There are a number of public transportation options offered in Auckland, making it easy to get around the city via bus, train, taxi, ferry and car. Buses are the most common way of getting around the city, Link bus operates bus service on board red, green and yellow color buses, they run such a frequent service that a timetable is not required, find the corresponding color bus stop and wait for the right colored bus.

CityLink is the red bus that runs through the city center and links with the waterfront tram, trains, ferries and bus links connecting Wynyard Quarter, Queen Street and Karangahape Road. They run Monday through Saturday every 7 – 8 minutes from 6:25 am to 11:25 pm and on Sundays and holidays every 10 minutes from 7:00 am – 11:20 pm. Fares are approximately $NZ1 per adult and $NZ0.50 for children.

InnerLink is the green bus taking you around the inner city operating from Britomart Train Station out to Parnell, through Newmarket and along Karangahape Road, past Victoria Park and back the Britomart Station past Sky City. They run Monday through Friday approximately every 10 minutes from 6:30 am – 11:00 pm and on the weekends every 15 minutes from 6:30 am – 11:00 pm.

The NiteRider is the late night bus offered on Friday and Saturday nights from 1:00 am – 3:40 am (Saturday and Sunday mornings) buses depart from Customs Street and travel via Civic, James and Queen Street and Karangahape Road.

Taxis are readily available in the city and can be hailed from the street or booked by phone. All taxis are metered and prices vary between companies. A cheaper more convenient option is Uber and Zoomy who both operate in Auckland, order a ride through your smartphone for pick up and drop off at exact locations requested in the app. Both services can be half the price of a regular taxi and payment is made directly through your phone.

The AT HOP is a travel pass offered in the city that can be used on all Auckland buses (except AirBus Express), trains and Fullers inner harbor ferries (Not Waiheke). Tickets cost approximately $NZ10 with a minimum of $NZ5 top up amount. On buses, the card readers are blue and found adjacent to the doors, tap on when you board and tap off when you depart. On the trains and ferries, the card readers are on the platforms.

For more information on public transportation, timetables, and ticketing visit www.at.govt.nz

Trains run throughout the city and are a great way to get out and see the rest of New Zealand. The main train station in the city is located at Britomart Transport Center on the corner of Queen and Custom Street in the CBD. Trains run along the Southern, Eastern and Onehunga Lines connecting with Papatoetoe Train station.

The Overlander train goes from Auckland to Wellington which is a 423-mile journey offering passengers spectacular views of the coastline, mountains, and pastures, the journey costs approximately $NZ120.

For more information visit www.kiwirailscenic.co.nz.

Although there are many forms of public transportation offered in Auckland, You may wish to travel to some of the outlying remote areas of New Zealand which would make a car a necessity. A car will give you the flexibility to travel to the areas that cannot be reached by buses or trains. There are several rental car companies available at the airport and in downtown Auckland. Although roads can be congested in the city during rush hour just like any other city the driving in Auckland is relatively easy to drive in, they drive on the left-hand side of the road, the streets are wide with plenty of parking options.

Parking in Central Auckland is offered at several parking garages at the rate of approximately $NZ3 an hour with a maximum of $NZ24 a day. Here is a list of the locations around the CBD. There is also open-air and street parking available with on-street parking using a pay and display payment method costing around $NZ4.50 an hour for the first two hours. Parking charges normally apply 7 days a week from 8 am to 10 pm.

Downtown – Customs Street West, CBD.

Civic – Greys Ave and Mayoral Drive, CBD.

Victoria – 30 Kitchener St, corner Victoria St East and Kitchener St.

Fanshawe St – 72-100 Fanshawe St, CBD.

Upper Queen St – 20 Upper Queen Street.

Auckland is a major cruise port of call with the main cruise terminal located in the CBD by Britomart Station on Queens Wharf. Ferry services run from Queens Wharf to Hauraki Gulf and Waiheke Island.

The downtown and CBD areas of Auckland are compact enough to walk around; even walking from the CBD to downtown is only about a 10-minute walk. Auckland offers its visitors a wide range of stunning scenery ready to be explored, from the beaches to the countryside and the downtown area, you can enjoy many different options for walking and hiking in the area. On Rangitoto Island you can climb to the top of a dormant volcano, Waitakere Ranges offers rugged beaches and pristine forests, walk around the city and visit historical sites or do the coast to coast walk crossing the entire width of the country! There are thousands of walking trails and hiking tracks provided for you to get out and enjoy the beautiful city.

New Zealand is one of the safest travel destinations in the world and Auckland is a safe city for tourists. However, as in any city in the world tourists may be a target for pickpockets and crooks on the city streets, especially around Karangahape Road, Queen Street, Fort Street and High Street which are popular areas for nightlife and drinking in the city, keep your wits about you and take a taxi back to your hotel, so you are not a target for thieves. Use common sense precautions and keep your valuables safe and secure and stick to well-lit and well-populated routes when out late at night.

The vibrant city of Auckland offers visitors a world class shopping experience, from department stores to designer boutiques and farmers markets to flea markets there are several areas worth checking out if you are looking to shop.

The iconic area of Queen Street features some of the best souvenir shops in the city, situated in a beautiful setting along the harbor, with cobblestone streets and some of the best fashion boutiques around town.

Ponsonby Road is packed with designer retailers; Karangahape Road offers a wide variety of shopping options including vintage, streetwear and high-end fashion stores and specialty stores in the CBD.

The charming village of Devonport is great for vintage finds, and one of the best books stores in Auckland.

La Cigale Markets offers some great markets on the weekends offering some of the best food around be sure to try fresh bread, French cheeses, pastries, and honey.

The units of currency in New Zealand are the New Zealand dollar $, $NZ or $NZD, sometimes referred to as the `kiwi` or `buck`. US dollars are not accepted. Please be sure to have the correct currency on hand or be prepared to exchange your dollars for New Zealand dollars ($NZ) upon arrival. Currency exchange desks can be found at the airport and many locations throughout the city.

For more detailed information, consult our guide to tipping in the New Zealand by clicking here NZ

There is a 15% Goods and Service Tax (GST) that is applied to everything in New Zealand. Good and services include the GST and you should not be charged extra at checkout, for international travelers there is a tax refund available for items purchased over a certain amount, upon departure you will fill out the necessary paperwork and be refunded the 15% if applicable.

Located in the Southern Hemisphere the seasons in New Zealand are the complete opposite of those in North America with the warmest months occurring from September through April offering pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds. Temperatures range in the mid 50`s to high 60`s during October with December through February being the hottest months of the year with average daily temperatures of 74 degrees. The weather in Auckland is warm most of the year enjoying a warm climate due to the coastal location making it the perfect location to enjoy the beautiful beaches and outdoors.

Auckland is packed with major events throughout the year including concerts, festivals and sporting events. The Devonport Food and Wine Festival is held in late February near Ferry Wharf, Auckland Arts Festival, and Auckland Anniversary Day Regatta featuring `The City of Sails` an annual sailing event held in late January.

Auckland features world-class cuisine from a melting pot of cultures along with a spectacular selection of wines from Auckland`s internationally renowned wine regions. The city offers a wide variety of cuisine from around the world including Mediterranean, French, Italian, Japanese, Chinese and Middle Eastern flavors as well as the freshest seafood the area is famous for, due to its coastal location. Some of the traditional local favorites include burgers, roasts and fish and chips all of which are made from the freshest local ingredients.

Auckland is wine country! The region is home to some of New Zealand’s oldest established vineyards and wineries. Most of which are located on the east coast which is the drier side and in the Waitakere ranges. The area is best known for producing Bordeaux style wines, Cabernet`s and Chardonnays. One of the best area`s is located about a half hour`s drive south from Auckland in the City of Clevedon, a premium wine district. There are more than 30 wineries located on Waiheke Island.

Auckland is known as New Zealand`s best night out! Offering its visitors a wide variety of vibrant nightlife options, the bar scene is spread across four particular areas such as Ponsonby, Parnell, Viaduct and Princes Wharf and Karangahape Road (K Road). Here you can find street bars, cafes, restaurants, and nightclubs all around the city, along with pubs, upscale bars, and a world-class casino. The area is famous for its live music featuring live bands playing indie, rock, blues and Irish music. Most places stay open late on the weekends, but tend to close around midnight during the week (Sunday – Tuesday), on the weekends some nightclubs are open until 4 am!

The official languages spoken in New Zealand are English and Maori and in 2006 it was the only country in the world to declare sign language (NZSL) as an official language.

In the case of emergencies dial 111 for the police, ambulance or fire services.

Auckland City Hospital tel. 64 9 307 4949