Getting Around Auckland
Sightseeing
- Auckland Explorer Bus
If you don't have a car, one of the best options for getting around is the Auckland Explorer Bus (freephone 0800 439 756). This sightseeing coach departs from the Ferry Building every 30 minutes from 9am-4pm in the summer (hourly in winter from 10am-3pm), and visits most of Auckland's leading attractions. For no extra charge, you can hop-on and hop-off at a range of stops including Kelly Tarlton’s Antarctic Encounter and Underwater World, Parnell Village, Auckland Museum and Victoria Park Market. During the summer, a satellite service also runs from the Auckland Museum from 10.30am-4.30pm, taking in several stops including Mt Eden, Auckland Zoo and MOTAT.
Airport Transport
- The Auckland Airbus
The Airbus (freephone 0508 247 287) runs every 15 minutes throughout the day, stopping close to most major hotels and backpackers. It costs $15 one way and $22 return. Transfers take 40-50 minutes.
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From central Auckland, taxis take about 30 minutes (allow an hour at peak times) and cost from $50-$65.
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Shuttle buses cost about $25 per person but less for a group. These take longer, as they pick up and drop off en route. Phone 0800 SHUTTLE.
Bus Services
- City & Regional Buses
Auckland city and its outlying areas are serviced by Metrolink, LINK, Waka Pacific, GO WEST & North Star. For details of routes and timetables, contact MAXX on 366 6400 or visit www.maxx.co.nz.
- City Circuit Bus
This free bus service leaves from Britomart every 10 minutes from 8am-6pm daily, making a clockwise loop around key destinations such as Sky Tower, The Viaduct and Queen Street. The buses are bright red in colour.
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- Discovery Pass
For unlimited all-day travel aboard buses, trains and inner harbour ferries in the Auckland region, you can buy a Discovery Pass for $13 after 9am. It can be purchased from the driver on any of the buses mentioned above, at Britomart and at Fullers Cruise Centre in the Ferry Building on Quay Street.
- Long Distance Buses
InterCity coaches leave from the SKYCITY bus terminal at the Hobson Street entrance. For bookings, contact Intercity Coachlines, phone 357 8400.
Ferry Services
Most ferries leave from the Ferry Building on Quay Street, Downtown Auckland. Services to the Hauraki Gulf Islands include the popular destinations of Rangitoto, Kawau, Tiritiri Matangi, Waiheke and Great Barrier Islands. For full details of ferry services and fares, visit www.maxx.co.nz
- Kawau Island
Reubens operates regular cruises and water taxis to Kawau Island, phone 09 425 8006.
- Tiritiri Matangi Island, Motuihe Island & Coromandel Peninsula
360 Discovery Cruises, Pier 4, Quay Street, phone 0800 888 006.
- Waiheke Island, Rangitoto Island & Devonport
Fullers Cruise Centre, Pier 2, Quay Street Ferry Building, phone 367 9111.
- Waiheke & Great Barrier Islands
Sealink offers a vehicle and passenger service to Waiheke and Great Barrier, phone 300 5900. Fullers offers a seasonal summer service to Great Barrier Island, phone 367 9111.
Train Services
- City Trains
All trains arrive and depart at Britomart Transport Centre in Downtown Auckland at the bottom of Queen Street. The main entrance is on QE II Square. There are three suburban services, running south through Newmarket to Papakura, east via Glen Innes to Papakura and west through Henderson to Waitakere.
- Long-distance trains
The Overlander train operates between Britomart and Wellington city.
Rental Vehicles
For visitors who want the freedom of private transport there are many rental vehicle and campervan options available.