We had a delightful time, with Meredith as our guide! She picked us up bright and early, and even…read morecame into our hotel lobby area to find us. She had plenty of facts to share, providing the local perspective of how Lord of the Rings was filmed in New Zealand. It was a super smooth experience! We went to Hobbiton, and the tour group smartly booked the early lunch slot, meaning that we were able to access the buffet uninterrupted.

During our trip to Auckland, high on our list of things to see was Hobbiton and Waitomo Caves. As…read morenone of us can drive, we can't just "rent a car" (as many people suggest) and drive out to Hobbiton or Waitomo Caves, so we had to find a tour company to take us. My sister researched tour companies and settled on Bush and Beach, as they offered a smaller tour group, as opposed to a large coach with 50 people. (In addition to my sister, husband, and I, there were two other people with us, a mother and son from New York, who were lovely people.) For $395NZ per person (the current price is now $450), the price included admission to Hobbiton (the tour and lunch combo) and Waitomo Caves. While $395 is not cheap, considering it included admission to the attractions (which is now $158 and $75, respectively -- it was probably cheaper last year), transportation (we spent several hours driving), and the driver's time (a full day -- we were picked up from our hotel at 6:45am and returned around 12 hours later), the price was very reasonable. It was a great day, but what made it such a memorable experience was Damian, our driver. Damian is honestly the highlight of my trip to Auckland. He was just so AMAZING. He was friendly and personable, and you could tell he really liked his job and meeting people. On our drive he told us interesting tidbits about the area and history of New Zealand and made the drive very interesting. He was so engaging. If that wasn't enough, he bought all of us "hokey pokey" ice cream, which is apparently a famous flavour of ice cream in New Zealand, and on our way to Waitomo Caves from Hobbiton, he took us to see Waipapa Dam and the surrounding area as we had some extra time. Seeing Hobbiton and Waitomo Caves is a great experience in itself, but Damian pushed it over the top. [Yelp collections: NZ/Fiji 2023; New Zealand 2023]

Although we arrived at the international terminal from the US, we flew out of the domestic terminal…read moreto Queenstown on Jetstar a few days later. We took an Uber from Hilton Auckland to the domestic terminal. It was clean and organized but it was hard to find a water fountain. There were a few food options to grab a bite. Security was incredibly efficient. Compared to the US, the process was smooth and the staff were friendly and welcoming. The signage was clear, and getting through security took less than five minutes. In the US, we're used to arriving at least two hours early for domestic flights, but in New Zealand we were told to be there one hour beforehand and even that felt generous given how quick everything was.

The attitudes of every customs officer they employ. They're rude, abrasive, and downright assholes…read more Especially the goon with his dipshit mustache.

I was truly excited to visit Whatipu Beach because I have been to so many of our West Auckland…read morebeach favourites, but I had not experienced this wonder. Upon arrival I was off with my family to walk the 20 minute/1.5km track to the Whatipu Caves. On the walk to the biggest cave you pass smaller old sea caves along the track, they are really fun to walk into for some exploring. The big cave was very impressive; I really enjoyed walking around and hearing my voice bounce around its walls. I made sure I listened to the department of conservation- and sprayed a disinfectant on the bottoms of my shoes before and after entering the walk; this would help prevent the deadly Kauri collar rot which is easily passed from soiled footwear to trees. After the cave walk, I headed to the beach for a bite of lunch and a chance to soak in the scenery, hardly a sole to see. Picturesque waves rolled in to the shore, while in the distance the Manukau bar dramatically splashed up almost to say check me out I'm dangerous. I will be back Whatipu I promised as I departed this afternoon- you are a mysterious beauty.

Over Christmas my husband and I knew we wanted to go camping but also wanted some quietude, so we…read morelooked somewhere close to home, the Waitakere ranges were it, and Whatipu Lodge camp grounds looked quite remote but interesting. It took quite a windy drive to get to, passing very close to the oceans edge and down some narrow curly passes but with just a mild case of nausea (for me) we eventually got there. The space was very open and had one other camper nearby, a family tenting. We have a van decked out, which was ideal as the place was very windy and wet. It rained the whole time, but I liked it none the less, it wasn't cold and a bit of rain is no drama in my world. The hike up the big hill was easy and gave amazing views of the coast that we had walked along earlier in the day. The wind up on the cliffs did mean we had to keep our wits about us, and no rock climbing. We tried to get to the caves but it wasn't really possible without more serious wet weather gear, we got soggy shoes and socks even through the mere attempt to get at them. I recently read about all the ghost sightings in this place, we saw, nor felt, none, but it did give off a rather haunting feel. But that could also be because it felt like such an isolated environment and was so wet and windy. We did, however, see a lot of bird life. Bird watching is not a hobby of mine but it was kind of cool to see so many and all their antics. The lodge caretakers came over to the car and collected the $15 (per night, per car) and had a brief chat soon after we had arrived. Bookings are essential before you arrive.

This company is very organized! I booked this tour through Viator and the owner communicated to me…read moreimmediately about the procedure to get to the Island. The tour guide was very informative, went to 3 vineyards ( postage stamp, Stony Ridge and Cable Bay Vineyards). Lunch at 372 - fabulous day!

The booking process was very easy and the communication was clear and timely. We booked an earlier…read moreferry (9:15) through Island Direct. It was nice to have some time after departure to have a coffee and walk around the shoreline. The bus was parked right outside and Caleb gathered everyone up and we were off! I'll update this review at the end of the day.

Our hotel was a walking distance from the ferry terminal. Really nice to stroll around. We boarded…read morethe Fullers 360 to Waiheke Island. The information and ticket offices was just in front of the terminal. Very easy to find.

The Auckland Ferry Terminal is a beautiful Edwardian Baroque building. It was built in 1912. Its…read moredesign is similar to the San Francisco Ferry Building in California. The terminal connects Auckland with ferries going to the North Shore, West Auckland, South Auckland and the surrounding islands. It is centrally located at the end of Queen Street. It was the principal way to reach the North Shore until the Auckland Harbor Bridge was opened in 1959. Nice place to sit and enjoy the view on a sunny summer day in Auckland.

Who knew Rangitoto's little neighbor was full of walking tracks too?…read more Enter: Motatapu Island. After doing several double takes of the stark contrast between Rangitoto's volcanic rock & Motatapu's rolling green pastures, I decided it was time to go out and explore. We took the Rangitoto ferry* (early bird is only $20 return...sweeeeet). From the wharf, you walk along the coast to across to Islington Bay which brings you to the causeway path over to Motatapu. You then join the Motatapu walkway, including a network of paths which cover a large portion of the island. We followed the path over to Home Bay, which is a beautiful swimming spot and also 'home' (tehee) to a DOC beach campground. From there, you have a number of options through farmland, WWII gun emplacements and tunnels and/or chillin' with the local cattle (these guys have some pretttttty stellar views). Tips: + Give yourself the whole day if you want to start in Rangi and work your way around Motatapu - it's nothing strenuous but it covers some distance. + Signage isn't amazing so I'd bring a map and be flexible in your routes, if you know what I mean :) + Bring water - there's aren't many places to fill up along the way, so make sure you bring plenty All in all, a nice little day trip (especially for those without a car and/or if you don't love "crowds" - Rangitoto is definitely the more popular destination). *They do have a ferry that runs directly to Motatapu, but it's seasonal and not every weekend, so be sure to check out the Fullers website.

Motatapu is Rangitoto's forgotten neighbour. It's not often talked about - potentially because it…read moreis harder to get to - but it's an island that every Aucklander should visit at least once. You can access the island via Rangitoto or get a public ferry from downtown to Home Bay (although, these are less frequent). Once you're there, there's oodles of walking tacks to explore, most with spectacular views of the Hauraki Gulf. History buffs - keep an eye out for the WWII gun emplacements.

The Adina Apartment Hotel in Auckland was a really nice hotel, and one I would book again…read more Don't let the name, Apartment Hotel, confuse you as it's not one of those Condotels! This hotel offers an apartment like hotel--a home away home if you may. That was one of the things that sold me. The location wasn't too far away from the main attractions, such as the Sky Tower and Viaduct Harbor. Roughly 10 minute walking distance. It's close to Albert Park, and super close to Spark Arena. The lobby area is quite small, which I guess fits the "Apartment" style. The staff were very friendly, informative, and helpful. When we got off the elevators, the floors were open air with one walkway down the middle, with each pair of rooms its own walkway, so it was very unique, and actually does give a comfy, homey, apartment-like feeling. Our studio-like, 1 bedroom was quite spacious--living room, bathroom, and a full kitchen and everything you need. The bed was in between the kitchen and bathroom. I've seen many studios like this, but with the addition of the sliding doors, it does make it feel like a bedroom. There was even a sliding "window" connected to the kitchen counter, so you can wake up, open the window, and place an order. :) Another plus of choosing this hotel was the inclusion of free breakfast buffet. Nothing spectacular. Just the usual scrambled eggs, bacon, hash brown, sausage, bread (with marmite!), and etc. Everything was decent. Coffee machine was nice! Wish can adjust the amount though cause I needed it 2x to fill the cup. Overall, this was a very nice hotel. You definitely feel comfortable and peaceful and homey when you step out of the elevator and to your room. Really nice amenities. There was also a gym. The staff were really nice and friendly throughout. Rooms were very clean and neat. Everything was modern with unique touches that make the experience more memorable. Location was nice. Close by to main areas, supermarkets, and restaurants. I'd definitely stay at this hotel the next time I'm in Auckland.

Rooms are pretty nice, they didn't clean on a daily basis, and when they did it wasn't done well…read more Hotel clerks were very friendly. The downer of the trip was Yard Bar, the bar on the first floor. I was excited to try their happy hour. Welp, all they do is very simple drinks, and it seems as though they only know how to make what's on the menu. I asked for a dirty martini. The "bartender" looked like a deer caught in headlights. Apparently they do not have olives. Then I asked for a vodka tonic with lime. He didn't ask what kind of vodka or anything. My husband ordered a peanut butter old fashioned from the menu. The drinks came and my drink was a lot of tonic, a little vodka and a lemon. My husband liked his drink, but it was a half glass. I'd definitely stay at the hotel again, but we'll definitely skip Yard Bar!

I have spent a lot of time in this travel agency booking my one year OE to Canada. I found being at…read moreUni and studying it was so conveniently placed as in between classes I would get advise on places to go and see, arrange flights, accommodation, travel insurance, and much more. I really enjoyed coming here as the staff were roughly the same age as me and had traveled all over the world. It was so nice getting an opinion from someone who is like minded and understands the needs and wants of a 20 year old. STA is the perfect travel agency to go through if you're a student wanting to travel. They are very accommodating and help point you in the right direction of the best deals you can get. If you're a Uni student wanting to travel I would recommend coming here even just to have a look to see what's on offer. They have heaps of travel guides you can look through for inspiration or even just curiosity. There is something here for everyone.

I came here while I was doing some planning for an OE. I did not end up using them for my flights…read morebut I did buy some travel insurance through them which was the cheapest option that I had researched. After the lady I was talking to found out that I was going to London she told me about her experience living there and what she did for work - she had a live in position at a hotel in the North. She gave me some details about what recruitment company she used, which I did not end up using but appreciated all the same. Good service, and depending on what day of the week it is, good deals on flights.