Tips for navigating Auckland, New Zealand's biggest city

09.10.2023 - 18:53 / lonelyplanet.com

Straddling a narrow isthmus between two harbors, Auckland is New Zealand’s biggest and most cosmopolitan city, and getting around by public transport involves a jigsaw of different services on land and sea.

For locals, travel by car is the most popular option; this keeps the roads busy, so stay off the freeway system during the morning and afternoon rush hours. For visitors to the city, a combination of city buses, local ferries and the occasional short hop by rideshare, electric scooter or e-bike will deliver you to all of Auckland’s highlights.

Here's what you need to know about getting around in Auckland.

Auckland’s buses, trains and ferries are run by a collection of different operators, but the integrated AT HOP stored value card provides discounts of at least 20% on most buses, trains and ferries. It costs NZ$5 (US$2.95) to buy an AT HOP card, and you can then recharge the card as needed, with a NZ$1 (US$0.59) minimum.

The initial card cost is non-refundable, so it's really only worthwhile if you're planning an extended stay in Auckland. You'll need to tap in and tap out for each journey, but the total you'll pay for transport in a single day is capped at NZ$20 (US$11.79). The Auckland Transport website has a list of venues where you can buy and charge AT HOP cards.

Auckland Transport's extensive city bus system reaches most parts of this sprawling city, albeit with varying degrees of frequency and punctuality. The most important buses for travelers are the Link routes, which connect many sights in and around the center.

Green InnerLink buses loop around the inner city, stopping at many key destinations, including the Auckland Museum, the waterfront bars and restaurants of Viaduct Harbour, and the eating, drinking and shopping precincts of Ponsonby, Karangahape Road and Newmarket.

Orange-colored OuterLink buses will take you to the Auckland Zoo and MOTAT, Auckland's excellent transport and technology museum, while red CityLink buses are the best option if you plan on eating and drinking by the harborside in the Wynyard Quarter. CityLink buses are fully electric, with plans to electrify the entire fleet underway.

Bus fares start at NZ$1 (US$0.59) one-way on CityLink buses, or NZ$4 (US$2.36) on other routes. You'll pay around half this with an AT HOP card (and get free travel on the CityLink bus if you change from another AT HOP journey). Cash fares are not accepted on buses.

Tip for bus travel in Auckland: For an impromptu city tour, ride the InnerLink bus for brunch in Ponsonby, followed by an afternoon at the Auckland Museum, then have dinner and cocktails amongst the super-yachts at the Viaduct Harbor.

The Auckland Transport network also includes three train lines, mainly serving the city's eastern,