Getting Around Auckland Region

Auckland is an extremely spread out city. It is difficult I think for tourists to knowhow to get around especially since we have an average rail system. Buses really are the only way to get around unless you have your own car.

I recommend that tourists check out the website of the bus transport system in Auckland to help you plan your trips around Auckland.

When boarding the bus, have your fare ready to give to the driver. You can pay by cash (exact change is preferred) and most bus companies also have smart cards, which are either inserted into the driver's ticket machine or placed on a reader on top of the ticket machine.

Most bus fares are charged on the distance you wish to travel. Distance based stage points are used to calculate the fare charged. Stage points are set at specific points along a bus route, approximately every four kilometres, often at a point of interest such as a local shopping centre.

The Airbus service calls in at most major hotels and backpackers in Auckland City every 15 minutes during the day.

Timetable
Airbus operates 7 days a week, 365 days per year and from 1 November 2009 the bus now runs 24 hours.

Check out the Route Map to find out the most convenient stop point for you.

TICKETS:
Adult One Way $16
Adult Return $23
Backpacker [with ID] One Way $14
Backpacker [with ID] Return $21

Just a little heads up if you are heading out to pick someone up, or catch a flight you can now check to see if the flight is on-time / delayed etc by TXT.

Couple of guys put together http://Flightcheck.co.nz - they hooked it up so you can check any flight arriving or leaving anywhere in NZ by TXT'ing in the flight number i.e. NZ1 to 8808. No need to be online or alike - just need your mobile phone. TXT's cost 50c but other than that seems like a good idea if you are headed out there - better to know if the flight you are going out there to check out is arriving on-time, if at all.

Might save you a trip or hanging out in the airport for ages because of a late plane.

Hi,

this is what the AKL web site has to say about it...........

International passenger departure fee
A NZ$25 Departure fee (Passenger Service Charge - PSC) (inclusive of GST) is payable by every international passenger, except for children under 12 years of age, and transit passengers in Auckland for less than 24 hours.

The departure fee is payable at Travelex outlets located on the ground floor check-in area, or in the first floor departure area.

Exemption stickers for children under 12 years of age and transit passengers who are in Auckland for less than 24 hours, are available at the Auckland Airport Travelex.

If you are departing New Zealand from Auckland after 1 July 2008 you no longer need to pay the $25 departure fee at the international terminal.

http://www.auckland-airport.co.nz/PaxInfo/depart_proced.php

If you are able to rent a car that is propaply the most convenient way to go around the country. But if you are not able to drive, I highly recommend buying a Travell Pass. You can choose the amount of days that you want to travel and pay according to travelling days. Also you may choose how many bus and/or train fares and/or flight you want to include into your pass. However, all fares need to be booked in advance as the connections are quite rare (for example 1 / day). I travelled 2 weeks around the country in a bus and really enjoyed the good atmosfare, experienced drivers and great sights.

If you are considering a trip to the Auckland Region, then you will most likely start and end your trip here at Auckland International Airport.

Several different airlines are affiliated with the airport, although most airlines actually just code-share with the major regional international carrier.

Check in with your local carrier's codeshare partners and see who can get you to Auckland.

Sarah and I ventured out of Auckland to enjoy the Auckland Region by renting a vehicle from Europcar in Auckland's CBD. It ended up saving us quite a bit of money not to rent from the airport location, because it was 10-15 NZD per day less than what we had quoted over the internet.

We ended up paying 135 NZD for 4 days rental, including unlimited mileage. Our vehicle was a Peugeot, and it ran nicely... with plenty of room for the two of us.

If you would like to rent from the location in Auckland that we used for your trip, go to the website and use:

Location Code: AKLC01

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New Zealand is a great place to drive around however it is important for international travellers to check the rules of driving here as they may be different to your country.

Auckland is a very busy city and traffic is at its peak during the "rush hour" before and after work. It is recommended that you look at a map and plan your route before driving in a vehicle so as not to slow down other drivers! (a hazard I have noticed tourists doing here!!)

For rules on driving please refer to Driving in New Zealand

The AA website below is a good one to look at if you want to find out more information on driving in New Zealand and on travel times and distances between locations.