If you’re coming to visit us here in New Zealand, there’s a good chance you’ll fly into Auckland International Airport. It’s the main gateway in and out of our little paradise and sits around 20km (12.4mi) south of the centre of Auckland.
That doesn’t sound too far, but anyone who has driven in a busy city will know that airport traffic can sometimes have other ideas! Add in driving on the opposite side of the road to what you’re used to, in New Zealand, we drive on the left, and it’s probably not the most relaxing way to begin your holiday after a long flight.
No one wants to arrive in New Zealand and then stand around wondering how to get to their hotel, so here are a few local tips from the MoaTrek team to get from Auckland Airport into the “big smoke”.
Catching a taxi from Auckland Airport
It’s still pretty spendy catching a taxi into central Auckland, with fares generally around NZ$60-NZ$105 depending on the taxi company, traffic and exactly where you’re staying.
We can definitely see the perks, though. After a long flight, sometimes you just want to sink into the back seat, leave spot-on when you’re ready and be delivered straight to your hotel lobby.
It’s a good idea to check the fare with the driver or taxi company before setting off, so there are no surprises at the other end.
At the international terminal, follow the signs from the arrivals area to the Transport Pick-up Zone outside Door 11. It’s only a short walk, and if you’re not sure where to go, just ask one of the airport team to point you in the right direction.
Uber from Auckland Airport
Uber operates from Auckland Airport too, so if you already have the app on your phone, this can be another easy option.
Prices change depending on demand, traffic, the type of vehicle you choose and where your hotel is, so have a quick look at the fare in the app before you confirm your ride.
Once you’re ready to go, follow the signs for rideshare pick-up. At the international terminal, Uber collects passengers from Lane 1 of the Transport Pick-up Zone outside Door 11.
Auckland Airport Super Shuttle
Super Shuttle is a shared door-to-door service, which makes it a handy middle ground between public transport and having a taxi all to yourself.
You simply book online, add your flight details, tell them where you’re staying and let them know how many people are travelling.
The fare is currently around NZ$35 for one person, plus NZ$8 for each extra person travelling in the same group. Some shared trips into central Auckland may work out at around NZ$20 per person when two people are travelling together, but it’s best to check the current price when you book.
Because it’s a shared shuttle, there may be a few stop-offs along the way while other passengers are dropped at their hotels. The smaller passenger numbers mean you shouldn’t be touring all of Auckland before reaching yours, though, and you can sit back and let someone else take care of the driving.
You can also book a private shuttle if you’re travelling with a bigger group – or you’ve simply had enough company after a long flight and need a little “me” time!
Super Shuttle leaves from Lane 2 of the Transport Pick-up Zone outside Door 11.
Public transport from Auckland Airport to the city
Aucklanders are pretty lucky when it comes to public transport, and there are a couple of ways to get from the airport into the city without taking a taxi.
The two main options are the SkyDrive coach, which travels directly into central Auckland, or Auckland Transport’s AirportLink bus, which connects with the train at Puhinui Station.
Public transport is a good choice if you’re travelling fairly light and don’t mind making your own way from the city stop or train station to your hotel.
SkyDrive coach from Auckland Airport
SkyDrive runs directly between Auckland Airport and central Auckland, stopping in Hobson Street near SkyCity and the Sky Tower.
Coaches generally run every 30 minutes, and the big advantage is that you don’t need to change buses or trains along the way. You can just stow your luggage, find a seat and enjoy your first look at Auckland as you head into town.
At the international terminal, SkyDrive leaves from Bus Stop E in the Transport Hub. You can book online before you arrive or pay the driver by card if there are seats available.
The only thing to check is how far your hotel is from the SkyCity stop. If it’s just around the corner, you’re all sorted. If it’s further away and you have plenty of luggage, a taxi or shuttle may be easier.
AirportLink bus and train
Auckland Transport’s bright orange AirportLink bus runs between Auckland Airport and Puhinui Station. From there, you can hop on a Southern or Eastern Line train heading towards central Auckland.
The whole trip into the city usually takes around 50–60 minutes, including the change at Puhinui Station. The AirportLink bus itself takes around 18–20 minutes from the international terminal to Puhinui, and buses generally run every 10 minutes.
There is room on board for your luggage, and at the international terminal, the bus leaves from Bus Stop A in the Transport Hub.
You can pay with a contactless debit or credit card, a compatible phone or smart device, or an AT HOP card so there’s no need to hunt around for the right change.
This is usually the cheapest way into the city, but it does mean changing from the bus to the train and then finding your way from the city station to your accommodation.
Before setting off, have a quick look at Auckland Transport’s Journey Planner or the AT Mobile app. That will show you the latest fare and timetable and let you know if there is any planned work on the train lines.
Picking up a rental car
If you’re feeling brave enough to get behind the wheel straight away, there are plenty of rental car companies operating at or near Auckland Airport.
Some have collection points at the terminal, while others will collect you and take you by shuttle to a nearby depot. Check the instructions in your booking confirmation so you know exactly where to go when you arrive.
Most rental companies allow you to book online before you leave home, so once you arrive, it should simply be a matter of finding the desk, signing a few things and collecting the keys.
Do keep in mind that we don’t recommend heading off on a long drive straight after an international flight.
Driving in a new country can feel a little overwhelming at first. Add jet lag, tiredness, unfamiliar roads and driving on the left to the mix, and things can quickly become more stressful than expected.
A much more relaxing option is to arrange transport to your Auckland hotel, enjoy a good night’s sleep and collect your rental car the next day.
Whenever you do pick up your car, make sure you have reliable navigation on your phone or in the vehicle, and take a few minutes to familiarise yourself with New Zealand’s road rules before heading off.
A few final tips before you arrive
It’s a good idea to have your transport from Auckland Airport to your hotel sorted before you land. It takes away the guesswork and means you can start your New Zealand holiday without worrying about what to do next.
Each transport service has its own pick-up point, so check your booking confirmation and follow the signs from the arrivals area.
If you do get a little turned around, don’t be shy about asking one of the airport staff for directions. We Kiwis are a friendly bunch and are always happy to help.
Still have questions about arriving in Auckland?
One thing our travellers often tell us is how much they appreciated being able to ask questions before they even left home. We love helping people get ready for their New Zealand adventure and are always happy to share a few local tips, whether you’re wondering about airport transfers, where to stay or what to expect when you arrive.
If there’s anything you’re unsure about, get in touch with our friendly team. We’re here to help make the start of your journey as easy as possible.
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