Auckland's public transport is in a sorry state and periodic moves to improve it are hampered by the city's vast spread and low population density. That said, you'll find you can get to most places on foot , by local bus , or with one of the city tour buses that shuttle between the major sights. Out on the harbour, ferries connect the city to the inner suburb of Devonport and numerous islands. Taxis are plentiful and can be flagged down, though they seldom cruise the streets and are best contacted by phone . Few visitors will find much use for the Tranz Metro suburban train services (for enquiries tel 0800/103 080), which start from the station on Beach Road and call at graffiti-covered and inhospitable stations in places that are low on most visitors' must-see lists; the two lines run south through Newmarket and Ellerslie, and west through Henderson then north to Waitakere. Parking isn't a major headache, but Auckland drivers aren't especially courteous and really you're better off renting a car once you're ready to leave the city. Hilly terrain and motorists' lack of bike-awareness render cycling an unrealistic option through city streets, but the situation is redeemed by a few dedicated routes.