With many of the Auckland region's sights conveniently accessible on foot or by public transport, there isn't a huge advantage in having a car while you're in the city, though you'll need one to explore far-flung gems like the Kumeu wineries and the surf beaches of the West Coast. As the main point of entry, Auckland is awash with places to rent a car ; and if you're planning on some serious touring, you may be interested in buying a car .

With relatively tame rush hours, driving around Auckland isn't especially taxing, though drivers are sometimes aggressive and inconsiderate. On first acquaintance, Auckland's urban freeways can be unnerving, with frequent junctions and vehicles overtaking on all sides. If you are used to driving on the right, it takes that much longer to go with the flow; if you've just arrived after a long flight, consider waiting a day or so before driving. Inner-city streets are metered, which means that parking is best done in multi-storey car parks which are dotted all over the central city and reasonably well signposted; none are open 24 hours, so check the latest exit time - usually around midnight.