Car Hire Auckland Airport

Car Hire

Located in a suburb of Auckland only 13 miles from Auckland city centre is the largest and busiest airport in the country, Auckland International Airport. It is a hub for Air New Zealand and Virgin Australia as well as an important centre for Jetstar Airways. Driving to Auckland from the airport is easy, with state highways 20A and 20B leading to various parts of the city.

Who to Book With
The car rental companies that can be found within Auckland Airport are Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz and Thrifty. For international passengers, the offices of these companies can be found in the Arrivals area on the ground floor. Domestic passengers can use the offices on the ground floor of the multi-level car park. In addition to these car rental companies, there are 12 other licensed car rental companies with offices near the airport.

Need to Know Essentials
These documents must be presented when the vehicle is collected:

- Driver's licence (International Driving Permit recommended)
- Credit card to reserve (but cash or debit card acceptable for payments)
- Proof of identification

For more info read our FAQ's.

Driving
Heavy fines await those who violate traffic regulations. Authorities also have the right to impound your vehicle at your cost. Generally in New Zealand, the speed limit for open roads is 62mph and 50mph for built-up areas. Seatbelts are required to be worn at all times when the vehicle is in motion, for the driver and all passengers. An approved child seat is required for passengers under the age of five. Auckland has parking guidance signs all over town to assist motorists finding short-term parking spots. Caution should be taken by those visiting in winter when roads are covered in snow or by those driving off the main highway.

See our guide to New Zealand for more information on driving here.

Transport

Those driving from the airport to the city will find two state highways most useful. State Highway 20A goes to central Auckland and the western and northern suburbs. State Highway 20B, meanwhile, goes east providing access to south and east Auckland. A one-way drive usually takes 40 to 45 minutes. Public transport is available via specially licensed taxis and shuttles. Airbus Express buses runs directly between the airport and Britomart Transport Centre in Auckland Central Business District (CBD).

Trains
The airport is not directly connected to the Auckland Railway network.

Taxis
Specially licensed taxis and shuttles provide transfer services from the airport to various points in the city. In the international terminal, the taxis can be found right outside Door 8 and in the Departures terminal, right outside the baggage claim area, near Door 4. The providers are Alert Taxi, Auckland Taxi Co-op, Corporate Cabs, North Shore Taxis and Super Shuttle. Prices for trips to specific points in the city are available by contacting the providers directly.

Taxi prices:
Auckland Airport to the city by shuttle is around £17
Auckland Airport to the city by private taxi costs around £30 to £40

Buses
Various bus lines run between Auckland’s airport and various parts of the city as well as surrounding urban areas. The main provider is MAXX Auckland Transport. The main buses are the Airbus Express, which takes visitors from the airport direct to Auckland CBD passing by Queen Street and terminating at the Ferry Terminal right next to Britomart. From here they can make onward journeys via ferries, trains and other buses. A ticket costs about £8.

Facilities

Terminals
Auckland Airport has an International Terminal and a Domestic Terminal. Transfer between the two is done via the airport's free transfer bus service operating every 15 minutes from 05:00 to 22:30. The airport is the busiest in New Zealand with over 13 million international passengers and six million domestic passengers in 2011. Auckland Airport is connected to several domestic destinations, major cities in Australia, the Pacific, East Asia, major cities on North America’s west coast, Chile and Argentina in South America, London and Dubai.

Parking
Each terminal has its own uncovered and covered parking areas, all of which are just a couple of minutes of walk from the terminal buildings. Short-term, long-term and business express parking are available. Payments can be done via machines which accept credit cards.

Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi hotspots are available at the cafés, food court and shopping areas of the airport as well as the passenger and visitor areas of both terminals. Payment can be made via credit cards. Otherwise, internet kiosks are available. Ten minutes of access costs £1.

Information Services
Airport customer service staff and airport help staff in blue coats are always ready to assist passengers. The Auckland Tourism iSite Visitor Information Centre is located at the ground floor of the Arrivals area of the International Terminal.

Useful Numbers
Auckland Tourism iSite Visitor Information Centre: +64 9 275 6467
Call Centre: +64 9 275 0789

Accessibility
The airport is equipped with several facilities for passengers with mobility issues. There are designated parking spots, automatic doors, lifts, wheelchair-friendly toilets, ATMs with Braille and wheelchair assistance at the terminals. It is always best to inform your airline prior to arriving at the airport if you need special assistance.

Restaurants and Bars
Restaurants, bars and cafés are available at the airport's two terminals. Fast food chains and specialty eateries are on hand, too. There is also a food court serving all sorts of food and drinks, from sushi to espresso.

VIP Lounges
Auckland Airport has the Emperor Lounge serving business or leisure travellers. The entrance fee is around £25. This buys passengers a continental style breakfast, comfortable seating, internet access and bathroom facilities.

Money and ATMs
There are over 10 Travelex counters in the airport located at both the International and Domestic terminals. The counters are open 365 days a year. ATMs are plentiful and can be found throughout the airport.

Shopping
More than 75 shops are available at Auckland Airport selling all sorts of gifts, souvenirs and designer clothes and accessories. Duty-free shopping can be done at the JR Duty Free and DFS stores in the Arrivals area of the International Terminal.