Auckland

Start with the places you expect to visit every week: work or campus, the supermarket, and the nearest useful transport stop. Choose where to live after you have checked the trips between them.

Get from the airport

For a public transport trip into the city, take the AirportLink bus to Puhinui Station and change to a train. Auckland Transport shows where to board at each terminal. If you are heading to Onehunga or Māngere Town Centre, check whether bus 38 takes you closer to your destination. Auckland Transport airport services

Enter your actual destination in AT Journey Planner and set the departure time for when you expect to leave the terminal. Check how much walking your route involves if you are carrying suitcases. For a late arrival, check the last connection from Puhinui before you leave the airport.

Pay for buses, trains, and ferries

Use an AT HOP card or an eligible contactless bank card or device on AT buses, trains, and most ferries. Each passenger paying contactless needs their own payment method. Use the same card or device to tag on and off, even if a physical card and your phone link to the same bank account. If you qualify for a concession, check AT HOP and apply for the concession before relying on a discounted fare. Auckland Transport payment options

Check a suburb before signing a lease

• Check the exact address. Run a weekday morning and evening trip in AT Journey Planner. Two flats in the same suburb can have very different walks to a bus stop or station.
• Check transfers and weekends. Try the trip at the time you expect to come home, and check a Sunday supermarket trip if you will be relying on public transport.
• Walk the last part. On a viewing, walk back to the stop and look for steep sections, crossings, and whether the route works with shopping bags.

Find your collection day and library

Enter your street address in the Auckland Council collection-day finder. It lists your rubbish, recycling, and food scraps days. If you live in an apartment or a shared property, ask the building manager or landlord where the bins are kept and how collection works.

Auckland Libraries lists branches and opening hours. Look for the branch that is easiest to reach on your regular route. You can visit without joining.

Set up mail and deliveries

Keep your street address, unit number, and postcode handy. For your first delivery to a shared building, check whether the carrier needs an access instruction, a reception desk, or a collection point. If you want a separate mailing address for letters, the NZ Post PO Box guide explains how to find a Box Lobby and write the address.