Travel

Flight

Auckland Airport

Auckland has only one airport, AKL. You can get to and from it by: - Taxi/Uber - Public bus (number 380) which connects to train stations in Papatoetoe and Onehunga. - The Skybus. A privately run bus that connects to the city and downtown Auckland. - Pre-arranged shuttle. - Rental car. Immigration & Customs. Kiwis are the nicest people you are ever going to meet. But they take their customs seriously. So, perk up your ears and follow all of their instructions especially to do with biosecurity.

Travel Note

Fullers Ferry Option 1

This is a passenger only ferry from Queen's Wharf in Downtown Auckland to Matiatia, Waiheke island. Of all the options, it is the best connected to transport options at each end, runs most frequently and runs later into the evening. It runs every 30-45min for most of the day with a trip time of 35min. Tickets can be purchased online or at the ferry wharf. Tickets are valid for 12 months and can be used at any time (so get a return trip). See the Fullers website using the link below:

Travel Note

Sealink Ferry Option 2

Sealink runs a car/passenger ferry route that departs Half Moon Bay, Auckland, arriving at Kennedy Point, Waiheke. They also run a car/passenger ferry route that departs Wynyard Quarter in Downtown Auckland arriving at Kennedy Point, Waiheke. Neither is as convenient as the Fullers ferry for passengers but necessary if you want to take a car across. Be aware neither Sealink ferry will get you back to Auckland the night of the wedding as they cease around 7pm/8:30pm. Half Moon Bay has free parking by the wharf both in a parking lot and street side on compass point way which can make it a good option if you are driving up to Auckland and don't want to leave a car in Downtown Auckland. If you are taking a car you will want to book a specific time in advance as this time of year is busy. Tickets can be purchased online or at the wharf. See the Sealink website using the link below:

Travel Note

Getting Around Waiheke

Waiheke is a pretty large island, but most places you will want to go, including all wedding events, are on the smaller western end of the island. Many places can be walked to, and certainly biked. There are public buses which are helpful for getting to and from Matiatia Wharf and along the main routes, but aren't comprehensive. There are Taxis which can cover anywhere off the main bus route, like the wedding, but getting one late at night can be tricky. Auckland city has Uber but, as of 2019, Waiheke does not. Vineyards that are further afield often provide their own transport. A car isn't necessary, but may be worth considering if you plan on staying longer, want to travel further, have a large group, accommodation that is remote, or a lot of gear. You can take your own (or hired) car across on the Sealink Ferry, or you can rent vehicles on the island itself. Bikes are a great option and can be hired on the island or taken across on both the Fullers and Sealink ferry for free.

Travel Note

Helpful Hints

Friendly reminders when traveling to NZ Sun - The summer weather should be nice but the sun in NZ burns badly, it can only take 15 minutes to get a good burn. Money - Your credit card should work but you may want to check and tell your bank you're going. Usually, the best exchange rate for cash is with your US bank but it takes 10 days. You can exchange money at the airport also, just be prepared for some extra fees. Phone - You may be able to organize a plan with your provider before you leave. Alternatively, you can get a new SIM card to switch into your phone on arrival with a local plan. Pre-paid plans are cheap and really easy to set-up. You can get them as you pass through duty-free in Auckland Airport. Vodafone, Spark, 2degrees, and Skinny are all good companies to go with.

Travel Note

Continued...

Passport - Make sure your passport is valid for at least another 6 months from your departure day. Power - Electrical outlets in NZ fit a different shaped plug and the Voltage is higher. Electronics like phones and laptops won't mind the voltage but need an adapter for the plug. Higher power hardware like hairdryers and curling irons might get damaged. They need an adapter and voltage converter. Driving - You can use a foreign license in NZ without any problem but be prepared to drive on the left hand side of the road. Time - From the US you'll lose a day crossing the dateline on your way over, so you'll arrive around 2 days after the date you left.

Travel Note

NZeTA

For any non-New Zealanders coming from overseas you will need the newly introduced NZeTA (NZ electronic travel authority) before you fly to NZ. You can fill it out through the mobile app (a little cheaper and easier) or online. You'll need your passport and it may take up to 72 hours; though Corie and I just filled it out between flipping pancakes and it processed in 10 minutes. It should cost $44-46 NZD, including a $35 NZD tourist levy, depending on whether you do it through the app or online. Beware of third party scam sites that will charge you more. Go to Immigration New Zealand's website: https://www.immigration.govt.nz/new-zealand-visas/apply-for-a-visa/about-visa/nzeta