Auckland is not a cheap city. While beer and wine are startling affordable to a Canadian such as myself, food is *always* more expensive. I’ve found that I go through money a hell of a lot faster here than I did in Toronto, something that is a little bit scary considering I do not have a steady income. After being here for almost two months, I’ve come to realize that I’ve not really done very much because Ive felt that if I spent the money on touristy things, I would later not have enough for bigger things like my upcoming trips to Napier and Melbourne.

Ferny goodness in Coxs Bay Reserve. Has nothing to do with entry, but is very pretty and the post needed some gussying up.

Of course, I still spent the money, but on other things that have long since been consumed or forgotten, and now Im feeling like I’ve not taken advantage of this time as best I should.

That is going to change, as starting this week I am going to go on one Auckland-area excursion a week (more if I can work it in money/time-wise) and enjoy this city as best I can. On account of my limited (and dwindling) bank account, Im going to set up a few guidelines

1. Total trip must be less than $40.00 NZD; the cheaper the better!
2. Trip can be safely done alone (meaning I wont be off wandering in the bush by myself).
3. I must prepare and bring snacks and water with me from home, to help keep costs down.
4. Whever possible, the trip will offer opportunities to meet new people.
5. All trips must be accessible by foot or public transportation.

In all cases you can either walk into town (depending on where your starting point is, this totally is doable for me) or take the LINK bus ($1.60 each way), and all prices are in New Zealand Dollars. So, without further ado, here is my list.

1. SkyTower — Admission is $28.00 (minus 10% discount picked up from Auckland tourism brochure).  Grab a drink from the SkyLounge. Relax. Total cost:  approx $40.00
   
2. Rangitoto —  Buy ferry tickets at Fuller’s — purchase a  Saver Seat special that saves you $8.00, cheap as! Otherwise return tickets are $25.00.  Total cost w/ discount:  around $25.00 NOTE: Fullers offers a set amount of discounted tickets per day per trip, so it may be best to book tickets online, or get to the Fullers desk as early on the day as possible. Discounts are not available on public holidays.
3. Waiheke Island —   Buy ferry tickets ($24 with Saver Seat fares) at Fuller’s. Go swimming at Oneroa and/or Onetangi.  Enjoy Waiheke Island Walkways. If you have a little extra cash, splurge and enjoy a glass of wine at one of the 30 wineries. Buy an all-day-bus pass from Fuller’s to get around the island (not sure how much this is). More info on Waiheke. Total cost w/ ferry discount: approx $35-40 including bus pass and/or glass of wine)
4. Devonport — Again from Fuller’s, catch the ferry over to Devonport. Same day return tickets are $6.00 if you get the SaverSeats special, otherwise is $10.00. That is the most that you HAVE to spend to get over there without a car. Once there, I’d highly recommend grabbing a bite to eat or something cool to drink. I stopped in at a fish & chips place right by the ferry docks (one piece of snapper, scoop of chips, pop = $11.00-ish), then sat in the nearby park and watched the water for a while. From there, you can walk to one of the two area volcanos (Victory and North Head) for incredible views of the city. One of my favourite places so far is a bench with a lovely view of Rangitoto, situation on the side of North Hear. Would go back in a second! Im told you can go swimming at Cheltenham Beach, but the day I was there the water was murky and uninviting. Total cost w/ferry discount and fush & chups dinner:  about $20.00
5. Mission Bay — From the Britomart station, take any bus on the 746-769 routes, $3.20 each way. Things to do: swimming, pint on the waterfront (about $10 a pint), walk along the beach. This would be a great place to go if you have a few hours to kill, dont want to spend a lot of money, and really want to get out of the house and enjoy the Auckland sunshine!
6. Auckland Museum — Located in the Auckland Domain, this would make a nice way to spend an afternoon. Following the museum, wander around the Domain’s many walks, or sit and watch a cricket game if that’s your thing (it’s not mine, but I saw a game in play when I was last there. The men looked very jaunty in their whites, and while I have no idea how the game is played, thought I would mention it anyway). Adult admission into the museum is a requested $5.00 donation, while entrance into “star exhibits” such as the T. Rex Named Sue are extra (Sue costs an additional $12.00). Of special note is the daily Maori Cultural Performance which costs $25 and includes general admission. The performance is on three times a day, and from the looks of things, is about an hour long. Definitely high on my list of things to do and see!  Total cost: $5-25, depending on if you take in the Maori show, any extras exhibits and/or tours (which are $10).
7. Auckland Zoo — See a kiwibird! Go on an Aussie Walkabout! Lions, tigers and …penguins? Oh my. Admission is $19.00, although it may be possible to snag a discount coupon from one of the Auckland tourism brochures avail at the airport. Look up routes and pricing on the city’s MAXX public transportation website; from my neck of the woods the bus costs $3.20 each way. Total cost incl transportation: about $28.00
8. Auckland’s Coast to Coast Walkway. Free, although you will want to bring money for cold water (although you should def bring some from home to start you off), bus fare in case you get tired or to get you home from the finish. The walkway is 16km long, but since this is Auckland, you can be assured that you’ll be going up and down a million and one hills along the way. Total approx cost: $10 for busfare and water
9. ???
   
10. ???

A windy road at Tawharanui; also has nothing to do with this post... but don't you want to see where that road goes? Also, sheep are just behind the fence. Sheep!

I’m still looking for other cheap as items to round out my list, so if you have any recommendations please leave them in the comments.

Possibly related posts:

1. Auckland
2. Devonport