Auckland city, located at the top of the North Island of New Zealand, is sandwiched between two harbours and offers convenient access to both the west and east coasts. Regardless of the direction you travel, in less than two hours, you could easily find yourself on a mountain, a beach or even an island.
Despite its established public transport system, Auckland, like many other cities around the world, is easier to navigate and explore when you have access to a car. Thankfully, there are plenty of Auckland city car rental options available to visitors and locals alike, ensuring you make the most of your adventures and experiences.
Waiheke Island
Waiheke Island is arguably the most popular day-trip destination in Auckland. Located just off the city’s coast, it only takes two hours to reach this magical location, including a short ferry ride. The island is essentially a wine lover’s paradise, with more than 30 wineries and cellar doors.
The wine region is mainly known for red wines, including Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. But there is also Pinot Gris, Rosé, Chardonnay, and many more. Thankfully, there is more to this island than just wine, with stunning white sand beaches, plenty of exquisite walking trails, boutique shops and beachfront restaurants.
Hunua Falls
The Hunua Falls is a North Island waterfall that should feature on any New Zealand bucket list. Situated inside Hunua Ranges Regional Park, a massive forested area one hour southeast of Auckland, its cascading waters tumble down 30m into a large pool at its base. However, swimming is not recommended due to dangerous, unpredictable currents.
To reach the falls, the Hunua Falls track is an easy 5-minute walk to one lookout, or another 20 minutes to reach the second vantage point for a different perspective. If you are after a challenge, skip the walking track and opt for the Hunua Suspension Bridge Track. It does include a strenuous uphill climb, but the views of Wairoa Reservoir once you reach the summit are well worth the effort.
Piha & The Wild West Coast
The west coast of Auckland is a truly remarkable place that is well worth a visit. Piha, a scenic black-sand surf beach and seaside village, feels worlds apart from the chaos of Auckland CBD, despite being only 45 minutes away.
As you leave the city and start to enter the countryside, roads begin to drastically narrow, with rainforest landscapes rising around you, and traditional suburbs quickly replaced by a mishmash of quaint beach houses. The Mercer Bay Loop track is the ideal way to take in the sights and sounds, edging along the top of the high cliffs for panoramic views of the never-ending coastline and wild waves rolling in.
Brick Bay Wines & Sculpture Trail
Brick Bay is a boutique restaurant and vineyard, set against the backdrop of the picturesque Matakana Wine Region. The 200-acre property, just one hour north of Auckland, also features a spectacular sculpture trail that winds and weaves through the native landscape.
The glasshouse restaurant is beautiful, cantilevered over the dazzling lake, with a carefully curated menu that champions local, seasonal produce. Diners get a discount on the Sculpture Trail, which takes roughly one hour to complete. Additionally, guests can indulge in a wine tasting, as Brick Bay also produces Rose, Chardonnay and Pinot Gris.
Waitomo Caves
Waitomo Caves is a uniquely charming location you have likely never visited before. Located 190 km south of Auckland, about two and a half hours away, this network of caves, complete with stalagmites, stalactites, sinkholes and underground rivers 30 million years in the making, is home to several thousand glow worms that look like something out of a storybook.
You can explore the three caves on foot, but you must book a spot on a guided tour, as you will be unable to enter the caves otherwise. Time slots can fill up fast, especially in summer, but there are various guided tours, both on land and on the river, to choose from, so book in advance to secure your place.
Muriwai Beach
For a day-trip location closer to home, Muriwai Beach, located on the rugged west coast, is an easy, paved 45-minute drive from Auckland. You can swim, surf, relax on the beach, grab a refreshing drink from a local coffee shop or pack a delicious picnic to enjoy oceanside.
The biggest appeal of Muriwai Beach is its wildlife. The surrounding volcanic cliffs and black-sand beaches are home to a massive gannet colony. These large, white seabirds inhabit this area from August to March, building nests, incubating eggs, and raising baby gannets.
Tiritiri Matangi Island
Just an 80-minute ferry ride from Auckland’s Viaduct Harbour is Tiritiri Matangi Island. This extraordinary island sanctuary is home to a variety of beautiful and rare birds, including kōkako, takahē, and tīeke.
Upon arrival, there is a range of walking trails that will take you around the island, leading to beaches, the lighthouse, or through lush native bush for a spot of bird watching. The tracks vary in length and difficulty, making it an accessible location for families and seniors. For a more structured and informative visit, secure your place in a guided walk to learn more about this incredible landscape.
