Easy day trips around Auckland

Auckland is essentially one city in two worlds. On one hand, it’s a sophisticated city full of superb dining and world-class shopping. On the other, it’s on the doorstep of some incredible scenery and island escapes.

auckland tourism

Auckland is essentially one city in two worlds. On one hand, it’s a sophisticated city full of superb dining and world-class shopping. On the other, it’s on the doorstep of some incredible scenery and island escapes.

Whether you’re after forest, surf beaches, thermal springs, wineries or wildlife reserves, here are five spots that make for easy, hassle-free mini-adventures close to the city.

Climb volcanic Rangitoto

If the idea of getting close to a volcano appeals, you’ve come to the right place. Rangitoto Island is a dormant volcano that can be accessed by ferry from central Auckland in less than 30 minutes. Popping onto the scene just some 600 years ago, Rangitoto is the youngest and largest of Auckland’s 53 volcanic cones. Home to lava fields and lovely kidney fern groves, it’s a great place to admire New Zealand’s iconic pohutukawa trees, with their brush-like, blood red flowers.

Here you can take a one-hour walk to the 300-metre high summit. The reward? A spectacular 360-degree view across the Hauraki Gulf to the rugged horizons of the Waitakere Ranges in the west and Hunua Ranges in the east. Not so sure footed? Don’t fret – jump on the 4WD road train and travel through rocky lava fields and native bush before enjoying a short walk along a wooden boardwalk to the summit.

If you’re looking for something more adventurous to tell your friends about, skip the ferry and paddle from downtown Auckland to Rangitoto Island with Auckland Sea Kayaks. You’ll set off from the city in the afternoon and then walk to the summit, arriving just in time for sunset. After a Kiwi-style BBQ dinner, you’ll paddle back in the moonlight while admiring the city’s twinkling lights.

Brave the wild West Coast

Auckland’s wild West Coast is the epitome of rugged beauty; this is where you’ll find terrain ranging from vast black sand beaches to native forest. You can spot all sorts of wildlife, including orcas, playful pods of dolphins and flocks of gannets dive-bombing schools of fish.

Perhaps kick off your visit in the village of Piha, about a 50-minute drive from central Auckland, where you can fuel up on free-range eggs and fresh sourdough at the aptly named Piha Café before heading to the black iron-sand beach of the same name. Either laze on the beach or climb the Tasman Lookout, a fantastic short walk at South Piha that takes you over cliff-tops and along secluded beaches.

Make sure to save time to visit the other unspoiled beaches of the West Coast. Nearby Te Henga (Bethells Beach) is a popular swim beach that is patrolled by lifeguards over the warmer months. Fans of Jane Campion’s film The Piano will enjoy the dramatic landscape at Karekare Beach. Twitchers should head to Muriwai with its windswept cliff-tops that house a busy gannet colony between March and August each year.

Get close to marine life on Goat Island

Get outdoorsy by pointing your compass one hour north of central Auckland to Goat Island, New Zealand’s most easily accessible marine reserve. Kick off your David Attenborough-style adventure at the discovery centre, located just a jandal’s throw from the main beach.

Afterwards pop on a snorkel or jump in a glass bottom boat to explore the sea life – expect lots of snapper, sea urchins and the odd octopus, ray, rock lobster, whale or dolphin. A unique way to explore the calm coves (without getting wet) is to paddle with Clearyaks in a transparent kayak.

While in the neighbourhood, a short distance up the coast from Goat Island you’ll find one of the most Instagram-worthy beaches imaginable – Pakiri Beach. Have you ever imagined yourself riding a horse through shallow waters on a white sandy beach? Yes? Then this is your spot.

Explore wine-soaked Waiheke

Waiheke Island is an emerald dot floating in the Hauraki Gulf, just a 40-minute ferry ride from central Auckland. Home to 30 vineyards and some of New Zealand’s top restaurants, as well as some entertaining activities; Waiheke caters to all ages, from Chardonnay-adoring adults to zipline-loving children who will love EcoZip Adventures.

The vineyards in the rolling hills beyond the main township, Oneroa, take advantage of the temperate microclimate to produce bold Syrahs and red blends, delicate Chardonnays and Pinot Gris. If you only have a day, the best way to make sure you don’t miss any of the standout vineyards or hidden gems is to join a guided winery tour.

When it’s time to exercise, take a dip at one of the many white sand beaches, such as Oneroa or Shelly Beach, or tie up your runners and hit the walking tracks. One of the best places to explore is the forest-filled Onetangi Reserve just behind Onetangi Beach.

Star gaze at Great Barrier Island

While Waiheke and Rangitoto are only minutes from the city, Great Barrier Island is a bit longer to reach, but provides an unforgettable escape from modern life. Situated on the outer edge of Hauraki Gulf, 100km north east of Auckland, the island’s forest, beaches and bays provide for all kinds of outdoor adventures.

Bathing enthusiasts will enjoy the one hour walk to the natural hot pools at Kaitoke Hot Springs, while for animal lovers the island boasts plenty of bird watching, snorkeling and dive sites. If stargazing is your thing, you’ll be interested to learn the island was recently designated as an International Dark Sky Sanctuary. If time is of the essence get to the island by 35-minute light plane flight from Auckland. Alternatively, if you’re taking the 4.5-hour passenger and car ferry trip you’ll need to stop overnight.