Public transport isn’t just for getting to and from work, and Auckland’s bus network is more modern, comfortable and streamlined than ever. Whether you’re going on a shopping trip or taking an ocean dip, simply top up your AT Hop card, tag on and check out these car-free adventures around the city.
The Tāmaki Link from Glen Innes to Britomart, via St Heliers and Tāmaki Drive
Want a family day out with the hassle of parking? Jump on the bright blue pushchair-friendly Tāmaki Link electric bus. First stop: St Heliers Bay, where coffees and fluffies can be enjoyed while strolling on the sand, or it’s a ten-minute walk to wander around adorable Dingle Dell Reserve. The next bay along is Kohimarama Beach where you can have a quick throw of the frisbee, or carry on to Mission Bay for lunch, ice cream – or a play at the recently upgraded playground. If the kids are in discovery mode, head to Sea Life Kelly Tarlton’s Aquarium to encounter creatures of the deep, then cool off in the sea just two minutes down the road Ōkahu Bay. There’s a great playground across the road at Ōrākei Domain, or dry off in the changing rooms before either continuing on to Britomart or heading back to Glen Innes.
Route 66 from Sylvia Park to Point Chevalier Beach, via Mt Albert Road
What could possibly be better than a day that starts with shopping and ends with a swim? Grab your friends and go! Fortified by coffee, launch into the day at Sylvia Park Shopping Centre where you can give your wallet a workout before jumping on the bus at Stop A under the South Eastern Highway and heading to the next retail therapy location Dress Smart Outlet Shopping Centre in Onehunga. Once you’ve had your fill of fashion, it’s back to the bus to continue west towards Pt Chevalier Road. By now you might be a bit peckish, so ring the bell at the Walker Road stop and take your pick of late lunch options from the local cafes and bistros. Eat in or take your goodies to the final stop: Point Chevalier Beach. This west-facing pocket of sand is the perfect spot to picnic and watch the sun set.
Route 82 from the central city to Milford, via Takapuna
Exchange the greys of the inner city for the greens and blues of the North Shore. You can hop on this service at either Mayoral Drive, Wellesley Street, Halsey Street or Fanshawe Street before heading north over Auckland Harbour Bridge. As you’re a passenger, feel free to capture the Insta-worthy view of the skyline as it falls behind you. The cool community of Takapuna is a great place for lunch – either jump off outside Shore City Shopping Centre, or on Hurstmere Road and walk back along the shops. Otherwise stay on board and continue neighbouring Milford. Disembark at Milford Shopping Centre and from there, it’s just a short wander down to the beach. Take a dip in the ocean, focus on perfecting the ‘flop and drop’ on the sand or stroll along to Milford Reserve. This is a favourite hangout for picnickers and active relaxers, with beach volleyball and a basketball half court.
