Ahh, the City of Sails! After years of travelling the globe, Auckland still remains one of my favourite cities in the world… in my humbly biased opinion.
The reason for my incredibly high praise is not because of the usual city highlights one enjoys. Sure, the food is incredible, the nightlife is fun, and the parks are pretty. The real reason I love Auckland is because it’s built on 52 volcanoes, is surrounded by the sea, and if you travel in any direction for around 45 minutes, you’ll find yourself on a beach, in a jungle, or on an island!
After seven years of living in Auckland, I’ve had my fair share of day trips. I am not much of a city gal myself, so I spent most of my weekends hitting the roads (and seas!) in search of a dose of adventure. And I can tell ya, Auckland does not disappoint.
In this guide, I’ve collated the best day trips from Auckland (with or without a car). Whether you’re up for a mountainous escape, a day sunning at the beach or wining and dining on a quirky island… I’ve got you covered.
Now, sit back and relax as I take you through EVERYTHING I know.
Photo: @danielle_wyatt
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Getting Around Auckland And Beyond
Once you head out of the bustling city centre, Auckland is surrounded by incredible landscapes and adventures to be had… in every direction! That’s what travelling in New Zealand is all about, right?
But, how do I get around? I hear you say. Well, I’m not going to beat around the bush here, the public transport in New Zealand is preeeettty average.
Having your own two wheels will make your life a hell of a lot easier. But don’t worry, if a rental car isn’t in the budget, there are options.
Here are the main forms of transport to get you in and out of Auckland:
- Rental/ Private car
- Campervan (a personal fav)
- Ferry
- Bus – local and regional
- Hitchhiking/ ridesharing
The cool part about staying in Auckland without a car is that you can jump on the ferry from the city centre! The ferries can take you to some pretty incredible islands which make the perfect day trips from Auckland.
Photo: @danielle_wyatt
The buses are a bit touch and go… they are just about ok for getting around the city but if you want to explore some of the more off-the-beaten-track spots from Auckland, they may not reach there. If you’re going to use the buses, I’d recommend looking at the Intercity bus to get between the main cities. Then check the local town buses to get you in and around the area.
If you’re staying in a hostel, you’ll often meet other travellers who want to explore cool spots from Auckland too. If they have a car, get cosy with them and see if they are up for a mate on their road trip. Just be sure to provide cash for fuel and some decent banter…
Or, stick the old thumb out! Travellers and local Aucklanders LOVE a day trip from Auckland, so you’ll find plenty of traffic heading out of the city… why not see if someone will be kind enough to let you hitch a ride?
If you’re up for jumping on local tours, these guys will most often provide the transport out of Auckland. I’ll pop a few tours that head to my favourite day trips from Auckland below.
Full-Day Trips from Auckland
If you’re staying in Auckland, you’re in a pretty neat spot for exploring. The city is only a few of hours from some of the North Islands best experiences.
These trips truly are full-day trips and will range from 8-10 hours including travel time. So pack some snacks and prep for a big day of adventure.
Whether you’re up for a trip to Rotorua to immerse yourself in Maori culture or perhaps a trip to Hot Water Beach to soak in your personally dug hot pool – there are some pretty EPIC full-day trips from Auckland. Let’s get into it!
Visit the Rotorua Maori Village & Polynesian Spa Tour
Rotorua is a cultural hub in New Zealand. Nestled right into the centre of the north island, Rotorua is around 2 hours from Auckland. The town itself you can smell a mile away… literally, the city smells like rotten eggs! The city is located on a base of incredible geothermal energy which rises up as Geysers and releases smelly steam. Don’t worry, you get used to the smell pretty quickly.
Not only are the Rotorua Geysers at Te Puia amazing to see. But the Maori Village and Polynesia Spa are two other attractions in Rotorua that are well worth a visit. During your travels in New Zealand, it’s important to take the time to learn and appreciate the Maori history and culture.
One of the best ways to do this is by joining a Rotorua Maori Village & Polynesian Spa Tour. This tour is ideal if you’re staying in Auckland as it’s done as a day trip.
BUT if you have the time I deff recommend staying more than one night in Rotoura. There are some pretty epic hostels for you to choose from too.
Take a Journey to Hobbiton
One of the most popular day trips from Auckland is of course… drum roll, please… Hobbiton! Travellers flock to New Zealand from all over the globe and visit the Hobbiton Movie set. Some people even get married here!! Yep… there are some BIG fans out there.
A trip to Hobbiton is 100% worth your time and travel bucks, especially if you’re a big fan of the films. Explore the shire and hobbit holes, check out the party and follow the same path as Frodo. Stop in at the Dragon Inn and grab yourself a pint of Oatbarton brew or Frogmorten ginger beer.
Photo: @willhatton__
However, the small town of Matamata, where the set is located, doesn’t provide so much excitement. It’s a two-hour drive south of Auckland. Other than the movie set, the town is a sleepy ol’ farmer town. So a Hobbiton full-day tour from Auckland is a great way to do it.
If you do head down to Matamata, I’d recommend taking a detour to Tauranga. Home to some of New Zealand’s best beaches, it’s a great place to visit in the warmer months.
Discover the Waitomo Caves
The Waitomo Caves are pretty iconic in New Zealand. Glow worms can be found in many places across the country, but not all are as magical as in these caves. The sheer amount of glow worms is insane; it looks like you’re looking up at the night sky full of stars.
The Waitomo Caves are a great family day trip from Auckland. The caves are around 2.5 hours from Auckland, so it is a big ol’ day to visit. But it’s definitely worth your time.
This Waitomo Caves and Kiwi House Group Tour leaves from Auckland and will take all the admin out of your day. The guide will not only take you through the wonderous Waitomo Caves but also through the Kiwi House in Otorohanga.
The Kiwi House is a not-for-profit organisation who are helping to breed our precious Kiwi birds and here, you can see one of the cuties in person.
Explore Cathedral Cove and Hot Water Beach
Ahh, the Coromandel… one of my favourite places in the world! The Coromandel Peninsula is home to some of the best beaches and day hikes in New Zealand. There is so much to see along the coast and inland of the Coromandel, however, two of the most popular activities for travellers are 100% Cathedral Cove and Hot Water Beach.
Cathedral Cove is a gorgeous day trip – from the top, you get a beautiful across the ocean and down to the cove and the beach. Cathedral Cove was made iconic after it was featured in the filming of Narnia… and when we, Kiwis, make it into the big time… we kinda make a big deal about it!
To get down to the cove, you’ll need to embark on a short 30-minute walk but you’ll be rewarded with some pretty gorgeous views. It’s an opportunity to slow down your travels and spend a few hours relaxing!
UPDATE: The Cathedral Cove walk is currently closed and the beach is only accessible by kayak or boat. For up-to-date information on the closure, head to the Department of Conservation.
Hot Water Beach is located in the quaint beach town of Hahei which isn’t too far from Cathedral Cove. And to be fair, this beach is pretty fucking cool. You know when you were younger and you’d dig a hole at the beach, fill it with water and pretend you’d made a little hot tub? Well, at Hot Water Beach, that’s literally what happens!
The water at the beach is HOT. So, rent a spade from the local shops and get digging! You’ll be relaxing in your own personal beach tub in no time.
Photo: @danielle_wyatt
However, if you have more time in the Coromandel, I’d recommend checking out a few more of my favourite spots and activities. These are New Chums Beach, Crayfish Bay and The Pinnacles Hike, for me, these are among some of the most stunning places in New Zealand.
Head down to rugged Raglan
Located two hours southwest of Auckland, Raglan is a pretty unique town. Its allures include its quirky artsy flare, EPIC surf and tough hiking. This little town will easily have you hooked, especially if you’re a little hippy at heart.
If you have your own car, this is a pretty cool excursion and an essential one if you’re into surfing. The waves here can get HUGE. The main spots are Ngarunui Beach (good for all levels, just check the forecast first), Manu Bay (the most famous and thus… the busiest), Whale Bay, and Indicators. Suss which one is best for you, pack your beach essentials and get out there!
Raglan is also home to some epic hikes and waterfalls. The most famous, and my personal favourites, are Mount Karioi Track (which is not for the faint-hearted) and Bridal Veil Falls.
Photo: @danielle_wyatt
While you’re in town, check to see if the YOT club have any events on (these guys are a cute little club that hosts local artists), head to the wharf for some Raglan Fish and grab yourself a coffee at my all-time fav Raglan Roast.
If you explore beyond the town, the roads can be windy and honestly, a bit cooked (as we, Kiwis, would say). So, drive safe and enjoy this quirky little town.
Wanna know how to pack like a pro? Well for a start you need the right gear….
These are packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for the real adventurers – these babies are a traveller’s best kept secret. They organise yo’ packing and minimise volume too so you can pack MORE.
Or, y’know… you can stick to just chucking it all in your backpack…
Get Yours Here Read Our ReviewHalf-Day Trips in Auckland
These half-day trips are a little closer to the city. The travel times for the activities listed below are between 30 minutes and 1.5 hours as they are all within Auckland.
They can all be half-day trips, allowing you to get home earlier and chill out. However, if you want to make them full-day activities – go for it! Just allow more time at each spot to explore.
So, let’s dive into the best day trips within Auckland!
Visit the Matakana Markets
Ahh, Matakana is one of my absolute favourite ways to spend a weekend from Auckland. The Matakana Markets are just a 45-minute drive up from Auckland and are on every Saturday from 8 am-1 pm.
After scoring myself as many free samples of the local delicacies as possible, I usually eventually land on a coffee from the Matakana Coffee Roasters and my fav, a veggie pie from I Love Pies.
Photo: @danielle_wyatt
Just behind the markets is a stream, some chairs and often, some live music. There is also a cute AF doggy babysitting spot, where you can drop your dog while you explore the markets. To be honest with ya, I usually spend most of my time here.
A day trip to the Matakana Markets is the perfect way to spend the morning. Once you’ve ventured around the markets, you can also stroll down Matakana’s small but main street which is full of arty shops and cool foodie spots.
If you’re up for making this a whole-day affair, you can head a little further past Matakana and enjoy the afternoon at the gorgeous, Omaha Beach.
Climb Rangitoto
Sitting wide and pretty, you can’t miss the incredible Rangitoto Island when you look out across the city. Not only does it make for a beautiful spectacle at sunset, but a trip over to the island makes for a pretty EPIC day trip from Auckland.
From Downtown Auckland, you can catch the 25-minute Fullers360 ferry across to the island. There are usually two departures a day and a return ticket will set you between $52-$57 NZD depending on whether you book online or in person.
If you’re up for a bit of trekking, be sure to pack some good hiking boots for your trip to Auckland. You will be trekking up New Zealand’s youngest volcano (it only appeared 600 years ago!) and some of the terrain can be rugged. My favourite shoes for travelling and hiking are my KEEN Targhee II Waterproof Mid-Hiking Boots.
Photo: @danielle_wyatt
Overall, it’s a pretty family-friendly day trip from Auckland. There are many different trials on offers that can either take you exploring various beaches or the most popular, the summit track! It provides some pretty incredible vistas across the sea and the city.
If you’re up for a kayak and a guided tour of Rangitito, this Rangitito Day Trip organises it all for you. From hotel pick up and lunch to cold drinks and sea kayaks!
Ferry to Waiheke Island for Wine and Beaches
Waiheke is the ULTIMATE day trip from Auckland. This quirky little island is the perfect mix of wine, incredible architecture, endless beaches, art and hippies!
Back in the day, Waiheke was known for attracting the artsy, hippy folk who lived a pretty minimalistic life. However, these days, you’ll see a lot of money has made its way over from Auckland to this incredible little island. The island now lives in this cool limbo between the two.
Not only is the island’s culture pretty funky but it is also brimming with some of the country’s best wineries. Endless stretches of vineyard and tasting rooms – count me in.
Waiheke is a 45-60 minute Fullers360 ferry from Downtown Auckland. The ticket will set you back between $44 NZD and $55 return, depending on the time of day you go and whether you buy your ticket online or in person.
Photo: @danielle_wyatt
If you’re up for winery exploring, you can book yourself into a Waiheke Island Wineries’ Tour and bounce around the best of the best. This way you can sip the wine, eat the nibbles and not have to worry about a thing.
You can also look to catch the buses around the island, the bus routes on Waiheke are pretty good. They run in line with the arrival of the Fullers360 ferry arrival. You just need to get yourself an AThop card before you arrive, as this is how you pay for the buses.
Explore the Waitakere Ranges
Ahh, the rugged west coast! Just west of Auckland, you don’t have to drive too far before you get nicely nestled into the native New Zealand bush. The roads are windy, the bushes are… bushy, the sand is black and the surf is often rough!
A few of my favourite activities in the Waitakere Ranges are Muriwai Beach and its famous gannet colony, Bethells Beach, Kerekere Falls, Piha Beach and the Mercer Bay Loop walk. And if you’re feeling super adventurous, you could give one of the best New Zealand hikes a go, The Hilary Trial.
Photo: @danielle_wyatt
These areas can be a bit more challenging to get to if you don’t have your own car. If you’re up for a tour, this Waitakere Ranges Wilderness Tour is pretty epic. The guides are super knowledgeable and take around the best parts.
Go Snorkelling at Goat Island
Just Northeast of Auckland, you’ll find the Goat Island Marine Reserve. Not only is this area a beautiful spot to hang out by the water but it’s also brimming with sealife! BYO mask or hire one from the nearby shops and go snorkelling with fishies; keep an eye out for the big string rays gliding along the sea floor.
Image: Nic Hilditch-Short
Another option, especially if the water is a bit cooler, you can opt to hire a clearyak (a glass bottom kayak!). Enjoy the incredible underwater world without having to leave the comfort of your kayak.
Once you’ve had an epic afternoon of snorkelling and chilling at Goat Island. Finish your day trip from Auckland with a stop at the Sawmill Brewery, these guys whip up some liquid gold. Plus, their food menu is pretty damn delicious too.
Don’t Forget Your Auckland Travel Insurance
When backpacking, you never know what can happen. I’ve had several unfortunate accidents where travel insurance would have saved me so much anxiety and trouble.
Take it from me, make your New Zealand trip anxiety-free and get solid travel insurance.
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
Final Thoughts on Day Trips from Auckland
As you can see, even when staying in New Zealand’s biggest city, it doesn’t take long to find yourself submerged in New Zealand’s incredible nature. Whether you’re up for climbing mountains, exploring Hobbiton sipping local wine, or marvelling at glow worms… there’s so much to see and do from Auckland.
In general, I’d recommend for travellers to spend a limited time staying just in Auckland City. However, you can base yourself here and embark on some pretty epic adventures from here.
The only catch is that Aucklanders LOVE a weekend away too, so the traffic in and out of the city can be hectic. I’d keep that in mind when planning your travels – try to get on the road earlier or late at night to head back to the city. And take snacks and prep a good podcast, just in case you get caught out in some bumper-to-bumper action.
Anyway, I hope you’ve found this guide on Day Trips from Auckland useful and you’ve noted a few down for your next adventure. If you’ve got any other suggestions, please let me know your favourites in the comments. I’m always up for a new excursion from the big city!
Photo: @danielle_wyatt
- Our in-depth backpacking New Zealand guide has heaps of info for your trip.
- Continuing over the border? Check out the best road trips in South Island, New Zealand next.
- Knowing where to stay in New Zealand before you get there is important, plan accordingly!
- Check out our campervanning in New Zealand guide for in-depth info for your trip.
- Our in-depth backpacking packing list has all the info you’ll need for your trip.
- Check out our list of New Zealand’s best hostels if you fancy a real bed!
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