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
- Coromandel Day Trip with Kiwi Day Trips (more info and book tickets on Viator and Tripadvisor)
- Hobbiton Movie Set and Waitomo Glowworm Caves Day Trip with Auckland Scenic Tours (on Viator, Tripadvisor and Klook)
- Piha Beach and Rainforest Tour with Bush and Beach (on Viator and Tripadvisor)
- Tiritiri Matangi Island Day Trip with 360 Discovery Cruises (on Viator, Tripadvisor and Klook)
- Rotorua Highlights Tour with Cheeky Kiwi Travel (on Viator and Tripadvisor).
Alternatively, why not spend the day in Auckland following our one day in Auckland itinerary?
© NZPocketGuide.comMatakana 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.
© UnsplashWaitakere 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.
© NZPocketGuide.comRangitoto 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.
© NZPocketGuide.comWaiheke 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.
© UnsplashHunua 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:
- 20 Auckland Parks You Can’t Miss
- 5 Auckland Road Trips You Can’t Miss
- 10 Wonderful Things to Do in Warkworth
- 5 Fun Things to Do in Pukekohe
- 10 Outstanding Things to Do in Orewa
Finally, find more experiences in Auckland using our 20 Best Things to Do in Auckland.
