Passport/Visa

Citizens of Australia and the UK, as well as visa waiver countries, do not need to apply for a visa for short visitor stays, but may need to produce documented proof of onward travel. Visa waiver countries include the USA and multiple countries across Europe and Asia, Andorra, Argentina, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Kuwait, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macau, Malaysia, Malta, Mauritius, Mexico, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Oman, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Seychelles, Singapore, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, United Arab Emirates, Uruguay, and Vatican City. Since 2019, travellers that are visa waiver must request a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) prior to travel. It is mandatory for all sea and air arrivals, including transit. The issued authorisation is valid for two years. Citizens of other countries will need to apply for a visa in advance, which can be done online for solo travellers and in paper format for those travelling with a partner or as a group. The applicant’s passport validity in this case will need to last 3 months after the planned departure date.

• Web:

  en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visa_policy_of_New_Zealand

Auckland Airport (AKL)

Auckland International Airport (AKL) services all of Auckland. Located 21 km south of the City Centre and it is easily accessible by bus, shuttle or taxi. Skybus is Auckland’s airport transfer service that runs between Auckland City Centre and Auckland Airport. They operate 24 hours a day and the bus transfer takes about 40-60 min. Tickets can be bought at the Airport Ticket Kiosks (situated by the SkyBus bus stops at the airport) or from the bus driver (cash only). You can also buy your ticket online and at some hotels. The AirportLink bus carries passengers between Auckland Airport, Puhinui Station and Manukau Bus Station. The 38 bus operates between Auckland Airport and Onehunga via Mangere Town Centre. You will need an AT HOP card to use the AirportLink and 38 bus services There are only licensed taxi and shuttle companies at the designated taxi ranks at the terminal buildings, all to make sure that you will get a high standard of service. The taxi rank is outside the arrivals area at the international terminal as well as the domestic terminal. You can pre-book or just turn up at the terminal rank.

• Web:

  www.aucklandairport.co.nz

• Address:

  Ray Emery Drive, Māngere, Auckland

• Phone:

  +64 9 275 0789

Public Transport

Public transport in Auckland — New Zealand's largest metropolitan area — comes in three flavours: bus, train and ferry. Services are all neatly coordinated by Auckland Transport under the AT Metro brand, with the bustling Waitematā railway station serving as the main transport hub. Buses are the workhorse of Auckland's public transport, accounting for about 70% of all journeys. They generally operate from the wee hours of 6 am until the stroke of midnight. To get around, simply look out for the red, green, or amber buses. With services so frequent, there's little need to keep an eagle eye on the timetable. Just rock up to the relevant bus stop and your chariot will soon arrive. Hop on the red bus (CityLink) for inner-city jaunts, the green (InnerLink) to traverse Auckland's inner city, and the amber (OuterLink) for a tour of Auckland's cosy inner suburbs. Tickets can be bought directly from the bus driver (cash only), or you can get your hands on the AT HOP smart card online or at a ticket office, such as the Britomart customer service centre.

• Web:

  at.govt.nz

• Address:

  Britomart Transport Centre, 8-10 Queen Street, Auckland

• Phone:

  +64 9 366 6400

Taxi

Numerous taxi companies operate throughout Auckland. Rideshare apps like Uber are a convenient way to find a ride, too. Taxi ranks are found around the city centre. Try Lower Hobson Street, Ferry Building, Britomart and Kitchener Street. Call Auckland Co-op Taxis to order a car by phone.

• Web:

  www.cooptaxi.co.nz

• Phone:

  +64 9 300 3000

Electricity

New Zealand operates on a 230/240V supply voltage and 50Hz frequency. The country uses Type I power plugs, which feature two flat pins forming a 'V' shape, along with a grounding pin. This standard is also commonly used in Australia, Argentina, China, and several Pacific island nations. Remember to pack a universal adapter if your devices use a different plug type to ensure hassle-free charging.

Pharmacy

Pharmacies, often referred to as 'chemists' in New Zealand, are typically open during standard retail hours, generally 9 am to 5:30 pm on weekdays. However, hours can extend to late evenings and weekends in larger cities and shopping centres. New Zealand's largest pharmacy chains are Unichem and Life Pharmacy, with stores spread nationwide. These pharmacies stock a wide range of over-the-counter medicines, healthcare products, and often provide additional services like flu vaccinations. Medicines to Midnight is an after-hours pharmacy, open all day until midnight. A fully stocked pharmacy, specialising in medicines, prescriptions and advice.

• Web:

  www.medicinestomidnight.co.nz

• E-mail:

  medicinestomidnight@xtra.co.nz

• Address:

  Medicines to Midnight, 160 Broadway Newmarket, Auckland

• Phone:

  +64 9 520 6634

• Opening hours:

  Mon–Sat 9:30am–midnight, Sun 10am–midnight