Auckland, the city of sails, is a starting point for many visitors as well as being home to nearly one-third of New Zealand’s population. While there are plenty of things to keep one busy in the city, an Auckland day trip to a nearby destination offers both a change of scenery and a lot of fun.
We are amongst the nearly 1.7 million people who call Auckland home. And while we love the city, Auckland day trips are often the quick getaway that we need.
Whether it’s a beach, a cave, a hike, or an island, we make our Auckland getaways exciting.
While there are plenty of options, this page focuses on those within a two-hour drive from the city. It’s the area highlighted in this map:
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First, let us tempt you with some Auckland fun
Auckland Day Trips
Looking for a day-long escape from Auckland, one that's far enough away to feel like somewhere else, but not so far that you can't easily do it in a day? Here are our favourite nearby day trips from Auckland.
Waiheke Island
An easy ferry ride from Auckland CBD or Devonport, Waiheke Island is a fabulous subtropical getaway. Many of the lush green rolling hills provide the ideal climate for wine grapes, which accounts for 30 or so wineries on this island.
It's also home to several great beaches, restaurants, a massive zipline, and an old military reserve.
Karangahake Gorge
Karangahake Gorge is a majestic mix of remnant goldfields and impressive nature. Once the site of New Zealand’s most lucrative gold strike, it is now a walking and hiking destination.
Swing bridges, former gold mine shafts, a historic cyanide treatment plant, and lush green forest led us to the gorge. Karangahake Gorge is a two-hour drive from the city and makes a great Auckland day trip.
Muriwai or Piha Beach
Head to the west coast if you are looking for bigger surf waves or black sand beaches. Piha is best known from the former TV show Piha Rescue for its wild surf.
Muriwai is home to a huge colony of 1,200 Australian gannets that fly over to breed annually from late August to March. Either beach, you won't be disappointed.
Tiritiri Matangi Island
Important Note: The ferry out to Tiritiri is currently on-hold and not available.
Tiritiri Matangi is a day of exploration, hiking, and birds. This open bird sanctuary island is just a 75-minute ferry ride from Auckland. Tiritiri Matangi is a protected island paradise thought to be one of the world’s most successful conservation projects.
It's an all-day activity with a morning ferry heading out from Auckland or Gulf Harbour to the island and an afternoon return.
Waipu Caves and Waipu Beach
Just under a two-hour drive to the north will bring you to the provincial town of Waipu. Here, you have two great options. First, explore the caves where you will be surrounded by stalactites, stalagmites, and if go beyond the first chamber, glow worms.
Then, head to the coast and enjoy a beautiful beach. Personally, it's one of our favourite camping spots, as it's close to home, yet far away.
Any of the Islands of the Hauraki Gulf
Although there are over 50 islands in the Hauraki, only a handful are accessible without a private boat. Two of our favourites are mentioned already: Tiritiri Matangi and Waiheke.
Two other popular options are Rangitoto and Kawau. Rangitoto is Auckland's largest and youngest volcanic field as well as being home to the country's largest pohutukawa forest.
Kawau was purchased in 1862 by then Governor of New Zealand, Sir Geroge Grey. He brought with him interesting animals and we can still find wallaby there today.
Shakespear Park
Shakespear Park is one of 27 Auckland Regional Parks currently open to the public. Each is special for different reasons. At Shakespear, you will find multiple beaches, hours of hiking trails, campgrounds, cows, sheep, and it is an open bird sanctuary.
An award-winning park, it's a great place to relax or stretch your legs. It's just less than an hour's drive from Auckland at the end of the Whangaparaoa Peninsula.
Hamilton
Best known for its world-class themed Hamilton Gardens, there are actually a surprising number of cool things to do in Hamilton, New Zealand's fourth-largest city.
A tea plantation, a regional museum, and Riff Raff square are a few of my favourites. Hamilton is 125 km southwest of Auckland.
Orewa Beach
An easy Auckland day trip, Orewa beach is 3km of golden sand and safe swimming nestled against a charming seaside community well known for its variety of cafes, restaurants, and art galleries.
Only a 25-minute drive, it's also accessible by bus.
Hobbiton Movie Set
Real middle earth, Hobbiton is a top destination for many Lord of the Rings fans. Entry is via tour only and each two-hour tour of the 12-acre Hobbiton Movie set takes visitors to Hobbit Holes, the Old Mill, and the Double Arched Bridge. It's a touristy destination, yet movie fans love it.
Things to Do in Cambridge NZ: Rural Charm, Sporty Fun, and Romance
Rural charm and relaxation, Cambridge is the ideal, off the beaten path spot to relax and unwind. Unless you hit a big sports weekend, as it's home for key rowing and cycling events. It's not too far from Hamilton, so if you are heading out for longer than just typical Auckland day trips, you might consider both.
Ngatea Water Gardens
Ngatea Water Gardens is an eclectic mix of humour interwoven throughout a beautiful water garden. It requires a sense of humour to appreciate it. We laughed quite a bit.
Also located here is Arthur's Canny Museum. This display of over 11,000 cans is the only one of its kind in New Zealand. Ngatea Water Gardens is about an hour's drive from Auckland.
Riverhead Tavern
While one can easily drive to Riverhead from downtown in 30 minutes, the more fun way to get here is on a 90-minute cruise along the river system leading out from Auckland.
Once there, enjoy a meal at the Landing restaurant or a drink at the Portage, a neighbourhood bar. Best of all, if you can head here on a Sunday, you can enjoy live music at the Boat House.
Raglan
Raglan is a beach town full of surprises. It's got a relaxed atmosphere and is the perfect getaway, whether you surf or not.
Located on the west coast of the North Island, it's just a short drive from Hamilton, yet a world apart. With big waves and frequent wind, it's a haven for adrenaline rush, but also a great place to relax with a coffee or craft beer.
Blue Spring Putaruru: Enjoy Crystal Clear Water Along Te Waihou Walkway
Home to the clearest waters on the North Island, the Blue Spring at Putaruru supplies 70% of New Zealand's bottled drinking water and is one of the most beautiful NZ locations.
Honestly, it's about the view and the photos, so click through and enjoy.
Want to see more in your limited time?
Whether you have limited time, or you just prefer to have someone do the driving, there are a couple of Auckland day tours we recommend:
Auckland day trip to Hobbiton & Hamilton Gardens
This all-day tour will head first to Hobbiton for a guided exploration of the shire where both The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit were filmed. Then, enjoy lunch just outside the farm at the Shire’s Rest Café (lunch is an additional cost). Next, drive to Hamilton and spend time exploring the lovely Hamilton Gardens. Click to check for discount options.
Auckland day trip to Hobbiton & Waitomo caves
This one is ideal for people who prefer fully escorted tours, really want to see both Hobbiton and Waitomo Caves, and have only one day for the adventure. It travels first to the Hobbiton Movie Set, then enjoys lunch at The Shire’s Rest Café (a Kiwi-style cafe), before driving to the Glowworm caves in Waitomo. Both destinations are seen with guided tours. Please note the travel times. You will spend nearly 2/3 of this trip in transit. Check the prices and reviews.
Where are our favourite Auckland day trips?
Here is our list of the best day trips by location.
- Head North for Waiheke Island, Tiritiri Matangi Island, and other islands of the Hauraki Gulf. Also to the north, you will find Waipu caves and beaches, Shakespear regional park, and Orewa Beach.
- To the west find Riverhead, Muriwai Beach, and Piha Beach.
- Head South for Hamilton and the Karangahake Gorge.
- And, East will bring you to Ngatea Water Gardens or to Hobbiton from Auckland.

Still want more?
If you are looking to go a bit farther, (Waitomo Caves, Rotorua, Bay of Islands, Coromandel, or Hobbiton) yet still only have one day, we can show you how to do this here. Or, if you want to find something new, but barely want to travel at all, check out our favourite things to do in Auckland.
Save with these resources in Auckland and all of NZ
We usually start with aggregator companies as they do the work for us by providing a list of options, prices, and reviews. However, we also added a few personal NZ favourites:
- Flights: we use Expedia for the best and cheapest flight options.
- Hotels: we use Booking.com as they consistently return the best rates and their reviews are from actual guests. However, for self-contained lodging in New Zealand, we use Bookabach.
- Cars and Campervans: we use RentalCars to find the best deals and dealer ratings. Use Jucy for small campervans.
- Activity discounts: we always check Bookme.com for discounts of up to 70% on selected tours, activities, restaurants and more.
- Travel Insurance: we start at InsureMyTrip as they are the best option to compare plans and find the right coverage for you.
Before you book the rest of your trip: Check out our travel resources page for more companies that we use when you travel.
We believe this list to be the best in each category. You can’t go wrong using them on your trip too.
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Which of these Auckland day trips will you try?
Disclaimer: We are frequently provided with complimentary entrances, tours, or sample items to aid in the writing of Albom Adventures and have worked in the past with Auckland tourism, then called ATEED. However, the opinions expressed here are strictly our own.
Lisa | Handmade in Israel
You are really educating me about New Zealand! There seems to be so much to see and do. Some of these day trips sound amazing!
Ryan K Biddulph
There is so much to do from Auckland, Rhonda. We only spent a few days there before flying back to the US 2 years ago but I can see from your post how we need to do a few proper trips from there, when we finally return to NZ. The place dazzles. We loved Opotiki so much on the North Island and its well off of the beaten tourist path.
Ryan
Francesca
There are so many fun things to do around Auckland! I loved visitng Hobbiton (a must for Lord of the Rings lovers). A day on Waiheke Island is also great for wine lovers.
Devesh
I enjoyed reading this post so much! Thanks for sharing this tips
I really like the way you describe the post..
Jasmine
So many beautiful places making me miss home! I love Waipu, it’s such a gorgeous little spot!
Olivia
So many amazing ideas for day trips! The Waipu Caves and a tour of Hobbiton sound like so much fun!
Hannah
Wow, what a wonderful selection of day trips! There’s a bit of everything! Karangahake Gorge looks like a beautiful place to explore. I also love a trip to some caves! Thanks for the great guide!
Mayuri
Such a detailed post! Love it 🙂 Saving it for the future when I make my way to New Zealand!
Rob + Ann
You are so spoiled for choice that it’s almost not fair!! 😉 So many great options here. A visit to Hobbiton is a given, and we’ve read so much about Shakespear Park and Hamilton Gardens that they’re already on our wish list. But we love sailing, so all of the trips to nearby islands would be tops on our list. Well, right after Hobbiton. 😁
Ashley
So many great choices! I would love to visit some of these islands and the those caves.
Cosette
Great trips to take from Auckland. would love to visit Hobbiton.
K
All of these day trips look really great! Can’t wait to go on some of them when I visit New Zealand.
Nidia Lisic
So many amazing things to see for a day trip! This number 2, Karangahake Gorge, looks like from some Indiana Jones movie, stunning. Would love to add that to the list.
Roy Stevenson
Excellent roundup, Rhonda. As a former Aucklander (before I moved to the U.S.A.) I’ve been to all but 2 of those places. Will have to take the boat to the Riverhead Tavern & the ferry to Tiritiri Matangi island next time I’m back in Godzone! Good summary. Thank you. Regards, Roy Stevenson
Travelling Tam
I always love your posts about New Zealand! It always annoys me though as I realise just how much I missed on my 2 month road trip haha! I love the look of Karangahake Gorge and Shakespear Park is right up my street too. I love green rolling hills! There is so much to do in such a short radius from Auckland!
Ildiko
Wow! What awesome surroundings. So many options within a two-hour reach. I loved the gorge and the black sand beach. I hope to get there one day. Truly a beautiful country.
Savannah
I want to go to New Zealand sooo badly!!! I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t mainly because of the Lord of the Rings, but it’s also such a GORGEOUS country. It’s truly breathtaking. I’d love to explore all of these spots!
tltravel
This is such a great post with SO much information! I absolutely love any posts about day trip options from anywhere since I prefer to hang out in the same spot for awhile and just venture out from there. Waipu Caves looks like a really cool one! Would love to visit one day 🙂
L. Diane Wolfe
I’ve not been in a cave since I was 20 years old and would love to see Waipu Caves.
Alex J. Cavanaugh
Of course I would tour Hobbiton! But the gorge and caves would also be high on my list.