nattygee

This site may help you with food and whats on https://www.heartofthecity.co.nz

Theres the hop on and hop off bus as well https://www.viator.com/tours/Auckland/Auckland-Hop-on-Hop-off-Tour/d391-3237EXBUS

Or theres the City LINK bus

https://www.heartofthecity.co.nz/all-you-need/city-link-bus-around-auckland

There's also a Travelex so you could exchange some US cash into NZ dollars.

Last time I flew in 2016 it was on the right just before the Maori 'welcome' archway.

Currency

Travelex is the world's foreign exchange specialist, with 10 stores located in the international and domestic terminals. The exchange is open 365 days a year, for all passengers’ arriving and departing flights.

All major currencies are available from Travelex at the international and domestic terminals.

I think December - March is 'traditionally' the rainy season. Although I travelled there in December and it was beautiful weather. A friend just came back from there and had one week of rain - so who knows.

I stayed in Denarau. Definitely visit the remote islands if you can Treasure Island, Castaway etc.

http://www.heartofthecity.co.nz

http://www.eventfinder.co.nz

http://www.queens-wharf.co.nz/queens-wharf/home/

http://britomart.org

http://www.wynyard-quarter.co.nz/wynyard-quarter/

Beach area about 10 minutes drive from the city

http://www.missionbay.co.nz

Deal sites:

http://grabaseat.co.nz

http://www.grabone.co.nz/auckland/view-all

http://www.yazoom.co.nz

http://www.groupy.co.nz

http://www.underdownunder.com.au We used this company and went for a week trip around Tasmania. Fantastic time. They do day tours as well.

There is a red bus that goes around which is pretty good. Hop on hop off from Hobart major sites

You could try a taxi van some of them have pretty competitive flat rates now to the airport or perhaps super shuttle.

I recommend what basically the others have. Perhaps Wellington Zoo. Definitely Zealandia & Te Papa if you have time. Cable car & Parliament buildings are ok (depends on the age of your kids)

Quay Street is close to the terminal - Copthorne & Hilton.

I have stayed at Sky City a few years ago now though and even though the rooms were smoke free you could smell the smoke (I don't know where it was from). Sky City Grand is nice though.

Langham on Symonds Street is nice but it is a fair way probably at least 20 minutes walk (not that close to the harbour)

City Life Auckland - Heritage Hotel is mid way up Queen Street. I have had friends really recommend that hotel.

If you look on Grabone you might be able to find a deal.

Yes it is walking distance up Queen Street then turn right onto Victoria Street. Orbit (revolving restaurant) nice for lunch but there are several alternatives. Often if you pay for lunch it includes entry up to the observation deck which is probably a better option if you are going to go up anyway. There are several new restaurants that have recently opened up just across from Sky City (next to the convention centre) - my favourite is The Grill or Depot Eatry if you like Oysters.

I've flown Qantas for long haul flights three times from Auckland to London, Auckland to LAX and Auckland to JFK and they were all fine. Reason for choosing Qantas over Air NZ was purely on price. Even though I'm a Kiwi so I should be supporting Air NZ. Flown Air NZ domestically and they are fine. I've had delays on both airlines - it's just the luck of the draw!