Auckland, New Zealand - City of a Thousand Lovers
Auckland
Auckland is the largest city in New Zealand, but is not the capital city - that title belongs to Wellington. Auckland is a culturally diverse city, where those outside of it tend to describe it as very “yuppie” and a “go-go-go” place.
Auckland is located on as many as 52 volcanoes. When you look around or are on top of a hill in Auckland, the chances are it is a volcano.
Travelers Arriving in Auckland
Auckland airport is a popular entry point for travelers visiting the country. If you’re staying for a few days or a few months, these tips will help you navigate this country a lot easier:
2Degrees phone service provider (like AT&T or Vodafone) offers in our opinion the best prepad sim card. Why you ask, because it allows you to hotspot to other devices, whereas other providers like Vodafone and Spark don’t offer this service at all.
If you don’t have a car in Auckland city then the public bus is the best way to get around. A single journey ticket will cost you minimum $5.50 (from outside the CBD), but we highly recommend you purchase an AT HOP card for $10 (non-refundable). Having an AT card will reduce the price of a single journey to $3.45. Check out the fares here.
If you do have a car, then understanding the parking rules are very important. We noticed that street parking normally came with a sign that said “P120” or similar. What on earth does that mean? Well, it means you have free parking for 120 minutes. Metered parking is typically free before 8am and after 6pm, but check the meter before you leave your car.
The Auckland CBD Walking Tour
The Walking tour that takes place in the mornings from the CBD (central business district), was one of the best things we did. The tour is free and the lady who volunteers her time to provide a wonderful experience to visitors is amazing. The tour takes about three hours and you learn so much about New Zealand, Maori, and the European settlers history. Website is here.
What else is there to do
Mt Eden is a lovely walk/hike. It doesn’t take long and on a clear day you get a great 360 degrees view of Auckland and its surroundings.
Ponsonby is the “hippsest” part of Auckland. Lots of cafes, bars, eateries, and shops. Ponsonby Road.
Mission Bay and Kohimaramama and St Heliers - walk along the waterfront is very pleasant.
We didn’t make it to Waiheke Island, but we’ve heard it is a must do, particularly in the summer months.
Sky Tower
Wynard Quarter / Silo Park / Auckland Fish Market (not a fish market anymore)
Auckland Art Gallery - apparently a great gallery
Albert Park
Devonport, across the harbour, either by car or by ferry. A lovely little seaside town -
Where to replenish with some grub
iPress Cafe near Mt Eden was pretty great. The upstairs has great vibes and a good place to get your laptop out and do some work or catch-up on life admin. It has free wifi, which not all cafes and coffee shops in Auckland have.
Portland Public house (food, drink, bar)
we ate at Corelli’s which was delightful - Devonport
Welcome Eatery
Little & Friday
Queenie’s Lunchroom
Mary’s
WiFi friendly cafes - website here. Note this list is dated, and as such Queenies Lunchroom (#1 on the list) does not offer wifi to customers anymore.