Auckland is the largest urban area in New Zealand, and with a population of 1.4 million, consisting of 31 percent of the country’s population, it is also the most populous city in this small but stunning country. HAPPYCAR is here to help find you the best car hire Auckland has to offer through the online comparison portal so you can take full advantage of this eye-opening city. Auckland Airport is also within reach so you can start driving as soon as you land. We check the prices of international and local providers so that you don’t have to check each website to provide you with the best deals to make your money go further on a rental car that fits your specific vacation needs.
General Information
Settled in the 1830's and made the country’s first capital in 1841, Auckland is nestled in the beautiful northern area of New Zealand, ringed by ridges of lava flows from its spectacular volcanoes. A multicultural vibe runs deep through the city and it holds the largest Polynesian population of any city in the world. Naturally, this seeps into all corners of life in Auckland, from freestanding Kiwi houses in the suburbs to a glut of cultural excursions and vibrant gastronomic delights. Auckland’s star power reveals itself through its treasured lands and you would be hard pushed to avoid the many unforgettable excursions on offer in Auckland and the surrounding areas.
Auckland To Do
Auckland stretches out in every direction so you’ll find different things depending where you go. HAPPYCAR can find you the best car rental Auckland has to offer for any kind of vacation you desire. Driving up from Auckland airport you’ll enter the south, where you can find New Zealand’s most popular family-friendly theme park. Nestled in this district is a strong Polynesian history and you can explore Maori settlements around Mangere. In the north, you can enjoy a great selection of farmer’s markets and the art village of Matakana, which draws people from all over. East Auckland provides sweeping coastlines and fine wine, while the wild west greets you with black volcanic sand and ancient forests. Within the sprawling city you can find something for everybody. The night sky is a real treat and you can explore the unique wonders over New Zealand at the Stardome Observatory and Planetarium. For those looking to shop, Auckland’s modern Britomart precinct is tucked inside the most historic part of the city, filled with designer boutiques, restaurants and cafes.
Attractions
Within the city you can find Auckland Museum, a must see for every visitor to the city. It tells the story of New Zealand's history and has an excellent Maori Cultural Performance show around midday. Visit Parnell Village, Auckland’s oldest suburb famed for its galleries and cafes (including the popular French-provincial market La Cigale), and you can also take in Auckland’s huge 17 hectare zoo. If you haven’t seen a Kiwi bird, this is the place to see it. Alternatively, you can explore Auckland’s 14 big attractions with the Auckland Hop On Hop Off Explorer. 18 miles north, you’ll come across one of New Zealand’s most successful conservation projects – Titi Matangi Island. Here you can see many of New Zealand’s native and most endangered species in the wild, visit the oldest lighthouse in the country and take a sneak peek in the penguin nesting boxes.
Eating
From great Java coffee to New Zealand’s favorite fish and chips, you have a lot of choices with Auckland’s culinary delights. Try the award-winning ice cream at Takapuna Beach Café, the complex flavor combinations of Clooney, hip Japanese restaurant Ebisu or an ostrich burger at Murder Burger. In the center of town you’ll find Federal Delicatessen, an American-Montreal spin on Jewish deli food. Being so close to the ocean, you can expect seafood to be at the top of the list. In the Britomart Precinct you can enjoy Ostro, a modern, produce-driven seafood restaurant with treats such as bone-in scotch fillet.
Excursions
When it comes to excursions, Auckland can’t be beaten and an Auckland car hire will take you a long way. Auckland’s regional parks are the perfect way to discover the diversity and splendor of the city’s landscapes, and there are plenty from which to choose. Covering 17 square miles of hauntingly beautiful native forest, rivers and beaches along the western coastline of Auckland, the Waitakere Ranges are a must-see. Auckland straddles the Auckland volcanic field, which has produced about 50 volcanoes so a visit to the city isn’t complete without a trek up one or two. The two most popular are Mount Eden, near the CBD, and One Tree Hill, home to one of the largest Maori settlements in the country. Check out Rotoroa Island in the Hauraki Gulf for a fantastic island getaway with pristine beaches. You can also drive two hours south of Auckland to the private farmland of Matamata, and visit to Hobbiton, the set used in the Lord of the Rings movies. The experience includes a restaurant and function center named The Green Dragon, as well as 44 “hobbit-holes”, the grass-covered mini-houses that exist in perfect condition.
Whatever you choose to do in Auckland, HAPPYCAR can help you find your vacation car at the right price!