Auckland Airport is the largest international airport in New Zealand and is the arrival and departure point for most visitors to the country. Here are some tips and things to know that will make travel easier.
- Read more: New Zealand Airlines and Airports
Auckland Airport Location
The airport is situated approximately 12 miles (20 kilometers) from the center of Auckland City. It is on a large parcel of land adjacent to the Manukau Harbor on the west coast of the North Island.
Although much of the area around the airport was once farmland it is rapidly becoming filled with commercial developments. In fact the Auckland Airport business zone is one of the fastest growing commercial areas in New Zealand.
International and Domestic Travel at Auckland Airport
Auckland's Airport has two main terminals, one for international and the other for domestic travel. If you are arriving from overseas and are connecting with a local flight to somewhere else within New Zealand, there is a free shuttle which runs between the two terminals every fifteen minutes. The shuttle runs from 6am until 10.30pm every day, including weekends and public holidays.
Alternatively, walking between the two terminals is an easy ten minute walk.
Getting To and From Auckland Airport
There are several options for travel to and from Auckland City.
Bus
The Airbus Express is the most economical way to reach Auckland and is very convenient. It operates 24 hours a day, with departures every ten minutes during weekdays and every fifteen minutes at night and on weekends.
Tickets may be purchased in advance online from their website or from kiosks found in both airport terminal buildings. They can also be obtained from the bus driver although note that the driver is not able to accept credit card payments (cash only).
The trip takes around 45 minutes (allow longer for rush hour) and will stop for dropoffs on request.
The cost of a ticket is $16 one way or $26 return ($6/$12 for children).
Shuttle
There are a number of shuttles that operate from outside the terminal. These take about the same amount of time as the bus but have the advantage of providing a more direct route to your destination, although you may well share the vehicle with other people.
The cost is $26 for one person and $32 for two people.
Taxi
If you are traveling as more than two people a taxi can be a surprisingly economical alternative. It will also be much quicker; depending on the time of day it could have you arriving in Auckland city in as little as half an hour although you should allow at least twice that for rush hour travel.
The cost is usually in the region of $60-80.
Rental Car
There are offices for the major rental car companies at both the domestic and international terminals. There are a number of smaller companies which have offices nearby and which will either shuttle you to or from the airport or deliver the vehicle to you at the terminal itself. These smaller operators often provide very good rates and can be found using the information stands at the airport or by searching online.
To ensure the best rates and availability it is always wise to book in advance.
- Click here to visit Google Maps to view airport and obtain directions.
Facilities at Auckland Airport
Shopping including Duty Free.
Restaurants and Cafes
Showers: Free showers are available in the international transit area as well as in the main international terminal building.
Banks, Currency Exchange and ATM Machines
Car and camper van storage
Campervan park. If traveling by motorhome or camper van, a great option is to start or end your journey at this fully-serviced park. All of the sites have power and water and there are also toilets, showers, laundry and kitchen facilities available.
