How to use bus system in Auckland

New Zealand bus travel is a popular way of getting around for both tourists and locals. The rugby world cup is coming to New Zealand in September 2011, so I’d like to tell you our bus system in Auckland for people who come here to watch rugby games and travel.

The most important thing is getting a time table. You can get it in every post shop, university and some dairy shops. The best way to get time table is going www.maxx.co.nz website to find it and check online.

You should know which area your destination belongs to, and then choose the right time table. There are some different kinds of timetables- Eastern,Western,Northern, Southern and Central, all of them include maps at the back which show you all bus stations in Auckland. Also, you should be aware the time is different between weekdays and weekends.

There are 5 stages totally in one bus line and each stage costs $1.80 for adults and $1.00 for children. Using cash is boring, the easiest way for you is use Hop card. You can buy and recharge it in dairy shops. You don’t need to tell the driver how many stages you will take or where you will get off when you get on the bus, just swipe your Hop card. One of the most important thing is that  do not forget to swipe your card when you get off buses, if you don’t swipe again, your credit will keep running. Finally, you have to check where you should get off the bus, because nobody announces the stops. You can ask drivers to tell you the stops or check maps by yourself.

If you lose something on the bus, don’t worry, you can connect the Lost Property. I strongly recommend having your bus tickets when you call to help, it will show you which bus company you have chosen. (see contact details below)
Waka Pacific/North Star/Go West/Metrolink/Link/City Circuit Phone: (09) 373 9118
Ritchies Transport - Swanson Depot Phone: (09) 833 6053
Ritchies Transport - North Shore Depot Phone: (09) 415 9138
Howick and Eastern Phone: (09) 273 3660
Urban Express Phone: (09) 620 5490
Birkenhead Transport Phone: (09) 483 9119
Waiheke Bus Company Phone: (09) 372 8823
Although there are many different bus companies, they are all managed by MAXX
Phone:(09) 366 6400.