Travel Answers

hi there, just wana know someone could tell me what to do in auckland airport im stuck there for 12hrs for my next flight to hongkong.

Hi Mates! i'm going to NZ in a few mouths and i'd like to know about opportunity of jobs? someone can help me? thank you

Hi will be in Auckland for 3 full days probably staying at Hilton on The Quay for the first night 25/4 arriving late and was thinking aboout the following.....
26th - Spend the day Auckland - sightseeing possible ferry ride
27th - Hire a car and drive to Lake Taupo taking in some sights on the way (?) Stay over night Lake Taupo - Hilton or other suggestions welcome - Drive time from Auckland to Lake Taupo is it 4 hours or less..what are the roads like
28th - Drive back to Auckland for late afternoon drop off of car - what to see on the way ? Overnight Hilton
29th - Have the morning to see some more of Auckland before we depart at 3.00pm for Melbourne
I would really welcome some ideas, this is a quick trip due to some cheap fares but am keen to see some lovely scenery and we will come back again. Had also thought about driving North of Auckland and staying overnight but not sure of what to see or where to go..and need to ensure that hire car can cope.
Lake Taupo for some reason sounds lovely and I think it is the Lake featured in the series Top of the Lake

Look forward to hearing from you and thanks

If I only spend a few days in auckland, do I need to hire a car?

We're staying at the Great Posonby ArtHotel our first two nights in New Zealand. Would love a few tips for nearby restaurants. Especially locally-owned, low-key spots where we can ease into the NZ experience. Extra points if they have seasonal menus and use local ingredients! Thanks in advance!

What is a popular restaurant review site for the Auckland area to find a place to eat? I seldom have lamb for dinner but where is a good place to have lamb in the central area of Auckland?

Our trip to New Zealand will originate in Huntsville, AL (HSV). We'll take one of the US airlines from HSV to LAX to connect with ANZ onward to AKL. US airlines don't use LAX Terminal Two -- ANZ's terminal -- so a terminal change is unavoidable. Could someone please advise us if we can check our baggage through from HSV to AKL, thereby avoiding having to claim it in LAX and endure TSA's Full Monty again at LAX? Thanks, Fritz

1. I've looked at the " international arrivals" schedule for Auckland and it seems that there are quite a few big planes landing between 0500 and 0600. How does NZ customs and immigration handle such a big surge? 2. I've looked at the local hotel web sites and it appears that their check-in times are all in the mid afternoon. What's a tired visitor arriving on a 12-hour duration flight at 0530 supposed to do to in the interim?

Ok i get to Auckland in October, i have found some cheapish hostels that arent in the centre as i like the quiet e.g. http://www.lantanalodge.co.nz (60 St Georges Bay Rd Parnell, Auckland 1052) Not sure what around the area??!! - However i haven't got a clue what is the must see's in the area. Im going to try working as soon as i can until after xmas, when i have worked enough ill be able to go back to places ive missed but in the week or two so i have spare i would like to get as much in as possible. Any suggestions where to start?

Hi we are wondering which are good recommended backpackers in Auckland, to stay in while we sort out work and accommodation. Hoping for something central to everything with a private twin room. Cost is not the main concern. Thanks!

Auckland - Rotorua - Waitomo Cave - Waitakere Range & West Coast - Auckland Thank you.

Do you know: 1)Does Fuller's operate on Christmas day from GBI to AKL 2)if so, what is the earliest departure from GBI to Auckland 2)cost of the ferry? I am hoping someone know this from experience; Fuller's website just says "Sailings to Great Barrier Island have now finished for the season."

Where can I rent a car on Christmas Day in Auckland? I prefer NOT from airport rentals to save money. Thank you!

Arrive AKL Dec. 23 14:40pm Leave AKL Dec. 30 21:00pm Places we want to see: Outside Auckland List #1 (repeatedly mentioned by VT contributors) Bay of Islands Devonport Great Barrier Island Hauraki Gulf Rangitoto Rotorua Tiritiri Matangi Waiheke Island Waitakere Ranges West Coast List #2 - Coromandel Tauranga/Mount Maunganui/Papamoa Beach These are mentioned here and there on VT, are they worth going? In Auckland city: List #3 Auckland Musuem (and Maori Cultural show) Kelly Tarlton Mt Eden One Tree Hill Parnel Sky Tower Viaduct Harbour Tamaki Drive Yachting on Auckland harbour War Memorial Museum Museum of transport and technology Albert Park Cornwalk Park French market Queens street Victoria Market City Farmers Market Questions: 1. Is everything closed on Christmas holidays, if so, which places on List #1 are not affected by Christmas closing; or conversely, Auckland has more to experience because of the holiday? 2. Which place(s) on List #1 offer better experience if stay overnight 3. We plan to have accommodation in Parnel suburb, considering the accommodation location, places on List #1 and #3, would you suggest an itinerary that takes advantages of a hired car and the public transportation on days when we don't hire a car. Or do we need a car the whole duration? 4. What places, admissions to these places need advance booking 5. Do we fill the trip too tight or do we have room for more, if so, what are missing on the list but should be there? Thank you very much.

I'll be in Auckland for a few days in early June and I am wondering if it is worth it to go up to the Bay of Islands for a few days? Is there much to do up that way other than beach-y stuff? Would it be worth seeing in the winter?

Where can I change NZ currency in New Zealand? Banks or money changer?

I will be taking ferry to Waiheke, should be 99 Quay Street. Where can I park? How much will it be?

Should I bring a waterproof jacket or windproof cum water repellent jacket? Will there be alot of rain at that period? Will be exploring Rotorua, Tongariro Pk, Waitakere ranges etc..

I will be staying in Auckland for 3 nights in Early June, 3 adults. As I have tight budget, will prefer to get a motel/ Inn for130 and below. Any suggestions are greatly appreciate. 1. Prefer to have free parking/ Internet. 2. Not too far away from City, easy accessibility. 3. Room suitable for 3 adults, proper bed not sofa bed (1 Queen + 1 single etc) 4. Kitchenette will be a bonus but not necessary 5. Air conditioning Thank you!

I'll be returning to NZ (Auckland) after nearly 10 years away, i've been doing the usual reserch you do be for going anywere but im stuck with one very importent question, where can you go to get a good breakfast!!!! im talking about the queen st, area? any tips much app'ed. ta.

We will be arriving by cruise ship in Auckland on Feb. 6 which I read is Waitangi Day. Is this a national holiday? Will companies be closed? I will be using public transportation and a car hire company, do you think they will be operating as normal? Thank you

Hi all, Need advise please for hotel selections in CBD Area. I am looking for a place that is close to queen streets and city area major attractions. I have narrowed down my selections to 4 places: - Mercure auckland windsor at customs street - Auckland city oaks at hobsons street - Auckland city hotel at hobsons street - City Lodge at vincent street Much appreciate any advise on which hotel will be best for me to stay in from the above. Any additional recommendation for hotels with price range of NZD 100- NZD 150/night would also be welcome. Many thanks before hand.

I saw in the forum a couple of months ago re a ferry trip to Coromandel. Where does this ferry depart from and approximately how often? Thanks.

hello there, I dont know this question related with travel or not I think more or less its related, Actually I am planning to take course at Manukau Institute of Technology,Auckland and this course is for one year,so anybody from newzealand can tell me about this institute.Is it good or bad??? I have been to their website its all looks fancy on it.But as I have not seen this institute physically and I have my share of doubt. so any advice is welcomed and appreciated. thx in advance

Any recommendations on the best area in Auckland to stay that's conducive to nightlife like bars and clubs, but also conducive to nice lounges, restaurants etc.? Viaduct Harbour/Inner City? Karangahape Road/Ponsonby? I'm coming to New Zealand a few days before New Years. Not too concerned about proximity to typical tourist attractions and events since I'll take public transportation/taxis during the day.

Hi. I will be in Auckland for Foo Fighters concert in Dec. How to go to Western Spring Stadium using public transport? Approximately how much time does it take? Thanks.

Hi, I will be arriving in Auckland airport in November and need to get to Tauranga which is about a 2-3 hour drive South, is there any public transport heading that way or if I hire a car, where would be the nearest place to drop it off when I get to Tauranga as I wouldn't need it after that? Thanks

My wife & I are arriving Auckland 22nd Oct,2011 for an 8 week holiday of a life time (recently retired). We will pre-book a campervan for pick-up on arrival, initially for 1 week & head to Northland. Then looking to swap campervan for car on return to Auckland and continue on our way. Depending on campervan experience we may wish to change back to van when on South Island before flying back to UK from Queenstown. We want the use of bicycles throughout the trip. Qs:- - How would you rank, say the top 6 campervan fleets for quality & flexibility (swap-over dates)? - Where best to buy 2nd hand bikes in Auckland (hiring could be expensive for 7-8 weeks)? - Any comments re: campervan vs car+accommodation whilst in Northland would be appreciated.

Hi All, I'll be traveling in Auckland on sept for three months. I'm wondering what kind of clothes to bring for the trip. I'm coming from Turkey and from mediterrienean sea side. so am not very used to cold weather, but do I need to bring gloves, scarves, thick sweaters, the whole deal? How's the weather there right now?

We are hoping to travel to Auckland at the end of September as we have tickets for a match. We are travelling from London on standby tickets so won't know if we will make it until we get there. If we do make it we would prefer to hire a campervan than stay in a hotel. Does anybody know how busy Auckland is expecting to be? Will all accommodation be sold out or will we have a chance of hiring something last minute? The other thing I was wondering - Sydney had the rugby ball on the bridge, Paris on the Eiffel Tower - what is Auckland planning to do? Many thanks