To think Auckland traffic won’t be any worse than London? (Any Kiwi experience welcome!)

[yarpole]

Posting here for traffic (haha - no pun intended) - and hoping some New Zealanders may see this.

I am about to relocate to Auckland, as I have a job at Greenlane hospital in Epsom. We have primary school aged kids and had been considering renting a home in Takapuna, for schools, beach and community feel. However my relocation consultant (based in Auckland) has expressed shock at the commute it would involve and is encouraging us to look at a more central suburb.

Google maps says the drive at 7:30am would be 30-35mins. I would then need to park somewhere and walk to the hospital, so figured whole journey would take 45mins, maybe an hour on a bad day. I currently live in London and this would not be an unusually long commute. Is my frame of reference for a “long commute” just different from a local’s, or am I being ridiculously optimistic, and in reality the commute would be worse? I keep being told horror stories about Auckland traffic, and the bridge in particular.

Would really appreciate views from anyone with recent experience of Auckland, even better if you also know London!

[IfIHaveToTellYouAgain]

I drove through Auckland at rush hour (had to cross the bridge). I didn’t think it was too bad, comparable to any other major UK city. It took around 1 hour to get from Albany to Auckland airport (Albany is further than Takapuna and airport is out of the city in the other direction, so the times you’re suggesting seem reasonable to me). The only disclaimer is that we didn’t have to drive into the city proper so I’m not sure what those roads would be like, but if the issue is the bridge I don’t think it’s that bad. It’s certainly nowhere near as bad as London. I did only drive this route about 10 times but it was pretty similar each time, and always during evening rush hour. Good luck, you’ll love New Zealand!

[yarpole]

Thanks so much, that’s reassuring. Anyone know if Google maps live traffic/ driving times are accurate in Auckland? I can’t see why they wouldn’t be, but seems to be a big discrepancy between what Google maps says it takes (at the time I would be commuting) and what locals are warning me it might really be!

[Gerwurtztraminer]

Been a couple of years since I was last back and I don't drive in London so can't totally compare like for like. Auckland traffic is pretty notorious wherever you live. Brother used to live in Takapuna and further up the Coast so I have done that trip across Auckland many times. 35 mins seems optimistic in the morning. And like any driving route it's very dependent on roadworks and accidents and in my experience they are common. Especially bloody roadworks - last time we sat in traffic for what seemed like forever just to get anywhere near the bridge. Plus the bridge is a bottleneck so a problem on one side creates problems both sides as everything backs up.

As for what is normal, in Auckland I think an hour commute one way over the bridge would be considered normal/not unusual.

If your relocation consultant is a local I'd listen to them. Personally I'd be looking for something close to your work - there are beachy /community options that would be worth considering and you are never far from a beach up there anyway. Depends what you can afford really - as I am sure you are aware Auckland house prices are horrific. I liked Howick and Beachlands but doubt could afford them now.

Aucklanders will tell you it's not that bad to live/drive/commute there. Every other New Zealander will tell you otherwise!

[Ticklyrain]

If you can do that commute in 30 mins I’d be very very surprised. Google maps tells me my commute will be in the region of 38 mins every morning (it’s all motorway). It’s generally more like 50. I think the bigger problem will be getting home - the Southern traveling north gets very very congested. DH does it, leaves at 3.30pm to avoid it but getting onto the motorway (controlled signals) takes ten mins alone, even at that time.

The PP who said Aucklanders say the traffic isn’t that bad made me smile - how was the traffic seems to be the first question anyone asks when someone gets into the office on a morning!

[yarpole]

Thanks so much both - this is really helpful. We don’t know Auckland and having to make these decisions from the other side of the world is really tricky! So I appreciate your intel. Back to the drawing board on areas to live it seems!

[3scape]

Definitely not as bad as London.

[BakewellTarts]

My brother and his family live in Auckland. The public transport is dire so trains, underground almost non existent so everyone drives. They moved from an outer suburb to a more central one and one of the main reasons was the commute.

[SummersDay2014]

I live in Auckland, have never been to London though. Driving from Takapuna to Greenlane everyday would be a nightmare especially if you hit peak traffic. It takes me anywhere from 45 mins to 90 mins depending on the day to to a 23km commute into the city, but if I do the same drive off peak it can take 25 mins.

[PicsInRed]

Takapuna to Greenlane in 30 mins would involve a helicopter.

The pp was correct that Albany to the airport can be done in an hour - but that's a trip which remains on the motorway system to the airport, possibly shooting out West on SH16 thus avoiding spaghetti junction and the Harbour Bridge. No surface streets, no gridlock.

It would be a nightmare commute, OP, stop start and standstill. Perhaps google maps is a little fucked from covid restrictions because that's simply wrong for a weekday rush hour day commute across the Bridge and through spaghetti junction.

flashbacks

I would look at Onehunga or central suburbs for a shorter commute. All have good cafe/dining culture, shopping and boutiques, Auckland Museum, Cornwall Park etc, rail connections are improving all the time. Kiwis drive to the beach anyway. 😉 Good luck with the move.

[ScottishNewbie]

Auckland's not even in the same league as London traffic wise. It's much less congested.
I would however plan for the unexpected as things like a blockage on the road can take a long time to clear.
It's a great City. (NZ born and raised)

[PicsInRed]

OP, this is the essential guide to Auckland homebuying, "Where to Live in Auckland".

I've bought this myself in the past and it has some really useful insights. Do be aware that due to the ever rising market, the price info is often a fair bit on the low side. They seem to deliver abroad so you should be able to get a copy to the UK.

www.wheretoliveinauckland.co.nz/

[FenceFuckery]

Honestly, I wouldn’t live on the shore if you worked anywhere outside of the CBD and ferry access. Google maps is usually fairly accurate, but the entire motorway network really quickly backs up if there is any incident anywhere. Also we have light controlled access to motorways which I find google doesn’t allow for and that can add a lot of time.

A crash way down south in say Takanini will cause tailbacks right back up to the city. Also the bridge has had some issues- high winds can be a problem, and now there is talk of closing a lane to allow cycling access. Also when it rains in Auckland things get 10x worse

Honestly, if you are working in Epsom then look at the Eastern beaches around Tamaki drive. Onehunga is great, lots of character (not beachy, but the sea). Epsom itself is fantastic, but possibly expensive. It’s where all the top schools are if that’s important to you. Anywhere in between too - feel free to PM me for any specific location detail.

[yarpole]

Wow, thanks so much guys, this is all really really helpful. Great points about the factors that can affect the journey over the bridge. PicsInRed I will definitely check out that book.

Now thinking Epsom and Remuera might be better bets, but will check out Onehunga too.

[Babyroobs]

It has been 20 years since we lived in Auckland but Onehunga was very up and coming then ! Agree the bridge will be your main problem.
Public transport was awful when we lived there - my dh would have to drag our toddler out of bed at 11pm to pick me up from a Nursing shift as there was no public transport and we only had one car. We lived out west and would have to take the motorway in to the centre. There are some nice parts to live out towards the western side and lovely beaches there.

[traveltheworld1986]

I lived in Auckland until 2018 (I am originally from the UK and have also lived in London for a few years) I agree with PP that you wouldn't want to commute from 'the shore' down to greenlane. The traffic around Auckland comes to a complete standstill during rush hour. I actually lived in Epsom myself and loved it, we also lived around the city beaches (mission bay/St helier area) Remuara is nice too & Orakai, all very commutable to Greenlane hospital. Feel free to message me if you need anymore info!

[Muchadobird]

Brit living in Auckland here. Traffic is not as bad as people say in general- not compared to London as a whole or other major UK cities. However that specific route is probably the worst choice given you hit all the hot spots and there are no other routes/ transport options unless you can look into bus routes. It is doable but you would need to prepare for delays in peak hours and it would get frustrating.
I would check out Kohimarama as that is an easier commute but has similar feels to Takapuna.
Auckland is generally lovely though so good luck with planning your move!

[IrishMumInLondon2020]

Gosh no, wouldn’t do that commute in a fit. We lived there for years and still have a house there. Are you prepared for the expense of Auckland? We got back frequently and are always shocked at how pricey it is.

[everythingcrossed]

Tomtom do a global traffic index - London is ranked 49, Auckland is 63 (the worst cities are the ones in which there have been population explosions and little infrastructure investment so Delhi, Jakarta etc). Hope that helps.

[HamAndTomato]

I’ve been in Auckland 20 years this month! There are some lovely areas close to Greenlane hospital - One Tree Hill, Epsom, Mt Eden, Remuera, meadowbank, All would have good schools and short commute. Beach suburbs of Kohimarama, Mission Bay, St Heliers prob a 15 minute drive off peak, maybe 30ish minutes in peak traffic? If you live close to Greenlane you would have those beaches within 15 mins drive on the weekends and literally dozens of others within 15-45 minutes drive

[violetbunny]

I lived in the UK for 5 years (the last couple in London commuting daily on the M25). I moved back to Auckland a few years ago.

I don't think Auckland traffic is nearly as bad as London at all. However it has certainly gotten steadily worse on my commute here in the few years I have been back and I don't see that improving anytime soon.

I live one suburb over from Greenlane in Ellerslie and personally there is no way I would want to commute from Takapuna. I commute in the opposite direction against the traffic to Manukau and it takes me 30-45 mins to get home most days. You would have to go over the harbour bridge, as someone has already pointed out Google maps does not seem to factor in the time you have to wait for a light getting onto the motorway (at least in my experience) or the frequent delays if there is any kind of incident. There are loads of other nice suburbs not far from Greenlane, it's relatively central.

I would definitely recommend doing what @FenceFuckery suggests and look at the Eastern suburbs if you want to be close to the water.

While it's not close to the water, I personally love living in Ellerslie, it's really central and has a lovely village with nice independent shops (butchers, cafes etc) and community feel.

Lastly remember that in Auckland you will never be that far from water anyway. Even for us being in Ellerslie it's only a very short drive to Mission Bay or somewhere like that if we want to go in the weekends.

[Changemusthappen]

I have lived in NZ. I can see the draw of Takapuna and the North Shore however agree with others that the journey is an absolute nightmare. I would not want to drive over the bridge at rush hour.

I assume you are looking at public schools beyond primary? Takapuna Grammar has a good reputation as does Epsom Grammar (girls). Important to be on this for catchments. Whevever you look it is eye wateringly expensive and housing quality is absolutely shocking.

I find it interesting that people compare Auckland, with a population of 1.6 million (1210psm) compared with 8.9 million (5700 psm) in London. You really can't compare the 2 cities like this although if you want to I would say that Auckland traffic is worse because public transport is dire in Auckland.

[Gennz18]

Do not live on the shore if you work in Greenlane. I live here and grew up in Greenlane. That motorway off/on ramp is the biggest choke point in Auckland. Plus being over in the shore means you are at the mercy of the bridge - if there is an accident blocking it you are stranded and the whole motorway network backs up.

If you’re working in Greenlane check out surrounding suburbs: Remuera, Epsom, even east to Meadowbank, south to Onehunga as PP have mentioned, also west to Sandringham or Mt Albert even? All will mean you can avoid the motorway which is key.

London is obviously far far busier but has a vastly more efficient and well used public transport system - Aucklanders tend to default to cars.

Feel free to message me if I can be helpful! It’s a great place to live. Housing is v v expensive but apart from that I think it’s a great lifestyle, weather is nice, there are good schools/opportunities for kids.

[Gennz18]

Yes to Ellersiie as well, it’s a nice family suburb.

Best suburbs IMO are the inner west - Grey Lynn, Kingsland, Westmere, Mt Albert. They are $$$$ though - nice renovated villas with nice restaurants/cafes nearby.

Remuera and Epsom very leafy with the best blue chip state schools. Epsom has the two top girls’ private schools if that’s of interest to you.

I don’t think a 45 min London commute (presumably a train/walk combo) is comparable to a 45 min- 1 hour Auckland commute sitting on the motorway combusting with rage/ losing your will to live.

[Gennz18]

If you are looking at state primary schools, Cornwall Park primary is a great school (Greenlane area), as is Ellerslie Primary,
Remuera Primary, Victoria Avenue Primary (both Remuera), Epsom normal,

If you are in the designated zone (their websites will have the map/street list) have the automatic right to enrol.

Mt Eden suburb is also lovely, great school zones and about a 10 minute drive to Greenlane hospital - lots of medical people in the area.

[SueblueNZ]

While I can understand the appeal of beautiful Takapuna, the commute would be awful. If you want to rent in beachy suburbs, go with cityside ones like Orakei, Mission Bay, Kohimarama or St Heliers. From there you would have short easy drives that don't involve motorways. (This from a woman who spends up to 3 hours driving to and from work a day! Alfriston to Mt Eden.)
Greenlane was decommissioned as a hospital decades ago and now houses a huge range of specialists, outpatient clinics, etc. The benefit of this is that staff parking might be available.
Good luck with the move. I'm sure you'll love it here.