By Car in Auckland

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By Car

By the standards of many cities, Auckland traffic is moderate, parking space is inexpensive and readily available, and highways pass close to the heart of the city. Local rush hours last from 7 to 9 AM and 4:30 to 6:30 PM. Getting used to driving on the left, if you'll be traveling by car, can be especially difficult when trying to figure out where to get onto motorways. Take a close look at a city map before you set out. The main motorways all have convenient city turnoffs, but watch the signs to make sure you are in the correct lane. When changing lanes, flick on your indicator promptly, as New Zealanders are not always the most obliging when it comes to merging.

City-center parking meters are cheaper than the covered lots, but make sure you have a wide selection of coins on hand and be aware that the meters are well policed. If you go over the time limit, you'll probably end up paying a fine. Meter time is generally limited to an hour in the city center, two hours in outer areas. For parking lots, a good one to try is the underground Civic lot by the Aotea Centre, Town Hall, Sky City Metro Centre, and the Civic Theatre. Drive in from Greys Avenue or Albert Street, right behind the Aotea Centre. After 5 PM you pay a flat rate of $8; before 5, the rate is approximately $4.50 per hour. The Downtown lot, opposite the Viaduct and Princes Wharf, has the same rates as the Civic (both are administered by the City Council), roughly half the rates for parking over the road at Princes Wharf. The entrance is at Customs Street West.

Avis, Budget, and Hertz have offices inside the Auckland International Airport. They stay open for all incoming flights.

Parking Lots

Civic Car Park (Greys Ave. and Mayoral Dr. 09/379-6035). Downtown Car Park (31 Customs St. W. 09/309-6007).

Rental Agencies

Avis (09/275-7239). Budget (09/256-8451). Hertz (09/256-8692).