The Best Day Trips from Auckland© ATEED
The Best Day Trips from Auckland

The Best Day Trips from Auckland 🌤️🚗 [2023]

© ATEED

The Top Places to Visit Near Auckland

Auckland is more than just an urban jungle. It has nooks and crannies to explore in every direction, from the rugged beaches of the Waitakere Ranges to the volcanic islands of the Hauraki Gulf. Plan some epic day trips, whether it’s a self-drive day trip or a day tour, with this guide to the best day trips from Auckland.

Plus, head on over to The Complete Guide to Auckland for more trip-planning advice. Plus, find a place to stay using The 50 Best Accommodations in Auckland.

5 Best Day Tours from Auckland

Before we delve into the amazing self-drive and ferry day trips from Auckland, here are some of the Auckland day tours where you won’t need your own vehicle.

Guided Day Tours from Auckland

Alternatively, why not spend the day in Auckland following our one day in Auckland itinerary?

The Best Day Trips from Auckland© NZPocketGuide.com

Matakana and Goat Island

The Best Day Trip from Auckland for Foodies

Travel time by car: 1 to 1h15mins one way
Relevant tour: Matakana Tour with Auckland Wine Tours (more info on Viator and Tripadvisor).

Venture north of the city to discover the tasty side of Auckland. The Matakana Coast is not only home to various wineries but also passionate artisans that come together for the all-famous Matakana Farmers’ Market every Saturday. Just 15 minutes north of Matakana is the Goat Island Marine Reserve, one of the best places in Auckland and go snorkelling or clear kayaking (more info on Viator and Tripadvisor).

For more activities in the area, check out the 10 Places You Can’t Miss on the Matakana Coast and 5 Fun Things to Do at Goat Island Marine Reserve.

The Best Day Trips from Auckland© Unsplash

Waitakere Ranges

The Best Day Trip from Auckland for Families

Travel time by car: 40 minutes to 1 hour one-way
Relevant tour: Piha Beach and Rainforest Tour with Bush and Beach (more info on Viator and Tripadvisor).

Escape the city to the wild side of Auckland on a road trip to the Waitakere Ranges. Home to a myriad of bushwalks, waterfalls and black-sand beaches, the Waitakere Ranges offer some of the most diverse scenery in Auckland. You’ll find short walks suitable for all ages, such as the Kitekite Falls Walk and the Mercer Bay Loop Track. Alternatively, just enjoy a great day at the beach.

For more ideas on what to do, take a look at the 6 Priceless Things to Do in Piha and Waitakere Ranges – Guide for Backpackers.

The Best Day Trips from Auckland© NZPocketGuide.com

Rangitoto Island

The Best Day Trip from Auckland for Budget Travellers

Travel time by ferry: 25 minutes one-way

Accessible via ferry from the Auckland downtown ferry terminal, Rangitoto Island is an easy day trip. Rangitoto Island was formed some 600 years ago making it Auckland’s newest volcano, which is evident through the lava fields and caves you can explore along the walking trails. Take your own lunch as there are no facilities other than toilets on the island.

For more information on this day trip from Auckland, check out The Guide to Rangitoto Island and Motutapu Island. Plus, see more island day trips in The 10 Best Islands in Auckland to Visit.

The Best Day Trips from Auckland© NZPocketGuide.com

Waiheke Island

The Best Day Trip from Auckland for Luxury Travellers

Travel time by ferry: 45 minutes one-way
Travel time by helicopter/seaplane: 10 minutes one-way
Relevant tour: Fly & Dine with Auckland Seaplanes (more info on Klook, Viator and Tripadvisor).

Expansive beaches, vineyards decorating the landscape, and the glistening waters of the Hauraki Gulf, Waiheke Island certainly provides a treat-yourself day trip. Either take the ferry from the downtown ferry terminal and hop on an island winery tour (more info on Viator, Tripadvisor and Klook) or indulge in a flight and dine package (on Klook, Viator and Tripadvisor).

See the 9 Glorious Things to Do on Waiheke Island for more ideas for your Auckland day trip.

The Best Day Trips from Auckland© Unsplash

Hunua Ranges

The Best Day Trip from Auckland for Couples

Travel time by car: 50 minutes one-way

Another excellent city escape is the Hunua Ranges, which is Auckland’s largest tract of native forest. Find a picturesque waterfall, glowworms and verdant forest on its array of hiking trails. Some of the walks also lead to impressive reservoirs and dams, which make up much of Auckland’s water supply.

For more information on the Hunua Ranges walks, check out the Auckland Suburbs – Guide for Backpackers.

More About Auckland Day Trips

That’s it for the best day trips from Auckland. For more day trips, you might like to hit the following destinations:

Finally, find more experiences in Auckland using our 20 Best Things to Do in Auckland.

Author

Laura S.

This article was reviewed and published by Laura, editor in chief and co-founder of NZ Pocket Guide. Since arriving solo in New Zealand over 10 years ago and with a background in journalism, her mission has been to show the world how easy (and awesome) it is to travel New Zealand. She knows Aotearoa inside-out and loves sharing tips on how best to experience New Zealand’s must-dos and hidden gems. Laura is also editor of several other South Pacific travel guides and is the co-host of NZ Pocket Guide’s live New Zealand travel Q&As on YouTube.

Was this article useful?

Facebook
Pinterest
Twitter

Recommended For You