Auckland is an important transportation hub in New Zealand. The public transport network is relatively mature, and buses, trains, ferries, and other modes of transportation can be taken. The city travel and the surrounding play can find a suitable mode of transportation. However, if you want to be convenient, fast, and save money, there is still a transportation card, also known as the AT HOP card. Let’s discuss how to buy and use this AT HOP card.
What is the AT HOP Card?
The AT HOP card is a transport card used in the Auckland region of New Zealand.
The AT HOP card is reusable, top-ups are used, and everyone uses it to travel on trains, ferries, buses and buses in the Auckland area. As long as the amount is in the card, you can swipe the card to pay when getting on and off public transport.
Note: AT stands for Auckland Transport, which manages walking, cycling, parking and public transport in the region.
With the AT HOP card, there are many other benefits:
Using it to pay for transportation is more convenient and faster than using cash. You don’t need to go to the customer service centre or self-service ticket machine to buy tickets, save time, and avoid searching for change.
It can save on transportation costs. AT HOP cards can get at least 20% off each fare compared to cash.
The AT HOP card supports almost all modes of transport, including buses, trains, and ferries. (SkyBus Airport Coach and Waiheke Ferry services are not supported)
The AT HOP card also offers integrated fares, which allow us to transfer seamlessly between buses, trains and ferries and pay only once for multiple zones, known as zone switching concessions.
Note: Cash is not accepted on the AT bus. The AT HOP card is recommended.
How Much is the AT HOP Card?
The purchase price of the AT HOP card is $5. That’s pretty cheap.
Note: The purchase price of USD 5 is non-refundable.
Is the AT HOP card worth it?
We can compare the price of paying with cash and a card, and it’s easy to earn back the card fee with multiple rides.
Adult bus or train fares are as follows:
| Adult | Cash fare/$ | Price of the AT HOP Card/$ |
|---|---|---|
| City link | O.64 | |
| 1 regions | $4.00 | 2.37 |
| 2 regions | 6 | 4.2 |
| 3 regions | 8 | 5.8 |
| 4 regions | 10 | 7.18 |
| 5 regions | 11.5 | 8.25 |
| 6 regions | 9.2 | |
| 7 regions | 10.4 | |
| 8 regions | 11.6 | |
| 9 regions | 12.6 |
Cash payment
We don’t accept cash on the bus. If a person with a card is travelling on a train or bus with someone without a card, it is also possible to use the HOP Money (balance) on the card to buy paper tickets for them. When full cash fare.
10% discount for off-peak travel
You can save 10% when you travel with your AT HOP card before 6 a.m., between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., and after 6.30 p.m. on weekdays and all day on weekends and public holidays. But remember to tag on during these periods to use the discount.
The limit is $20 per day.
Use the ATHOP card to swipe on and off, transfer to trains, buses and inner harbour ferries, and do not pay more than $20.
Where to Buy an AT HOP Card?
There are three main ways to buy a transport card:
Online Purchase of ATHOP Card
You can buy it on the website, and AT will mail the card to you.
The purchase price of the AT HOP card is $5.
You need to top up your card with $5.
Cards purchased online have free shipping within New Zealand only. (The card arrives via New Zealand Standard Post within ten working days.)
Key cards and AT HOP Gold cards cannot be purchased online.
How to buy: Visit this link and click “Buy AT HOP Card” to continue.
Buy a Card AT HOP Card Vending Machine
You can buy them at the self-service machines at the station.
The purchase price of the AT HOP card is $25.
That includes a $20 brushable balance.
The machine accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express and EFTPOS. Cash is not accepted.
Where to find vending machines:
Auckland Airport (AT HOP vending machines are located next to the AirportLink bus stop, at Gate 3 of the Auckland Airport Domestic Terminal)
Downtown ferry terminal
Devonport Ferry Terminal.
Buying Cards at Retail Outlets
You can find out where to buy ATHOP cards in many places.
There are two types of retailers, one selling only cards for $5 each. The other is to sell pre-loaded cards for $25 with a $20 balance.
The Process of Purchasing an AT HOP Card
Visit this link to go to the buying card page:
Select a login account or
Choose to buy the card as a tourist (not logged in)
You can choose the number of cards to buy, each with a 5 yuan card fee and a 5 yuan recharge limit, for 10 yuan.
Fill in the mailing information, including name, email, telephone, Auckland address, etc.
Choose a payment method, credit or debit card, etc., and proceed with the payment.
After payment, the physical card will be mailed to the address within ten working days.
The AT Hop bus pass is a favourite for Auckland commuters who want to get to work and school. The residents of Auckland recognize it. Regardless of whether the technology is advanced, it is still worthy of recognition for its ease of use and fare discount.
How Do I Recharge the AT HOP Card?
If you buy a card, you can recharge it on the spot, and the recharge channel is the same as the purchase channel.
If you have already registered your card, you can recharge it online. The minimum top-up amount is $5.
You can top up at ticket machines at bus stops, train stations, and ferry terminals. The minimum top-up amount is $1.
Look on the map for ATHOP retailers, which is the store where you bought the card.
Does the AT HOP Card need to be Registered?
AT HOP card does not require mandatory real-name registration, but because registration has some benefits, it is recommended that friends take the time to register.
Sign up for an AT HOP card
Benefits include:
You can recharge online, but it is also easy to check the balance
Set up automatic top-up. This can save time
Apply for discounts or offers
If your card is lost or stolen, you can freeze your balance and transfer it to a new card.
Note:
Suppose you stay in Auckland for an extended period and frequently use public transport, especially for international students. In that case, we recommend signing up for the AT HOP card, as you can get discounts.
What are the Benefits of the AT HOP Card?
Fare Concessions for those under 25 Years Old
Children, students and young people under 25 can enjoy discounted public transport.
Children under five years old Travel free when accompanied by another passenger. They do not need to buy tickets or use a separate ATHOP card.
Children from 5 to 12 years old: Get on and off for free with a registered AT HOP card.
Children 13 to 15 years old: Discount for boarding and boarding with a registered AT HOP card.
Secondary school students aged 16 to 19: get a discount on boarding and boarding with a registered AT HOP card.
Teens aged 16 to 24: Get a discount on boarding and boarding with a registered AT HOP card.
Fare Concessions for Higher Education Students
Eligible full-time university students can use the AT HOP Card to enjoy a discount of at least 20% on trains, selected buses and ferries.
In addition, if you travel during off-peak hours, you can get an additional 10% discount.
Transport fares and student concessions for reference:
Off-peak travel hours:
Before 6:00 a.m. on weekdays
Weekdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m
After 6:30 p.m. on weekdays
All day on weekends and public holidays.
How Do I Apply for an Auckland University Transport Card?
Online privilege application process:
Check eligibility for higher education student fare concessions.
Follow the steps of higher education institutions:
University of Auckland, Auckland University of Technology and Massey University.
All other colleges and universities.
Senior and Super Gold Card Concessions
Seniors can travel free on Auckland’s trains and selected bus and ferry services after 9 am on weekdays and all day on weekends and public holidays using an AT HOP card that includes SuperGold public transport concessions.
How Do You Use the AT HOP Card?
To use the ATHOP card, you need to hold the ATHOP card reader close and then drip. AT HOP card readers are at train stations, ferry terminals, and buses.
Here are the steps to use your transit card:
Step 1 Prepare before boarding
Verify that there is sufficient balance on the AT HOP (minimum cannot be negative)
Take your ATHOP card out of your purse or bag. It is recommended that ATHOP cards be stored separately from other cards, as near-field technology may communicate with different cards and interfere with ATHOP cards, preventing failure to swipe.
Step 2. Swipe the card to enter the station and get on the bus
Swipe the ATHOP card flat on the ATHOP card reader or electronic door.
Wait until you hear the buzzer, and the green light flashes, indicating the card is successfully swiped.
Make two beeps and emit green and amber lights simultaneously, indicating that the discount fare is being enjoyed.
Three beeps and a green light indicate using an unregistered AThop card.
Step 3. Swipe your card to get off the train
When leaving the station and getting off the bus, the card must be placed close to the card-swiping device.
After completing your journey, leave the train station, bus, or ferry terminal and swipe your card again to indicate that you are getting off and disembarking.
The card-swiping device displays information about the fare and balance of the ride.
Note:
Just like getting on and off the subway in China, one drop at the station, one drop at the next station, buses in Auckland have to get off the bus, or they will be charged the most expensive fare from start to finish.
You will also be charged the default fare if you forget to board or alight. The fee will be deducted automatically at the next boarding.
How to Use an ATHOP Card to Pay for Fellow Staff?
If travelling on a train or bus with family or friends who do not have an AT HOP card, we can also use HOP Money (the balance of the card) to buy paper tickets for them.
Of course, the fare is cash fare, with no concessions.
To pay for others on the bus, Swipe your card as usual and ask the bus driver to buy a paper ticket for your companion.
Pay for others on the train: Use HOP Money to buy paper tickets from ticket centres and machines.
Transport Modes and Fees in Auckland
Public transport in Auckland is mainly by bus (bus), train and ferry.
Bus and train costs
The cost of the ferry
Monthly bus, train and ferry tickets
FAQ
Can I pay for the AT HOP card with my mobile phone?
Not yet.
Does the card expire AT HOP? How long can the balance on the AT HOP card last?
If the card is unused for six consecutive years, the AT HOP card expires, and the balance is forfeited.
If you still want to use it, you must buy another AT HOP card and contact official customer service, who can transfer the balance to the new card.
Expired AT HOP card
For example, an AT HOP card purchased over a decade ago has expired. It is no longer possible to top up an expired ATHOP card or use it to take public transport.
If your AT HOP card is about to expire, contact official customer service, and they will replace it for free.
What if I lose my card AT HOP?
If an ATHOP card is lost or stolen, the balance will be secured through the registered ATHOP card within 1 hour of the loss being reported to the official website, and the balance can be transferred to the new card.
You can’t get a refund or a balance transfer on an unregistered card.
