car hire auckland
Pick up your hire car at Auckland airport and get ready to explore a city literally created by a volcano. Book car hire Auckland now
the 60-second guide to Auckland
in its own head
"Forget Wellington - or anywhere in Australia. If you want quality of life and culture against the backdrop of breathtaking scenery, we're the southern hemisphere city to head for!"
but more realistically
Yep, it doesn't get much better than Auckland, and while its nightlife can't really rival that of the bigger Australian cities, it more than compensates with its laid-back lifestyle and incredible setting.
the vibe
Voted the city with the fifth best quality of life in the world by The Economist, the vibe is a happy one, as you can imagine.
the natives
A happy multi-ethnic mix of those of European descent, Pacific Islanders, Maoris and Asians - all very welcoming to tourists.
the weather
From January to March it stays nice and warm, averaging in the mid-20s, while winters are pretty mild and damp.
the local speciality
Obviously, being an island, seafood is hugely popular, especially fused with Asian flavours. Like the British, they're also very fond of fish and chips.
the celebrity
The legendary Kiwi rugby player Jonah Lomu comes from South Auckland.
did you know?
Auckland is known as The City of Sails because there are so many yachts in the harbour - typicallly around 135,000.
they say
"Wherever you stay in Auckland, you're never far from breathtaking scenery, beautiful beaches, invigorating walks, idyllic holiday islands, outstanding food and wine, great shopping and exciting nightlife." - www.aucklandnz.com
5 to see in town...
There are over 700 exotic butterflies flying freely around this attraction, which also boasts tropical fish, birds and lizards.
where to park?
Butterfly Creek has its own free visitors' car park.
5 to see in town...
Every great city has a massive tower and this is Auckland's. At 328 metres it's the tallest free-standing structure in the southern hemisphere. You can ride most of the way up in a vertigo-inducing glass-fronted elevator and even jump off it, bungee-style.
where to park?
Discounted on-site car park rates are available with the purchase of a Sky Tower ticket. You're looking at NZ$3 per hour.
5 to see in town...
There are over 100 animals at this impressive zoo, including the kiwi bird, New Zealand's national symbol.
where to park?
There are two large, free car parks at the zoo for visitors.
5 to see in town...
Don't be put off by the 'Mount' bit, this isn't nearly as gruelling to climb as its name suggests. But it's still a fantastic volcanic crater with great views over the city.
where to park?
There's a free car park at the summit or, if you fancy walking up, try the Auckland City Council parking area at the intersection of Mount Eden Road, Symonds Street and New North Street. It costs NZ$3 for half an hour.
and 4 to drive to...
- 1. Rangitoto Island
- 2. Waitomo Caves
- 3. Botany Town Centre
- 4. Kelly Tarlton's Antarctic Encounter and Underwater World
Home to the largest volcano in the area, this is one of the iconic sights of New Zealand.
how to get there?
Head down to Waitemata Harbour and park your hire car. The ferry crossing over to the island should take around 45 minutes.
and 4 to drive to...
- 1. Rangitoto Island
- 2. Waitomo Caves
- 3. Botany Town Centre
- 4. Kelly Tarlton's Antarctic Encounter and Underwater World
A cave complex with a difference. If you look upwards as your boat drifts along the underground river you'll see thousands upon thousands of glowworms doing what they do best, glowing.
how to get there?
Head south out of Auckland on the SH1. It will take about three hours to drive to the Waitomo Caves.
and 4 to drive to...
- 1. Rangitoto Island
- 2. Waitomo Caves
- 3. Botany Town Centre
- 4. Kelly Tarlton's Antarctic Encounter and Underwater World
If you need an unadulterated fix of shopping, head here, the largest outdoor shopping centre in the southern hemisphere.
how to get there?
Take the SH1 out of Auckland, turning left onto Ellerslie Panmure Highway. It should take about 30 minutes to get there.
and 4 to drive to...
- 1. Rangitoto Island
- 2. Waitomo Caves
- 3. Botany Town Centre
- 4. Kelly Tarlton's Antarctic Encounter and Underwater World
If the name of this place hasn't snared you already, then it's really hard to know what will. It boasts penguins, stingrays, sharks and much more.
how to get there?
Go east over Tamaki Drive into Orakei. It's only about 10 minutes from downtown Auckland.
ask a Auckland cabbie!
Local taxi driver Hoang Long on car hire in Auckland: "There's a fair bit of space in New Zealand, so I'd always recommend hiring a car. Right in the centre of Auckland finding a parking space can sometimes be tricky, so I'd advise parking in one of the municipal car parks rather than trying to find somewhere on the street. But most of the tourist attractions have their own visitors' car parks so you shouldn't have many problems."