Destination Guide: Auckland

Airport and Transfers

Located on the shores of the Manukau Harbour and 20km south of the city, you will find Auckland International Airport – the gateway to New Zealand.

The airport consists of two terminals - international and domestic. Transport between the two is easy, via the free terminal bus that operates every 15 minutes, or if you’re after some fresh air in between flights, it’s a 10-min walk between the terminals and is well signposted.

Auckland’s International Airport offers free Wi-Fi to travellers, though most Australian phone network providers offer good international roaming rates for New Zealand so make sure you set that up before you leave home.

Getting into the City

Auckland traffic can be erratic, so we always recommend planning ahead and allow plenty of time to get to where you need to be. There are a few options for transport to and from the airport:

Taxi and Rideshare

If you do not intend on hiring a car, a taxi or rideshare would be your best option; allowing you to travel in comfort and better utilise your transfer time.

Taxi ranks are conveniently located outside the arrival area (door 8) and are well signposted. For rideshare pick-ups head to door 11 of the international terminal.

When travelling to the CBD allow 45 minutes, depending on the time of the day you’d be looking to pay between $60 - $80 for a taxi and $45 - $55 for a rideshare.

Buses

The SkyBus is an Auckland Airport transfer service to and from the city, which runs 365 days a year. Travel time is between 40 – 60 minutes. You can purchase a ticket at the kiosk, onboarding (cash only), or save time and money by booking online via the SkyBus website.

Car Hire

Located right next to the international arrivals area is an extensive range of licensed car hire companies, including Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz and Thifty.  There are also other smaller, more cost-effective options located in the surrounding airport area with most having a pick-up service form the terminal. You can legally drive in New Zealand for up to 12 months per visit with your Australian driver’s license. You can check what you’ll need on the NZ Transport Agency website.

Getting around Auckland

You will find Auckland fairly easy to get around in, with a range of transport options at your fingertips. Make sure you download the Corporate Traveller mobile app that features a range of local maps, weather and city safe information on your destination. Google Maps will be your friend on this trip but if you get lost you can always ask a friendly local to point you in the right direction. Here’s a map of central Auckland to help get an idea of where things are located.

Auckland’s Public Transport

Your best resource for any transport in Auckland will be Auckland Transport’s journey planner.  Simply enter your start and finish destinations and the website will help you find the best mode of transport for your trip. If you’re a regular Auckland visitor or you have a long stay, consider buying an AT HOP card, a prepaid smartcard for buses, trains and ferries. You have a multitude of public transport options in Auckland including City Link buses, trains, buses, ferries, and even cycling facilities.

Doing Business in Auckland

It’s important to note that while New Zealand’s culture is similar to Australians, it’s best to avoid considering both as the same. New Zealanders have a great pride in their country, culture, and it’s incredible landscape and environment. They’re also quite proud of the progressive nature of their country and politics – New Zealand was the first country to give women the right to vote, and has had marriage equality since 2013.

Similar to Australia, New Zealand has “Tall-poppy syndrome” so humility is essential to social interaction. Kiwis will be modest about their accomplishments and at times self-deprecating to avoid seeming over-confident. Avoid lavishing too much praise or compliments on New Zealander’s in business as it may make them feel uncomfortable.

Key Maori Phrases

Maori language and culture holds a big place in New Zealand culture and in their hearts. The New Zealand National Anthem is sung in a mix of Maori and English. With such a high place in Kiwi culture, you might want to learn a few key Maori phrases before you head off on your trip. If you’re flying with Air New Zealand then you’ll definitely come across a few of these.

Best Auckland Hotels for Business

You won’t be short of accommodation options in Auckland, from budget to luxury apartments, you can find the option that fits your work travel policy and suits you. Here are a few of our top picks to consider for your next trip to Auckland.

Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour

Lavish in design and location, the Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour is the fabulous home away from home that you’ll look forward to visiting. The sophisticated décor and surroundings will suit any senior management traveller or just those who like to travel in style. It is set up for conferences and events as well so if you’re looking to entertain a large number of guests then this could be the place for you. Find out more at the Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour website.

SkyCity Grand

Centrally located in the heart of the CBD, the best that the city has to offer is literally at your fingers tips including one of city’s most popular eating precincts – Federal Street. A truly five-star experience, with executive car services and chauffeur day tours, you’ll make the best of your time in Auckland. If the SkyCity Grand is out of budget, don’t fret as the SkyCity Hotel is right across the road and more budget-friendly.

M Social

Modern, sleek and sophisticated – The M Social Auckland by Millennium Hotels has a chic and contemporary feel with rooms and suites designed to fit all travellers. You’ll overlook the Princes Wharf that is alive with some of Auckland’s best dining, entertainment and shopping experiences. If you’re heading to Auckland to wine and dine some clients this might be a great spot for you.

Looking to access competitive hotel rates and benefits? Ask your Travel Manager how to become a Breakfast Plus customer.

Best Auckland Restaurants and Bars for Business

With new bars and restaurants popping up all over town, it’s hard to choose when you’re so spoilt for choice – here are some of our favourites (both old and new) to suit all occasions.

Cibo, Parnell

Did someone say award-winning? Cibo Restaurant in Parnell, Auckland is considered one of Auckland’s best kept secrets. It’s tucked away in an old chocolate factory and has been around for over 20 years. You can choose from an A La Carte, Degustation, Express Menu or Set Menu – whichever it is, your tastebuds will thank you, and so will your clients!

Federal Street, CBD

Ok so technically this isn’t one restaurant or bar, but we had to include the whole of Federal Street in the CBD for this list. Positioned right next ot the SkyCity Grand Hotel (in case you’re staying there) it is a-buzz with rich dining experiences and drinks. If you’re in for a long day or night of schmoozing clients, why not mix it up and take them to a few places! Don’t just take our word for it, you’ll need to check it out yourself at the Federal Street website.

Coley and Punch, Princes Wharf

Coley and Punch Whiskey and Cocktail bar takes us to a place of old-world charm with darker tones and warm lighting. It’s perfect for an intimate catch-up with friends or clients you know well. Relax with a beverage in hand after a long day of deals and make time for you.

The Blue Breeze Inn, Ponsonby

Modern Chinese with an island twist? Sign us up! The Blue Breeze Inn picks up the delightful flavours of regional China in a laid-back style of the Pacific Island paradise. The food looks amazing and the taste matches perfectly. You don’t have to leave after dinner though, head to the bar ‘The Rum Jungle’ that’s part of the Blue Breeze Inn and stay for NZ’s premiere rum and cocktails.

Parasol and Swing Company, Viaduct

With a stunning list of bespoke cocktails, boutique wines, champagnes, and some of NZ’s best craft beers, it’s no wonder that Parasol and Swing Company is so popular. It is a 10-minute walk from the Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour so you can sip to your hearts content before you head back to the luxury of your hotel room.

Auckland Co-working Spaces

Travel to Auckland for work but need a small office space that isn’t your hotel room? A co-working space can be a great way to establish a home base and network with like-mind people. Auckland has a bunch of great co-working spaces in fantastic locations. Here are a few we think you should check out.

GridAKL – Wynyard Quarter

There aren’t many more exciting places to be based than the innovation precinct in Auckland’s Wynard Quarter, and that’s exactly where you’ll find GridAKL. It’s an ideal co-working space for anyone in the innovation space, whether they’re entrepreneurs, start-ups, SMEs, to multi-national companies. GridAKL offers mentoring, specialist advisory services, hotdesks, co-working spaces, studios, on-site café and area to host guests, meetings or social engagements. Check out the GridAKL website for more.

BizDojo - Ponsonby

New Zealand’s largest co-working book a desk for the day, BizDojo Ponsonby is located in Grey Lynn, Auckland. You can book a desk for the date, setup an active membership or a permanent membership depending on your needs. It’s located on the top floor of the Cider Building with views out to the Waitakares. There are showers on-site for bikers, cyclists and runners, and Ponsonby Rd is well-connected to public transport.

Icehouse - Parnell

If you’re into open-plan and wide spaces, then Icehouse Parnell could be ideal for you. With a modern-industrial feel, you couldn’t expect much else from the top floor of the historic Textile centre. Besides the standard co-working space opportunities Icehouse also offers preferential rates and credits with key software suppliers, free weekly legal advice on-site, access to onsite workshops and events, and it’s in central Auckland close to the waterfront and CBD. What more could you want?

Generator

Generator has four co-working spaces around Auckland and offer flexible hot desk memberships, resident co-working memberships or business/corporate arrangements. The locations are beautiful, well designed and can be used for events as well. If you’re looking for some flexibility in your arrangement, get in touch with Generator.

Tourist Time in Auckland

Auckland offers so many things to see and do, all within walking distance to the CBD. Whether you have a spare hour, day or weekend, here are some great ideas to fulfil your time and sense of adventure.

Waiheke Island

Consistently named in the world’s top 10 islands to visit; New Zealand’s ‘Island of Wine’ also tops our must do list. Whether you’re looking to lose a day wandering or just looking for a scenic lunch spot, you’ll definitely have fun here. There are a range of things to see, do, and places to eat or stay. Make sure you visit the Waiheke website to plan your trip.

Devonport

Just a short 12-minute ferry ride will have you in the seaside suburb of Devonport, one of the city’s oldest and most picturesque suburbs. You can plan your day trip, or stay a little longer with the Visit Devonport website for a list of activities.

Make sure you pack you walking shoes as it’s easy to lose track of time exploring the village and adjacent beaches on foot, home to galleries, cafes, restaurants, boutique stores and bookshops.

If you have the time and energy, head up Mt Victoria for unprecedented 360° views of the harbour city or further on to North Heads, a historic military site, and explore the underground military tunnels and bunkers. It might pay to plan ahead on this one and bring a torch.

Mount Eden

Auckland city boasts 53 volcanos, with highest being Mt Eden – a popular and easily accessible natural vantage point with breathtaking views of the city. A comfortable 2km walk that will take roughly an hour to complete, it’s an opportunity you don’t want to miss. If that’s not really your style you could take the Auckland City 3 Hour Tour that includes Mt Eden.

Looking for something else? Auckland NZ’s tourism website has put together a huge list of Top 10s for Auckland. Check out their website to plan your tourist time.

Plan for success

Whether you’re a new traveller to Auckland, or just looking for something new – preparation is key to an enjoyable and successful business trip.

Need help planning your trip?  Contact your dedicated travel manager today.