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Lonely Planet Travel GuidesRydges and Lonely Planet guides for travellers |
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Transport
Information brought to you by Lonely Planet
Most international flights to New Zealand go through Auckland. Direct flights connect to and from west coast USA; east coast Australia and Perth; London and Frankfurt, and several cities in Asia. There's a departure tax for all international flights from Auckland, payable at the airport. A number of domestic airlines connect Auckland with other major centres in New Zealand. There are regular bus services between Auckland and most larger towns and tourist areas; they operate from the Sky City Coach Terminal on Hobson St. There's an early morning train and an overnight train to Wellington daily. Hiring a car and driving around New Zealand is easy, although the roads can be spoiled by cowboy behaviour.
The Britomart Transport Centre provides a hub where you can access buses, trains and ferries as well as general transport information. Because it is such a sprawling city, the car is king in Auckland. The place is crawling with car-hire operators. If you're a cyclist, hire a bicycle and try the pleasant waterfront rides. Taxis are easy to hire from ranks or from the sidewalk, and three-wheeler autorickshaws or tuk-tuks are a novel alternative. Ferries run between the city centre and various spots on the North Shore and the gulf islands.
The major bus lines offer discount travel passes valid for 14 days to three months. Trains arrive at and depart from Auckland train station on Beach Rd, about 1km (0.6mi) east of the city centre.
Auckland airport is 21km (13mi) southwest of the city centre and airport shuttles run to several accommodation places and Aotea Square in the city. A taxi will cost around 21.00.
If you're planning on hiring or buying a car, bear in mind that a valid, unrestricted driver's licence from your home country is required, and don't forget that Kiwis drive on the left.
There is an excellent bus service called the Link, which travels around the interesting areas of the city centre.
The Tranz Metro train service has three routes running from Britomart station: one to Waitakere and two to Pukekohe.
Some good deals can be had for long-term car hire, but be warned that the cheapest is not necessarily the best. Parking in the city can be a headache, too.
© 2007 Lonely Planet Publications Pty Ltd. All rights reserved.
We and our content providers ('we') have tried to make the information on this website as accurate as possible, but it is provided 'as is' and we accept no responsibility for any loss, injury or inconvenience sustained by anyone resulting from this information. You should verify critical information (like visas, health and safety, customs, and transportations) with the relevant authorities before you travel.
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