Driving in Auckland?

Question

I am landing in Auckland and want to rent a car there. Is driving in Auckland safe? How is the public transport?

Answer 1

stick to the left, it's safe enough. pretty arrogant people out there...and clumsy too sometimes. busing is best for public around town...once you get to the outskirts though...it stops.

Answer 2

If you are not from the UK, driving on the left  will be weird for you, and starting to drive in a big city like Auckland is not that recommended..If I were you, I would take the bus in the beginning of the trip.

Read more about the transportation in Auckland:

http://www.triptouch.com/new-zealand/ni/...

Answer 3

You don't say where you come from.

Just remember ALWAYS that we drive on the left.

Driving in Auckland is probably not as safe as driving in other parts of New Zealand, but it's probably a lot safer than driving in other cities around the world.

The drivers most likely to cause problems on NZ roads are likely to be overseas people on the wrong side of the road.

Auckland has a fairly good public transport system within the city. On the outskirts- -not so good.

In most other cities the bus service is usually mediocre or non existent.

Driver T

Answer 4

I live in Auckland part of the year.

Yes driving is reasonably safe. The drivers are not the best in the world, but I've been to much worse places. If you are used to driving on the left you should be OK with care.

You should be particularly aware of the turning left rule. That is if you are turning left into a side street a car turning right from the other direction has the right of way.  Also do not park your car on the road facing the wrong direction - you may get a fine. Other than that the general rules are similar to UK.

The motoways throughtout AKL are very busy at all times and great care is needed when entering and exiting. Be prepared well in advance so that you are in the right lane for your exit. Lane changing at the last minute may be impossible due to the weight of traffic.

Public transport is not that flash, but it depends where you want to go, and what you want to do. (You can get to the city from the airport by bus if you prefer).

At the website below you'll find everything you need to know about getting around Auckland on buses, trains and ferries.

http://www.maxx.co.nz/

If you edit your post with more details I can be more specific.

Leo A