Auckland - City Tour

Kia Ora:

We will be in Auckland for the day arriving by cruise ship (Solstice). Question: would it be easy for us to "do" Auckland on our own, i.e. Kelly Tarlton's and Sky Tower? What would be the cost incl. admission fees and transport to/from the pier?

Many thanks.

Larry & Ethel

Hi :)

Here are two links for you to look at which will help you with any plans you have while in Auckland. Please ask any questions you have after you look and I will try and answer them for you :)

http://www.skycityauckland.co.nz/Attractions/Skytower.html

http://www.aucklandnz.com/things-to-do

The easiest and cheapest way is to use the HO HO Red Bus. Walk out front of cruise berths turn left along the waterfront promenade and you will see a chunderous brick pile of a building masquerading as the World's ugliest Ferry Terminal . Just past this is the HO HO Red bus . Just alight at the attractions you like , pay the admissions and catch the next bus in the same direction till eventually you get back to the Ferry terminal on the Waterfront . There are HO HO bus stops at all the major attractions on the circular route .

Thank you very much for your good advice. After browsing through the Auckland City Guide, we think we will spend the day on our own, using the HO HO bus and go at our own pace, stopping at the venues of interest to us. Again, many thanks to all of you.

Larry & Ethel

We will be in Auckland for 4 nights Fri-Tues in mid January.

What area would be a good place to pick for a hotel that is convenient to public transportation or the HO HO bus?

Any near where the cruise ships docks. The closest is the Hilton, as ships docks besides it.

I agree. I would book something near the cruise ship terminal.

Keith

We will be in Auckland for 4 nights Fri-Tues in mid January.

What area would be a good place to pick for a hotel that is convenient to public transportation or the HO HO bus?

Hi Dennis. That's easy! A hotel in a brilliant location at a reasonable price is Copthorne Auckland Harbour City. It is just across the road, directly in front of where the bow of Diamond Princess will be when she is in port on Dec 28 2012* All rooms have harbour views. The HO HO (Auckland Explorer Bus) stops on the street outside, as does the Airport Shuttle Bus. The shops and restaurants are right there. Hilton would be great as well but really depends on your budget. Here is a link to a video of the Copthorne and the hotel's home page. http://www.millenniumhotels.co.nz/copthorneharbourcity/video-tour.html

Just be careful if you are booking this not to book Copthorne Auckland City. The one you want is Copthorne Auckland Harbour City (on Quay St)

Jen and Gary

*We also are on this cruise with you :) and have just posted on the thread.

We are arriving in Auckland next January 24th and spending one night at the Waldorf Celestion before getting the car rental to go to the Bay of Islands for three nights. We will then go straight to the Solstice. But, we have time before our room is ready to do some exploring. We will be severely jet lagged so need something simple. Perhaps being led would be better but could pick and choose on the HOHO. The Grayline tour is fairly short 2-3 hours. What are the definite must sees in this short day? Usually we go out on our own but are not sure our brains will function.

Suggestions or should we reserve a day room and skip Auckland and sleep?

Thanks.

Pearl

We are arriving in Auckland next January 24th and spending one night at the Waldorf Celestion before getting the car rental to go to the Bay of Islands for three nights. We will then go straight to the Solstice. But, we have time before our room is ready to do some exploring. We will be severely jet lagged so need something simple. Perhaps being led would be better but could pick and choose on the HOHO. The Grayline tour is fairly short 2-3 hours. What are the definite must sees in this short day? Usually we go out on our own but are not sure our brains will function.

 

Suggestions or should we reserve a day room and skip Auckland and sleep?

 

Thanks.

Pearl

I would not miss the opportunity for at least a few hours touring about Auckland. The HO HO bus makes tripping around easy and even if you are a bit weary from your flight you can make the trip as long or as short as you like. Also a few hours of sunshine will help reset your body clock to local time which will help you relax into your adventure.

Auckland (and indeed New Zealand) is an easy place to enjoy travelling about as the city is geared towards welcoming tourists and the locals are generally welcoming and friendly.

Last year after our cruise we did a spin around town on the HO HO bus and spent quite a bit of time at the museum which has an excellent collection of Maori wood carving and artefacts. It was a great and relaxing way to spend a half day.