The 11 Best Day Trips From Auckland
This guide showcases a selection of some of the best day trips from Auckland.
New Zealand’s largest city may not boast many world-famous attractions, but it serves as a great base for exploring the many beautiful parts of the North Island.
I spent eight years living, studying, and working in Auckland and, as annual leave allowance was not limitless, I took advantage of the many locations easily accessible from the city.
From remote beaches and volcanic islands to stunning hiking trails and world-class wineries, there are many great spots within easy reach of Auckland that you can visit on a short trip.
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Best Day Trips from Auckland
I have grouped the day trips from Auckland by the time it takes to get there, ranging from one to three hours each way. Personally, I’m not sure if spending six hours on the road for a day trip is worth the effort, but it’s still very much doable.
Up To One Hour One Way
The destinations you can reach in just under an hour from central Auckland include the islands located in Auckland’s Gulf Harbour and spots on the fringes of the city.
Waiheke Island

Although Waiheke is technically part of Auckland, it feels a world away from its bustling neighbour. Just a 40-minute ferry ride from the city centre, this bohemian island is famous for its numerous wineries. With tranquil scenery, quirky art galleries, and picturesque beaches, there is plenty to do between wine tastings.
Thanks to the regular ferry service, getting to Waiheke is relatively easy. However, getting around the island is less straightforward.
You can bring your car over, but this option is pricey and not advisable if you plan to visit wineries without a designated sober driver. Taxis are available but can be quite expensive.
There is a bus network that connects the main ferry terminal with major towns like Oneroa, Surfdale, and Ostend. Some bus routes also stop at a few popular wineries.
You can use the pre-loaded AT Hop Card that you would normally use in Auckland. Ensure you check the bus schedule beforehand, as some services are infrequent.
One way to eliminate the hassle of getting around Waiheke is to join a guided tour. For example, this half-day tour includes visits to three vineyards and a lunch stop at a seaside restaurant in Onetangi.
Waitakere Ranges
Another popular destination for day trips from Auckland is the Waitakere Ranges. A playground for nature lovers, this region is home to lush forests, unique wildlife, beautiful waterfalls, and incredible black sand beaches.
If you’re after a relaxing day out, head to Piha or Muriwai Beach where you can enjoy a swim or even a surfing session. If you’d like to be more active, hit one of the many walking trails available in the region. From short scenic strolls to challenging hikes, there is something for every level of fitness.
Getting to the Waitakere Ranges can be a little challenging if you don’t have a car, as the public transport network there is limited. Renting a car for the day will give you the most flexibility. Alternatively, there are some day tours with pick-ups from central Auckland.
For example, on this Waitakere Ranges Wilderness Experience tour you’ll be able to see the highlights of the region and enjoy a kiwi-style afternoon tea.
Rangitoto Island
Another spot that’s technically in Auckland, but does require at least half a day for exploration, is Rangitoto Island.
Just a short ferry ride away from the city, its distinctive symmetrical cone is actually the youngest and largest volcano in the Auckland volcanic field. It is perfect for hiking and offers scenic views over the city and Hauraki Gulf.
The most popular walking trail leading to Rangitoto’s summit takes about an hour one way. You can also explore the coast of Rangitoto or walk to the adjoining Motutapu Island.
Guided walks are available if you’d like to learn more about the history and unique nature of this beautiful day trip destination.
You can book your Rangitoto Island round trip ferry pass on the Fullers website, the official operator.
Matakana
Although this small town may technically be within Auckland’s ever-expanding boundaries, it definitely feels like it’s a world away. Just an hour’s drive north of the city centre, Matakana should be on every foodie’s list.
Matakana is famous for its Farmers’ Market. Open every Saturday between 8 am and 1 pm, this is the place to stock up on fresh produce, artisan pastries, organic olive oil, wine, and more. It is also a popular brunch spot with excellent coffee.
Aside from the Farmers Market, Matakana is a great place for antique and art shopping with plenty of little galleries and quirky shops to explore.
The town is also a great starting point for exploring local vineyards. The Matakana region is famous for its wine, so you’ll be spoilt for choice if you decide to spend an afternoon wine tasting.
One of my favourite vineyards in the area is Brick Bay, which features an architecturally-designed restaurant and a sculpture trail.
The easiest way to reach Matakana is by car, as public transport options are limited.
Two Hours and Under One Way
If you are happy to travel slightly further, you’ll be able to reach more remote islands within the Hauraki Gulf, iconic tourist attractions, and relaxed surf towns.
Tiritiri Matangi

Another beautiful Hauraki Gulf island perfect for a day trip is Tiritiri Matangi. Just a 75-minute ferry trip away from central Auckland, it is a great spot for nature lovers and bird-watchers.
Tiritiri Matangi is one of New Zealand’s most successful conservation projects. It is a wildlife sanctuary that is home to many rare bird species, many of which can only be found in New Zealand. Aside from wildlife, you can also explore various walking trails, pristine beaches, and New Zealand’s oldest operating lighthouse.
Visitors to the island can also join a guided walk with a local volunteer that starts right at the wharf. The tours will help you to learn about the island’s unique flora and fauna as well as its history.
As someone with limited knowledge of birds and plants, I really appreciated the information on what I was seeing and hearing. So, I highly recommend joining these, especially if you’re visiting Tiritiri Matangi for the first time.
You can purchase tickets to the island on the ferry operator’s website. Adult tickets are $95 NZ ($57 US) per person. Guided tours are an additional $10 NZ ($6 US) per person.
Hobbiton Movie Set

A visit to the Hobbiton movie set is probably on many travellers’ New Zealand bucket lists. Located on the outskirts of a sleepy town called Matamata, a two-hour drive south from Auckland, Hobbiton can be easily done on a day trip.
The only way to visit the set is by joining a guided tour. The standard Hobbiton Movie Set guided tour takes about two hours and includes a walk around the set accompanied by behind-the-scenes stories. There are lots of photo opportunities to capture memories of the visit.
There are other Hobbiton experiences that will allow you to spend more time on the set. For example, you can add on a lunch or a dinner banquet after the guided tour itself. I imagine if you’re a big fan of the Lord of the Rings universe, these options might be a great way to make your experience even more special.
To be honest, I initially had mixed feelings about this experience. I enjoyed Peter Jackson’s original Lord of the Rings movies as they still contained the spirit of Tolkien’s books.
I did not enjoy the Hobbit trilogy that much though and thought it was a mess only driven by commercial motivations. That’s why I was worried Hobbiton would be a tacky letdown.
However, it was actually a fun day out. Our guide was enthusiastic, and the place felt quite lived in. It seemed like the characters were about to step out of their homes to greet the tourist crowds.
I especially enjoyed a drink at the atmospheric Green Dragon Inn, which was included in the tour.
Raglan
Another great day trip from Auckland for those seeking a more laid-back pace of life is Raglan. This bohemian surf town is situated on the west coast of the North Island, just a two-hour drive from the city. It is famous for its black sand beaches, stunning natural landscape, and vibrant art scene.
Raglan offers excellent options for both seasoned surfers and beginners. There are surf lessons available for those who would like to try the sport for the first time. Water-based activities are not limited to surfing, though; kayaking, paddleboarding, and cruises are also on offer and provide a fantastic way to experience Raglan’s beautiful surroundings.
If you prefer to stay on dry land, Raglan has many hiking trails to suit all fitness levels. When it’s time to refuel, the town offers a wonderful selection of dining options, from café classics to exceptional seafood.
Under Three Hours One Way
Some of the locations on this list, such as Rotorua and the Coromandel, deserve more than a day to explore fully. However, if you are short on time, they can still be enjoyed on a brief visit.
Waitomo Glow Worm Caves
Just a two-and-a-half-hour drive from the city, Waitomo is a unique natural attraction and a popular destination for day trips from Auckland. It features a network of caves with fascinating limestone formations, underground rivers, and grottos illuminated by luminescent glow worms.
The easiest way to experience Waitomo is by joining a guided tour. There are three caves you can visit, with the most popular being the Waitomo Glow Worm Cave.
The cave consists of two levels. The upper level is dry and can be explored on foot, while the lower level offers a magical boat journey through the glow worm grotto. You can book your Waitomo tour in advance through Get Your Guide.
Another cave open to visitors is Ruakuri Cave, the largest in the Waitomo area. Although it doesn’t have as many glow worms as the Waitomo Glow Worm Cave, it is spectacular in its own right.
To access Ruakuri Cave, you’ll descend through a stunning man-made spiral entrance. Inside, you can explore its network of caverns and passages, marvelling at unique limestone formations. Ruakuri Cave tours need to be booked separately from the Waitomo Caves experiences.
The third cave, Aranui Cave, does not contain water and, therefore, has no glow worms. However, it boasts spectacular pale brown, pink, and white stalactites and stalagmites that will delight those interested in geology. Aranui Cave tours also need to be booked separately from the other cave visits.
If you’re short on time, you can even combine visits to Hobbiton and Waitomo with this full-day trip that departs from Auckland.
The Coromandel

Another popular destination for day trips from Auckland is the Coromandel Peninsula. Just a two-hour drive from the city, this area is famous for its stunning beaches, lush forests, and laid-back vibe, making it a favourite among both Kiwis and international visitors.
To be honest, a day trip might not fully do the Coromandel justice. However, if you’re short on time, there are a few spectacular spots close to each other that can easily be visited in a single day.
Begin your day at the popular Hot Water Beach on the east coast of the peninsula, where you can enjoy thermal water bubbling just beneath the sand.
Please note that this spot is only accessible at low tide, and as a popular attraction, it’s likely to be a bit busy.
Next, head to the village of Hahei, just a 10-minute drive from Hot Water Beach. Hahei has a beautiful beach of its own and serves as the starting point for walks and boat tours to the famous Cathedral Cove beach, featured in the Narnia films. For a lunch break or a relaxing session, the nearby town of Whitianga is ideal, and it’s also home to the Lost Spring thermal spa.
You might be able to include a couple of other stops, but keep in mind that driving in the Coromandel can be challenging due to its winding country roads. For a day trip, I’d recommend focusing on quality rather than quantity of experiences.
If you’re not keen on a long drive, you can instead join a full day guided tour that will take you to most of the above locations.
Karangahake Gorge Historic Walkway
The Coromandel is also an excellent destination for day hikes, and the Karangahake Gorge Historic Walkway is one of my personal favourites.
Located at the southern end of the peninsula, it’s just a one-and-a-half-hour drive from central Auckland. You can easily combine a visit to the gorge with a Coromandel beach on a day trip from Auckland.
The walkway follows the old railway line between the towns of Paeroa and Waihi. Along the way, you’ll encounter old mining and railway relics while enjoying the beautiful natural surroundings. The main track is easy to navigate and takes about four hours (return).
For more information about the track, check out the Karangahake Gorge page of the Department of Conservation’s website.
Rotorua
Another great place to add to your list of possible day trips from Auckland is Rotorua, a small town that lies on the shores of a tranquil lake of the same name. A two-and-a-half-hour drive from the city, it is famous for its geothermal activity, beautiful landscapes and Māori culture.
You can experience the geothermal wonders of the area by visiting attractions such as Wai-O-Tapu or Te Puia. These geothermal parks feature otherworldly landscapes, bubbling mud pools and powerful geysers. Te Puia is also a great place to experience traditional Māori arts and crafts.
Another way to enjoy Rotorua’s geothermal waters and mud is to book yourself into one of the many spas. The most famous ones are the Polynesian Spa and Hell’s Gate Geothermal Park & Mud Spa.
I’m not sure if the mud and waters truly have the health benefits the spas claim they do. Even if they don’t, an afternoon at one of these spas is a great way to unwind after all the adventuring.
If you have the option of staying there for a few days, there is more than enough to see and do in Rotorua. However, you will still be able to experience the highlights of the area on a day trip. If you don’t want to do the long drive to Rotorua yourself, there are full-day guided tours that depart from Auckland.
This Get Your Guide tour allows you to tailor your itinerary with different activities so you can see the attractions that you’re most interested in.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, Auckland is a great starting point for exploring many beautiful parts of New Zealand.
My personal favourites from this list are Tiritiri Matangi, Waiheke Island, and the Waitomo Caves. I visited both the Waitomo Glow Worm and Ruakuri Caves on the same day, and although it was a bit pricey, it was a truly memorable experience.
Looking for more New Zealand travel inspiration? Check out this guide to Wellington to discover what the country’s cool little capital has to offer.
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