Auckland Region Information

If going down is not your cup of tea then try going up. Climbing the green slopes of Rangitoto Island will take you to the peak of Auckland’s youngest volcano. This climb will reward you with a full 360° view of the city and surrounding regions. The ferry trip to the island across from Auckland is quite short and extremely impressive. Breath taking views can also be found on top of the Sky Tower in Auckland’s CBD. The Sky Tower is the tallest free-standing structure in the southern hemisphere and commands an impressive presence in the Auckland skyline.

An experience which you should not miss when in Auckland is the Auckland War Memorial Museum. Do not be fooled by the name, this Museum says as much about the people and their history as it does about war. If you want a quick lesson in the social, and cultural history of Auckland then this is the place to go. Established in 1852, this really is a first class museum and holds collections which have international renown.
 
Sports
New Zealand has many sporting teams which are competitive internationally but none have had the same success as their rugby union team, the All Blacks.
There are rugby union venues across the country but Eden Park is one of the most spectacular (and home to New Zealand’s 2011 Rugby World Cup victory over France). Three kilometres from the CBD, Eden Park is the largest sporting venue in New Zealand and is packed to the rafters for rugby union internationals.

The loud, parochial crowd must have some effect as the All Blacks have an astonishing success rate, above 80%, at Eden Park. If you have the opportunity to watch a rugby match in Auckland then you should jump at it. However, if you have an opportunity to watch the All Blacks in action at Eden Park then you cannot miss it.
 
Getting In
Auckland is the epicentre of travel into New Zealand and many international flights to New Zealand will arrive at Auckland International Airport (AKL). Flights arrive from Australia, the Americas, Asia and various locations in the South Pacific. If Auckland is not your final destination,  AKL can connect you to 25 domestic locations on both the north and south islands.

AKL is some 21 km from the city centre but there are a range of services which will take you to your desired locations. The Airbus runs 24 hours a day and connects AKL to the centre of Auckland. Taxis provide this service but can cost up to five times as much as the Airbus service.
 
Getting Around
Like any modern city there are a range of options for getting around in Auckland. Auckland Council created the website Maxx which makes planning trips on public transport a breeze. Maxx can advise you on routes and timetables for the bus, train and ferry. The bus network in Auckland is the most extensive public transport network in the city and services to popular destinations run every 5-15 minutes. The three train lines in Auckland are efficient and well maintained but the small number of lines does place restrictions on the accessibility of this service. However, if you are not rushed and really want to experience the best way to take in the City of Sails then the ferry is your best option.

While there are a variety of public transport options, Auckland remains a city which relies on cars. Travellers should consider car rentals in Auckland as most international rental agencies maintain a presence in Auckland  as well as some competitive local  agents. Renting a car provides the freedom which many travellers love in a city as vast as Auckland. Peak hours in the morning and night can see congestion on the main roads but the luxury of travelling means you can always avoid these inconveniences.
 
Weather
Auckland’s temperate climate make it a city to visit in all occasions. Temperatures rarely fall below freezing in winter and snowfall is rare. In the summer months mercury can reach beyond 32°C (90°F) but this is rare. This temperate environment is only improved by the fact that Auckland is one of the sunniest urban centres in New Zealand.

 
Staying Here
Accommodation in Auckland caters for all travellers. Whether you are looking for a flash hotel in the thick of the action or a cosy bed and breakfast in surrounding suburbs Auckland will have what you are looking for. Many of the best guest houses can be found in the trendy suburb of Ponsonby - a short distance to the centre of Auckland. The owners of these guest houses act as host, guide and friend.