Saw this deal on OzBargain and it seems to work on Auckland's Skybus.
Two routes:
Auckland CBD: Airport transfers from Auckland Airport (AKL) to Auckland City with convenient stops enroute via Mt Eden and Dominion Rd.
or North Harbour: Express airport transfers from Auckland Airport (AKL) to North Harbour, including Akoranga, Smales Farm and Westfield Albany.
The North Harbour bus is offering 50% off UberX to bring you from your house/work to the bus stop.
It's still a rip-off. If you're a regular visitor then get a HOP card, get on the 360 bus and switch to the train.
I've done that in the past but it makes the trip much longer because there's no train on the North Shore.
I'm arriving late so I'll take the North Harbour express direct to Albany.
My other concern is that my Aussie mate is coming a week later with no experience of Auckland. I worry he's going to get lost and confused since he's well known for switching off his phone + not using Google Maps + not asking locals. So yeah for me, paying a few dollars extra for it is fine. I don't trust his ability to remember connecting buses :P.
Heads up, you can get a similar deal on Klook in case this expires
Thanks Neil.
Bought some for my upcoming Auckland trip :)