Getting to Auckland

Reaching and leaving Auckland is easy, as the city is New Zealand's major gateway. The main airport is the busiest in the country, and most major airlines fly here. New Zealand also has a good bus network and Auckland can be reached from many other cities in the country with ease. Driving is another viable option, and car hire is cheap. The rail system is limited and caters mainly for tourists.

By car

Driving in New Zealand is inexpensive and a valid national driving licence is all that is required. Auckland is one of the busiest areas for traffic, but by European standards, it is still fairly quiet. Major roads are known as state highways and designated by ‘SH’ and a number.

Routes connecting the city include SH1, which goes to Hamilton and Wellington; SH2 to Gisbourne; SH3 to New Plymouth; SH4 to Wanganui; SH5 to Napier; and SH29 to Taurangia. Heading north, the SH1 runs parallel to the east coast of North Island to Warkworth and then on to the Bay of Islands, Northland Forest Park and Cape Reinga.

By rail

New Zealand’s rail service is operated by the Tranz Scenic rail company. Travelling by train is not expensive, but the services are limited and it's not a popular way of getting around the country. The only regular services are a morning and an overnight service to the capital, Wellington. Auckland Station is at the Britomart Centre, a modern and purpose-built combined train and local bus station.

By bus

InterCity and Newmans provide the majority of long-distance bus services. There are services to most other cities at least once a day. Newmans has daily buses to Wellington via Hamilton and Taupo, and to Rotorua and Napier. InterCity has special travel pass routes that serve many destinations. Apart from these two companies, there are a number of smaller operators such as Kiwi Experience that go to many out-of-the-way destinations such as the East Cape.

The Sky City Coach Terminal is the main station for long distance routes. The terminal has secure storage lockers and a café. The Northliner Express goes to Kaitaia and Kaikohe twice daily, with buses operating from Quay Street, opposite the ferry building.

By air

Auckland has one main airport that handles international flights with two separate terminals that serve domestic routes. There are buses and taxis for transfer to the city centre, and car hire is also available. The terminal buildings have the normal range of facilities including ATMs, bureaux de change and information desks.

By ferry

Auckland’s popularity as a cruise stop is growing, and every year the city sees an increase in the number of ships calling in at Auckland Harbour. It is also used by many yachts, although the Tasman Sea and Southern Ocean are notoriously rough and act as a deterrent to many.

Auckland Airport

Auckland International Airport is located 15 miles from the centre of the city. The International Terminal handles most flights that arrive in New Zealand, and there are two domestic terminals connected by a shuttle bus. The airport is serviced by more than 25 international airlines and there are direct flights to and from the US, Australia, Europe and several cities in Asia.

Auckland airport transportation

The Airbus is the best value for transport to the city centre. It departs every 20 minutes between 06:20 and 22:00, and follows a fixed route into the city. Journey time is approximately 50 minutes. There are plenty of minibuses going to different suburbs, and most offer discounts to backpackers in possession of YHA or VIP cards. Taxis can also be found outside the airport terminal.