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Getting around Auckland

Public transport: 

The information service Maxx (tel: (09) 366 6400 or 0800 103 080; www.maxx.co.nz) provides integrated details on all public transport services. Alternatively pick up the Getting Around Auckland transport guide from the Britomart station.

Auckland’s bus network spreads its tentacles throughout the city and many services leave from the Britomart Centre. ‘The Link' (tel: (09) 373 9118; www.linkbus.co.nz) is a city centre loop-route bus convenient to explore the city. The Auckland Discovery Day Pass provides unlimited travel on almost all buses, trains and inner harbour ferries to the North Shore (including Devonport) for the day of purchase. Tickets are available for purchase upon boarding, at stations and at visitor centres. There is a free Auckland Busabout Guide available from newsagents and visitor centres, which lists routes and fares.

Auckland has a small, commuter metro service run by Veolia Transport Auckland (tel: (09) 969 7777; www.veoliatransport.co.nz), with three main lines, although it is of little value to tourists as it serves only the suburbs.You can buy all tickets and passes on the train (exact change is recommended) or more cheaply at the Britomart.

Taxis: 

There are several private taxi companies in Auckland, with ranks situated around the city. One of the biggest companies is the Auckland Co-op (tel: (09) 300 3000); Alert (tel: (09) 309 2000) or Corporate Cabs (tel (09) 377 0773). Taxis are metered and tipping is not expected.

Driving: 

A car is useful, because of the sprawling nature of Auckland and the fact that the roads are in good condition and fairly well signposted. However, the Downtown area gets very congested, especially in the morning and evening rush hours. Parking downtown can also be a problem. Central 24-hour car parks include Albert Street, Customs Street West and Beresford Street, near Karangahape (K) Road.

Car hire: 

All the major international car hire companies have offices in Auckland, as well as several domestic companies. Drivers must be over 21 years of age - some companies add on a hefty surcharge if the driver is less than 25 years. A valid national or international driving licence is required - in some cases, if the licence has been held for less than three to five years, an extra insurance excess may apply.

The best deals are usually available from mid-range domestic firms and money can be saved by booking a car upon arrival in New Zealand, rather than beforehand. The main car hire companies include Ace Rental Cars (tel: (09) 303 3112 or 0800 502 277; www.acerentalcars.co.nz), A2B (tel: (09) 377 0825 or 0800 222 929; www.a2brentals.co.nz), Avis (tel: (09) 275 7239 or 0800 284 722; www.avis.co.nz), Budget (tel: (09) 976 2270 or 0800 283 438; www.budget.co.nz) and Hertz (tel: (09) 256 8695 or 0800 654 321; www.hertz.com).

Bicycle hire: 

Cycling is popular in Auckland is a pleasant city in which to practise this pastime - away from the centre and the rush-hour traffic. A signposted cycle route runs for 50km (31 miles) along the waterfront and around the city. There are several bicycle hire companies, including Adventure Cycles, 9 Premier Ave, Western Springs (tel: (09) 940 2453; www.adventure-auckland.co.nz). The company also hires out bikes for a month-long period.

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