Info on Auckland, New Zealand

[findacruise]

I don't know if this is something you might want to do, but you can sail/help crew on an America's Cup yacht. It was great fun. We didn't have time to do it when we were in Auckland, but did later in Mexico. Here's the link. http://www.exploregroup.co.nz/en/unique-experiences/americas-cup-sail-auckland/

 

It's not inexpensive, but a unique opportunity. I agree with OP about getting out of the city, too. The countryside has a lot to offer. We loved all of NZ and will go back someday - we had only 12 days and there is still much to see.

[Acrusa]

Which hotel did you book in Auckland?

 

We stayed at the Hilton.Disembarked ship porter took our luggage about 50 yards to the front door of the Hilton and gave it to the bellman.Large rooms facing the habor and yacht club.Great restaurant for breakfast and dinner.Walk to ferry terminal and downtown.

[gbs1112]

We're departing the Marina next February in Auckland. A few questions:

 

1. Where does the Marina dock, and how close to the main harbor area of town.

 

2. Hotel recommendations for downtown Auckland. We are taking a tour out to one of the islands, and would prefer to be near the harbor.

 

3. How far is it from the downtown to the airport and how long does it take to get there?

 

thanks for the help! :)

The drive from the City out to the airport is a good 40 minutes. The airport bus downtown terminal is very close to the Ocean terminal. Really too close to take a taxi, you can walk between them in about 5-10 minutes and it is flat all the way so easy to wheel baggage. There are hotels around the Ocean terminal, eg Hilton, but The Sky City Grand is another option to consider. It's a really good hotel and it has a collection of independent restaurants in the immediate vicinity that are amongst the best in New Zealand. It's up quite a stiff 500m climb from the Main Street (Queen Street) but there is a good bus service that passes it and stops at the door.