North or south of CBD for one night stay in Auckland

We are planning on spending one night in Auckland before heading out to Waitomo Caves and Rotorua the following day. I have looked at many hotels and have narrowed down a couple of options in the Parnell, Takapuna areas, or lodge south of the Auckland Airport in the Papakura area. Since we are heading south, if we book a hotel north of Auckland, will we encounter lots of traffic heading south? According to the distant maps, it should take about 2 hours to get to the Waitomo Caves from Auckland's CBD. Should we stay north or south of the CBD?

Could take you an hour plus to get through Auckland. Not for the faint hearted if you dont live here and do it every day. Makes sense to stay south seeing as thats the way you're heading. But I thought this had all been discussed.

I am still undecided. The more I look at hotel options, the more I change my mind. I should make up my mind and that's it. I wanted a hotel/motel that includes free wifi, breakfast and parking. That was hard to find in the Auckland CBD.

We live in Los Angeles. The traffic couldn't be any worse. That said, we certainly don't want to deal with traffic while on vacation.

Thanks again.

I drove Auckland to wellington straight through. was a doddle. roads good but lots of speed cameras.

How long did it take you to do that drive?

i've done it to take my son down to Wellington to University. 8hrs one way, 8.5 the other. Only one short stop so almost solid driving. I wouldnt recommend it for anyone who isnt used to driving on the left. Another tourist was killed the other day after crossing the white line.

do not recal. but was no bother. but then again as a canuck who drove non stop Toronto to tampa florida 22hrs. year in year out the distance was minimal to me. but road is in good condition just maintain a below speed limit and enjoy. now adays my daughters do the driving Canada/ uk

Thanks. We've done 12 hours straight here in the US before stopping, except to refuel. It was tiring. Don't plan on doing that in New Zealand though.

I can thoroughly recommend the Jet Park Motel. We always stay there on our way out and back from NZ It's near the airport, but soundproofed, has a free shuttle bus to/ from the airport (pick up your hire car on day 2) and reasonably priced. Check out their website.

Greenseat - Thanks for your recommendation. Unfortunately, they are booked for the dates of my arrival. However, I will book them for the day before our return to the USA.

Have you tried asking them who they recommend when they're full? Just a thought :)

I haven't, but I will check back a few days before departure to see if anything has opened up. People cancel, change all of the time.

Thanks for the suggestion.

Have you considered AirBnB? You can find better value close proximity to airport and city.

No I haven't. I think I'll look into it for my stay before leaving the US.

Thanks.