NZ Must Do: The Best Day Trips From Auckland (according to the locals!)

The Best Day Trips From Auckland

Piha and the West Coast Beaches

If you’re lucky enough to own a car, the first port of call for many of us in Auckland is always the Waitakere Ranges on the west coast. Located about a 45 – 50-minute drive from the city, you’ll be treated to windy jungle roads, ridiculous surf, and an abundance of beautiful hiking trails. Due to Auckland’s volcanic past, all of the beaches out west have the most glittery black sand! Piha is by far the busiest and most accessible beach. If you’re into sunsets, Piha is also a popular spot for locals catching golden hour.

Just around the corner is Bethells beach, Anawhata Beach, and Whatipu. All of which are a little harder to get to, but you get the added benefit of seeing way fewer people (when we went to Whatipu we were the only ones on the entire beach!). If you’re into surfing, Muruwai is probably one of the best and safest surf beaches on the west coast purely because of the lifeguards and surf schools. However, rips and currents are all over the place on the west coast, so please be careful! Muruwai is also home to the biggest mainland colony of Gannets in New Zealand. You can take a look at these via a short hike up the headland from the beach.

Waitakere waterfalls

If lazing on a beach all day isn’t your cup of tea, why not take a look at the plethora of waterfalls around the Waitakere Ranges. Kitekite Falls is by far my favourite. Just a short walk into the bush from Piha, you can laze and cool off at the bottom of the falls or, if you’re feeling adventurous, you can climb to the top and take a dip in nature’s infinity pool! There is also Kerekere Falls, just a short drive from Piha. This one is way more accessible and easier to get to, but there does always seems to be fewer people at Karekare.

Mangawhai

Fancy venturing a bit further out of Auckland? Mangawhai is about an hour and a half drive north, and a popular weekend getaway for Aucklanders. It’s not hard to see why, either. Mangawhai’s attractions include white-sand beaches, cliff-top walkways, artisan cafes, and a museum. The highlight, of course, is the Mangawhai heads cliff walk. Located just off the Twin Coast Highway, this 1.5-hour return hike takes you traversing up and down the headland, tramping through ancient forests, all while drinking in the beautiful cyan-blue ocean. Right near Mangawhai is also Te Ari beach. On one end you’ve got beautiful rock pools and white sand, and the other end a massive sand dune that’ll have you thinking you’ve been transported to the desert!

Goat Island Marine Reserve

Goat Island, a hidden gem in New Zealand, awaits those who seek to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. When summertime arrives, the picturesque landscape is transformed into a haven, attracting crowds of nature lovers who come to marvel at the undisturbed beauty and unique marine life hiding beneath the tides. Known for its awe-inspiring snorkelling and diving experiences, be sure to pack your underwater camera! A mere hour’s drive north of Auckland, Goat Island proudly holds the title of New Zealand’s first marine reserve. With strict regulations against fishing and disturbing the local flora and fauna, it remains a haven of serenity. If you’re not in the mood to snorkel, rent a clear kayak and witness the underwater forest that sits beneath.

Karangahake Gorge

Voted one of the 101 must do’s for Kiwis, and it’s pretty easy to see why! Whether you’re into your history or hiking, Karangahake is a perfect place to enjoy the outdoors and nature outside of Auckland. The gorge is about a 2-hour drive south of Auckland, and a lot of people, locals and tourist alike, just drive on through Karangahake Gorge on their way to more popular spots like the Coromandel Peninsular and Mount Maunganui. However, taking a day to discover all the rich history of the area is a day well spent. It’s probably one of the most scenic rivers in the entire country, and once it was one of the busiest gold strikes in New Zealand.

I also recommend making a pit-stop at Owharoa Falls. It’s part of the Hauraki Rail Trail – which you can cycle – and it’s the perfect off the beaten place to cool down.

Waiheke Island

Wine not! A 40-minute ferry from Auckland to Waiheke Island will have you vine-struck with the bounty of vineyards on offer. Waiheke is beautiful all year round, and its surrounded by beautiful clear blue water. Head down to any of the islands pristine beaches and you may even spot some whales, dolphins and orcas (they like to hang out in the gulf during the winter months). You’re going to want a fat wallet for this day trip because a day vineyard hopping on Waiheke Island is going to set you back some serious dollar! If you want to know the best vineyards and activities, I’ve listed them all in this blog post. If grapes aren’t your thing, Waiheke is known for its amazing hikes and walks. I recommending downloading the app Alltrails to figure out which hike is the best for you.

Matakana

Last up is beautiful Matakana. Gateway to the Tawharanui National Park, and the prettiest little village. It’s located about an hours drive up north and Aucklanders LOVE heading up to Matakana to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. It’s not hard to see why. Spend the day gazing at the unspoilt countryside, take a walk along the tranquil beaches, Here, you’ll find the best farmers market this end of the north island every Saturday morning. The best thing about the farmer’s markets is the focus on fresh produce and local sustainable goods.

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