KEY POINTS:
The parking wars are heating up at Auckland Airport, with companies vying for the pleasure of looking after your precious vehicle while you're out of the country.
The options are numerous, with offers of covered and uncovered parking, discounts for internet bookings, weekend specials and reduced rates for long-term stays.
The competition is so intense that Auckland International Airport, the parent company of the airport itself, has begun its own Park&Ride service.
And while the company has the advantage of being closer and thus a shorter shuttle ride away, most other parking companies are still comfortably in the market.
The owner of one of the companies, who did not want to be named, said he did not have a problem with Park&Ride.
"Competition is fine, it's just a fact of business. I do worry though that some of the other companies, who are offering quite low parking rates, might not be able to survive.
"I think Park&Ride is a knee-jerk reaction to Park'N Fly."
The off-airport parking companies - those who have premises in the streets and roads near the airport, but not at the airport itself - have a number of things in common. They all offer free shuttle transport to and from the domestic and international terminals, and are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
They have security systems in place, either with regular patrols or with alarmed or electric fencing, or both.
Some companies allow you to take your car keys with you, and some companies hold them for you.
The latter option has the advantage of the company being able to move your car if necessary, and not being stuck with it if you lose your keys while you are away.
A couple of the companies will valet your car while you're away, get rid of those little dents and dings, sort out your overdue warrant of fitness, and send in your dry-cleaning.
Parking at the airport itself is the most expensive option, but the website offers a calculator so that you can check the cost before you commit.
But is driving yourself to the airport the best option?
Taxis are almost as convenient, but can be expensive if you are a long way from Mangere. Small shuttle bus services are cheaper, but take longer if you have a shared service, and have to detour through the suburbs to drop off or collect your fellow travellers.
Cost over convenience is the bottom line.
Whichever way you choose, the expense of airport parking can make your cheap flight less than the bargain you hoped for.
www.aeroparks.co.nz
www.flypark.co.nz
www.skyway.co.nz
www.breakaway.co.nz
www.airportvehiclestorage.co.nz
www.aucklandairportparking.co.nz
www.auckland-airport.co.nz
