Auckland Life and Travel Tips

(Auckland, North Island, New Zealand NZ)

Auckland, the largest city on New Zealand's North Island, is a vibrant place to visit at any time of the year and Auckland is situated between Manukau Harbour and the Hauraki Gulf. Many locals in Auckland are accomplished sailors and yachtsmen and during weekends, Auckland's harbours and bays are filled with yachts and boats of all descriptions.

With a combination of sunny weather, impressive tourist attractions and over 100 stunning beaches, Auckland attracts people from all over New Zealand, Australia and throughout world.

Tourism and Tourist Information

There are many tourism offices around Auckland and the North Island of New Zealand, offering detailed Auckland tourist information, such as leaflets, photographs, maps of Auckland, attractions information, opening hours, theatre booking, festival information, directions and general Auckland tourism and tourist information.

Arataki Visitor Centre
Address: Scenic Drive, Waitakere City, Auckland, 1008, North Island, New Zealand NZ
Tel: +64 (0)9 303 1530
Open hours: daily - 09:00 to 17:00

Auckland Visitor Information Centre
Address: Viaduct Basin, Quay Street, Auckland, 1001, North Island, New Zealand NZ
Tel: +64 (0)9 979 2333
Open hours: daily - 09:30 to 17:30

Devonport Information Centre
Address: Victoria Reserve, Victoria Road, Devonport, Auckland, 1309, North Island, New Zealand NZ
Tel: +64 (0)9 446 0677
Open hours: daily - 08:30 to 17:00

Franklin Information Centre
Address: Mill Road, Bombay, Auckland, North Island, New Zealand NZ
Tel: +64 (0)9 236 0670
Open hours: Monday to Friday - 08:30 to 17:00, Saturday and Sunday - 09:00 to 17:00

North Shore City Information Centre
Address: 49 Hurstmere Road, Takapuna, Auckland, North Island, New Zealand NZ
Tel: +64 (0)9 486 8670
Open hours: daily - 08:30 to 17:00

Waiheke Island Visitor Information Centre
Address: 2 Korora Road, Waiheke Island, Auckland, North Island, New Zealand NZ
Tel: +64 (0)9 372 9999
Open hours: daily - 09:00 to 16:00

Safety

Auckland is a relatively safe area of New Zealand and crime levels in Auckland are generally low. Visitors to Auckland do not need to take extra precautions against crime or theft, although it is always sensible to be careful with hand baggage, handbags and money, and to avoid leaving valuables in parked cars.

Places of Worship

New Zealand's large city of Auckland contains many different cultures and religious beliefs. Most major religions have a presence in Auckland and the North Island of New Zealand, with many locals being at least nominally Christian in their belief. Saint Patrick's Cathedral, in central Auckland, is the head of the city's Roman Catholic faith and the Auckland Cathedral of the Holy Trinity is the centre for Anglican religion in the city.

Pharmacies and Chemists

Pharmacies and chemist shops in Auckland include leading pharmaceutical chains and generally keep normal business hours. Auckland's pharmacies also operate an after-hours emergency service and dispense prescriptions, medicines and a wide range of other products, ranging from cosmetic items to camera films.

Language

English is the most commonly spoken language in Auckland and New Zealand, although many nationalities and ethnic cultures are well represented in Auckland. New Zealand accents in Auckland can at times be fairly strong, but are not usually difficult to understand. Maori is the second official language in New Zealand and visitors to Auckland are not generally required to speak any Maori, although it can help to know a few basic words, such as ' Kia ora' (hello) and 'Ka pai' (thank you).

Tipping

Tipping in Auckland's hotels and restaurants is not customary, although it is becoming more commonplace to tip for excellent service. Only in the best Auckland restaurants will you be expected to show your appreciation with a tip of around ten percent.

Smoking

Smoking in Auckland is not permitted on any flights, in public buildings, in restaurants, at sporting arenas and on Auckland public transport. As a general rule, it is sensible to ask before smoking or to only smoke when others nearby are smoking as well.