[SteveO]

Hi Everybody

We are looking to emmigrate to Auckland, having read lots of useful posts Howick looks a good place for us. I work in IT and so will work in the City where IT is I guess Central?? However I have been concerned over posts on traffic problems. What is the commute time in rush hour and is traffic a problem ? If so should I live somewhere else that I can avoid this and yet still be near beach/ city / schooling or is there a good train service, tram or ferry any advice greatly appreciated

Many thanks Steve :uhoh

[jubjub]

you can get the ferry from half moon bay, never used it so don't know how good (or cheap) it is. Takes 30 mins to city centre.

I'm not sure all the jobs will be central, I tend to see them on the fringe of the cbd, in places like newmarket or grafton.

Estimated drive from howick to there, 30 - 45 mins, depending on traffic and school holidays

[Wannaway]

we are looking at Half Moon Bay also, as I work right outside the ferry terminals on Quay Street coming to work by ferry would be ideal.

I think there are a total of three/four ferries that run in the morning and evening, but the times are a bit irregular (ie they don't run "every hour on the hour". Follow this link for details of departure times and fares.

http://www.fullers.co.nz/

It is about a 30-35min crossing from HMB. 10-15 minute crossing for Devonport/Stanley Bay ferries and 15-20 minute for the Bayswater/Birkenhead ferries. There is also a ferry service now from further west, Hobsonville way and I had previously heard a rumour that at some point in the future there are plans to run a ferry from Takapuna way.

Bus services from Howick way are quite good from what I hear, but the travel time does depend where in Howick you are and where in the CBD you are. From Half Moon Bay to the centre of the CBD you are probably looking at about 40-50min bus journey. Car journeys can be anything from 30-60mins, if you go in rush hour probably looking at 45mins+.

[lindajax]

hi guys,
We lived in half moon bay for a time and now live in Howick. Commuting to the city by car in rush hour - 45-55mins. The ferry does get you there quicker but the coming back times can be a bit of a pain and they do not run if weather is bad. Buses - unreliable.
if you need any more info about howick etc just let me know
Linda x

[SteveO]

Hi Guys
Thanks for replies a journey of about 13 miles sounds quite heavy going at 50 minutes, longer than I was hoping for (you probaly guessed I hate traffic). Is it heavy traffic the whole way i.e. bumper to bumper or just the last xx miles.

Are there any train or tram options, what is parking like can you park on the street OK for free, have all the main firms got their own car parks, do people cycle safely i.e proper cycle tracks can you park a motorbike on the pavement I'm just looking for any alternatives.

Thanks for help
Steve