Getting Around Auckland

Most visitors arrive by air. A few cruise ships visit New Zealand, but there are no regular passenger ship services and working your way across the Pacific as crew on a yacht now seems a thing of the past.

By Air
Auckland International Airport (AKL lies 21 km (13 mi southwest of the city center, about a 30-minute drive.

A free Interterminal Bus links the international and domestic terminals, with frequent departures in each direction 6 -10 . Otherwise, the walk between the two terminals takes about 10 minutes along a signposted walkway. Luggage for flights aboard the two major domestic airlines, Air New Zealand and Ansett New Zealand, can be checked at the international terminal.

Flying time from New York to Auckland (via Los Angeles is about 19 hours; from Chicago, about 17 hours; from Los Angeles to Auckland (nonstop, about 12 hours. Flights from London to Auckland take about 24 hours, either via the U.S. or via Southeast Asia. These are all actual air hours and do not include ground time.

By Bus
The Airbus (09/275-9396) leaves the international terminal every 20 minutes between 6:20 and 8:20 . The fixed route between the airport and the Downtown Airline Terminal, on the corner of Quay Street and Albert Road, includes a stop at the railway station and, on request, at any bus stop, hotel, or motel along the way. Returning from the city, the bus leaves the Downtown Airline Terminal at 20-minute intervals between 6:20 and 9 . Travel time is 35-45 minutes.

By Car
Hallmark Limousines and Tours 09/629-0940 operates Ford LTD limousines between the airport and the city for approximately $65.

Super Shuttle 09/275-1234 has service between the airport and any address in the city center. The cost is $18 for a single traveler and $6 extra for each person accompanying them.

Taxi fare to the city to and from the airport is approximately $35.

By Bus
The terminal for InterCity Coaches 0800/802-802 is the Auckland Central Railway Station.

By Train
The terminal for all InterCity train services is Auckland Central Railway Station 0800/802-802 on Beach Road, about 11/2 km (1 mi east of the city center. A booking office is inside the Auckland Travel and Information Centre (287 Queen St)., 09/979-2333.

By Ferry
Various companies serve Waitemata Harbour; including Devonport commuter ferry 09/367-9118. The ferry terminal is on the harbor side of the Ferry Building on Quay Street, near the corner of Albert Street. Boats leave here for Devonport Monday-Thursday 6:15 -11 , Friday and Saturday 6:15 -1 , and Sunday 7 -11 . On weekdays they depart on the hour between 10 and 3, and at half-hour intervals during the morning and evening commuter periods; on Saturday and Sunday they leave every hour.

Ferries also make the 35-minute run to Waiheke Island approximately every two hours, beginning at 6:30. Return ferries leave about every two hours on odd-numbered hours.

By Taxi
Taxis can be hailed in the street but are more readily available from taxi stands throughout the city. Auckland taxi rates vary with the company, but are listed on the driver's door. Most taxis will accept major credit cards. Alert Taxis 09/309-2000, Auckland Cooperative Taxi Service 09/300-3000, and Eastern Taxis 09/527-7077 are reliable operators with radio-controlled fleets.

By Bus
The Link bus service runs both ways in a circuit around the attractions of the inner city rim. These distinctive white buses charge a single approx. the equivalent of US 50¢ fare regardless of your destination on the circuit. It operates every 10 minutes Monday through Friday from 6am to 6pm; every 20 minutes weeknights and weekends. For more information, call Rideline at 09/366-6400.

Stagecoach Auckland is the intracity bus system, and offers good service to most city highlights. You can pick up timetables from The Bus Place, on Victoria Street West; the Downtown Bus Terminal, on Commerce Street. For schedules, fares, and routes, call Rideline 09/ 366-6400. Children 4 to 15 are charged half price, and those under 4 ride for free. Exact change is not needed; the bus driver can give change. If you intend to ride the bus frequently, get a 1-day Auckland Pass for unlimited travel. The pass can also be used on The Link and on the ferry services to Devonport, Bayswater, and Birkenhead. There's also a Family Pass. Buy passes from the driver or the terminals.