Auckland’s Best Day Trips: Escapes, Eats, and Scenic Spots Nearby
When the city grind starts to take its toll, Auckland’s outskirts offer the perfect antidote. Grab a coffee, hit the road, and discover towns and trails just beyond the city limits that feel a world away from the urban sprawl.
Whether you’re seeking a pristine dive spot, the ideal surf break, or simply looking to sip wine by the sea, these day trips offer a chance to trade the high-rise skyline for vineyard vistas and stunning coastal scenes. With breathtaking landscapes and standout local dining, Auckland’s best day trips promise a memorable escape, right at your doorstep.
Auckland’s Best Day Trips
Image: The Shire, Hobbiton Movie Set Tour
Hobbiton
Location: Matamata, Waikato
Distance from Auckland CBD: 2 hours by car
An experience unlike any other, Hobbiton brings Tolkien’s enchanting world to life with its cozy Hobbit holes and lush, rolling hills. The drive from Auckland offers a scenic detour through Miranda Flats, where sweeping countryside views set the tone for a magical day. Once you arrive, stroll through the intricately designed Shire, from Bag End to the Green Dragon Inn, while learning fascinating insights into the set design and movie production. With the tour spanning around 2.5 hours, plan to visit on a sunny day, when the countryside’s beauty truly shines.
Eat: The Shire’s Rest Cafe serves up hearty, Hobbit-inspired fare, ideal for pre- or post-tour casual eats.
Drink: A pint of ginger beer or Hobbiton’s locally brewed ale at The Green Dragon Inn completes the immersive experience.
Stay a Little Longer: While the area’s charm is undeniable, nearby accommodation options are limited. For an aesthetic escape, Underhill Valley offers a cottage-core retreat ideal for fans, while larger groups may enjoy The Rocks, a rustic countryside villa perfect for unwinding after a day in the Shire.
Te Arai Golf Club
Location: Mangawhai, Northland
Distance from Auckland CBD: 1 hour 20 minutes by car
Image: Te Arai Links, Image Courtesy of Tourism New Zealand
Te Arai may be renowned as one of the world’s finest golf courses, but there’s plenty here for those simply seeking a laid-back day on the coast. With its beach club vibe, Ric’s Restaurant offers outdoor dining, lawn games, and a complimentary putting green where you can practice your swing with a margarita in hand and uninterrupted ocean views. The seasonal menu offers share plates with a twist, like Gochujang cauliflower and Peruvian dry-aged beef anticuchos, as well as classics like wood-fired pizza—a perfect reward post-round.
Eat: Ric’s at Te Arai serves up casual yet refined breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Drink: Start with a margarita at the putting green, and let the ocean breeze set the tone.
Stay a Little Longer: Te Arai Lodge is a wellness retreat with luxe accommodation nearby. Or stay right on-site in one of Te Arai’s architecturally designed suites overlooking the South Course, perfect for those who want to linger a little longer in this rugged coastal setting.
Image: View of Auckland city from Rangitoto
Rangitoto Island
Location: Hauraki Gulf, Rangitoto Island
Distance from Auckland CBD: 25-minute ferry ride from the Auckland Ferry Terminal
Auckland’s most iconic volcanic island, Rangitoto, is a must for hikers and nature lovers alike. From winding lava caves to summit views that sweep across the Hauraki Gulf, this ancient island promises a raw and untamed adventure. With no amenities on the island, it’s best to bring a picnic and lace up those walking shoes—nature here reigns supreme.
Eat: Pack a lunch to-go from The Store at Britomart (think gourmet picnic essentials) or grab fresh sandwiches from Daily Bread—ideal for savoring at the summit. Post-hike, cross the road from the Downtown Ferry Terminal to Commercial Bay and reward yourself with French-inspired fare at Origine, where harbor views and beautifully plated classics await.
Drink: After a day exploring Rangitoto, slip into Queens, a rooftop bar hidden behind a wine shop. With vinyl tunes, a tempting raw bar, and Rangitoto views, it’s the perfect spot to unwind over a chilled martini.
Stay a Little Longer For an indulgent overnight and a welcome retreat from Rangitoto’s rugged terrain, book into The InterContinental or The Hotel Britomart, both conveniently located within a short stroll of the Downtown Ferry Terminal.
Brick Bay & Matakana Markets
Location: Snells Beach, Matakana
Distance from Auckland CBD: 1 hour by car
Image: Brick Bay Winery, Image Courtesy of Auckland Tourism
Located in Matakana’s wine country and brimming with small-town appeal, Brick Bay and Matakana Markets offer an interesting mix of local arts, freshly made food, and scenic landscapes. Begin with a Saturday morning stroll through the Matakana Markets, where artisanal produce and delicious baked pastries await—best enjoyed with a coffee in hand as you browse. Visiting midweek? Opt for breakfast at The Farmers Daughter, a relaxed garden café set on the water’s edge near Omaha, serving wholesome food with a view. Take a quick detour to Omaha Beach for a peaceful coastal pause before heading to Brick Bay Sculpture Trail, where interactive art installations are set among native bush and vineyards (trail entry starts from $12). Afterward, unwind at Brick Bay’s glasshouse restaurant with views over the lily pond, or enjoy a wine tasting paired with charcuterie by the vines—an ideal setting to graze post-walk.
Eat: Brick Bay Vineyard’s farm-to-table menu pairs perfectly with a glass of their house wine.
Drink: Add in a quick stop to sample Sangiovese and Dolcetto at Heron’s Flight Vineyard nearby.
Stay a Little Longer: Go off-grid and enjoy an evening of stargazing while sipping on locally made Syrah at Tepee Glamping in Matakana. Just 5 minutes from Matakana town and 10 minutes from Omaha, the three tepee sites offer guests a comfortable glamping experience surrounded by nature.
Waiheke Island
Location: Hauraki Gulf, Waiheke Island
Distance from Auckland CBD: 40-minute ferry ride from the Auckland Ferry Terminal
Image: Tantalus Estate Winery on Waiheke Island
Known as Auckland’s island of wine, Waiheke is a mecca for vineyard-hopping. The island’s microclimate makes it ideal for viticulture, with boutique wineries lining the rolling hills. Plan to ferry over early, and you’ll have time for tastings at wineries like Mudbrick, Casita Miro, and Tantalus before unwinding on the beach.
Eat: Mudbrick Vineyard & Restaurant serves an elevated lunch with stunning views of the Hauraki Gulf, or tuck into some locally farmed oysters at The Oyster Inn, overlooking Oneroa Beach.
Drink: Don’t miss the craft beers and elegant wines at Tantalus Estate, a must-visit for any oenophile.
Stay a Little Longer: For those looking to linger, a stay at The Blackpool House is surrounded by native bush with interiors that are equally as impressive at the outdoors. Or try The Villino at Cypress Ridge Estate, sitting just above Casita Miro vineyard, offering an excuse to continue on with the tastings (as if we needed an excuse).
Muriwai Beach
Location: Muriwai, Auckland’s West Coast
Distance from Auckland CBD: 40 minutes by car
Image: Surfers at Muriwai Beach, Image by Tim Marshall
The striking black sand, powerful waves, and cliffside gannet colony make Muriwai Beach unforgettable. Book a surf lesson to tackle the rolling swells, or simply wander the beach and soak in the views. A short drive inland reveals Kumeu’s wineries, lavender fields, and a charming gin distillery—ideal for a leisurely afternoon tasting.
Eat: Pop into The Hunting Lodge, a vineyard and restaurant that pairs good food with an even better setting. The seasonal menu highlights local produce with a range of wholesome, flavourful share plates on offer. For groups, we recommend opting for the “trust the chef” option at $85pp.
Drink: Local brewery Hallertau is a festive spot with a great vibe, with a rotation of guest DJs on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Sundays are ideal for families, who can enjoy the on-site playground and Kids Sunday Funday games.
Stay a Little Longer: Muriwai Estate, a picturesque Tuscan-inspired villa with 180-degree sea views just 5 minutes from the beach. Guests can arrange a raft of local experiences through the villa’s personal concierge, including golf, horseback riding, and cooking classes.
Clevedon & Duders Regional Park
Location: Clevedon, South Auckland
Distance from Auckland CBD: 45 minutes by cars
Image: Tio Point, Image Courtesy of Expedia
With an alluring mix of a coastal small town charm, and countryside living, Clevedon is where Aucklanders come to unwind. Wineries, horse paddocks, and rustic farms dot the landscape. One of the area’s highlights, Duders Regional Park offers quiet trails framed by the sea. At the weekend farmers’ market, you’ll find organic produce, warm-from-the-oven breads, and locals who know each other by name. Stop by the farmhouse deli for coffee before taking your dog from a leisurely stroll through corn fields shared by buffalo, chickens, and horses —it’s the antidote to urban living.
Eat: Clevedon Farmers Market has a range of tempting market stalls pumping out hot fresh food like wood-fired pizzas. While you're there, make sure to stock up on tasty provisions and local produce, like the famous Clevedon tomatoes. If you're heading to Clevedon during the week, pop into the farmhouse deli for smooth coffee and a cabinet full of delicious baking.
Drink: Stop by Vin Alto Winery for a wine among the vines, or head to Hallertau Breweries Clevedon spot for a more social atmosphere that’s suitable for young families.
Stay a Little Longer: Tio Point, located on a private peninsula on Clevedon’s coast, is ideal for a family trip to the coast with Clevedon Oyster Farm nearby and Duders Regional Park just 15 minutes away. For a unique stay, try booking a weekend on the greens at Formosa Golf Course, located in Whitford just 20 minutes from Clevedon.
Goat Island Marine Reserve
Location: Leigh, North Auckland
Distance from Auckland CBD: 1 hour 15 minutes by car
Image: Goat Island Marine Reserve
For snorkelers and divers, Goat Island offers an underwater paradise, teeming with protected marine life and crystal-clear waters. Rent snorkel gear, a kayak, or even try your hand at a beginner dive to get an up-close look at the local sea life. If you’re inclined to stay on and soak up the evening vibe, nearby Leigh Sawmill Cafe hosts an eclectic lineup of gigs and open-mic nights throughout the week, where you can catch anything from local legends to experimental grunge.
Eat: The Smoko Room at Sawmill Brewery (not to be confused with Leigh Sawmill Cafe) showcases seasonal dishes that celebrate Mahurangi’s finest produce. With locally sourced cheese, fresh-caught fish, and olive oil pressed just down the road, every bite bursts with flavor. Don’t miss their Thursday board game night—it’s the perfect pairing with a craft brew in hand.
Drink: The adjoining Sawmill Brewery offers a rotating selection of craft beers that have helped put this region on the map.
Stay a Little Longer: For a truly secluded escape, Kourataki Farm Cabins offers off-grid glamping nestled within a 60-acre farm in Leigh, surrounded by mature Kauri forests. These fully furnished cabins provide a peaceful retreat with space for up to eight guests. If you’re looking for something a little closer to Matakana’s village scene, tepee glamping is also just a 10-minute drive away.
From coastal vineyards to secluded islands, Auckland’s nearby regions offer the ultimate excuse to get out of town. Each day trip is packed with stunning views, local flavors, and unforgettable experiences, making them ideal for those looking for a quick, but welcome escape from the grind.
If you have any questions, let us know in the comments below.
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