any suggestions upon arriving in Auckland for a layover of 4 hours?

Hi Mflund...

suggest you get good reading material, cuz you really don't have enough time to go anywhere or do anything in the time you have!

Sorry, it's a drag to be at the airport and stuck but by the time you'd get OUT of the airport you don't have any time to do anything else of interest.

Sorry.

Regards,

Melodie
Certified Kiwi Specialist

Do the four hours include the time clearing arrivals as well or will it be four hours totally at your leisure? You could take a cab to the new butterfly park which is close by. I understand it's very attractive, there will probably be a cafe there also. Apart from that you really don't have enough time to travel further than that, the traffic in Auckland is very heavy.

Villa Maria winery is very close to the airport, and has wine tasting and a restaurant.

http://www.villamaria.co.nz/wineries.php?id=Con7

You might want to explore the Auckland Airport website, also. There is quite a bit of potential shopping to be done if you are not spending any other time in NZ.

http://www.auckland-airport.co.nz/airport_guide.php

Just got back from Auckland this morning. It is about 40-45 minutes to city center from airport.