Welcome to my comprehensive and brutally honest travel guide for Auckland, New Zealand—with a lot of monologuing! This guide covers everything from pre-trip planning, navigating the journey, daily itineraries, and the best tips and tricks to make the most out of your trip.

Think of this guide as a conversation with your most opinionated travel buddy who just so happens to love a good monologue. I even cover what radio station you should check out as your exploring North Island using Auckland as your base.

I’ve even calculated the total trip spend (see side bar for breakdown) for 2x people, which includes flights, gifts, food, forgotten and replaced tech equipment, car rental, gas, and activities. By the way, the daily cost per person (excluding airfare) for the itinerary below averages out to $130.

So buckle up, because this is going to be a wild ride through Auckland, my way. Also, if you haven’t heard Yelawolf’s Day Dream song, then listen to his rap and guitar riff, since it will make you put New Zealand on your radar and play this song on your scenic drive down to Piha. Don’t know where Piha is? Then this is the perfect guide for you.

Pre-Trip

I have to be honest New Zealand wasn’t super high on my list. However, once I found out about a few key details…it appeared high on my list. If you don’t know, I’m always seeking destinations that align with my work schedule and offer unique experiences. Auckland ticked all those boxes.

What were those key details?

Ok ok. I won’t keep you hanging. It’s three things–optimal time zone, direct-ish flights, and work-life balance.

So, what’s the deal?

Here’s what sold me:

• Optimal Time Zone: From late September to early April, New Zealand observes Daylight Savings Time (NZDT), putting it just 3 hours ahead of the US Pacific Coast (PST). This minimal time difference makes it easier to manage meetings and calls. I mean it’s still a day “ahead” which can get confusing, which I’ll explain later.
• Direct Flights: Delta recently launched its Los Angeles-Auckland route, offering more flight options and opportunities to rack up miles and status.
• Work-Life Balance: Auckland has stunning natural scenery, a vibrant city life, and it’s an English-speaking nation. This created the perfect environment for productive workdays and exciting after-work adventures.

As you might have guessed, I work remotely for a tech startup that has a nationwide spread and the time zone difference with New Zealand and U.S. felt like a good deal.

Working across multiple time zones can be a huge challenge even working in the U.S. And given my residential location I adhere to Pacific Time Zone (PST)—which makes it hard to find travel spots for easy remote work.  This is vastly different from when I worked in Boston. Trips to Europe were easy and convenient and made working in London a piece of cake. Now, imagine jugging a PST-EST time zone difference and then an international time zone difference? That really narrows down the list of of travel destinations depending on my projected workload.

So? What makes New Zealand that much better?

The time difference is more manageable. I mean, it’s like the time zone difference I’m used to when working in Honolulu, Hawaii—a 3-hour time difference from the West Coast (except with Daylight Savings between March to November).

• That meant I’m used to the time zone difference, and it would just be a matter of waking up early, which gives me more free time later on.
• Imagine being tired every day because of the crazy hours and interrupted sleep habits? That’s how it was in Taiwan.

The were some other bonus factors that persuaded me to go the Auckland Route:

• New Delta Los Angeles-Auckland route: Did someone say more miles and more status? Yes, please! (I would like to get to Platinum Medallion by end of 2024.) Total for 2x tickets was $1,746.66 USD (using points to drive this down).
• I wanted to book the inaugural flight. I failed this goal. The inaugural flight was October 28, 2023, which was during the height of internal company transitions and vertical alignments. Not to mention that additional work activities and tight deadlines interfered with this process. However, I was still close by a few months and packed my now busted Acer KA272 A 27″ LED LCD monitor (that I got on a super sale) and my trusty GL.iNet GL-MT3000 (Beryl AX) router. I also had to pack a New Zealand plug which has the weirdest prongs I’ve ever seen. But then again at this time of the article I haven’t been to Australia or others that have a Type I plug. When I landed, I did have to pick up some lengthier Cat-5e ethernet cables and Type I adapters in Auckland at JB Hi-Fi in the CBD. If you need any electronics, then this shop has all your tech needs. It’s essentially New Zealand’s Best Buy if that helps.

What else?

Confession time: This added costs were my fault. I am a LAST-MINUTE PLANNER. I’m also a last-minute packer. That’s why if you see my essentials post, my toiletry bag is always ready to go because I hate packing, to be honest. My idea of packing is procrastinating until 2 hours before my flight. And since I tend to get red-eye flights, that means that if the flight is at 5:40 am, I’ll wait until 1:30 or 2:30 am to start packing, throw crap in, and then head out the door. Of course, I never forget anything! But, at least I have my essentials bag.

It’s during this mad-rush booking and packing process that I realized New Zealand is one of those places that you actually have to plan. (No kidding Sherlock.) I’m definitely the type to do stuff on the fly. But New Zealand was a wake-up call. A quick glance at flights, Airbnbs, and even car rentals showed that everything is super crazy expensive due to the time of year and remote location to name a few. This is one of those trips that requires a bit of foresight compared to a spontaneous trip to Europe which will be more forgiving on your itinerary and wallet to the sheer number of flights and interconnectedness of cities and countries.

However, even using my last-minute method, I was still able flight around two weeks out for a relatively fair price, especially when coming from the West Coast.

Anything else I should consider?

Before you book your flights to New Zealand, it’s crucial to consider the time difference, especially if you’re a remote worker. Keep this in mind when planning your itinerary, as the long flight and time difference can easily lead to losing track of days. For instance, if you depart on a Friday, you’ll arrive in New Zealand on a Saturday, but it will already be Sunday there.

Getting There

Going to New Zealand requires a valid New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) visa. While the official NZeTA website is the most reliable place to apply, some third-party services like Delta+Sherpa offer a convenient, albeit more expensive, option. If you’re on a budget or planning a shorter trip, I recommend checking out The Points Guy’s guide on how to save money on your visa application. For instance, for two travelers, the Delta+Sherpa option cost us almost $200, which felt like an unnecessary expense on top of airfare and a nicer Airbnb.

Layover at LAX SkyClub

If you’re flying from Seattle like I did, you might have a layover at LAX. I had a four-hour layover, which gave me the perfect opportunity to check out the Delta SkyClub for the first time. I wanted to see what the hype was about, especially after my friends mentioned it’s one of Delta’s nicest clubs.

If you have the American Express Platinum card, you can get in for free and just pay for your companion. However, if you have Delta selected as your preferred airline in your Amex settings, the $50 companion fee will get waived on your credit statement.

The SkyClub was a nice addition to getting ready for our long-haul flight to Auckland. With an unlimited buffet, comfortable seating, and views of the runway, it was an excellent spot to relax and prepare for my long flight. The lounge was actually quite spectacular in the sense that you could see what flights were about to launch next. Once you scan your boarding pass, that information pops up on the flight display board, and it was kind of cool to see Auckland on display there.

• Want to know one thing they have at the SkyClub? Grown Alchemist – Sweet Orange Hand Soap. Some good smelling head-soap in the restroom.

I will have to say the LAX lounge experience made this a challenging compromise with the unlimited buffet and the ability to do last minute pre-planning for Auckland-related travel stuff while watching planes take off right next to you.

I’ve always found that I enjoy waiting in the main airport terminal, and the conversations you overhear become source material for an upcoming book or thoughts/ideas, or you can strike up a conversation with random people that’s not forced.

However, if you already have status with an airline like I have with Delta, you can use that travel bank power to fund a little extra comfort during long-haul international flights. This is one of the reasons I highly recommend the card despite its high annual fee. If you travel a lot for work or leisure, the card more than pays for itself.

In-Flight Experience: The Good, the Bad, and the Butter Chicken

Overall, the Delta flight to Auckland was decent. The in-flight entertainment system offered a variety of interactive games, which kept the passenger behind me thoroughly entertained a little too much (and me slightly annoyed by the constant, heavy tapping on the seatback).

Additionally, despite having YouTube Premium, I forgot to download podcasts and music I planned to listen to offline – a rookie mistake on a 13-hour flight across the Pacific. There’s nothing worse than craving a specific song and not being able to listen to it. Lesson learned: always download your entertainment beforehand! I’d give this flight a “C” rating on an A-F scale. Next time, I might try an airline—American Airlines—without seatback screens for a more peaceful long-haul journey.

• Hater Alert – Delta’s Repetitive Menu: This is shade for Delta. But, Delta, WHY WHY WHY do we have to keep having the same meal on every international flight? Butter chicken in New Zealand, butter chicken in Portugal, and butter chicken in Spain! Don’t include that no-good Calzone either. WHY! Why can’t we have the food of that nation? My brother, who hadn’t flown in a while, was shocked when I predicted the exact meal options we’d be presented with. And when he saw my dish he laughed at it. Since you get larger and more authentic portions on Air India. That’s one of the benefits of flying with that country’s national carrier. Delta, why not showcase the local cuisine of each destination? I swear I need to create a Delta Butter Chicken Tracker.

Pro Tip: Pack some snacks or plan on enjoying authentic local food when you arrive. Trust me, you’ll get much better, more flavorful meals in New Zealand than on the plane.

NZ Customs & Arrival:

• 9:30AM – NZ Customs Time: 26 minutes 26 seconds

Be prepared for a brief wait at New Zealand customs upon arrival. It typically takes about 26 minutes to clear pest inspection and passport control. If your flight arrives early, expect longer queues.

Here are the following times you should be aware of (if coming from the West Coast):

GOING

• TSA Time Going (SEA-->AKL): 7 minutes 49 seconds
• NZ Customs: 26 minutes 26 seconds
• Airport to BRC Rentals: 10 minutes 56 seconds

RETURN

• Security Time Coming Back (AKL-->LAX): 12 minutes 11 seconds
• Going from International Gate in LAX to Domestic (via TSA & Customs): 31 minutes 55 seconds

Car Rental

Booking Your Rental Car in Auckland

To fully explore Auckland and the surrounding North Island a car was essential based on my research. However, be prepared for sticker shock. I wasn’t expecting were the super high prices at the time of booking which was in February, which is peak season and summer in New Zealand.

At the time of this post, they’ve gone down a little more now, but they were outrageous during peak season, as there were barely any cars–with a lot being in the South Island

.After extensive research (and a few “What the Hells!”), I settled on Bargain Car Rentals (BRC). They offered the best price and were really highly rated online. Luckily, BRC came through with a great price and excellent service. While I didn’t get my preferred car model, the Mazda Premacy van we received  turned out to be a practical and comfortable choice. And I have to say I had a really positive experience and I would book with them again.

I’ll be soon writing a post on car rentals in Auckland and driving in New Zealand in general. I’ll also note that the other car rental that seemed popular compared to BRC was Apex car rentals.

Next Up: Picking up Your Rental Car at Auckland Airport

At the airport, it is rather difficult to find the rental pick-up area, which is located in the long-term parking garage. BRC offers a convenient shuttle van from their South West location on 12 Pavilion Drive in Mangere.

Give yourself about 10-15 minutes to get from the terminal to the BRC office, especially if you have checked luggage. On your return trip back to the airport be mindful that the shuttle van may have other passengers, so factor in a little extra time for drop-offs, especially if you’re running late for your flight.

• Time from the Drive from the Airport to BRC Rentals: 10 minutes 56 seconds.

The check-in process is pretty straightforward. I was able to pick up our super sexy vehicle aka a Mazda Premacy (or Mazda 5). It had some usage, but it was otherwise fine. I was happy to get an automatic transmission. At first, I was opting for a manual transmission, but then you have to remember everything is swapped compared to the USA, and the driving is on the right-hand side, which made this even more challenging. I’m telling you!

My Experience with BRC

Finding a reliable and affordable rental car in Auckland proved challenging. Many companies, like Hertz and National, were out of stock, and those with available cars had exorbitant prices, especially on North Island.

The car rental was the most difficult part of the trip, but Bargain Car Rentals (BRC) made it easy. The cost that BRC gives you is the actual total in New Zealand Dollars (NZD), where others might try to overcharge by quoting in USD. So the value could look identical until you look at the currency.

On top of that, BRC staff were super friendly when I talked to them over the phone and via email. After countless searches on Reddit, finding a company with such excellent service was a huge relief. Initially, I wanted a “Commuter Super Saver” package, which most likely would have been a Toyota Vitz for six days at NZD $558.66 with “Bronze Insurance.” Instead, I ended up with a van (they call it a people mover) for NZD $859.80/ $520 USD (with Bronze insurance), but that still proved to be quite useful.

• Driving in New Zealand: A Few Tips
  • Drive on the left-hand side: Remember, driving in New Zealand means staying on the left.
  • Opt for an automatic transmission: If you’re not used to driving on the left, an automatic transmission will make things easier.
  • Prepare for winding roads: New Zealand is known for its stunning natural scenery, which often comes with winding roads.

Normally, I go with Hertz or National, but neither company had any cars in stock at the moment. Interestingly, both companies had an abundance of cars on the South Island, where apparently people drive them down from the North Island. So, if you’re reading this post and planning to visit the South Island, some companies will even pay you (or rent for free) to drive cars back up North. I met a fellow Delta passenger on the return flight from AKL to LAX who had just done that.

• One Way Rentals: Check transfercar (select Queenstown to Auckland)
• For inter-island (North & South) rentals: Check out what Hertz mentions here. If you’re traveling to both islands you need to get separate bookings. Again, I prefer Hertz because you can have the rental dollars back into Delta SkyMiles.

Another downside was that my American Express premium rental car insurance, which usually costs $24.95 USD, didn’t apply in New Zealand. So, I had to go with BRC’s included insurance.

Day 1

Afternoon

• 10:30 AM: Pick up rental car at BRC / Hireace

• 2:00 PM: Check into Airbnb. Due to numerous factors, it took us forever to find how to actually get inside the area. If this is your problem then adjust for the time if not then ignore this part. Use this time to either take a nap or catch up on work.
  • Centrally located Airbnb: The apartment is in Latitude 37 and met my four requirements during this trip I needed which was–a view of Sky Tower, a balcony (since this is what I think of most from my trips to Hawaii), washing machine and dryer (if I were to do jiujitsu), and free parking.
  • What’s the benefit? I’m in marketing but the one selling point is you can look out the window and see Sky Tower. My real reason, imagine having a stressful day and you crack open a cold NZ beer and just open the door to the patio and look out and just look at the Tower? A1! And A1 view!

• Steal My Stay: Recreate my remote work haven in this centrally located Auckland Airbnb.

Ever wished you could live in a travel magazine? This centrally located Auckland Airbnb is the answer. This was my remote work haven that offered stunning views of the Sky Tower. Whether it was in the day or at night drinking a beer, I’d look out at Sky Tower on the  private balcony. If that sounds like something you would want, then check the link above to book the exact listing and experience it firsthand.

Why Location Matters

Choosing the right location is key to a successful workation. Staying in the Central Business District (CBD) particularly by the viaduct, gives you easy access to the freshest seafood, the hottest restaurants, and vibrant city life, all within walking distance.

• 5:30 PM: Start your city exploration.

Evening

• 6:00 PM: Head to The Brewers Co-Operative for local craft beers. The Brewery Co-operative had a good chunk selection of New Zealand-specific beers (which is what I was going for) that were all super tasty and paired well with their good fish and chips. It was here, over a pint, that I discovered the Kiwi sense of humor. When I asked what do New Zealanders like to do for fun, the bartender said “drink.” I laughed and he said that he wasn’t joking and I was like damn (Chris Tucker style).I appreciated the dark humor! The beers themselves were excellent, with some even featuring New Zealand hops in their formula. As you’ve noticed, I often mention the wide use of Washington State’s Cascade and Citra hops in IPAs and hazy IPAs worldwide, So, it was refreshing to taste the distinct flavor profile of New Zealand’s hop varieties.

• 7:00 PM: Go to the Countdown (Woolworths) grocery store and stock up on items. This store has RAW Spirulina drinks right at the entrance. In the U.S, you don’t typically see health items at the front of a store. I highly recommend grabbing one to try, I thought it was pretty tasty.

• 8:00 PM: Visit Hello Beastie Restaurant. Hello Beasty is a New Zealand modern-Asian fusion restaurant located in Viaduct Harbour, Auckland. Reservations are highly recommended, especially for peak dining times, since this is a popular spot that gets packed pretty quickly. However, I did see a few walk-ins that didn’t have much trouble getting seated.

• 9:30 PM: Go to Movenpick Princes Wharf for ice cream. I was craving ice cream super badly. And walking around the area late at this hour, I was actually just happy to find an ice cream place that was open, even if it was a little commercial. I did notice that there was a super large ferry that had arrived, which brought in a ton of new customers. The ice cream actually wasn’t bad. (This activity is more if you’re still up for an adventure or have a sweet tooth like me.)

• 10:00 PM: Late night stroll around the city or head back to Airbnb. You can also use this time to wind down or look at Sky Tower from your Airbnb balcony.

Gear Used

Day 2

Morning

• 6:30 AM: Start the day early or Aka 9:30 AM in the USA (but technically a day behind). The time difference tripped me up at first. My phone displayed New Zealand Daylight Time (NZDT), while my computer showed PST. It was weird and a bit tricky since I was working almost a day ahead, since if it’s 6:30 AM in New Zealand, it will be 9:30 AM the previous day in California.

Afternoon

• 1:00 PM: Take a walk. This time is now 4:00 PM West Coast time.

• 1:30 PM: Make your way to Stolen Summer Coffee Spot. This is a rather unassuming coffee spot that you could easily walk by without noticing. I had it on my list but unknowingly passed it while heading to another spot on my list. It’s a great place to grab a coffee and continue exploring the area, as there are quite a few shops worth checking out nearby.

• 3:30 PM: Time to go shopping at Kowtow in New Market. Given New Zealand’s push for sustainability, I was keen to explore their eco-fashion scene. This led me to Kowtow, a brand dedicated to creating clothing from organic and renewable materials. While they now ship to the USA, making it easy to access, I still recommend stopping and seeing their collection. I did jokingly ask how is it  really ecological to ship clothes thousands of miles away to the USA, which the sales lady did mention I had a good point. Regardless, their T-shirts are incredibly high quality. I I picked up a black one that’s become a staple in my travel wardrobe. It’s versatile enough to dress up or down, making it perfect for long trips. When I want something more casual, then I will stick to my more self-created, streetwear that I have screen-printed/DTG.

Evening

• 4:30 PM: Head to Maungawhau / Mount Eden in Mount Eden. Drive to Mt Eden. At this point, I’m flipping through NZ car radio stations and I stumbled on Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive on 89.40 on Newstalk ZB from 4-7 PM (her name is about as complicated as mine), and I was shocked by her opinions. She’s just a straight shooter. I mean, I even waited in the car a little longer just to hear her speak since she had me laughing like crazy. When I travel I make it a point to flip through radio stations. It’s a habit from long drives from Ann Arbor, MI either to Chicago, IL, or Bloomington, IL. Hearing the local radio stations makes the whole environment come alive, and you really get a feel of everyday life, culture and trends. Normally, I don’t listen to news/talk radio, but this was an exception.

• • This is a very scenic view and it’s not really a hike, more like a short stroll that offers plenty of vantage points. If you’re a photographer and want that golden hour light, come here to get sweeping views of the city.

• 5:30 PM: Head to Mangere Bridge Takeaways, which despite it’s name is actually a fried chicken shop. Even writing this now, my mouth is watering. This place was that good. My original stop was The Village Butchery (Mangere Bridge) to get some Hangi (Maori cuisine), but it was closed, as was the Hong Kong Bakery, which came highly recommended. If those are open, be sure to check them out. At Mangere Bridge Takeaways, get the chicken, the potatoes, the corn, the chicken, the… No, it’s not a typo. I went back right up off my seat to get another order, and the people were super friendly, too.

• 6:00 PM: Stock up on wine and beer at Liquorland Mangere Bridge, conveniently located right next to the Chicken Shop. Make sure to grab some NZ beers if you enjoy microbreweries and won’t have a chance to hit them all up.
• 7:30 PM: Head to Piha Beach. If you’re a car nerd like me, this is an amazing drive that you would want to do in a Mazda RX-8 or Miata, or another beautiful car that can handle these curves. Unfortunately, I was in a Mazda Premacy, still getting used to right-hand drive while handling the twists and turns.

• • Drive Time: 48 minutes
  • Drive Distance: 50 km/31 mi

The trip there takes about an hour, but it’s not a super easy drive, especially if you’re new to right-hand drive. The road is very windy, so a smaller vehicle with better weight distribution is ideal when you have cars tailgating you. To stay busy, just listen to Heather du Plessis-Allan’s humorous and social commentary about Hamilton and Auckland:

“Of course you’re going to sell it out, nothing happens in Hamilton,” was her response to the obvious sellout of tickets at The Factory (a venue) for New Zealand group Drax Project’s “Woke Up Late” tour

Before you know it, you’ll be at a beautiful overlook, and then you have to keep winding down to the beach.

You will be greeted, as we were, with a stunning beach and rays of light shining through. There are plenty of good photo opportunities here.

I wish I could have stayed longer, but it was getting late and I had to navigate the right-hand drive back, knowing I needed to wake up early for work.

On a side note, I found out there’s a mysterious unsolved murder connected to this area. If that’s of interest, check out this video. I think if you read forums and news stories online and then look at the pictures, especially taken at dusk, you can kind of feel a vibe.

• 11:30 AM: Arrive back home and then enjoy some New Zealand Beer.
  • Hāpi Daze (Pacific Pale Ale) – Garage Project
  • Expatriate (American Pale Ale) – Double Vision Brewing
  • Pernicious Weed (Imperial / Double) – Garage Project
  • Beer (Lager Pale Ale) – Garage Project 
  • Chipper (Hazy Pale Ale) – Garage Project

No, I didn’t have all of these the same night! But as you can see, most of my selection here (80%) is from Garage Project. I picked these randomly at Liquorland. I don’t know if it says something about my taste in branding, or if I had some other intuition, but Garage Project seemed to dominate the shelves. Either way, I need to visit them in Wellington! And now I’m craving one of their beers!

Look, I even gave their beer a photoshoot!

Day 3

Afternoon

• 12:00 PM: Grab some mid-afternoon coffee at Ozone Coffee Roasters in Grey Lynn. Honestly, it was hard to get out of the apartment until later in the day. I had to handle a lot of marketing events and it just made for a time-consuming day. While the coffee and food at Ozone were decent. However,  at this point in the trip, I’m giving a nod to Stolen Summer.

Evening

• 1:00 PM: Leave Ozone and make your way down to Mount Maunganui.
• 3:30 PM: Make a pit stop at Countdown in Katikati to grab some delicious New Zealand Chips and treats for the drive.

• • Drive Tips: This drive is around 2 hours 38 minutes (230 km/143.51 mi), depending on traffic. So make sure you grab snacks in advance and or sandwiches since you will get hungry.
  • Song Choices: Yelawolf (ft. Cowboy Killer – Day Dreams) or Fabolous – Snooze (Freestyle)
  • Snack Stop: Countdown in Katikati, New Zealand on 123/131 Main Road.
  • Drive Snack Options: SnackaChangi Sweet Chili Chips & for sandwiches Culley’s Kitchen Cola BBQ Sauce.

Be prepared for potential traffic or road construction, which can significantly impact your travel time. To maximize your day, avoid unnecessary stops. Even a quick gas station break can easily turn into 45 minutes, and you don’t want to miss out on precious daylight, especially if you have to work the next morning. Remember, one of the benefits of having a car is that you can get a little more from your trip compared to just having a tour bus, so make the most of it.

During the drive, I discovered a new favorite radio station: Niu FM (103.4). Their mix of island and Afrobeats reminded me of the stations and music when I visit my friends in Hawaii.

• Niu FM – FM 103.4 – Hamilton 
  • Ponifasio Samoa – My Baby (ft. Tali)
  • Katchafire – Always with You
  • AKA Brown – Something I Need (Kci & Jojo mixed with LSG & NeXT)
• Newstalk ZB – FM 89.40 – Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive from 4-7 PM. She also has a Spotify here.

Of course, I also tuned into my girl (I mean lady) and talk show host, Heather du Plessis-Allan, on Newstalk ZB (89.40 FM). Her witty commentary and sharp insights never fail to entertain. Here’s a few:

“He’s gone to the dogs!”

“Well you’re not running a charity are you…and you do have a monopoly in some routes so you can’t do it”

“We have an embarrassing airport right now [at Auckland Airport]”

• 4:30 PM: Arrive at Pilot Bay Beach right at the base of Mount Maunganui. Spend some time walking around, but if you are on a time crunch, then pass this one up. Unfortunately, when we visited, it was quite rainy, which was a bit of a letdown after working and driving all day. I still craved that “wow” moment, an experience that would make the day’s work and driving worth it. Rotorua, as you’ll see later, provided just that.

• 4:55-5:30 PM: Check out downtown and grab gifts from Kiwiana Gifts & Souvenirs (Closes at 5:00PM). For clothing head to North Beach Clothing. I did stop by some other stores for gifts but this store was super friendly and had everything I needed from special thermal bath salts to Mt. Maunganui hats. If you want clothing or other trinkets then stop by North Beach Clothing which also has a bunch of inappropriate gifts which seem hard to find in the USA when checking Amazon.
• 7:00 PM: Drive to the geothermal baths at Rotorua, NZ. What better way to add more drive time to your drive? When driving to Rotorua, make Sulfur Point your first stop. I know more driving, right? As someone who loves long-distance drives (I’ve even done the not-so-smart 26+ hour drive from Ann Arbor, MI to Gilbert, AZ!), I was eager to take in more of the scenery, especially since the weather at Mt. Maunganui didn’t quite deliver the experience I was hoping for.

• • Drive Information: 57 minutes (73.0 km/45.36 mi)

After driving by Sulfur Point which you cannot enter. But holy hell can you smell the pungent scent of sulfur. Don’t worry, there are plenty of warning signs to not get close. Continue to Kuirau Park, where you can park and witness the geothermal of the lake firsthand. The park has designated areas—Kuirau Park Footbaths —where you can soak your feet in super super warm watch, which is a SUPER refreshing way to relax after driving all day. Plus, my knees are banged up from running and jiu-jitsu, so I squatted to make sure everything was getting that special water. And don’t worry, you will see other visitors doing the same thing.

• 8:30 PM: Grab dinner at Number 8 Wire Restaurant in Rotorua. By this point, it was getting late, so our dining options were limited. But this one restaurant caught our eye with its enticing game meat options. They had venison, which I was eager to try, especially since it seemed to be locally sourced. I got hooked on venison back in Honolulu, where I would often grab fresh venison from Maui Nui – 90/10 Venison Organ Blend at the farmers market. And seeing it on the menu here felt like a sign! It felt like the perfect meal to mark the end of the day and added to the post-geothermal-bath rejuvenation that I felt at the time. And that’s kind of what I wanted to have—a more fulfilling meal.

• 10:00 PM: Drive back to Auckland from Rotorua. At this point, it’s quite dark, so be extra cautious on the drive back to Auckland. When we made the return trip, there were fewer road closures, so you shouldn’t have to take as many unlit rural roads before reaching the main highway.
  • Drive Information: 2 hours 35 minutes (226 km/140 mi)
  • Late Night Gas Station: BP Connect in Fairy Springs, Rotorua (use Mastercard/VISA)
  • Late Night Eats: McDonald’s – Rotorua right across from the BP Gas Station. Note: They do get fairly busy at night.

Day 4

Afternoon

• 11:30 AM: Head to Dear Deer Coffee Roasting Bar in Onehunga. Grab some beans to take home – they’ll roast them right in front of you, so make sure to take advantage of their extensive selection. (Side note: They really need some cool stickers. I considered making some, but then again, I keep adding too much stuff on my plate!) Also, if you’ve been tracking my coffee trips in Auckland so far, this is my favorite one right now on this trip.

• 12:30 PM: Head to Auckland Fish Market in the CBD for lunch. There are several great restaurants here, but I WOULD NOT go to Billypot for “fresh” oysters. I learned the hard way that they weren’t as fresh as advertised. Questionable, at best. I even asked the guy if they were fresh and he said yea. (Let’s just say his “yea,” turned into my “food poisoning.”) Instead, head to Oyster and Chop during their happy hour oyster special a delicious, safe, and better seafood experience.

• 1:30-2:55 PM: Finish up work.
• 3:00 PM: Walk to Oyster and Chop for their Happy Hour (3-5 PM). While the menu is limited during this time, the prices are unbeatable. Just look at those prices (see below). Seriously, aside from a serious food allergy, who wouldn’t want to get some fresh oysters? Don’t ask how many oysters we got! In Seattle something like this would cost an arm and a leg!

Evening

• 5:00 PM: Drive to The Hangi Shop in Ōtāhuhu. Uhh who said you can’t eat more food!? This was on my list for a hot moment before arriving to Auckland. And now, I was to finally thrilled to make it here after a jam-packed our day. The lady behind the counter was also super attentive too, as I asked random questions and she carefully guided us through the menu, including her recommendations. What did I do? Duh! I got pretty much everything on the menu. I recommend the following:
  • Lamb & Chicken Hāngī
  • Steamed pudding with custard and cream (ahhh! I want some more now!)

• 6:30 PM-10:00 PM: Drive to the BNZ Auckland Lantern Festival held at the Manukau City Centre (this is seasonal – Feb 22-25, 2024). I mean you thought the eating would be over? We found out the BNZ Bank of New Zealand’s Lantern Festival would be held during our trip to Auckland. This is a free, city-wide event celebrating Chinese culture with a wide array of food options, calligraphy demonstrations, and even traditional Chinese medicine (after recently watching the Netflix Taiwanese drama, A Taiwanese Tale of Two Cities, we had to check out the acupuncture booth).

This event was held at the Manukau Sports Bowl and was a fantastic experience. The only downside was a chaotic incident as we were leaving, where someone used their car to ram another car and a person before fleeing. Police quickly shut down the area, causing a bit of a commotion. So, if you’re attending the festival in 2025 (or future), park at the nearby St. St. Peter Chanel Church parking lot to avoid the main entrance congestion.

---

Day 5: Souvenirs, Coffee, and Brewery Hopping

Afternoon

• 2:00 PM: Walk to the Takutai Square in Britomart to check out some vendor shops. Then, walk a little further to the Takutai Lawn for the farmer’s market, where you can stock up on last-minute Manuka honey souvenirs before leaving.

• 2:30 PM: Walk to the Daily Bread Bakery at Britomart. Eat some of the hot cross buns or grab some coffee to go. The food is decent, but the charming monastery-like ambiance and friendly staff make it worth a visit.

Evening

• 4:30 PM: Walk to Hallentsein Brothers on Queens Street. If you’re like me and ripped your pants (blown-out crotch), take a walk to Hallenstein’s Brothers on Queens Street. I had been rocking black pair of Zara pants for a while until they finally gave out on me, and they were the only pants I brought on the trip. So instead, I went and restocked with a New Zealand brand.

• 6:30 PM: Drive to Urbanaut Brewery in Kingsland. Now that we are back in business and operational with a fresh pair of pants (New Zealand ones at that), drive to Kingsland for some beer. Urbanaut was another planned brewery on the list and I found their beer to be quite good. Here’s my personal ranking of the six beers I tried, on a scale of 1-5 (5 being excellent):

 

1. 1. Urbanaut – Belleville Chocolate Milk Stout (4.5)
   2. Urbanaut – Rose Bay Lager (4.3)
   3. Urbanaut – Kihi Tropical Fizz Cider (4.2)
   4. Urbanaut – Apricot and Peach Hazy IPA (4)
   5. Urbanaut – Detroit IPA  (3)

Of course, everything seems different when you’re enjoying a few drinks, especially when you start ranking beers and comparing your opinions to those on Untappd. I also tried Karma Cola, New Zealand’s take on Coca-Cola, but it didn’t quite live up to the hype for me.

• 8:30 PM: Drive to Duck Island Ice Cream in Ponsonby. Don’t do what I did, which was get some crazy 6-flavor combo. I do suggest letting the staff pick a few flavors for you, since they have an overwhelming number of flavors, options, diary vs. vegan. I had the employee randomly choose his favorites, including two that I had already selected. He was hesitant at first, but but I told him I was sure. Better him than me and run into decision paralysis. Plus, they already know unique flavor combinations, and their most popular flavors. It’s like getting a crash course download of their menu in just a few minutes. He definitely had some good choices, including a vegan flavor, which I usually never go for.

---

Day 6

Morning

• 9:00 AM: If you haven’t yet, grab some Grownup Donuts. These were actually some of the best donuts I’ve ever had. Maybe it’s the fresh New Zealand air or the atmosphere, but they’re definitely worth trying.
• 11:00 AM: Check out of your Airbnb. I know, I know, that dreaded feeling of saying goodbye, especially to a place you’ve grown familiar with. It’s the worst part of traveling for me. But the good thing is, you can always come back!

Afternoon

• 11:30 AM: Drive to Red Rabbit Coffee in Parnell. These people seriously know their coffee. Interestingly, when they found out we were from the USA, they seemed even more intrigued—I guess because it’s not every day Americans stumble upon a tiny coffee shop in Auckland. We chatted about our shared love for coffee (I mentioned some of our favorite brands, like Colectivo, Press Coffee, to Pacific Northwest brands like Heart Coffee Roasters, and Fonté Coffee Roaster to name a few) while waiting for our brews to be served in elegant black Hario V60 Glass Range coffee servers. One of the guys there even put me on Scott Rao for coffee. And now I’m sharing that info with you if you haven’t heard of him: Scott Rao and Instagram.

Coffee Verdict:

And now, since is the last coffee stop on this trip, I’ll give my final coffee winner of this Auckland adventure, SURPRISE, IT’S A TIE! (Wait that almost rhymes.) And its between Dear Deer Coffee and Red Rabbit, which both served up incredibly tasty and flavorful brews that left a lasting impression.

• 1:30 PM: And now it’s time to head back to the airport. Well not quite—you have to head to BCR remember? Their van will transport you to the Delta terminal at Auckland International Airport. Just be mindful that other passengers may need to be dropped off at different terminals first, especially if they have domestic flights. I ended up chatting so much about coffee that I went past my planned departure time for the airport. I recommend arriving at least an hour earlier than you think you need to.

Notes

• Phone Service: Make sure to have a backup phone or, if you’re traveling with a partner, have another cell service provider. I traveled with AT&T and was on the One.NZ network, but I experienced a severe service outage on 2/22 NZDT (2/21 PST) and couldn’t reach anyone. So make sure to have a SIM card that works reliably.
• Cash: Some gas stations won’t take American credit cards, so it’s helpful to have cash on hand. Trust me, you don’t want to be stranded in Rotorua late at night without gas, knowing you have a long drive back to Auckland.
• Gas Stations: Based on my experience and asking around, the following gas stations accept US credit cards or allow you to prepay inside: BP and Z (pronounced “Zed,” which bought a bunch of Shell pumps).
• Website Information: It was surprisingly difficult to find basic information on New Zealand websites, even for purchasing goods. Many websites lacked an “About Us” or “Contact Us” section, making it hard to find their location. It’s Marketing 101, people!
• NZ Post: If you need packages delivered urgently, be mindful when using NZ Post, especially on Saturdays. Their helpline is not always available, and certain types of deliveries may not be guaranteed.
• Specialty Shopping: I wanted to buy some locally made NZ hemp clothes from hemphouse, but they didn’t have a physical storefront. Thankfully, the owner was incredibly helpful and mailed my shorts to the USA! I also wanted to get some locally made socks from NZ Socks at the Farmers on Queens Street, but they only had women’s sizes.

---

Getting Back Home

The airport can be a bit confusing, especially with ongoing construction, so pay attention to the signs as you walk to the terminal. When we arrived, we were cutting it close on time, even though we had budgeted an hour. Delta’s presence at Auckland Airport is still relatively small given their new service route, which meant limited check-in counters compared to other major airports worldwide. Hopefully, they’ll improve their processes as they expand their services from Auckland.

Despite the time crunch, the check-in staff were helpful and gave us “Express Lane” stickers, which expedited the check-in and security process to about 14 minutes. Unfortunately, all that rushing moot, as a couple who checked in before us delayed the flight by showing up late to the gate.

The return flight was pleasant enough, and thankfully, there was no tapping from the backseat this time. However, I did have to endure a lengthy conversation about Kentucky’s freshwater sources and tree coverage.

“Kentucky has the most freshwater apart from Alaska and has 75% tree cover,” I’m paraphrasing the Delta passenger here, but I digress.

And Delta, please, I’m begging you, change up the in-flight meals on international flights! A sandwich, even like the ones Air France serves on its CDG to Seville puddle jumper, would be a welcome change from the endless butter chicken.

However, the most frustrating part getting back to SEA was the connection at LAX. Unlike efficient airports like Seoul, where you stay airside for connecting flights, LAX requires you to exit the airport, re-check your bags (where you enter a mass room and just dump your bags on a belt), exit and then go through security again. Even with TSA PreCheck, it took about an hour, mainly due to the stressed and inefficient TSA staff on an early Sunday morning. Also PreCheck was still faster than CLEAR or “Creepy CLEAR.”

I would budget at least an hour for your connection at LAX, and if you have a tight layover, let your flight attendant know.

Auckland, New Zealand

Tips, Tricks, and Logistics

• Car Rental: Ditch pricey big-name rentals and go local. Bargain Car Rentals (BRC) offers competitive rates and exceptional service, even going as far as picking you up from the airport (about a 10-minute drive). Apex Car Rentals is another well-regarded option worth considering.
• Shopping: Get your eco-fashion fix at Kowtow in New Market. They offer high-quality, sustainable clothing perfect for travel (and yes, they ship to the US!). Auckland’s CBD also has a wide variety of shops to explore.
• Food: Don’t miss Mangere Bridge Takeaways for some of the best fried chicken in Auckland. If you’re looking for more authentic cuisine, The Hangi Shop in Ōtāhuhu has delicious traditional Maori cuisine. For fresh seafood in the CBD, hit up Oyster and Chop during their happy hour for crazy oyster deals.
• Exploring Auckland: Tune into local radio stations like Niu FM or Newstalk ZB to get a feel for the Kiwi culture and lifestyle. For breathtaking views, head to Piha Beach and Mount Maunganui. If you’re lucky enough to be in town during the BNZ Auckland Lantern Festival, be sure to check out this vibrant cultural celebration.
• Cost Control: If you opt out of a car rental, avoid renting accommodation in Auckland’s Viaduct Harbour (a pricier area), and choose an airline other than Delta (often a more expensive option), you could drastically reduce your overall trip expenses, especially as a solo traveler. You could potentially save around more than 50% of the total cost of this trip.

Trip Soundtrack

Because every adventure needs a soundtrack, each of my trips comes with a theme song. And for this trip's anthem? Well, it's...

Yelawolf (ft. Cowboy Killer) – Day Dreams

Conclusion

Overall I’m very happy with the trip even though it was a last-minute, spur-of-the-moment decision (but a along held idea). I was super stressed from work, and this trip was the perfect opportunity to just have a change of scenery while still working in a different environment. Plus, I got to try Delta’s new route and rack up some miles!

Obviously, I had plenty of other places to try and other coffee shops to get caffeinated on, so I can’t give a full list of coffee shops accurately since I didn’t get a chance to review everything properly. I did find New Zealand to be pricier than other trips, especially with respect to last minute planning. If you look at other destinations using “Google’s Anywhere” feature, then you’ll find other destinations for half the price in terms of flight. There are additive costs, since I usually add washer and dryer for jiujitsu gi’s when traveling.

But I definitely hope to add Auckland and New Zealand in general to my list of regular travel destinations. It’s the type of place that leaves a mark on you and stays with you. Maybe it’s the island’s remoteness, or maybe it’s the people and environment—either way, it’s there. And it leaves you with a lingering sense of yearning, an undeniable pull for you to return. It’s like an emotion that sits deep within you, and when you think about it, you can feel its profound presence deep within.

Kia Ora, Auckland! Until next time.

Stay Tuned!

Be on the lookout for my next trip to New Zealand. Hopefully, I’ll be visiting South Island. And if you’re planning your own New Zealand adventure, check out this article and video for some helpful tips on learning Maori phrases.

Check out the locations section to find more travel itineraries, including my in-depth guide to Guam and my comparison of VPN services for remote work!

About Homson Travels

At Homson Travels, I share authentic travel experiences, tips, and guides to inspire your next adventure. From bustling cities to hidden gems, join us as we explore the world one destination at a time.