Auckland
Pacific-lapped Auckland is perfect for water babies.
This waterside city has a strong pulse and a nautical twinkle in its eye. Its location on a thin stretch of the North Island, sandwiched between the Pacific Ocean and the Tasman Sea, is complemented by the lush subtropical forests of nearby hills and the volcanic terrains of nearby islands.
Fast Facts
population: 1200000
timezones: +12
daylight savings start: first Sunday in October
daylight savings end: third Sunday in March
currency name: New Zealand Dollar
currency symbol: NZ$
electricity voltage: 230V
electricity hz: 50Hz
electrical plugs: Australian-style plug with two flat angled blades and one vertical grounding blade,
areacodes:
09
Language Spoken: English official Maori official
Climate
Auckland's maritime climate ensures that temperatures never go to the extremes they would if the city were landlocked. Temperatures usually stay in the mid-20°s (high 70°Fs) in summer, and rarely fall near freezing in winter (June-August) - although the ground in some sheltered low-lying areas may at times receive a coating of frost. In summer the weather can become quite humid.
3 Day Forecast
Transport
overview
Auckland airport is 21km (13mi) southwest of the city centre and airport shuttles run to several accommodation places and Aotea Square in the city. A taxi will cost around 30.00.
The Britomart Transport Centre provides a hub where you can access buses, trains and ferries as well as general transport information. Because it is such a sprawling city, the car is king in Auckland. The place is crawling with car-hire operators.
If you're a cyclist, hire a bicycle and try the pleasant waterfront rides. Taxis are easy to hire from ranks or from the sidewalk. Ferries run between the city centre and various spots on the North Shore and the gulf islands.
bus
There is an excellent public bus service called the Link, which travels around the interesting areas of the city centre.
train
The Tranz Metro train service has three routes running from Britomart station: one to Waitakere and two to Pukekohe.
car
Some good deals can be had for long-term car hire, but be warned that the cheapest is not necessarily the best. Parking in the city can be a headache, too.
Airport
Auckland Airport is located approximately 23 kilometres from the city centre.The Qantas Club lounge is located at both the domestic and international terminals.
Map
Event Calendar
| 3 January - Jetsprint World Championships | 6 February - Waitangi Day |
| 28 February - Auckland Cup Week | 5 March - Auckland International Boat Show |
| 09 April - Royal NZ Easter Show | |
