Auckland

Auckland, New Zealand
Auckland is the largest and most populous urban area in the country with a population close to 1.4 million. (It is not the capital though!) Many people like Auckland, because it is so large. It is a large city full of buildings and business. As a tourist city, it’s not one of the best. I found it to be a bit ugly, sprawling, and sort of bland. 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 New Zealand.

New Zealand Travel Resources

Buying a Travel Backpack
Finding Cheap Accommodation
How to Find a Cheap Flight
Budgeting for New Zealand
New Zealand Backpacker Buses
My Favorite New Zealand Hostels
Waitomo’s Glow Worm Caves
Great Reasons to Visit New Zealand

Costs in Auckland

  • Hostel Prices: Dorm rooms range from $24 NZD-$28 NZD and private rooms range from $60 NZD to $80 NZD.
  • Budget Hotel Prices: You will be able to find budget accommodation from $75-$100 NZD per night. You can find cheaper accommodation the further outside the city center you get for as low as $40 NZD.
  • Average Cost of Food: Budget meals will range from $5-$15 NZD and mid range meals (sit down restaurant) will range from $15-$25 NZD. Cooking your own food will save you the most money. A week’s worth of groceries will cost between $50 -60 NZD. Cheap sandwiches places will cost around $6 NZD.
  • Cost of Internet: Internet is $3-5 NZD per hour depending. Most hostels and internet cafes use the company Global Gossip. McDonald’s has free wi-fi though.
  • Transportation Costs: Bus fare ranges from $.50 for short trips to $9.70 around the entire city.  The link Bus on Queen Street runs every 10 minutes and costs $1.60. Ferry service to the adjacent islands costs $5.20 each way or $9 round trip.  The 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 $25 NZD.

Things to Do in Auckland

  • Bungy Jump – One to the world’s first Bungy jumps is operated by AJ Hackett, who created bungy jumping. You jump off into the harbor. If you want something higher, head down to Queenstown for the 143 meter Nevis jump.
  • Hauraki Gulf – The gulf has an amazing array of sea life. You can go scuba diving, boating, sailing, fishing, and whale watching. There’s a lot to do and the water is turquoise blue and refreshing.
  • Sky Tower – This tower is 328 meters high and is the tallest tower in the southern hemisphere. You get panoramic views of the city and there is a revolving restaurant at the top or just go up for a drink and enjoy the view. It’s also connected to the casino.
  • Otara Flea Market – Every Saturday, there is a large Polynesian and Maori market, full of clothes, food, and local items. The market is a good way to experience a different side of Auckland and get some great deals too.
  • 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. At $14 admission, there is definitely more than enough to see and do for several hours. If you happen to be going to the zoo, you might as well stop here, as it is a few blocks away.
  • 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 for Auckland

  • 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 $2 NZD drink specials. Save money and then go to the other bars!