Auckland: Do it yourself?

[psygist]

Where do large ships usually dock in Auckland?  Can this port be easily toured on your own?  Is the city center walkable from the port?   Is Uber a suitable way to get around?

Thanks in advance for any information!

[andlep]

The port is right in the city. Very easy to get an uber and to walk around.

[Chiliburn]

1 hour ago, psygist said:

Where do large ships usually dock in Auckland?  Can this port be easily toured on your own?  Is the city center walkable from the port?   Is Uber a suitable way to get around?

Thanks in advance for any information!

We did a walking tour,it was only cheap and about 1.5 hours andThen the guide took up to a pub where we had a fantastic seafood lunch.

 Quite easy to DIY

[OzKiwiJJ]

Most ships dock at Queens Wharf but some dock at Princes Wharf. The two wharves are close to each other in downtown Auckland, with the ferry terminal in between.

 

Auckland is very easy to ex ore on your own. The Viaduct and Wynyard waterfront precincts are easily walkable, the HoHo bus stops near the wharves, and ferries run regularly across to Devonport which is a lovely place to visit.

[possum52]

1 hour ago, OzKiwiJJ said:

Most ships dock at Queens Wharf but some dock at Princes Wharf. The two wharves are close to each other in downtown Auckland, with the ferry terminal in between.

 

Auckland is very easy to ex ore on your own. The Viaduct and Wynyard waterfront precincts are easily walkable, the HoHo bus stops near the wharves, and ferries run regularly across to Devonport which is a lovely place to visit.

I second a visit to Devonport. It is a really interesting, historical village to see.

 

Leigh

[Barwick Cruiser]

14 hours ago, possum52 said:

I second a visit to Devonport. It is a really interesting, historical village to see.

 

Leigh

We are planning to take the ferry to Devonport and hike Mt Victoria...is this pretty easy to find the trail or would we need a guide to show us around? We’re hoping to have some lunch here as well...any recommendations? We love seafood...

[possum52]

4 hours ago, Barwick Cruiser said:

We are planning to take the ferry to Devonport and hike Mt Victoria...is this pretty easy to find the trail or would we need a guide to show us around? We’re hoping to have some lunch here as well...any recommendations? We love seafood...

We were on a tour so were able to drive to the top of Mt Victoria (Takarunga). All those we saw walking up were on the road so I'm not sure if there is a walking path or trail up. It is not too far from the Devonport Ferry Terminal to the road up the mount. Have a look at a google map and see how far it is. Sorry no recommendations for lunch. Another google search would help.

 

Leigh

[Barwick Cruiser]

2 hours ago, possum52 said:

We were on a tour so were able to drive to the top of Mt Victoria (Takarunga). All those we saw walking up were on the road so I'm not sure if there is a walking path or trail up. It is not too far from the Devonport Ferry Terminal to the road up the mount. Have a look at a google map and see how far it is. Sorry no recommendations for lunch. Another google search would help.

 

Leigh

Thanks Leigh, we’ll see what the weather is like and try walking. We’ll be coming off an overnight long flight and if we are on a bus I’ll surely pass out lol. 

[Kiwi Kruzer]

http://www.visitdevonport.co.nz/mount-victoria-walk

 

The track is easy to find, just head up the Main Street . Track itself is straight up through the long grass or you can meander around the road that winds its way around to the top . Best views in Auckland will be your reward . 
Heaps of Cafes in Devonport .

[Adventures ahead]

We plan to DIY Auckland in Jan, in port 7am-6pm on a Friday, our only visit to Auckland.

 

We're planning a ride up the Sky Tower and checking out the view from Mt. Eden, it might be fun to walk up.  Not keen on most museums as we'd rather be outside than inside. Botanical gardens are lovely, though not necessarily on the top of our list.

 

The Explorer HOHO bus gets mixed reviews, runs 9am-4:30.  Would it be a good use of our time (two routes, includes optional ferry ride to Devonport), even if simply choosing to stay on the bus for the commentary?  Might it be better to skip the bus and focus on visiting specific sites or areas? 

[Kiwi Kruzer]

On 11/15/2019 at 9:39 AM, psygist said:

Where do large ships usually dock in Auckland?  Can this port be easily toured on your own?  Is the city center walkable from the port?   Is Uber a suitable way to get around?

Thanks in advance for any information!

 

Just a heads up for a one day visit to Auckland this season, 

Be aware that massive roadworks and underground rail tunneling are taking place and traffic around the CBD ,where you will dock , could be chaotic at times .

[Host Jazzbeau]

5 hours ago, Kiwi Kruzer said:

 

Just a heads up for a one day visit to Auckland this season, 

Be aware that massive roadworks and underground rail tunneling are taking place and traffic around the CBD ,where you will dock , could be chaotic at times .

 

How long will this continue?  We're going in March 2020.

[Adventures ahead]

Thanks for the heads up. Sounds like it may create delays for the Explorer bus (post #10).

[roothy123]

https://www.afwt.co.nz describes a free (or tip if want) walking tour close to the port. 

[Kiwi Kruzer]

18 hours ago, Host Jazzbeau said:

 

How long will this continue?  We're going in March 2020.

 

10 hours ago, Adventures ahead said:

Thanks for the heads up. Sounds like it may create delays for the Explorer bus (post #10).

 

How long??? 

Thats a good question  and one we would like  answered  as well. 

"Short term pain for a long term gain" ,  is the  response.  Like most projects , delays and overruns are a part of life. 

The area is still accessible and traffic is flowing, slowly , Its just something to be aware of in your planning for the day . 

 

[clcmdse]

On 11/14/2019 at 2:39 PM, Chiliburn said:

We did a walking tour,it was only cheap and about 1.5 hours andThen the guide took up to a pub where we had a fantastic seafood lunch.

 Quite easy to DIY

Chiliburn, Can you share the walking tour that you took? We will be in Auckland in February and might like to do that. And thanks to all for suggesting Davenport.

[Chiliburn]

3 hours ago, clcmdse said:

Chiliburn, Can you share the walking tour that you took? We will be in Auckland in February and might like to do that. And thanks to all for suggesting Davenport.

It was through the ship.

we did it through the ship because it is a tender port for the Ovation of the seas.And we didn’t have to line up.

It was only about $AU50 ,1.5 hours. Quite pleasant and casual.

We asked the guide for somewhere for lunch ,Fish and chips and a few beers.

Theres a historic laneways called valcan lane which is lined with pubs and restaurants.

He took us there as part of the tour and showed us the occidental hotel,a drinking hole for the Irish immigrants.

We had a bucket of NZ mussels,fish &chips,a jug of house beer ,2 glasses wine for about $NZ60 for 2 .And it was GOOD

 

If it’s not available through the ship,google free walking tours.You will be expected to tip the free tour.

[clcmdse]

thanks so much. Will do!