My wife and I have a layover in ACK from 6:30 am to 9:45 pm, on our way home from Cairns. Any suggestions on what to do in that limited time? Nothing too strenuous, but we'd love to do some walking between the two overnight flights!

I would rent a car, drive to downtown Auckland, take the ferry to Rantitoto Island, then climb to the top for great views from the volcano summit. Ferry back, have dinner in town then return to the airport.

typo; that should be 'Rangitoto Island'

We took the ferry to Davenport and did a self-guided walking tour, and made a too-brief visit to the Auckland Museum as well.

Lee Ann

Hi Pete

You could taxi or airbus (blue bus from airport way cheaper than a cab) to downtown, catch a ferry accross to Waiheke Island, visit a few vineyards, stretch you legs on a beach - even in winter, have a leisurley lunch on the Island, ferry back, check out a few stores in the downtown area. Have a drink and a snack at a bar/restaurant in the viaduct (To your right after you get off the ferry). Cab back out to the airport.

If you are travelling on a weekday, give your self about an hour to get from down town to the airport as traffic can be heavy between 6 and 7.

If you cannot check your bags through from Cairns to the US and have to pick them up at when you get to AKL, you can leave them at left luggage at the visitors centre in the domestic transfer area after clearing customs.

Thanks, ALF, Elendil, and Kiwi! Stretching our legs on an island sounds perfect. Any suggestions if the weather is bad?

If the weather is dodgy, try the Museum up in the Domain. There is also Kelly Tarltons on Tamaki Drive. You get to see fish from all angles as well as penguins in a snowy environment.

There is the maritime museum on the waterfront.

You could check out a half day tour of the city with one of the local tour companies.

You could still do a wine tour either of Waiheke or West Auckland on an organised trip. Many include a lunch at a vineyard.

Follow the link below for more ideas.

http://www.aucklandnz.com/VisitorInf.../Things_To_Do/

The thing about Auckland if it is raining, just wait 5 minutes the sun is usually out. Not uncommon to have both at the same time. Changeable does not begin to describe some weather here.

BTW when are you in Auckland. Summer, Winter or Spring? (Our ones that is)