The Best Day Trips from Auckland

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Matakana and Goat Island

The Best Day Trip from Auckland for Foodies

Travel time by car: 1 to 1 hr 15 mins one way
Relevant tour: Matakana Tour with Auckland Wine Tours.

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 you can rent a clear kayak with Clearyak.

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.

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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.

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 5 Priceless Things to Do in Piha and The Budget & Backpacking Guide to the Waitakere Ranges.

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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.

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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.

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 with Ananda Tours or indulge in a flight and dine package.

See the 10 Best Things to Do on Waiheke Island for more ideas for your Auckland day trip.

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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.