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Getting Around Public Transport: There is a good network of bus services around Auckland, most - but not all of which leave from the Downtown Bus Centre on Commerce Street. A flat fare in the city centre costs NZ$0.50, and from NZ$1.10 further out. A day pass is available for NZ$7. Auckland also has a small metro service called the Tranz Metro, with two main lines. One runs west to Waitakere and the other south to Papakura. The fare from the city centre to the end of each line is NZ$4.30. Auckland's Rideline can provide information (tel: (09) 366 6400). Ferries, operated by Fullers (tel: (09) 367 9111), link the ferry terminal on Quay Street with some of the further suburbs, such as Devonport, Bayswater, Birkenhead and Stanley Bay. There are also regular services to the gulf isalnds. However, the main service that visitors will find useful is the Explorer Bus (see the Bus Tours section), which links up the major tourist attractions. Taxis There are several private taxi companies in Auckland, with ranks around the city. Cabs can also be hailed in the street, although booking by telephone is the usual option. One of the biggest firms is the Auckland Co-operative Taxi Society (tel: (09) 300 3000). Taxis are metered, with a minimum charge of NZ$2. Limousines Limousines are not usual in laid-back Auckland. The Auckland Co-operative Taxi Society (tel: (09) 300 3000) does have business-class cars for hire at NZ$55 per hour. More upmarket but still not really stretch limos, Limousine Connection Services (tel: (09) 636 9089; web site: www.toursandlimos.co.nz ) can provide cars with chauffeurs. Rates start from NZ$125 per hour. Driving in the City Auckland is as big and busy as any other major city, but driving there is not the stressful experience it can be elsewhere. Drivers in New Zealand are much more courteous out in the country but still fairly tolerant in the city itself. A car is useful because of the sprawling nature of the city and roads are in good condition and mostly well signposted. However, the downtown area gets very congested, especially in the morning and evening rush hours and, in particular, on a Friday afternoon, and parking downtown can also be a problem. Central 24-hour car parks include Albert Street (to the west of Queen Street and close to the waterfront), Customs Street West, and Beresford Street near K Road. Car Hire All the major international car hire companies have offices in Auckland, as well as several domestic companies. In the high season, rates start at about NZ$50 per day for a short-term hire. The main companies include: A2B (tel: (0800) 616 333), Avis (tel: (09) 526 2800), Budget (tel: (0800) 652 227), Hertz (tel: (0800) 654 321) and Maui (tel: (0800) 737 070). Drivers must be over 21 years of age, although some companies require 25 years. Fully comprehensive insurance is not compulsory but is advisable, as many local drivers in rural areas take a very relaxed attitude to driving regulations. Bicycle and Motorcycle Hire Cycling is popular in New Zealand and Auckland is a pleasant city in which to cycle, away from the centre and the rush-hour periods. A signposted cycle route runs for 50km (31 miles) along the waterfront and around the city. There are several bicycle hire companies, including Adventure Cycles (tel: (09) 309 5566), 1 Fort Lane, and Hedgehog Bikes (tel: (09) 489 6559), with several branches. Rates start at about NZ$18 per day. Auckland has many motorcycle hire companies, with the minimum size of bike usually being 250cc, which requires a full motorcycle licence. For smaller scooters and mopeds an ordinary car driving licence is all that is required. Scooters start at about NZ$24 per day, while motorbikes cost around NZ$90 per day. Providers include Bike Adventure New Zealand (tel: (0800) 498 600); New Zealand Motorcycle Rentals (tel: (09) 377 2005); Red Baron (tel: (09) 360 7700) and Shaft Motorcycles Ltd (tel: (09) 300 7500). |
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