What Can I Do In Auckland For the Day?
by Julie
(Vancouver, Canada)
Hi Gail
I have twelve hours in Auckland on my way home. What can I do in Auckland for a day? I have never been there before, so it will all be new.
I'd really appreciate any suggestions.
Many Thanks
Julie
Hi Julie
You should get an overview of Auckland in day, although you will need to allow at least an hours travel time each way,to and from the airport. Also your check in time will be 2-3 hours prior to departure. So you don't have a great deal of time, depending on the time of day you arrive.Our traffic can be chaotic especially at peak times.
Take a bus or shuttle into the city centre.There are Maxx buses that will take you to the city .It will cost $22 return.You could take a taxi, but that will be quite expensive.At least $50-55.
My Suggested Itinerary:
1)Start by going up Sky Tower for a good view if the weather is fine.
2)Have a look around the waterfront and Viaduct Basin area.
3)The Maritime Museum is very interesting,and it is right on the waterfront.
4)You might enjoy taking the ferry to Devonport and back.(From the Ferry Building just along from the Maritime museum. That would take about 40 minutes.You may want to spend a little time looking around Devonport or perhaps take the horse and cart tour from outside the ferry building.
5)Alternatively, take a bus out to St Heliers. It goes around the waterfront, and this would give you a bit of a look at Auckland city.
6)You could get off at Kelly Tarlton's Aquarium, which is great, and take an hour here. You could also catch the free link bus and do the circuit for a quick look.
7)If you wander up Queen Street to Wellesley St you can turn left and you will come to the Art gallery,which is on the corner of Albert Park.The next road, Princes Street will take you along the top of the park.Look at the Clock Museum in the little historic house on the corner of the park if it is open.It is free, and has a delightful selection of clocks, and antiques donated by a collector. Then go back down into the city through the park.
8)If you don't want so much walking, there are buses that do a circuit to the
- Auckland Museum
- Parnell Village
- Parnell Cathedral
- Victoria Park Market
ect. You can get on and off as you want. You would need a pass for those.
You won't fit all this in. Pick which appeals most.The weather will help you decide!
NOTE: Maxx buses now go to and from the airport regularly for $22 return.
ANOTHER NOTEYou may like to check with the bus driver taking you into the city, which bus he suggests is best for you to return to the airport on, as he will know what the traffic will be like at that time of day.
I hope this is helpful,
Have a great day in Auckland
Gail
