Getting there

Planes

Auckland Airport (www.aucklandairport.co.nz) is located 21 kilometres south of the city.

Boats

Ferries (www.fullers.co.nz) connect with the North Shore, Hauraki Gulf islands and Half Moon Bay near Howick. The trip to Waiheke Island’s Matiatia Wharf takes 35 minutes, or catch a SeaLink car ferry (www.sealink.co.nz), a 45-minute ride to Kennedy Point.

Trains

Only one train, the Overlander, operates out of Auckland, running daily to Wellington via Hamilton and Palmerston North (www.tranzscenic.co.nz).

Automobiles

If you’re just visiting as a stopover, you won’t need a car, but if you intend to do some exploring, wheels are a must. Beach Road’s car hire firms include Avis (www.avis.co.nz) and Budget (www.budget.co.nz). If you fancy something more boy-racer, try NZ Motorcycle Rentals (www.nzbike.com).