Air New Zealand Air Points - AKL to the city

I am arriving in Auckland International tomorrow at about 4pm and need to be at the casino to play in a poker tournament at 7pm. My hotel is the Hyatt.

I know I have a variety of options from Hyatt organised car $110 to the bus at $15.

Could those here who are expert in such matters offer advice as to the wisest option?

Hyatt to SkyCity is only a 10-15min walk (down the hill and then up again) so no issue there.

If you're out of the airport at maybe 5-5:30pm then would probably cost about NZD$60-$75 in a taxi (that's just a guess, last trip wasn't during rush hour and cost me $50 - took about 35mins).

Look here:

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/australia-new-zealand-south-pacific/362925-akl-auckland-nz-airport-related-thread.html

AVIS has a great 1-way deal AKL to city in a rental for $19. Miles are limited, but who cares, and you can have it for 24hours.

See here: http://www.avis.co.nz/car-rental/content/display.ac?contentId=airport-one-way-NZ_en-008150&IID=air1way

You won't have a lot of time to spare, especially if your flight is a bit late. Assuming you are not Australian or NZ it can take up to an hour to clear immigration and customs. At 5pm the main roads in the city are clogged and it will take another 1-1.5 hours to reach the Hyatt in the central city (expect close to $100 in a cab at that hour). The Hyatt is 15 minutes walk from the casino.

If you're flight arrives significantly late then the trip is much quicker, perhaps 45 minutes airport to the casino at 6pm.

I'll support Kiwi Flyer's comments about Friday night city traffic. If I were you I'd have a contingency in place to go direct to the casino instead of via the Hyatt.

And because of the slow traffic I would also consider using a car service instead of a taxi - because you'll have a fixed fare. $110 quoted you by the Hyatt seems pretty darn steep though. I've used these guys (http://www.presidenttaxis.co.nz/) in the past, and though the cars weren't new, the sheer size of the S-class, the wally-board greet at the airport, and the service in general made it all more than fine. I recall a $65 fare to the Byron on Spencer in Takapuna and the same fare to the Hyatt - both in 2008, both from AKL domestic.

Also note if you are taking SH20 to the city there is currently major roadworks as they are building another 4lane bridge. Which involves moving all the lines over.

I'll support Kiwi Flyer's comments about Friday night city traffic. If I were you I'd have a contingency in place to go direct to the casino instead of via the Hyatt.

And because of the slow traffic I would also consider using a car service instead of a taxi - because you'll have a fixed fare. $110 quoted you by the Hyatt seems pretty darn steep though. I've used these guys (http://www.presidenttaxis.co.nz/) in the past, and though the cars weren't new, the sheer size of the S-class, the wally-board greet at the airport, and the service in general made it all more than fine. I recall a $65 fare to the Byron on Spencer in Takapuna and the same fare to the Hyatt - both in 2008, both from AKL domestic.

Every so often you get a great tip. This, I think, is one of them. I have booked a car from this company. Many thanks to all who offered advice.

As I type this you'll be in the air somewhere, but I hope you get in the money too! :cool:

As I type this you'll be in the air somewhere, but I hope you get in the money too! :cool:

Thanks mate - made it to the hotel in heaps of time - if I get in the money I owe you a drink - hell, maybe 2.

A trip report is now up - thx again for all the help...


http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/trip-reports/992193-mini-tr-syd-akl-syd-some-other-observations-ramblings-but-no-pix.html