Auckland

Auckland is the largest and most populous city in the country. (It is not the capital though, Wellington is.). As a tourist city, it’s not one of New Zealand’s best. I found the city to be a bit ugly, sprawling, and sort of bland. There’s some good activities, food, and nightlife in Auckland. I wouldn’t write the city off but I wouldn’t spend a lot of time here as there are more exciting and more beautiful places in the country.

Typical Costs

• Hostel Prices: Dorm rooms range from $20-25 USD and private double rooms range from $50-60 per night.
• Budget Hotel Prices: You can find budget hotels for between $65-85 USD per night. If you go outside the city center, you can find rooms as cheap as $35 per night.
• Average Cost of Food: Budget meals, such as sandwiches, pizza, and fast food cost beween $5-12 while sit down restaurants cost around $20 USD. A week’s worth of groceries will cost between $40-50 USD.
• Transportation Costs: Bus fare ranges from $.50 for short trips to $10 around the entire city. The link bus on Queen Street runs every 10 minutes and costs $1.90. Train fares run between $1.40 – $9.10. The Auckland pass is good for one day unlimited travel on most all buses for $11 and a 3 day pass costs $20 USD. Bus passes cost $8 USD to purchase and can be topped up around the city and can also be used to purchase snacks and newspapers at certain retailers. HOP cards save around 10%. Ferries to Rangitoto and Waiheke cost $50 USD for an adult return ticket.

Top Things to Do

• Bungy Jump – One to the world’s first bungy jumps is operated by AJ Hackett, the man who created bungy jumping. Here you jump off the bridge into the harbor. If you want something higher, head down to Queenstown for the 143 meter Nevis jump.
• Explore the Hauraki Gulf – The gulf has an amazing array of sea life and activities. You can go scuba diving, boating, sailing, fishing, and whale watching.
• Sky Tower – This tower is 328 meters high and is the tallest in the southern hemisphere. It gives you panoramic views of the city and there is a revolving restaurant at the top. It’s also connected to the city casino.
• Otara Flea Market – Every Saturday, there is a large Polynesian and Maori market, full of clothes, food, and local items. You can get some amazing deals here as well as delicious food.
• Hang out on the Auckland Domain – This giant, beautiful park in the middle of Auckland. During the warm summer months, this place is filled with people running, playing sports, and just laying out. There are a lot of nice walks here and beautiful gardens.
• Auckland Zoo – This zoo has 150 animal species, 500 animals and a number of different habitats such as the Rainforest and Pridelands. Most people don’t normally visit zoos but they have a lot of wildlife from the region. It’s educational.
• Waitakere Ranges – Waitakere Ranges have impressive waterfalls and rugged but beautiful beaches. They are a popular day trip for locals, especially during the summer time when temperatures get really hot.
• Visit the north shore – Auckland’s main beach area is popular with locals and tourists alike. The nightlife here is also very active and you can even do some surfing. Every local will tell you this area is a “must see.”
• MOTAT – Also known as the Museum of Transport and Technology, this interactive museum is host to more than 300,000 items related to technology and transportation If you happen to be going to the zoo, you might as well stop here, as it is a few blocks away. Admission is $14.
• Kelly Tarlton’s Antarctic Encounter & Underwater World – Here, you can peer through the depths at an array of fish, stingrays, and sharks, which swim around you as you travel through a long transparent tunnel. Additionally, you can experience the Antarctic in their permanent winter exhibit.
• Howick Historical Village – This is one of those ‘living museums’ that really makes you feel like you are in another time. With staff dressed in costumes dating back to the mid to late 1800’s and speaking in peculiar accents, it’s fun and cheesy all at once.
• Waikumete Cemetery – This is the largest cemetery in the country. It is home to a number of heritage buildings, including the Corban family mausoleum. It is really interesting to walk around and the dates on many of the tombstones can be startling to really think about. If you happen to be here on the first Sunday of a month, guided tours are available at no charge.

Budget Tips

• Free wi-fi – Don’t pay for the internet. Go to McDonald’s and get it free.
• Visit backpacker bars – Going out in New Zealand can be expensive. The best way to save money is to visit the happy hours at the backpacker bars. They usually have $3 drink specials. Start here to save money.
• Watch cricket for free - You can watch cricket matches for free if you head to Victoria Park on the weekends and watch the amateur teams play.