AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND
Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city, is home to more than one third of the entire country’s population. When you take into account its geographic position, it is not hard to see why so many people visit and live here. It is situated between two harbors, surrounded by fifty volcanoes, and widely considered the greenest city in the world! Need I say more?
Attractions:
Mount Eden Summit: Climbing up to the top will give you an amazing view of Auckland! The trek up is only 10-15 minutes, but if you want to start your walk from the city center, it will take 1 hour in total. You can start your climb from the western or eastern side of the mountain; it’s an easy walk from either direction!
Auckland Domain: This city park is in a volcanic crater and has many small, jungle-like trails throughout (Lover’s Walk, Duck Pond, Centennial Walk, etc.). It is a lovely change of pace from the buildings you will find in Auckland and a great space to spend a few hours. It is free to enter and open 24/7.
Auckland Harbor (a.k.a. Waitematā Harbour): The water is only a short walk from Auckland’s city center. There are plenty of places along the harbor to grab a drink, eat a meal, or relax and enjoy the view!
Sky Tower: Standing at 328m tall (1,076 feet), the Sky Tower is not only New Zealand’s tallest structure but it is also the tallest freestanding structure in the Southern Hemisphere! An entrance ticket costs $32 NZD ($23 USD) and gives you access to the viewing platform and Sky Café. In case that isn’t enough, you can bungee jump off the top for $225 NZD ($162 USD)!
Albert Park: My favorite city park in Auckland! Lounging here gives you one of the most magnificent views of the city. It is open 24/7, free to enter, and filled with lots of flowers and trees.
Hobbiton: Although I recommend spending time in Rotorua, as it is much closer to Hobbiton, you can purchase a round-trip day tour from Auckland. Tours leave at 10am and return at 8pm; pricing starts at $159 NZD ($115 USD).
Other things to do: Auckland War Memorial Museum, Cornwall Park & One Tree Hill, Rainbow’s End, Auckland Botanic Gardens, Weiheke Island, and Lion Rock.
Accommodation:
Queen Street Backpackers: This hostel is close to the city center and a great place to start your NZ travels! Via SkyBus, it is a 45-minute ride from the airport and costs $17 NZD ($12 USD) one-way. Get off at the “99 Queen Street” stop. The walk from QSB to the bus station is 12 minutes and the walk from QSB to the train station is 20 minutes.
Transportation:
Auckland’s main bus station is Auckland - Central; all buses below leave from here. The main train station is Auckland Strand Station; all trains below leave from here.
Hamilton is 1.5 hours by car from Auckland. The bus ride is 2 hours and costs $20 NZD ($14 USD). The train ride is 3 hours and costs $69 NZD ($50 USD).
Rotorua is 3 hours by car from Auckland. The bus ride is 4 hours and costs $34 NZD ($25 USD).
Paihia (Bay of Islands) is 3 hours by car from Auckland. The bus ride is 4 hours and costs $29 NZD ($21 USD).
Napier is 5 hours by car from Auckland. The bus ride is 7 hours and costs $48 NZD ($35 USD).
Wellington is 8 hours by car from Auckland. The bus ride is 11.5 hours and costs $37 NZD ($27 USD). The train ride is 11 hours and costs $139 NZD ($100 USD).
Auckland Airport (AKL) is 20km (12 miles) south of the city center and accessible via bus, shuttle, or taxi.
Bus: The ride via SkyBus is 45 minutes and costs $17 NZD ($12 USD); tickets can be bought on board.
Shuttle: The ride via SuperShuttle is 40 minutes and costs $35 NZD ($25 USD); shuttles must be booked in advance.
Taxi: The ride is 25-30 minutes and costs $50-$90 NZD ($36-$65 USD) depending on the time of day.
