10 (US$6.60) to buy an AT HOP card, and you can then top up the card as required, with a minimum charge of NZ$1 (US$0.66).
The initial cost of the card is non-refundable, so it's only really worth it if you're planning an extended stay in Auckland. You'll need to get in and out for each trip, but the total you'll pay for transport in a single day is capped at NZ$20 (US$13.15). The Auckland Transport website has a list of places where you can buy and top up AT HOP cards.
Link around the city centre by bus
Auckland Transport an extensive city bus network serves most areas of this sprawling city, but with varying degrees of frequency and punctuality. The most important buses for travellers are the Lien routes, which connect many sites in and around the centre.
Green InnerLink buses circle the city centre, stopping at many key destinations, including the Auckland Museum, the waterside bars and restaurants of Viaduct Harbour, and the eating, drinking and shopping districts of Ponsonby, Karangahape Road and Newmarket.
The orange OuterLink buses will take you to Auckland Zoo and MOTAT, Auckland's excellent museum of transport and technology, while the red CityLink buses are the best option if you're planning to eat and drink near the harbour in the Wynyard area. CityLink buses are fully electric and at the end of 2021 Auckland Transport announced the purchase of a further 150 electric buses for its city-wide network.
Bus fares start at NZ$1 (US$0.66) one way on CityLink buses, or NZ$4 (US$2.60) on other routes. You'll pay about half that with an AT HOP card (and get a free trip on the CityLink bus if you change AT HOP routes). Due to COVID-19, cash fares are not currently accepted and approved masks must be worn by all passengers.
Auckland bus travel tip: For an impromptu city tour, take the InnerLink bus for brunch in Ponsonby, followed by an afternoon at the Auckland Museum, then dinner and cocktails amongst the superyachts at Viaduct Harbour.
Hop on a local train for the footie
Auckland's transport network also includes three train lines, mainly serving the city's eastern, western and southern suburbs. Britomart's Western Line is convenient for sports and music fans attending sporting events and concerts at nearby Eden Park, while the Southern Line stops at Mount Smart Stadium -Auckland's other major sporting venue.
Due for completion in late 2024, Auckland's City Rail Link metro will make it easier for commuters to get around the CBD. Check their website for progress reports on the project.
Tip for sports fans in Auckland: Rugby fans are spoilt for choice in Auckland. Take the train to Eden Park to watch Super Rugby with the Auckland Blues orto Mt Smart Stadium to watch Moana Pasifikaarugby union team from several Pacific Island nations.
Take the ferry for a day on the island full of beaches and wine
Framed by two natural harbours and surrounded by the islands of the Hauraki Gulf, Auckland is a city made to be explored by water. From the Edwardian-era Ferry Building in Auckland city centre, Fullers360 operate regular passenger services through the port of Waitematā to the historic seaside suburb of Devonport, and further to Waiheke Island, the city's favourite escape.
Less frequent ferries leave for the protected island bird sanctuary of Tiritiri Matangiet Rangitoto, a 700-year-old dormant volcanic island on the eastern side of the Hauraki Gulf. Rangitoto is criss-crossed by footpaths and linked to the neighbouring island of Motutapu by a causeway.
Ferry day tip: Taking the Fullers ferry to Waiheke Island offers a rewarding day out for oenophiles. From the Matiatia ferry terminal, the number 50 bus serves a series of wine restaurants in the village of Onetangi, including Tantalus Estate and Te Motu. Onetangi also has a long and beautiful beach.
Where to stay in Auckland
Choosing the perfect place to stay in Auckland is a delightful dilemma, as this vibrant city offers a diverse range of accommodation options to cater to every traveler's preferences. From luxury hotels that provide stunning harbor views to cozy boutique lodgings nestled in charming neighborhoods, Auckland has it all. For those seeking a central location, the downtown area boasts a mix of renowned international chains and locally inspired hotels. Alternatively, waterfront accommodations along Viaduct Harbour offer a seamless blend of comfort and style. Whether you're drawn to the energy of the city or the tranquility of the suburbs, Auckland's accommodation scene promises an unforgettable stay tailored to your desires. In case you're wondering where to book these unique accommodations, there are convenient options available. For instance, you can book top rated hotels in Auckland on tophotels.com. This service provides an expansive list of the best accommodations in the city, replete with customer reviews and detailed information about each hotel's offerings. For the more adventurous, Auckland's beautiful coastline brings forth the chance to stay at the perfect beachfront property. Typically offering breath-taking ocean views and immediate access to the sand and sea, Auckland Beach hotels present the ideal pick for those who find relaxation and rejuvenation in the lull of waves and salty sea breeze.
It's hard to resist Auckland's charm, regardless of where you decide to stay. The wide variety of hotels in Auckland on http://www.northislandnz.net/en/ ensures you'll experience the utmost comfort during your stay, whether you prefer the buzz of the city or the tranquillity of suburbia. The city's rich heritage, coupled with its modern appeal, acts as the perfect backdrop to your home away from home. Revel in the experience and make the most of your visit with the best that Auckland's hospitality has to offer.
Why ferries are my favourite way to travel around Auckland
I always love leaving the city centre on a ferry, admiring the graceful arch of the Auckland Harbour Bridge and heading out for a day of adventure. Whether it's a short hop to Devonport or a longer trip to Waiheke Island, I always feel more relaxed a few minutes into the journey.
Use carpools for easy transfers when hopping in a bar
Auckland is well served by taxi companies and cheaper ride-sharing services - handy when you're hopping between the seven bars and pubs along the Auckland Beer Mile (actually, about 4.5km). International operators Uber and Ola are joined by local player Zoomy; all three apps can be downloaded from the Apple App Store and Google Play.
Car sharing services are generally around 20-30% cheaper than taxis for the same distance. However, after a major sporting event or concert, prices inevitably rise and regular taxis can sometimes be cheaper than carpools.
Zip to Auckland's best beaches on an electric scooter
Electric scooters and electric bikes can also be accessed via the Uber app, with interactive maps showing the location of scooters and bikes around the city. It's a great option for short hops around the city or exploring the Wynyard Quarter harbour area. Rival company Faisceau also offers electric scooters, while vélo suivant offers modern pedal-powered transport; book vehicles via their apps.
Note that Uber's electric scooters and bikes and Beam's scooters can be left anywhere in the city at the end of a one-way journey, but next bikes must be parked at one of their official rental stations, all of which are in Auckland's CBD and Central Suburbs. There is an additional charge of NZ$2 (US$1.30) if a bike is left in the nextbike Flexzone - listed on their website - and not at a rental agency.
Electric Scooter Day Tip: Electric scooters and electric bikes are a great way to explore the various bays and beaches of Tāmaki Drive. A 10km (6.2 mile) ride from the town centre will take you to good swimming beaches and waterside restaurants in St Heliers. Rather than cycling back into the city, you can take the InnerLink TāmakiLink bus back to the CBD (the route will be fully electric in October 2022).
In Auckland, miss the car (especially...)
Driving a car is not recommended if your stay in Auckland is mainly focused on the city centre and waterfront. Parking is expensive and increasingly difficult to find in key areas such as the CBD and Karangahape Road, where the council has installed cycle lanes and replaced parking spaces with street furniture and pedestrian-friendly shared spaces.
However, it's worth considering hiring a car for easy day trips outside Auckland, especially if your accommodation has parking. The usual international car hire companies have offices at the airport and in the city centre. For a rewarding day's drive, follow Scenic Drive through a forest-covered maze to the surf beaches of Auckland's rugged west coast.
Discover Auckland's urban volcanoes on foot
Auckland is not an ideal city for walking, as it covers a vast area and its inner suburbs are built on ridges and are relatively hilly. However, a good way to familiarise yourself with the terrain and layout of the city is to walk some of its maunga (ancestral mountains). These dormant volcanoes are culturally and historically significant as the sites of ancient Pennsylvania Maoris (fortified settlements) in previous centuries.
If you only have time for a walk, climb Mount Eden (Maungawhau) to the visitor centre and negotiate the summit walks to reach a beautiful viewing platform overlooking the CBD and SkyTower. Bus 27 runs from the Britomart Transport Centre to Tahaki Reserve at the foot of the volcano.
Accessible transport in Auckland
For wheelchair travellers, 90% of Auckland's buses have the ability to 'kneel' to allow wheelchairs to board, or have wheelchair ramps for easier access. It's worth checking the AT Website to see if a specific bus route has these features. For visually impaired passengers, an increasing number of bus stops offer audio announcements on demand, timetable information in Braille, and larger icons and fonts.
Wheelchairs can also be carried on all trains and most ferries; check online with ferry owners before travelling. For more information, see Lonely Planet Accessible Travel Resources.
