akl accom for spookers/rainbows end

If those are your must do's, find a cheap car to hire! Public transport options are limited, and I don't think you can get to Spookers by anything other than car (for Rainbows End you have the added option of a bus). Also, a good map or gps, in my opinion auckland is not very well signposted.

Both Spookers and Rainbows End are in South Auckland. So you would want accommodation in the Manukau area. Although you won't see a lot of Auckland out that way. Maybe one night in South Auckland and two in central city (though make sure the central city place includes parking). Your other option is to look at somewhere like Ellerslie, quick clip down the motorway to either Rainbows End or into the city from there.

Is it just you and your DH, or are the kids coming too? Spookers is R16, and even their kids attractions are R8.

Other activities I can suggest:

- pizza in Mission Bay one evening. Take it to go and sit out on the beach. The view is really beautiful and there are some great pizza places along there.

- a walk along the Viaduct. (see why Auckland is the City of Sails)

- go up the Sky Tower. Touristy, yes, but the view is fantastic. It costs to go up, but if you were to have brunch at Orbit, you get the view for free.

Let me know if you need help or have questions.

I would definitely be looking at wotif.co.nz for the accomodation - much cheaper than normal!

I don't think I'd stay in Manukau if you have a choice, not much touristy/nice stuff to do there.

Your other option is to stay somewhere central, and just hire a car for a day to go out to Rainbows End & Spookers, then walk or taxi the rest of the time.

We stayed in Auckland town and went to the bus/train exchange thing and asked the information guy who told us how to get there. I think it was about an hour on bus but soooo easy and not too expensive.

Have fun!!

thanks everyone for your helpful ideas!   have been keeping an eye on wotif for accom, might just stay somewhere in the city and hire a car for a day for our must do's........any other ideas for things to do that aren't too costly?   

Without kids i'd definitely stay in town and bus out to Manukau - good way to see the city suburbs and hassle free travel. But you'll need a car for spookers i'd say. Town gives the most options for eating out or bars or events etc.

Other things to see/do - if the weather is good, go out to the west coast - Piha, Muriwai beaches etc. It is a nice scenic drive - but a car is definitely needed.

As someone mentioned - Mission Bay - get fish & chips or pizza and eat on the beach front. You can park a wee while before it, say Okahu Bay and walk around if the weather is good? Or go to St Heliers instaed which is just around the corner from these two areas. You can get a bus to these areas.

Day trip to Matakana (would need a car) - about 1 hour north from the CBD. There is a farmers market and there are heaps of wineries.

Day trip to Waiheke - if you stay in town, you can walk down to the ferry building and take the ferry (about 40 mins) - there are buses that are available at the other end going to wineries or local areas (where cafes are etc).

Parnell Farmers Market - Saturdays I think 8amish to around midday. Lots of cheese, breads, olive oils and other goodies - yum! Not far from the CBD and can get there by bus.

Shopping - Newmarket or Sylvia Park. You can get the bus to Newmarket or train to Sylvia Park.

Ponsonby - 5-10 mins on bus - great cafes and shops there too.

I would check out maxx.co.nz for bus details to Spookers - it is on Kingseat Road - I would say it would be a bit of a mission though?