Making the most of Auckland
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
With 1.7 million residents, Auckland is New Zealand's largest city.
Ships berth at Queens Wharf Shed 10 or, on occasion, Princes Wharf. Both have air bridges and lie within an easy 5-minute walk of the city centre, while taxis are normally waiting beside the pier.
Auckland's harbour contains numerous fine yachts, among them vessels used in the America's Cup race.
A taxi journey between the central cruise berth and the airport takes from 30 to 60 minutes.
A hop-on, hop-off bus operates in Auckland, but does not return to the port, so plan the journey accordingly.
Life beside the water has shaped Aucklanders' close relationship with the sea and given the city its "City of Sails" nickname.
Auckland combines a strong Indigenous Maori inheritance with South Pacific and Asian cultures, giving its people a distinctly Polynesian rhythm. This mixture is reflected in the broad range of dining and shopping.
A mild climate, varied activities and convenient access to the coast consistently place Auckland within the top five cities in international lifestyle surveys.
Options include a guided city walk led by the local iwi (tribe), a visit to Auckland Museum, or the Otara and Avondale weekend markets, filled with the tastes, sounds and scenes of the South Pacific.
The Auckland skyline is difficult to picture without Sky Tower. For more than 24 years, this impressive structure, standing 328m high, has risen as a city landmark enjoyed by residents and visitors.
Auckland's most dramatic man-made landmark is the Harbour Bridge, sweeping over Waitemata Harbour to connect the city with the rapidly developing North Shore. The city's cosmopolitan outlook also supports excellent dining for sophisticated tastes.
Kelly Tarlton's Aquarium includes the Antarctic Encounter, home to New Zealand's only sub-Antarctic penguins and a rare chance to observe them at close range in an icy habitat. From the penguins, visitors continue into Stingray Bay to see giant stingrays, then descend into the Underwater World and its rich selection of species from New Zealand's coastal waters.
Film enthusiasts can explore WETA Workshop Unleashed in Auckland, described as New Zealand's ultimate movie experience.
Getting around
The Explorer Bus offers a hop-on, hop-off service and calls at the pier.
For central Auckland, City LINK is the simplest transport. Bright red buses run from the redeveloped Wynyard Quarter along Queen St, climb to K-Rd and return down Queen Street, making them easy to recognise. The maximum adult cash fare is $1.00.
A ferry crosses to Waiheke Island, where there are pleasant areas for walking.
A varied choice of harbour cruises is available, and every one departs from the Ferry Building.
Nearby places
Auckland occupies a narrow isthmus between the glittering Waitemata and Manukau harbours. Rainforest covers nearby hills, dormant volcanic cones punctuate the terrain, and holiday islands lie across the broad Hauraki Gulf. Waiheke Island and Great Barrier Island are two of the finest island escapes.
Devonport combines heritage architecture, striking scenery and fine beaches in an attractive seaside village. A ferry from Auckland's CBD reaches it in only 10 minutes, making a visit straightforward.
Food and shopping
Parnell and Ponsonby offer distinctive boutiques and antiques daily from 10am to 10pm. For an Indigenous purchase, visit the Tongan Church on Saturday morning, where excellent bark cloth is sold at good prices.
Auckland's growth as an international study destination has brought a rapid increase in ethnic businesses, particularly Asian-style places to eat.
Money
New Zealand uses the New Zealand dollar, although a small number of traders, especially in tourist areas, take foreign currency. The approximate conversion given is US$1=NZD1.30.
Automatic teller machines (ATMs) are known locally as 'the hole in the wall' and can be found in almost every town.
Staying connected
New Zealand's official languages are English, Maori and New Zealand Sign Language. English is used universally and follows Commonwealth, or "British", spelling.
Dial 111 for an emergency in New Zealand.
Plenty of free Wi-Fi services are available in the city centre.