Auckland Region Travel Forum

we will get to auckland around 8AM and by the time we got through the security get our luggage and car, it will be maybe 10AM, we would like to go south of auckland first. but would like to get some groceries .... what is the good and closest grocery store near airport?
I checked in yellowpage online but not sure if they are good or not

Landora's Grocery Store
Pacific Merchant
Punjas (NZ) Ltd

Hi - I asking this for a friend who just moved to Hastings, New Zealand. She want to buy air tickets from Auckland to Nepal. Is there a website like Expedia that caters to New Zealand locals? Or can you provide info on some local travel agents? For some reason, if you search for tickets on Expedia or Travelocity, the fares are coming out to be USD 5K which is ridiculous.

Thanks!!

Hello, will be arriving in Auckland on Tuesday 5 October staying the night at the Rendevouz Hotel in Auckland, catching a bus at 8.00am following morning to Taupo. Does anyone know where we can get a good breakfast before catching the bus. Also on our return will be staying in Auckland on Monday 19 before flying out that evening. Are there still good fish and chip shops in K Road? Many years since I lived in Auckland, but would love to know where to get some decent fish and chips - kawahi, snapper, terakihi, grouper etc. (My maori spelling is way out of touch) Many thanks for your help.

Planning to visit Auckland İn January for 4 days.
Need advice for what to see.
Because of lefthand traffic we will not have a car.

Interested to see what we cannot see in Europe or USA.
Have seen some vulcanoes ,so only active are of interest to us.

In case South island is more interesting please advise ,we could change the destination to Christchurch or other.

My partner and I are heading to NZ on a cruise and will be in Auckland on Christmas day 09. This is our first trip.
I really wanted to go to a hangi for Chrissie lunch - so far, my research is yielding no results. Does anyone have any tips of where to search, who to contact - or indeed know of any?
Basically that is first preference for our Christmas. Second preference is anything fun that does not involve sitting on the boat for the day!
Thanks

Hi everyone,

Is there a bike trail in or near Auckland? We're looking for an easy trail that would be good for a leisurely Sunday morning bike ride.

Hey,

I’m arriving in New Zealand with two friends at the start of November and can’t wait! We are all going on working holiday visas and was wondering what is the best way of finding employment? We are arriving in Auckland and hoping to travel around! Any suggestions on good hostels, places to go, things to do would be much appreciated. Also anyone in New Zealand during this time that wants to meet up or travel some of the way with us would be very welcome.

Thanks in advance for any info,

Emma

Can anyone tell me the distance in km and time from Auckland airport to Takapuna Beach, by car and also the price for a taxi.
Thank you
from Tilleke - Belgium

Hi-We will be arriving in Auckland in October and staying for a month.
1) Where in Auckland should we shop for car travel stuff, such as a chilly bin, ice packs, a few items for cooking and eating such as plates, flatware, pots, and so forth? We would like to buy inexpensively, or resale. Is there a resale shop for travelers (there's a business idea) where travel/camping gear etc. can be recycled?
2)Does anyone have experience with car rentals at AKL? Is there any advantage to having a reservation vs just showing up? I am concerned that using some of the web based reservation services, that they don't seem to know about the ferry swap off in Wellington/Picton. If I reserve ahead, will I wind up paying more anyhow, in fees for the switch?
Thank you so very much. Can't wait to get back to NZ (it's been 32 years!!)

This is self serving, but due to an airline booking error for an upcoming trip from LAX to Auckland I have to choose between a Business Class booking on Qantas via Melbourne with a First Class return, and/or a First Class booking on Cathay Pacific via Hong Kong. Obviously, Hong Kong adds several (10?) hours to the itinerary - Have any of you flown either or both? If you have experience with either I'd appreciate your observations. Gosh...I don't have to decide until, uhmmm Monday. No pressure there.
Thank you!

Does any1 know where you can buy lonely planet/rough guides in auckland?

thanks

Hi, I am arriving 1045am in Auckland in mid Sept. Intending to fly domestic on Air NZ to Christchurch on a 1pm flight. Is it too rush? Cos the next flight is 340pm which is a long wait.

Hi everyone,

I received some great advice from you all last time I posted. I am coming to Auckland for a week in Septemeber with my 12 year old daughter and have decided to stay in a serviced apartment in the city. I will be catching the link bus out to Ponsonby daily so am considering renting an apartment in the Altitude Building in Kingston St near the Sky Tower, the cost is $599nz for the week. Can anyone tell me if this is a good choice for location and safety? Or any other suggestions for a serviced apartment that would be around that price or better still cheaper but still in the city centre close to the bus?

I appreciate any help you can give.
Regards, Michele

I have to be at the SCHOOL, Auckland University, 22 Princes Street next Friday to sit for an exam. I am not familiar with Auckland at all, so will appreciate your help with direction, etc.

I notice that one of the airbus' destination is Auckland University.

Question: Is this destination anywhere new the SCHOOL, Auckland University, 22 Princes Street?

Thanks, hear from you soon.

Sitting for CBAP exam

Hello everybody,

I will be travelling with a child, age 7, to Auckland 4-12 of August, I should be staying in the North Shore.

Till the 9 of August I will might have 3-4 hours free during the day

And 10-11 full days…

What would you suggest to see? Where to go?

Do I need to rent a car or I can use public transport?

Thank you very much

Hi all,

I am picking up my rental vehicle at Hertz on Victoria Street. Is this coveniently located? What are the hotels or service apartments (at least 4-5 stars) that are within walking distance from Hertz? I would like to book one nearby as I am only staying for a night before pick up early next morning. Don't want to spend too much time travelling. Thanks.

Hello, does anyone have any info or experience with the Ohane Stream Hot Springs ?
They have been rated as the best at http://www.nzhotpools.co.nz/ but I cannot find any photos or info.

Hu everyone,
My eldest daughter lives on Ponsonby Rd in Ponsonby Auckland and is expecting her first child in Sep'09. I live in Melbourne Australia and will be travelling over for a week with my 12 year old daughter when the baby comes. Can anyone recommend somewhere inexpensive to stay for a week? Unfortunately my daughter and her husband live in a tiny loft and can't accomodate us. I won't have a car so somewhere in Ponsonby would be good otherwise if we stayed in the City Central Hotel on the corner of Albert & Wellesley Sts in Auckland is there a bus that would take us to and fro to Ponsonby? Or any other suggestions on where we could stay that doesn't cost the earth but from where we could get to Ponsonby easily? I appreciate any advice and help that you can give me. Regards,
Michele.

coming to NZ on APril 29th and wondering which ATM to get the $$Kiwi from
I will have a Visa Debit Card OR can do with Cirrus Card.. Any help appreciated.. Thanks fellow travellers..
My fin. instution here told me today the fee to get cash is 2 per cent of the value of currency PLUS AUD4.00 per transaction.. wooooo

we are planning to go next year in march (is that a good month to go? not too crowded, weather still good and room and board will be cheaper).
we will be traveling north island this time only, and when we are done most of other places, we will be returning back to auckland, my question is should I return the car when I get back to auckland and just rely on buses to get around or.... is the bus fare expensive for 3 people? q adult and 2 seniors(I learned my parents will not get any discount since they are not NZ citizen even though they are over 65).

ty

Hi, I will be in NZ for 5 weeks in July/August, travelling with 2 teenagers. We will probably hire a campervan and do a trip from Northland to Canterbury. Is this feasible in a campervan or will it be too cold? Are the campsites open in winter? I have seen on the forum that some people have gone for the hire car/staying in cabins option, but I'm wondering if this is more suitable for a summer trip, would cabins be too cold in winter?
Does anyone have any special advice for a winter trip? Thanks! Gail

Aloha, from VT's newest member. I'm very impressed with this forum, had to become a member.
We are taking a cruise from Auckland, arriving at 6:30am and leaving around 6 pm. Your replies to the similar question gave us good idea what we can do. Thank you for that. However, I have a couple of questions. Since we arrive on Easter Sunday. we'd like to visit Anglican church in CBD if possible. Does anyone recommend any particular church? Also, any idea what to do with our @#%#luggages?

Hello all!

My wife and I along with our 4 month old son are heading to Auckland and the Auckland region for a bit next month (April).

We will be staying with family on Waiheke Island, though plan to spend a couple of days in Auckland city. Wondering if anyone may have some ideas of fun/interesting things to do with a 4 month old? Kelly Tarlton's looks interesting...is it pram/stroller accessable, or should we take the carrier?

We also plan on doing some shopping to take advantage of our dollar gain...any good places?...

Thanks!

Hi! Will be driving Auckland-Waitomo-Taupo-Rotorua-Coromandel-Auckland and had been googling car hires. Anyone had any experience (good and bad) with Apex Car Rentals?

Thanks...

Can anyone recommend a hotel for overnight before early flight 6 am.
Need Shuttle service and not expensive, Thank You very much

Hi there,

Need to know the cheapest airport transfer from auckland airport
to sky tower as my flight will be landing at 22.30 p.m.
How much does it cost?

What are the real must dos and sees in Auckland? I have just 2 days there, e will be driving around.
Thank you all in advance.

I'm looking for stores which sell plus size training clothes (sports clothes). Most shops only go to size 16 and these often look very small. Any help would be great!

Hey all. I am staying in Auckland next week (from the 6th-11th Jan 09). I am doing the final assessments for Jetstar cabin crew. Passing that I will be re-locating to AKL. Just wondering if any of you will be in Auckland at the same time and would like to meet up for a drink etc. Male or female it does not matter. I am not after a relationship more catching up with other backpackers while I am there. I am staying at the BK backpackers. Apparently there is a pub downstairs from that. Safe travels all!!

Traveling to Auckland to meet up with a cruise in March. Looking for a hotel (2 night stay) or BB close to
terminal. Also, how is the taxi service from the airport? Thanks!