MY TOP 5 UNMISSABLE DAY TRIPS FROM AUCKLAND

I recently saw an Instagram reel that said: “The best thing to do once you’re in Auckland—leave.”

It was funny because a lot of people say the same thing. Auckland isn’t New Zealand, they say. It does not worth staying there for more than renting a car. Auckland is busy – go to Bali or Ho-Chi-Min city once and then describe busy. But I disagree. Auckland is full of amazing places to visit, and there are so many spots nearby to explore. While the city may not reflect everything New Zealand has to offer, it provides a fantastic introduction to the country. In this guide, I’ll share 5 places around Auckland that I absolutely loved exploring.

1. WAIHEKE ISLAND – WHERE FINE WINE MEET COASTAL TRAILS

Waiheke Island is a perfect short getaway as it feels like stepping into the countryside, one hour away from the buzzling port of Auckland. You can easily spend a day there, or two, or the whole week as the island has it all : long white sandy beaches, fine dining spots, trails leading to award-winning vineyards, and plenty of sheep – as in all New-Zealand. When I used to live in Auckland, Waiheke was my weekly escape on the late summer time. And you will understand why.

• Best vineyards: my preferred places are Mudbrick Vineyard, easily accessible by foot from the port & Passage Rock, a hidden gem in the heart of the island.

• Best beach: Onetangi Beach by far. Reachable by bus, it’s a great spot for watching sunset on the many bars and restaurant along the road bordering the beach.

• Best hike: find on Alltrails the Northern Walk , one of my favorite short hike in North Island. Starting from Matiatia port, head west for a 9-kilometer walk along Waiheke’s stunning coastline.

Getting there :

• By boat : Fullers360 provide daily ride for 59NZD return. Another economic option if you have an AT HOP card (public transport from Auckland) is to top up some money and get on the Fullers360 boat it’s slightly less expensive.

2. PIHA BEACH – SURF, VOLCANIC ROCKS AND SCENIC VIEWS

Just a 45-minute drive from Auckland stands one of New Zealand’s most iconic beaches. As you are almost there, don’t forget to stop at the lookout offering an impressive view over the beach. Piha beach is famous to be the birthplace of Kiwi surfing, where two Californian surfers ride their first wave in 1958. On the black volcanic sand stand proudly the Lion Rock, which gets its name from the erosion that shaped the massive rock over the years.

If you’re feeling adventurous, the surroundings of the beach offers plenty of short trails. My favourite are the Tasman Lookout Path (just 1km away) for a nice viewpoint of the beach & walking towards Kitekite Falls, a 80-meters cliff cascade in the Waitākere Ranges, the forest surrounding the place (2,7 km – 45 min). nestled deep within the forest and located about an hour’s return trip from the beach (check distance on AllTrails).

Getting there :

• By car : 45 minutes | 40 kilometers.
• No public transporation however you can find a tour online for around 50/70NZD;

3. RANGITOTO ISLAND – NEW ZEALAND’ YOUNGEST VOLCANIC ISLAND

Easily accessible from Auckland by daily ferry, Rangitoto is a nice day-trip journey. It is the youngest island in New Zealand, formed by a volcanic eruption 600 years ago. Imagine that 600 years ago, Māori were already living along the shores of Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland) and on the adjacent island of Motutapu and witnessed the eruption with their own eyes. It must have been something.

Initially void of all life, the island gradually became populated with bushs and trees, whose seeds were carried by the wind and endemic birds of New Zealand. It is also a pest-free area: the bird species that have chosen to nest on Rangitoto Island are safe from predators such as rats, mice, and possums.

You can easily reach the summit of Rangitoto for a stunning viewpoint over Auckland’s bay, walk around the island’s coastline, and explore the lava caves. You might even glimpse some gloworms!

4. SHAKESPEARE NATIONAL PARK – A GREEN PENINSULA CLOSE BY THE CITY

Accessible by bus or car, Shakespeare National Park is a beautiful destination for an afternoon. Located to the north in the suburbs of Auckland, the park covers more than 1,200 hectares of native bush, coastal forest overlooking the Hauraki Gulf and beaches . The park is as well home to endemic bird species from New Zealand and host a bunch of sheeps – obviously.

The grass is so green that it’s ideal for enjoy a picknick or a walk, imagining yourslef in a scene from the Lords of the Rings.

Getting there :

• By car : 45 minutes | 50 km
• By bus : 1h30/2h. Take the NX1 from Auckland CBD. Stop at the terminus Hibiscus Coast station. Hop into the bus 982 and stop at Shakespear Road/Whangaparaoa Road

5. HOBBITON – A MUST SEE FOR LORD OF THE RINGS’ FANS

Speaking of The Lord of the Rings, I couldn’t wrap up this top 5 of day trips from Auckland without mentioning Hobbiton. You can reach it by bus, but booking a guided tour is mandatory. The best option is to book an organized tour, which also includes a generous buffet lunch served in a cozy tent specially set up for the occasion.

Hobbiton is a must-see for anyone who has watched and enjoyed Tolkien’s universe. Every little detail, from the clothes hanging on the drying lines to the decorations on the doors and windows, has been carefully crafted to match the world of the films and books. Since last year, you can even step inside a Hobbit house during the tour and explore beyond those famous round doors. The interior is just as carefully designed as the exterior, with every detail, from the children’s bedroom to the cheese pantry, perfectly in line with the story’s world.

It was just magical !

Looking for a guide on how to experience Auckland ? Stay tuned for more tips and discover the best of Auckland !