We are going to be in Auckland for two nights. We want to make the most of our short time. We'd like to not have to rent a car. SO.....Where should we stay (we'd like something nice)? What area is most central? How did you travel from the airport to the hotel? Thanks for any insight.<BR>

Hi Anne<BR>For two nights in Auckland you won't need a car. To get to your hotel from the airport is simply solved by using one of the shuttle services, about $nz25/person. We usually use Super Shuttle but there are a number of other operators - all good.<BR><BR>As to your hotel, it largely depends on what you want to pay and whether you want a hotel room or a suite. Central city is as central as you want to be and most of the action is round the Viaduct Basin/Customs St/Queens St/Hobson St area. Give me an idea of your budget and I will come up with a shortlist for to pick out of.<BR><BR>Kerry

Thanks Kerry! Your help is much appreciated. We're looking at spending about $100 US dollars per night.<BR>Thanks again!<BR>Anne

Hotels seem to be expensive in Auckland. We paid $117 US and stayed at the Copthorne Harbour. All rooms have a view. It was right on the bay,and easy to get to everything, including the hop on /hop off bus, that we got a day`s ticket on. We just walked over to the maritime museum. We scheduled our hotel through expedia.com. You might look there for a hotel. We also took the shuttle from the airport into town. We got money from the ATM at the airport. Have fun!

Anne:<BR>We stayed at the Rydges located in the heart of the CBD and about 1 block from the Skytower. A 4 star hotel. Our rate was NZ$100 per night in November. <BR>You can check them out at their website www.rydges.com.

Hi Anne,<BR><BR>There are lots of nice hotels here in Auckland. The Sebel is right on the Viaduct. As Pat said the Copthorn is right on the harbour. The Hilton is on a peer over the Harbour. The Hertiage and the Stamford are a block or two from the Harbour and the city. The Novotel is pretty good as well. As you can probably tell Ann, there are hotels everywhere....so long as you are not coming in peak periods you will have no trouble getting a nice, central place to stay.<BR><BR>Taking aline from what Pat said you may be better to book when you get here. Given that $117US is about $250NZ that sounds expensive.<BR><BR>David

Hi Anne<BR>Thanks for the price range you are looking for.<BR><BR>In the central business area there are loads of hotels but they are spread out over an equally wide price range and I'm afraid that some of the prices people have been quoting are now a bit out of date. Sorry folks!<BR>At the top end you have the Carlton at NZ$366, the Stanford plaza NZ$290; Crowne Plaza (was the Centra) $NZ262; Copthorne Harbour $NZ230; Rydges $NZ220. In the price range you are wanting you are looking at 3 to 4 star rating and the Quality Inn range fits in nicely - a bit older like 25 to 35 years old but comfortable and safe. A couple of good web sites for Auckland hotels that have online booking www.innz.co.nz and www.travelink.co.nz <BR>If you sort out a couple that you like let me know and I can most likely tell you about them.<BR>Kerry

We stayed at the Oakwood Motel fairly near the airport with a free shuttle to the hotel.<BR><BR>Just outside the hotel was a city bus stop where you could get an all day pass for NZ$6. We went into the city and the pass was also good for the ferry to Devonport.<BR><BR>Incidentally, the food at the hotel was quite adequate for both dinner and breakfast. The price was right (NZ$89) and you avoided the noise and bustle of the city.

Kerry is a do gooder wannabe who is just trying to answer all these questions by looking up guidebooks. He doesnt actually know any of this information from personal experience. I suggest a life Kerry?

i agree with ray. sounds like kerry is kinda lonely and is just looking for ways to make contact with people, especially females. very sad

i agree with ray. sounds like kerry is kinda lonely and is just looking for ways to make contact with people, especially females. very sad

Some people on these boards are indeed very rude - Kerry often provides helpful information, no need for snide comments.

Dear All:<BR>I am going to Auckland for the first time in two weeks and I found Kerry's responses and comments the most useful. Why do people have to be so mean with someone who is just trying to help? Somebody else have to get a life.

I stayed at the Heritage Hotel in late February and it was wonderful. The location is central, the room and the staff were very helpful. The rate was about $85 US, very reasonable. As for going to the airport, I found that the shuttle was just a dollar or so less for the 2 of us than a taxi. And with a taxi, we didn't have to share, or take a longer time, what with picking people up at their hotels. If you can, spring for the taxi.<BR>

I would agree about the heritage ... a real nice hotel very central in the city and just a short walk down to the harbour and bus routes .. also very handy to the casino if that takes your fancy. And again i'd agree to grab a taxi for economical convenience if there are more than 1 of you. Great city really with most accomodation in the central city really handy to most amenities

Hi Anne, if you can overlook some of the rubbish people have written re your question and have some sensible answers. As you are only here for two nights the Copthorne is the place I would suggest as it's right next door to the America's Cup base and lots of interesting things to see around there and places to eat at. The view across the harbour is really nice. Also it is handy to the pick up stop for day trips out of town. You should also cross the road to the ferry terminal and take the ferry to Devonport, it is a delightful marine suburb and only takes ten minutes to get there. Also gives you lots of photo opportunities. If you wish to know any more, just ask, I live here. As you come out of the terminal at the airport turn left and the shuttle buses are there waiting or else just take the coach downtown from the front entrance, that is cheaper than the shuttle. The coach should take you right to the hotel. Have a great time.