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Before we start checking commute data, let’s get your tools ready. There are three things to set up: your Auckland Transport API key (to access the data), Gemini CLI (to ask questions about it), and optionally Wispr Flow (to speak instead of type).
You will need: a laptop with internet access and a Google account (for Gemini CLI). No coding experience is required — we will guide you through every step.
1

Install Node.js

Already have Node.js? If you installed it for a previous tutorial, skip this step. Run node --version in your terminal to check — you should see a version number like v22.x.x.
Node.js is a free tool that lets you run Gemini CLI on your computer.
  1. Go to nodejs.org
  2. Click the big green LTS button to download the installer
  3. Open the downloaded .msi file
  4. Click Next through all the screens — the default settings are fine
  5. Click Install, then Finish
Open your terminal and type:
node --version
You should see a version number like v22.x.x. If you see an error, try closing and reopening your terminal, then run the command again.
2

Install Gemini CLI

Already have Gemini CLI? If you installed it for a previous tutorial, skip this step. Just run gemini in your terminal to check it still works.
Gemini CLI is Google’s free AI assistant. It runs in your terminal and helps you with tasks based on your descriptions.Open your terminal and type:
npm install -g @google/gemini-cli
Wait for the installation to finish. Then start it by typing:
gemini
The first time you run it, Gemini CLI will ask you to sign in:
  • Choose “Sign in with Google”
  • A browser window will open — sign in with your Google account
  • Come back to the terminal when it says you’re connected
Free tier: 60 requests per minute, 1,000 requests per day — more than enough for this tutorial and everyday use.
This means Node.js isn’t installed correctly. Go back and reinstall Node.js. After reinstalling, close your terminal completely and open a new one before trying again.
Windows: Close PowerShell and reopen it by right-clicking and choosing “Run as Administrator”. Then try the install command again.macOS: Add sudo before the command:
sudo npm install -g @google/gemini-cli
Enter your computer password when prompted (you won’t see characters as you type — that’s normal).
Type /quit to exit Gemini CLI for now. We will start it again once everything else is set up.
3

Register for the Auckland Transport API

The Auckland Transport API gives you access to real-time data for every bus, train, and ferry in Auckland. It’s free — you just need to register.
  1. Go to dev-portal.at.govt.nz
  2. Click Sign Up (or Register) in the top-right corner
  3. Fill in your name, email, and create a password
  4. Check your email for a verification link and click it
  5. Sign in to the developer portal
  6. Once signed in, look for a Profile or Subscriptions page
  7. You may need to subscribe to a product — look for “GTFS Realtime” or “General Transit Feed” and subscribe (it’s free)
  8. Find your Primary Key (also called Subscription Key) — it will be a long string of letters and numbers
  9. Copy this key and save it somewhere safe — you will need it in the next section
What is an API key? Think of it as a library card. The Auckland Transport data is free and public, but they need to know who is using it — mainly to prevent misuse. Your key identifies you as a registered user. It doesn’t cost anything and doesn’t give access to your personal information.
After signing in, look for a section called Profile, Subscriptions, or API Keys. Some portals show the key on a “Products” page after you subscribe to a product. Try clicking on “GTFS Realtime” or “General Transit Feed” in the product list, then subscribe (free), and the key will appear.
Yes — you may need to subscribe to the “General Transit Feed Specification (GTFS)” product or a similarly named product. This is free. Once subscribed, your subscription key will appear on your profile page.
Your API key is like a password. Do not share it publicly, post it on social media, or include it in screenshots. Anyone with your key could use your quota.
4

Get your API subscription key

Once you have subscribed to the GTFS product, your subscription key will be visible on your profile page. You need this key for every API request.
  1. Go to your Profile page on the AT developer portal
  2. Find your Primary Key (or Subscription Key)
  3. Click Show to reveal the full key
  4. Copy it and save it somewhere you can easily access — a text file, a note, or your password manager
You will paste this key into prompts throughout the tutorial. Every API URL includes YOUR_API_KEY as a placeholder — you will replace it with your actual key each time. Keep it handy.
5

Install Wispr Flow (optional)

This step is optional. Wispr Flow lets you speak instead of type — handy if you prefer talking over typing. Skip this step if you’d rather type your prompts.
Sign up using this invite link to get a free month of Pro: https://wisprflow.ai/r?CHAN115Both you and the tutorial author benefit — you get a free month of Pro, and they get a free month when you dictate 2,000 words!
  1. Sign up at wisprflow.ai/r?CHAN115
  2. Download and install the app for your operating system
  3. Configure settings — enable these options for the best experience:
    • Experimental > Command Mode — Enable advanced voice commands
    • Press Enter Command — Automatically press enter when you say “press enter”
    • Bulk Import — Import snippets and dictionary items
Wispr Flow is a voice-to-text tool that lets you dictate instead of type. It works in any application, including your terminal. Instead of typing a long prompt to Gemini CLI, you can just say it out loud. This is especially useful if you find typing slow or tiring.
6

Test your setup

Let’s make sure everything works before we move on. Start Gemini CLI:
gemini
Now say (with Wispr Flow) or type this prompt. Replace YOUR_API_KEY with the subscription key you saved earlier.
Say this or copy this prompt
Can you help me check the Auckland Transport API?
Fetch this URL and tell me what you get back:
https://api.at.govt.nz/realtime/legacy/servicealerts?subscription-key=YOUR_API_KEY

If the response contains data, summarise the first 2-3 service alerts in plain English.
If you get an error, tell me what went wrong.
Replace YOUR_API_KEY with your actual subscription key. If you are using Wispr Flow, speak the description part naturally, then paste the API URL with your key. Keep the key inside the URL — do not add spaces around the = sign.
You should see Gemini describe some current service alerts — for example, “There is a detour on route 123 due to road works near Queen Street.” If you see this, your API key is working and you’re ready to go.
Your API key is incorrect or hasn’t been activated yet. Go back to dev-portal.at.govt.nz, check your profile, and copy the key again. Make sure you subscribed to the GTFS product. Some keys take a few minutes to activate after registration.
This is unlikely on your first try, but if it happens, wait 60 seconds and try again. The free tier allows 600 calls per minute, which is very generous.
The API might be returning Protocol Buffer format instead of JSON. Try asking Gemini: “Fetch this URL with the header Accept: application/json” followed by the full URL. This tells the API to return human-readable JSON format.
Make sure the entire URL is on a single line with no line breaks. Check that subscription-key=YOUR_API_KEY has your actual key with no spaces around the = sign. Also try asking Gemini to use curl to fetch the URL instead.

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Verify your setup

Run node --version in your terminal. You should see a version number.
Run gemini in your terminal. It starts up and shows a prompt where you can type.
You have a subscription key from dev-portal.at.govt.nz saved somewhere safe.
Gemini CLI successfully fetched and described Auckland Transport service alerts.
You can speak into your terminal and see your words appear as text.
All set? Head to Check your commute to start getting real-time commute intelligence.