Air New Zealand Air Points - Hotel for short stopover in AKL?

I'm heading to NZ for the Lions Tour this June. To get maximum value out of my OWE Explorer RTW ticket I'm doing a very crazy mileage run on my way out. I leave WAW on Saturday 18th June, overnight at the Hilton LHR T4 and then embark on the longest series of back to backs I have ever done:-

LHR-ORD-ANC-ORD-SJU-MIA-LAX-HKG-CTS-HKG-BNE-AKL

I arrive in to ALK at 16:15 and depart for CHC at 10:00 the next day. Having spent the previous 3 nights sleeping on a variety of aircraft :eek: - AA 757 (First), CX 747 (Business), QF 330 (Business) - I will be in desparate need of a nice bed and a hot shower! :p

I'm not sure if it is worth heading in to central Auckland or staying out near the airport. I'm open to suggestions and recommendations for reasonably priced hotels. This will be my last night in a decent bed for 16 days as I meet up with my friends in CHC and the campervans we have hired!

For that lengh of time, definately go into Auckland, 30 min cab ride. Check out
www.wotif.com for the best last minute hotel deals. I have used this site twice with great success.

Second that. Go into the city.

See AKL thread (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=362925) for info on arriving, departing and airport transport.

If using wotif book about 3 weeks out to get the best rates.

Thanks for the advice. Don't think I'll chance waiting until 3 weeks out as AKL is already getting very busy due to the rugby. In mid-July when The Lions are playing in Auckland there is almost zero availability.

I've booked a Club Room at the Hyatt Regency for NZD200. It seems a good rate. The reviews on tripadvisor.com are very good.

Quick question for our NZ residents: Rather than pay International roaming rates I want to get a "pay-as-you-go" SIM card for my UK mobile phone. It's "SIM Free" so I've no issues with putting a foregin operators SIM card in it. So far I've been able to find details some details on vodafone.nz but can't track down any other operators. Who else operates GSM networks in NZ? Any recommendation as to "pay-as-you-go" SIM packages? Most of my calls will be back to the UK so one offering cheap international rates would suit me best.

Who else operates GSM networks in NZ? Any recommendation as to "pay-as-you-go" SIM packages? Most of my calls will be back to the UK so one offering cheap international rates would suit me best.

Effectively there's only one GSM operator in NZ - Vodafone. Telstra have an agreement to use Vodafone's network (and SIM cards) and Telecom NZ use a CDMA network.

Most of my calls will be back to the UK so one offering cheap international rates would suit me best.
Vodafone NZ's "MotorMouth" plan (which is the default for prepay) charges the same for UK, OZ, USA as local (0.49 NZD/min). It also works in OZ (but you pay for the redirect on incoming).

I've booked a Club Room at the Hyatt Regency for NZD200. It seems a good rate. The reviews on tripadvisor.com are very good.


Gaza,

I stayed at the Hyatt Regency in Auckland for 3 days back in March - a really excellent hotel. It has a lovely (free) spa, so you can enjoy a swim, sauna and luscious jacuzzi ^ to revive your weary body after all that crazy flying around!!! The bed was also EXTREMELY comfortable and the rooms were very quiet, considering that it is near a big intersection. Definitely good sound-proofing ^ If you need any more specific info about the hotel let me know.

just make sure you get into the new tower!

Thanks for the advice. I'll try to pick up a "Motormouth" pre-paid SIM. Anyone give me an idea of cost and if there is somewhere close to the Hyatt I can buy one?

There a Vodafone outlet at all international airport terminals (landside). If you miss that there's plenty along Queen Street (2 blocks from the Hyatt).

Thanks KF. I'll try the outlets at the International Terminals.