|  Districts  |  Get in  |  Get around  |  By bus  |  By train  |  By car  |  See  |  Do  |  Eat  |  Drink  |  Hostels  |  Stay safe  |

Auckland is New Zealands largest city located in the North Island of the Country but it is not the capital and has been voted as one of the best lifestyle cities in the world. Auckland has a population of over 1 million in the greater urban area. It is located in the northern half of the North Island, on a narrow strip of land that joins the Northland peninsula to the rest of the North Island. It is composed of four separate cities, Manukau city in the south, Waitakere city in the west, North Shore city in the north and Auckland city itself, on and around the isthmus. The wider local government area which includes rural areas, small towns and the islands of the Hauraki Gulf is Auckland Region.

The most outstanding feature of the city is the Sky Tower which dominates the skyline. If you are going to Auckland and can only do one touristy thing then this has got to be it. At 328 metres Sky Tower is the tallest tower in the Southern Hemisphere, which offers great views for more than 80 kilometres in every direction. It is open from 8:30 to late every day. You can climb to the crows nest or base jump by wire, which will costs a few dollars.

Districts

• Auckland City - Central Auckland - covered by this article
• Manukau - South and outer East Auckland
• Waitakere - West Auckland
• North Shore - Auckland north of the Waitemata Harbour and the Auckland Harbour Bridge

Get in

The Auckland International Airport, New Zealand's largest airport, is located in the southern suburb of Mangere on the shores of the Manukau Harbour. Transport from the airport to central Auckland and suburbs includes buses, shuttles and taxis. The Airbus city to airport departs central city and airport every 20 minutes during the day, every 30 minutes during the evening, the adult fare is $15 to Auckland. There are also shuttle bus services, Rideline bus service rental cars and taxi's from the terminal. If you are unsure there is always the information centre.

The taxi fare to central Auckland is between about $50 and $65.

Get around

There are a variety of ways to get around including bus, train, ferry, taxi, shuttle and hiring your own car. You can use the MAXX website to find ways to get round Auckland using public transport. MAXX also has a text messaging service which can be used to find out the time of the next bus, ferry or train or to find the quickest way to get to your destination using public transport.

Auckland is a very car dependant city and for most tourists, used to more extensive transport systems, frustrations can mount. It may be more prudent to hire a car if you wish to do a lot of cross city travel though roads frequently become heavily congested. In general Auckland is a reasonably easy city to drive around for most travellers.

By bus

Bus is the most preferred method of public transport in Auckland, carrying over 50 million passenger trips a year. Buses to popular destinations are often regular (usually every 5-15mins). For example Kelly Tarltons and Mission Bay have buses (numbers 745-769) running at least every 15 minutes Monday to Saturdays though much less frequently Sundays. However buses are not always reliable, especially during peak hours. Delays of up to 15 minutes are common on certain routes. Buses are also a slow way to travel long distances. If possible consider taking a train or ferry instead.

By train

Travel by train is a good option if you are near a train line, but there are only three lines so many suburbs are not served. While the train service has had a bad history due to under-investment, it has been improving in recent years due to increased investment in train carriages and the upgrading of many of the 36 train stations. An annual patronage increase of 30% was achieved in 2005, bringing total patronage to over 5 million passengers a year for the first time since the 1960s.

There are three lines: the Eastern, Southern and Western Lines. Services on the Southern line run from Britomart station in downtown Auckland south to Papakura, with a few services on to Pukekohe. The Southern Line runs roughly parallel to the Southern Motorway and indeed runs right beside the motorway through part of Auckland City. The Eastern Line is a short line that runs from Britomart through four stations in the east of Auckland City before joining the Southern line just before Westfield station. Services on the Eastern line also continue to Papakura and Pukekohe. The Western line runs from Britomart west to Waitakere Station. There are no train services on the North Shore or in the eastern suburbs of Manukau City.

The Southern and Eastern Lines have the most frequent and reliable services. Trains on these lines combined run every 10 minutes on-peak, 15 minutes off-peak and 30 minutes evenings and weekends. Approximately 80-90% of these services run on-time. The Western Line suffers from somewhat unreliable and less frequent services, and is currently undergoing development to improve frequencies and reliability. Trains on this line runs every 15-20 minutes on-peak, every 37 minutes off-peak and every 30 minutes weekends. Approxmently 60-70% of these trains run on-time.

By car

The Auckland's road network experiences severe congestion at rush hour. The geography of Auckland constrains the network to a limited number of routes. It is often easier and cheaper to hire a car instead of using taxis, simply because the city is so large and spread out. Taxi fares may be NZ$50 - NZ$100 from the airport to a city location, about the same as it costs to hire a car per day.

See

• Auckland War Memorial Museum. 10am-5pm. Don't make the mistake of thinking this is just a war museum. This is a general museum and one of the best in New Zealand. It stands in an imposing position in the Domain, a large park on an extinct volcano. Suggested donation $5 adult.
• New Zealand National Maritime Museum.
• Sky Tower. At 328 meters, this is the tallest tower in the Southern Hemisphere, offering view of up to 80 kilometers.
• Auckland Art Gallery. The largest collection of national and international art in New Zealand. It is split across two buildings (main gallery and new gallery)
• Auckland Zoo, Motions Rd, Western Springs, 64 9 360 3800. Sep-May 9.30am-5.30pm (last admissions at 4.15pm), Jun-Aug 9.30am-5pm, closed 25 Dec. Has 150 animal species, 500 animals and a number of different habitats such as the Rainforest and Pridelands (an African savannah). Adults $16, children 4-15 $8, seniors and students with ID $12, family rates available.
• The StarDome Observatory. Located on the slopes of One Tree Hill. The park also contains Maori archaeological sites, a kid's playgrounds and a working farm.
• Kelly Tarlton's. Located on Auckland’s scenic Tamaki Drive and the home of Antarctic Encounter and Underwater World. It's a world-class aquarium which includes a trip through a transparent tunnel while the fish swim all around you. Bus routes 740-769
• Auckland Regional Botanic Gardens. Located in Manurewa (South Auckland) has over 10,000 different plant types spread over 65 hectares with both natives and exotics
• MOTAT (Museum of Transport and Technology). Situated near the Zoo in Western Springs. $14 Adults, $7 Child & Senior citizens. Children under 5 FREE. It's an interactive museum with over 300,000 items. Look out for the WWII Avro Lancaster Bomber and the Solent Flying Boat in the Sir Keith Park Memorial Aviation Collection
• The Lion Beer Experience. Not a traditional brewery tour but rather an educational beer experience
• Otara Flea Market. Every Sat, open from 6am - 12 noon at the Otara Shopping Centre, Newbury St. Huge selection of clothes, household items and food. Otara is densely populated by polynesian people and this market reflects the culture of the area. Well worth a wander around. For other markets see local city council websites.

Do

• Waitakere Ranges, The Waitakere Ranges are Auckland’s best kept secret. With stunning waterfalls breath taking views and rugged but beautiful beaches. This is a slice of paradise not to be missed.
• Climb the Auckland Harbour Bridge
• Do the Sky Jump, a cable controlled base jump from a height of 192m on Sky Tower.
• Visit Ponsonby, Auckland's cafe mile.
• Wine tasting on Waiheke Island. Waiheke is home to some fantastic wines and has some of the best beaches in the area. Can get crowded during the weekends, but very quiet during the week, it seems a world away from Auckland, and is only 35 minutes away via Ferry.
• Greater Auckland wine route here
• Rainbow's End, is NZ’s premier family-based theme park with many rides and attractions. Bus routes 471-472, 474, 487, 497
• Take a ferry from downtown to Rangitoto and climb to its summit. Fantastic views of the Waitemata harbour and Auckland city.
• Hire skates in Okahu Bay and take a scenic skate along Tamaki Drive
• Drive or walk up one of Auckland's many volcanic cones such as One Tree Hill or Mount Eden to experience panoramic views of the city, and to see sheep in a major metropolitan area!
• Potiki Adventures Spend a day exploring the beauty of contemporary Maori culture in Auckland's city centre and urban bush sites.
• Visit the funky little city village Kingsland (New North Road) and have a coffee or visit the cool individual shops like Mixt, a retro furniture store or Native Agent, clothes and art with a sophisticated kiwi twist.
• Caluzzi Bar and Cabaret Spectacular dining experience! Located at 461 Karangahape Road (K Road) Price is NZD$50 this is inclusive of a bread starter, soup, your choice of 6 delicious a la carte mains which includes a vegetarian option. Award winning floorshow and dancing till late with a resident DJ. Doors open at 7pm.
• Spookers Auckland's only "haunted" attraction. Spookers is located in the former nurses hostel in the Kingseat Hospital grounds, Karaka (former psychiatric hospital). Most activities are restricted to persons 16 years and over. Walk around Spookers haunted house or walk through the Freaky Forest, a real live forest with ghouls. There is also CornEvil Haunted Horror Corn Maze. If you're going to do all three then allow at least 2 hours. Awesome props and costumes. You will not be disappointed.
• Snow Planet which is about 20 minutes out of Auckland.

Eat

• Saika Japanese Takeaway, Elliott St, 10AM-9PM (closed on national holidays). Common Japanese food. Gyudon, Katsudon, Chicken-don etc. Japanese-speaking staff available. $8.
• GPK restaurant and bar. Mt Eden, Dominion Rd. Woodfired pizza speciality around $20-30.
• Japanese Cuisine bien, 55-65 Shortland St, Phone:. Lunch M-F 11am-3pm; dinner Tu-Sa 6-10pm. Sushi, teriyaki chicken rice bowl, eel, etc.
• South Vietnam Restaurant, 39 Elliott St, Phone:. Lunch M-F 11am-3pm, Su 11am-10pm, closed on Saturdays, $6.50; dinner Tu-Sa 5:30-10pm, closed on Mondays and national holidays, $15.
• Valentine's Restaurant. Buffet restaurants in heaps of places around Auckland.
• New Orient Restaurant, Strand Arcade, Queen St. Chinese restaurant. A la carte or buffet options.
• Hare Krishna Food For Life, 286 Karangahape Rd. $5 vegetarian dinner.
• Korean Pancakes, High St opposite the New Gallery. $2.
• Finale Restaurant and Cabaret, 350 Karangahape Road, Auckland. Phone: (09) 377 4820. Auckland's Favourite dining experience, with a buffet meal and two Amazing Drag Cabaret Shows, this is place that is not to be missed. visit www.350finale.co.nz
• Ariake Japanese Restaurant, Cnr Albert & Quay Streets, Auckland. Phone: (09) 379 2377. Cheap ($12) lunch specials. Serving most Japanese dishes, but no Teppanyaki. Lunch: Mon-Sat 12p-2p; dinner: Mon-Sat 6p-10p (9:30pm last order); closed on Sundays & New Zealand Public Holidays
• Sushi Bento, Parnell Village, Parnell Rd: Premier Sushi destination.
• Burger Fuel, Parnell Rd; Delicious gourmet burgers.
• Mezze Bar, Little High St Arcade; Tapas and other dishes. Often busy but worth the wait.
• For Kosher food, the Auckland Jewish Community Centre, which include the Aucland Hebrew Congregation has a kosher shop it is located on Greys Avenue, Auckland CBD (Right next door to the Duxton Hotel) and is open every day except monday + saturday. it has a wide varietion of kosher products.
  
  There are some good cheap food courts about. Try next to the Queens' Arcade at the bottom of Queen st for a variety of Asian food for lunch (slightly hidden entrance). The Ponsonby International food court has the cheapest eats in this somewhat pricey neighbourhood.

Drink

• Minus 5 a bar that is unique in that the whole bar is made of ice. Just remember that for some reason drinking alcohol at Minus 5 tends to affect you more than normal.
• Cock & Bull English Pubs .
• Galbraiths Alehouse.
• The Patriot - British Pub, 14 Victoria St Devonport
• Deschlers - 17 High St, City Centre. Stop here for delicious cocktails and jazz.
• The Occidental Belgian Beer Cafe - 6 Vulcan Lane, City Centre.
• Shadows Bar - Located on Auckland University Campus, student bar with decent prices.

Stay safe

Auckland is generally a fairly safe place to visit. Be vigilant as you would in any other cities in the world, and with a little bit of common sense you will be safe.

The local emergency contact number is 111 for all Police, Fire and St John Ambulances, from a mobile phone, the numbers 111, 112, 911 and 999 will all work too.

Areas to be vigilant around:
Fort Street: The centre of Auckland's red light district.
Karangahape Road (K Rd): A large number of pubs and clubs exist on this road, however, care should be taken late at night as assaults and theft can occur.
Lower Queen Street: Only at nighttime - this is very much "Downtown", and is practically deserted after dark. A lot of homeless people sleep around this area, go in a group and you'll generally be fine.

Auckland Hostels

YHA Auckland International 5 Turner Street, PO Box 68-149, Auckland, New Zealand
A new hostel with ultra modern conveniences, Auckland International is one of the best hostels in the country. Located within a 5 minute walk from the city centre, it offers pure luxury for weary travellers. Small and large multi-share rooms, twin, double and ensuite rooms available. [www.stayyha.com/hostels-ind.asp?id=74]

Base Backpackers 16-22 Fort Street, Auckland, New Zealand
Base Auckland is a funky purpose built hostel located in the heart of downtown Auckland, just minutes walk to everywhere you want to be. The hostel has 391 beds ranging from multi-share rooms to doubles and twins with full ensuite facilities and sky TV. [www.basebackpackers.com/auckland.htm]

YHA Auckland City Cnr City Road & Liverpool St, Auckland, New Zealand
This former hotel is comprised mainly of twin & double rooms with some multi-share rooms. Home cooked breakfasts and evening meals are available at 'Tommy?s' the in-house bistro, which can also cater for groups on request. An onsite travel booking service is available seven days, 8am to 5pm, where local activities as well as domestic travel throughout NZ can be booked. [www.stayyha.com/hostels-ind.asp?id=17]

Auckland Central Backpackers Corner of Queen St and Darby St, Darby Street, Auckland, New Zealand
Located right in the heart of Downtown Auckland. Only a short walk to all the major facilites; bus terminals, railway station, post office, movie theatres, museums, art galleries, markets and the main shopping areas...Winner of the New Zealand Tourism Award for "Best Budget Accommodation" 1999, 1994 & Finalist in 1996.[www.acb.co.nz]

The Nomads Fat Camel Hostel 38 Fort Street, Downtown, Auckland, New Zealand
Has a style of accommodation to suit everyone. An emphasis on twins and doubles makes Fat Camel one of New Zealand's most popular budget vacation destinations. Our central Auckland location gives easy access to a variety of restaurants and bars, our beautiful harbour, inner city shopping and the America's Cup Village. [www.fatcamel.co.nz]

Oaklands Lodge 5A Oakllands Road, Mt Eden, Auckland, New Zealand
Based in Mt Eden which is a trendy innercity suburb close to bus routes and Eden park. We offer budget hostel accommodation in Auckland for backpackers and independent travellers, and have been recommended by 'Lonely Planet' within the Auckland accommodation section. [www.oaklands.co.nz]

Surf 'N' Snow Backpackers Level 1, 102 Albert Street, Auckland, New Zealand
The newest, cleanest and most centrally located backpackers accommodation in Auckland. Located just across from Auckland's spectacular Sky Tower and only steps away from shops and restaurants on the main street, you'll find everything at your fingertips. [www.surfandsnow.co.nz]

Pentlands Backpackers 22 Pentlands Ave, Mt Eden, Auckland, New Zealand
If you are looking for somewhere comfortable & friendly to stay away from the rush of downtown, where the air is clean and you can get a good night's sleep but close (2.5 km to city centre) to all Auckland has to offer then you are in the right place. [www.pentlands.co.nz]

Kiwi International Airport Hostel 150 McKenzie Road, Mangere, Auckland, New Zealand
Just 5 kilometres from the airport and a free 24 hour shuttle service is available. Freephones at both the International and Domestic terminals connect directly to the Hostel 24 hour Reception. As well, there is plenty of free car-parking around the complex. [www.kiwihotel.co.nz/hostels.html]

Ponsonby Backpackers 2 Franklin Road, Ponsonby, Auckland, New Zealand
A converted 19th Century Villa located in a quiet, pretty tree lined road in one of Auckland's Premier inner city suburbs. We are one of Auckland's smaller hostels (30 beds) and have a very friendly and relaxed atmosphere for the international traveler. [www.ponsonby-backpackers.co.nz]

Bamber House 22 View Road, Mt Eden, Auckland, New Zealand
An owner operated backpacker hostel in a lovely old colonial home with large gardens and a solar heated swimming pool which will give you a great vacation in Auckland. Free off street parking available. [www.hostelbackpacker.com]

City Garden Lodge 25 St Georges Bay Road, Parnell, Auckland, New Zealand
Originally built for the Queen of Tonga as her Embassy, surrounded by trees and lawns with birdlife galore, the Lodge offers a cozy, clean, homely and quiet atmosphere to relax and plan the next part of your journey, see the sights and attractions of Auckland and its coastlines or just chill. We can arrange door to door transport to and from the airport for a minimum cost. [www.citygardenlodge.co.nz]

Albert Park Backpackers 27 - 31 Victoria St East, PO Box 105 378, Auckland, New Zealand
Located in the heart of Auckland city. Close to bus & train stations,CBD, art galleries, restaurants, movies, banks, Postshop, nightclubs,Albert Park, skytower,university.

Aloe Tree Backpacker 17 St. Georges Bay Road, Parnell, Auckland, New Zealand
Our hostel is set in a jungle of trees, yet it is convenient to buses, food markets, rent a cars, travel agents and museums.

Aspen House Hotel 62 Emily Place, Downtown, Auckland, New Zealand
Located in the heart of Downtown Auckland, Aspen House Hotel is a conveniently located bed and breakfast hotel which offers twin, double or triple rooms with shared or en-suites facilities.

Auckland City Hotel 131 Beach Road, Auckland, New Zealand
Auckland's great budget hotel 5 minutes walking from Queen Street.All rooms are private and have own bathrooms.NO DORMS.

BK Hostel 3 Mercury Lane, Cnr. Karangahape Road & Mercury Lane, Auckland, New Zealand
Welcome to BK Hostel(Backpackers affordable accommodation) located in central Auckland City.

Blue Star Lodge 100 Great South Road, Newmarket, Auckland, New Zealand
Blue Star Lodge is a modern and comfortable 3 star hotel situated in Newmarket, close to Auckland city centre, the Auckland Showgrounds at Greenlane and the shopping boulevard of Broadway.

Kiwi International Queen Street Hotel and Hostel 411 Queen Street, Auckland, New Zealand
The Kiwi International Queen Street Hotel and Hostel is situated the top end of Auckland's main street.

Newzealand Backpackers 8 Nixon St Ponsonby, Auckland, New Zealand
Low cost hostel in the city. Large double room and every single room got double beds.

Princeton Backpackers 30 Symonds Street, Auckland, New Zealand
a unique, self-contained, and fully furnished backpackers hostel consisting of two 19-storey towers. Amenities include outdoor deck, Asian-food restaurant, caf, TV Lounge and more.

Sapphire Apartment Hotel 74-76 Wakefield Street, Auckland, New Zealand
We are offering a brand new 3 *** + EASY STAY self catering apartments in Auckland, probably the most vibrant and wonderful city in New Zealand.

Scholar 11 Mount Street, PO Box 105920, Auckland, New Zealand
The Scholar Apartments are brand new city serviced apartments at excellent prices that are also fully furnished.

Conor's Topfloor Hostel Level 5 15-31 Wellesley Street, Auckland, New Zealand
Topfloor is located in the city centre and is close to all transport in to, out of and around the city. All the city entertainment is at our doorstep, as is the visitor information centre.

Pillows Travellers Lodge 30km north of Auckland. Comfortable, Clean. Walking distance to centrum. Beautiful Beach across road. Private rooms, TV/en-suite bathrooms available. Spacious Dorms. Tropical inner-court gardens. BBQ, SPA, Piano, Laundry, Cardphone, Internet. Free Coffee/Tea. Hot Pools, Beach/Bush Walks, Snorkelling.

Central City Backpackers We have the biggest, warmest welcome waiting for you at Central City Backpackers Hostel from the friendliest staff in Auckland. We are helpful, flexible and open all day, everyday. Central City Backpackers Hostel is perfectly situated accommodation in the heart of Auckland city.

Waikatoa Surf Lodge superb west coast surf beach, uncrowded, spectacular sunsets. Quality and comfort, just 1 1/4hrs south-west of Auckland. Choice of adventure activities; surfing, coastal walks, fishing, flounder, whitebaiting (seasonal), kayaking, mountain biking, caving, best fish and chips. Equipment available or adventure arranged.

Marco Polo Backpackers Inn 30mins north of Auckland relax in peaceful lush gardens, palm fringed decks. Sunny comfortable rooms, homely lounge, cosy fire, BBQ, Hot Pools, Kayaking, Horse Riding, Tiri Tiri Matangi Island Sanctuary, Bush/ Coastal walks, Safe Sandy Beaches.

Uenuku Lodge "The Rainbow" small friendly hostel right on Ponsonby Road overlooking the CITY. Ample FREE CAR PARKING. Large outdoor PATIO, BBQ, Internet, TV lounge, fully equipped Kitchen, Spic and span plus HEATERS in every room.

Queen Street Backpackers is in an old hotel built around the turn of the century so it has plenty of charm and character. As a purpose built hotel our hostel has large windows and hand basins in most rooms.

The Brown Kiwi is a cosy travellers hostel offering you warmth, hospitality and local character. "Home-away-from-Home", see our Hostellers Comments. Come and experience our peaceful garden and maybe enjoy a drink from reception.

Hekerua Lodge Waiheke Backpackers situated in Little Oneroa in an acre of native bush, Hekerua Lodge has recently reopened. We offer a tranquil spot to get away from it all. Relax on our sundeck, take a dip in our unique natural stone swimming pool or soak your cares away in a hot spa under the stars.

Point of View accomodation on the property is limited but cozy and, at-times can be exchanged for casual work like maintainence, gardening and practical improvements to this rural Retreat. Point of View's picturesque tranquil native-bush and grassed property is situated on rolling heights over looking Helensville, the Kaipara river and harbour.

Shekinah Backpackers. enjoy our magnificent view overlooking the Waikato River and on a clear day see the Coromandel Peninsula. Just one day's cycle ride from Auckland, SHEKINAH is an ideal place to stop on your way south to Raglan, the Coromandel, Rotorua or Waitomo, or on your way north to Auckland or Northland.

Lantana Lodge welcome to this loveliest part of old Auckland - Parnell. Popular hostel, friendly homely atmosphere. 10 mins walk downtown, but away from noise. Enjoy beautiful green parks, museum village, pub, harbour views. Airport direct shuttle service. Lovely clean dorms, doubles, twins, singles. 20 people only.

Alans Place We have a wide range of facilities from a laundry to TV room and spacious garden. Our office hours are 7:00 am to 9:30 pm in the evenings.

Skyway Lodge recommended by Lonely Planet and Rough Guide. Run by husband and wife team Brian and Gwen. Skyway Lodge offers clean, comfortable accomodation with no frills, which enables us to offer the cheapest rates for accomodation near the airport. Only 5 minutes from Auckland Airport.

Downtown Backpackers we are right in the heart of Downtown Auckland N.Z. Only a short walk to all the major facilities; C.B.D. bus terminals, C.B.D. railway station, C.B.D. post office, movie theaters, museums, art galleries, markets and the main shopping areas. At Downtown Backpackers, you will be made to feel at home in our quiet surroundings. Our friendly staff will be there to greet you and if you require assistance they will be there go guide you or even help you arrange bookings for your entire stay throughout New Zealand.

Verandahs Backpackers Lodge our elegant 1905 villa enjoys a unique location, with some of Auckland's most interesting and diverse areas within minutes' walk from our front door.Whilst staying with us, take time to relax on our spacious balconies, enjoying views of the City Skyline, Ponsonby and Western Park (Auckland's oldest park and an extension of Verandahs own large garden).