15 Day trips from Auckland in North Island, New Zealand that you shouldn't miss!
Fun Fact: Did you know that there are more people in Auckland than on the whole South Island? Home to more than a third of New Zealand’s population, Auckland is the country’s largest city.
Interestingly enough, around 40% of the people living in Auckland were born overseas, resulting in a glorious melting pot of different cultures! It might be a bustling metropolis, but it’s also a city framed by two gorgeous harbours dotted with sailboats — earning it the nickname of the ‘City of Sails’.
There’s lots to do here: adrenaline junkies will love the AJ Hackett bungy, thrilling SkyWalk and SkyJump at the iconic Sky Tower, race car simulation experience, skydiving, as well as zipping around in a jet boat. See the harbour from a different perspective onboard a dinner cruise, sailing cruise, or from a daring Bridge Climb. Can’t get enough? Try the Sky Sport Rooftop Stadium Walk at Eden Park.
Culture buffs, here’s looking at you: go on a guided tour of Auckland Art Gallery, visit the New Zealand Maritime Museum, or drop by the Auckland War Memorial. New Zealand is also the home of the famous All Blacks rugby team — immerse yourself in their story with this All Blacks experience.
For the little ones, have a go at the Odyssey Sensory Maze, go under the sea at SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton’s Aquarium, see movie magic at the Weta Workshop Unleashed tour, or go on a
whale and dolphin wildlife cruise. For the more adventurous, feast your eyes on a wondrous sight on a bioluminescence kayak tour. Arm yourself with the Klook Pass Auckland to get the best bang for your buck, plus get from the airport to the city centre easily and efficiently with an airport transfer.
In fact, why not take a ferry from Auckland to explore the surrounding islands? Discover Rangitoto Island, Tiritiri Matangi Island, Waiheke Island, Devonport, and more. Indeed, Auckland is a great base for taking great trips, with plenty of cool spots around the city — which can be reached in less than three hours, no less! All you’ll need is a rental car, and you’ll be all set.
New Zealand North Island Car Rental
Your trusty rental car is your best friend on any road trip. And like any best friend, you’d want to know that it’s reliable, comfortable to be with, and that it’s in for the long run (or however long your trip will be!).
Grab your car rental with Klook, where you can choose from a wide range of vehicles. Need a bigger SUV for the whole gang? Prefer a smaller car to zip from place to place? You name it, they’ve probably got it. And from reputable brands like Avis and Hertz, too!
Guide to renting a car in New Zealand:
1. Hobbiton
Distance: 167 kilometres
Drive duration: 2 hours
Calling all fans of the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit fans! Enter the world of Middle Earth at Hobbiton, the original movie set that revolves around The Shire. Crouch down as you enter cute little Hobbit Houses, and see iconic spots like the Old Mill and Party Tree.
Why not dress up as your favourite character too to make the most out of the experience? End your visit by downing a pint of Frogmorten ginger beer or Oatbarton brew at the Green Dragon Inn.
#KlookTip: Hobbiton can only be explored on a guided tour. There are lots of tours departing from Auckland; or, since you’ll be on a road trip, opt for the single admission tour.
2. Waitomo Caves
Distance: 190 kilometres
Drive duration: 2.5 hours
Get ready for a sight like no other: first, you glide into a pitch-dark cave on a boat. You look up, and there they are: a sparkling galaxy of lights that glow like magic! These are the thousands of luminescent glowworms that reside in the Waitomo Caves, a huge network of underground caves that date back 30 million years. Only guided tours are permitted into the cave; sit back, and enjoy the spectacle as your guide enthralls with tales of the caves’ history.
Feeling more adventurous? Sign up for a session of black water rafting or abseiling in the cave. Alternatively, stroll along the Waitomo Walkway, discover the Waikawau Tunnel, or go on the Ruakuri Bush Walk.
3. Rotorua
Distance: 142 kilometres
Drive duration: 2.5 hours
Travel to another world altogether at Rotorua, which is best known for its bubbling mud pools. In fact, you’ll notice a distinct sulphur smell lingering in the air once you arrive. Set aside a few hours to pamper yourself at the Hells Gate Mud Bath and Spa, Polynesian Spa Geothermal Hot Springs, or Wai Ariki Hot Springs. For the ultimate indulgence, book yourself in a private cedar hot tub surrounded by greenery.
Te Puia houses the largest active geyser in the Southern Hemisphere, on top of mud pools scattered along a volcanic landscape. Seize the chance to see the rare Kiwi at the Kiwi Conservation Centre, and watch skilled artists at the Maori Arts and Crafts Institute. Don’t miss out on Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland as well, which is filled with vibrant sulphur pools, bubbling mud pools, and the Lady Knox Geyser.
That’s not all: Rotorua is also known as the North Island’s adventure capital! Go whitewater rafting, river sledging, zorbing, or ziplining. Take to the skies on a scenic helicopter or floatplane; or even have the best of both worlds on a duck tour. There’s also mini golf (with free-roaming rabbits!), a farm tour, and the entertaining 3D Trick Art Gallery.
4. Coromandel Peninsula
Photo credit: Newzealand.com
Distance: 189 kilometres
Drive duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
Yearning to get off the beaten path? Venture to the Coromandel Peninsula which, on a clear day, can even be seen from Auckland itself. This hidden gem is a large mountain range shrouded with ancient forests, and has lots of gorgeous beaches too. Hot Water Beach is a lovely white sand beach that has geothermally heated water. During low tide, try your hand at digging a hole in the sand for the water to come up, creating a mini natural hot spring!
If you can spare the time, check out the Coromandel Coastal Walkway or Pinnacles Walk — both of which require 2.5 to 3.5 hours one way. Don’t forget to set aside time to see Cathedral Cove, a rock arch that has been featured in the Narnia film series.
#KlookTip: The Cathedral Cove walking trail is currently closed due to storm damage; however, you can still see it on a boat or kayak tour.
5. Matakana
Photo credit: Newzealand.com
Distance: 70.4 kilometres
Drive duration: 50 minutes
Every Saturday, Matakana comes alive with a fabulous Farmers Market that attracts both locals and tourists alike. Soak in the buzzing atmosphere as you fill your bags with bread, honey, artisan cheese, and more. Looking for a great souvenir for your family and friends? You’ll come across lots of unique arts and crafts here at the market too.
#KlookTip: Don’t eat before visiting the market! Grab some grub, and head to the nearby beaches — like Omaha and Snells beaches — for a laidback picnic.
Matakana also has a line-up of wineries that is reputed to be the ‘Tuscany of Auckland’. Head to Brick Bay to enjoy a languid wine tasting (for free if you buy a bottle of wine), and a meal prepared with the freshest seasonal produce. After lunch, check out an interesting one-hour sculpture trail.
#KlookTip: If you dine at the restaurant, you’ll also get a small discount for the sculpture trail!
6. Waitakere Ranges National Park
Photo credit: Newzealand.com
Distance: 22.1 kilometres
Drive duration: 30 minutes
Tumble headfirst into the rugged natural beauty of Waitakere Ranges Regional Park, which pulls out all the stops with acres of native bush and rainforest, juxtaposed against stark black sand beaches. There are over 250 kilometres worth of hiking trails: take on the waterfalls of Kitkite track, Arataki Nature Trail, Fairy Falls Trail, or the Karekare Falls Walk.
In fact, we’ve got our eyes on the Piha Beach and Lion’s Rock route. Piha has been said to be one of New Zealand’s most gorgeous beaches, and is a popular surf spot (be sure to enter the water only between the flags!). Check out the looming Lion’s Rock in the middle of the beach, and have a great vantage point from Tasman Lookout Walk — which is 10 minutes from the Southern end of Piha.
7. Whangaparaoa
Photo credit: Auckland Council
Distance: 44.2 kilometres
Drive duration: 45 minutes
Meaning ‘Bay of Whales’ in Maori, Whangaparaoa is a peninsula where dolphins and orcas are often spotted in the waters. Stretching over eleven kilometres, the peninsula was supposedly the Maori’s first landing point when they first arrived hundreds of years ago. Cruise along sandy beaches and sparkling bays, such as Stanmore Bay, Arkles Bay, and Tindalls Beach.
Shakespeare Regional Park is at one end of the peninsula, where you can go for a swim or use the free BBQ pits. The park has been recently designated a predator-free zone, with a fence to protect the birds, lizards, and other creatures that live within. Fun fact: Whangaparaoa peninsula was also a filming location for the shark blockbuster ‘The Meg’!
8. Karangahake Gorge
Photo credit: Department of Conservation
Distance: 129 kilometres
Drive duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Draped with stories of a rich gold mining history, Karangahake Gorge — with the gushing Ohinemuri River flowing through it — is truly a sight to behold. Fancy a bush walk? Go on the Windows Walk Trail that goes along an 1880’s gold-mining trail, or descend into the Karangahake Tunnels (bring a torch with you!).
A popular route would be to take the Karangahake Historic Walkway, which trails the old Paeroa to Waihi railway to Owharoa Falls.
9. Hunua Ranges
Photo credit: Auckland Council
Distance: 49.3 kilometres
Drive duration: 45 minutes
Comprising the largest forest in the region, Hunua Ranges Regional Park is a great place to stretch your legs. Marvel at the spectacular Hunua Falls, and embark on hikes of varying difficulty. Take the Upper Lookout Walk to get to Hunua Falls, which goes through native bush and along the Wairoa River.
If you’re the more active sort. the uphill Suspension Bridge Loop will be a good workout. Or, how about a picnic at Wairoa Reservoir? Keep a keen lookout for Kiwi wildlife, such as the rare Kokako bird or the unique Hochstetter frog.
10. Raglan
Distance: 155 kilometres
Drive duration: 1 hour 50 minutes
Surf’s up! Hit the waves at Raglan, which is a renowned surfer’s paradise. Learn the ropes with a private or group beginner’s lesson at Ngarunui beach, before winding down with a splendid sunset. If you’re a surfing pro, head over to Manu Bay. Set aside time to visit Bridal Veil Falls, and enjoy a panoramic view of the Tasman Sea from the Te Toto Gorge Lookout.
Up for a challenge? Tackle the 756-metre-tall Mt. Kariori. You can also go rock caving, canyoning (there’s also a night version with glowworms), or rock climbing. If you’d prefer to chill, the town of Raglan emits a delightful laidback vibe. Grab a craft beer, dig into delicious fish and chips, plus pop in and out of cafés, boutique stores, and second-hand bookshops.
11. Puhoi
Photo credit: possumgirl2 on Wikimedia Commons
Distance: 46 kilometres
Drive duration: 30 minutes
Nestled on the banks of the Puhoi River, Puhoi dates back to the 1860s. Travel back in time at this quaint village, which was once occupied by migrants from Bohemia (now known as the Czech Republic). Learn all about this fascinating history at the Puhoi Heritage Museum, grab a pint at the pub, or have afternoon tea at the Puhoi Cottage Tearooms.
Drop by the Puhoi Village Market, which only happens once a month (bookmark the dates on their Facebook page), to snag some homemade products. The Slow Water Trading Post is also a great place to pick up some novel souvenirs! If it’s a gorgeous day, soak up all that glorious sunshine by hiking along the Puhoi Lookout Loop Track, or kayaking down the river to Wenderholm Regional Park.
12. Goat Island
Photo credit: Newzealand.com
Distance: 86.7 kilometres
Drive duration: 1 hour 10 minutes
The first Marine Reserve in New Zealand, Goat Island wows with some of the best marine life in the area. Previously plagued by overfishing, this marine sanctuary has since recovered and flourished beyond measure! Go on a snorkelling or diving adventure, spot colourful fishes on a glass-bottomed boat tour, or hire a Clearyak (a clear kayak).
Delve deeper at the Goat Island Marine Discovery Centre, or stroll along the scenic Goat Island Coastal Walkway. There isn’t any food available at Goat Island, but Matakana’s vineyards are just a twenty-minute drive away.
13. Muriwai
Photo credit: Newzealand.com
Distance: 41.6 kilometres
Drive duration: 35 minutes
From August to March each year, Muriwai is overtaken by a gigantic gannet bird colony! This is National Geographic: the bird edition at its best, where you can watch thousands of birds in the wild from a close proximity.
Muriwai itself is a craggy black-sand beach that sprawls over 60 kilometres. Skip along the boardwalk, rent a bicycle or blokart, or explore on horseback. If you can’t get enough, the picturesque Bethells Beach is a 45-minute drive away.
14. Hamilton
Photo credit: Newzealand.com
Distance: 121 kilometres
Drive duration: 1 hour 20 minutes
Located along the Waikato River, Hamilton packs a punch with lots of impossibly scenic views. Hamilton Gardens is the star of the show, boasting a variety of themed gardens bursting with colour. Café-hop at the main thoroughfare, visit the Waikato Museum, and experience the walk-through free-flight aviary at Hamilton Zoo.
The area also plays host to lots of sporting events and festivals throughout the year! Mark your calendar for Balloons over Waikato hot-air-balloon festival, or the tantalising Gourmet in the Gardens food extravaganza.
15. Mangawhai Heads
Photo credit: Bernard Spragg NZ on Flickr Creative Commons
Distance: 105 kilometres
Drive duration: 1 hour 20 minutes
Another fantastic beach destination is at Mangawhai Heads, a coastal town that revolves around its lovely beach. Sink your toes into the fine sand, or try your hand at surfing. Set your eyes on magnificent views along the Mangawhai Cliffs Walkway. You’ll have to get through a steep incline to reach a lookout point; but don’t worry, the rest of the trail is much gentler.
Adults and kids alike will love the sand dunes at Mangawhai Surf Beach. For the little ones, the Mangawhai Activity Zone is a great option — complete with a playground, flying fox, skate park, and tennis courts.
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