The 9 top day trips from Auckland: explore culinary delights, fine wines, and outdoor adventures

With gold-mining history, island getaways, coastal retreats, and both outdoor and underground escapades, there are countless ways to make the most of a day trip from Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city. Wherever you venture, you can nearly always expect delightful food, wine, and beer.

Engage in water sports in Raglan

Why visit? Surfing, outdoor fun, and artistic experiences

The west coast surf meets a vibrant café culture, along with kayaking and paddleboarding in the tranquil waters of Raglan’s Whaingaroa Harbour. A creative community of local artists thrives here, featuring talents like the diverse group at Jet Collective and Māori-inspired designs by Simon Te Wheoro at his Toi Hauāuru Studio.

Getting to Raglan: The drive from Auckland to Raglan takes just under two hours. For public transport, take the InterCity bus from Auckland to Hamilton, then switch to Busit route 23, which connects Hamilton to Raglan from the Hamilton Transport Centre.

Enjoy a food, beer, and wine tour in Matakana

Why visit? Breweries, beautiful beaches, and an outstanding farmers market

Check out Matakana’s fantastic market, located by the river on Saturday mornings, before diving into the region’s up-and-coming wine scene or tasting craft beers at 8 Wired Brewing or the Sawmill Brewery. Must-visit summer beach stops include Matheson Bay and Anchor Bay on the nearby Tāwharanui peninsula.

Matakana-based Kiwiness Tours offers culinary tours featuring local cheese, oysters, beer, wine, and chocolate. They also provide after-dark walks to experience the kiwi sanctuary at nearby Tāwharanui Regional Park.

Getting to Matakana: Matakana is a straightforward one-hour drive north from Auckland. Taking the bus with Auckland Transport can take between two to three hours (via Warkworth) and will require several transfers.

Experience art and culture in Hamilton

Why visit? Stunning gardens and rich Māori culture

Key attractions in New Zealand’s fourth-largest city include the remarkable Hamilton Gardens, home to the intriguingly puzzling Surrealist Garden, and the Māori taonga (treasures) showcased at the Waikato Museum. After indulging in art and culture, head over to Duck Island Ice Cream for seasonal delights, or enjoy shared plates at the riverside café Gothenburg.

Getting to Hamilton: It’s a straightforward 90-minute drive south on SH1, and regular InterCity bus services connect Auckland with Hamilton.

Experience glow worm spotting at the Waitomo Caves

Why visit? Thrilling underground adventures

Take a boat ride to glide along an underground river in Waitomo’s famed Glowworm Cave, or try the 'Only in New Zealand' experience of black-water rafting. Wetsuits are required for those navigating an inner tube over subterranean rapids and waterfalls. Other thrilling options include cave zip-lining and rappelling with Waitomo Adventures.

Getting to the Waitomo Caves: The drive from Auckland to the Waitomo Caves takes about 2½ hours, or you can extend your trip by including Raglan or Hamilton, both an hour away from Waitomo. Day tours from Auckland that include the Waitomo Caves and Hobbiton can be arranged through Bush & Beach.

Relax in Hahei

Why visit? Unexpected coastal gems on the Coromandel Peninsula

Take a leisurely kayak trip to Cathedral Cove, known for its stunning rock arch at the edge of the Te Whanganui-A-Hei Marine Reserve. Following rainfall, a natural waterfall may cascade from the top of the arch. At nearby Hot Water Beach, visitors can dig their own hot tubs in the sand during low tide. A stop for pizza and beers at Hahei’s Pour House rounds out this Coromandel adventure.

Getting to Hahei: The drive from Auckland to Hahei takes just over two hours. From October to April, visitors to Cathedral Cove should park at the Park & Ride lot at Hahei’s entrance and take the shared shuttle into town, where numerous kayak tours begin. Go Kiwi buses to Hahei are available from downtown Auckland, with stops at Auckland Airport.

Explore 19th-century history in Coromandel Town

Why visit? Scenic railway rides and forest adventures

The charming 19th-century buildings in Coromandel Town highlight the area’s gold-mining past, which began nearby at Driving Creek in 1852. Today, the lush valley features the unique narrow-gauge Driving Creek Railway—offering stunning views back to Auckland from the 'Eyefull Tower'—along with an exhilarating zip line through regenerating native forest.

Getting to Coromandel Town: The drive from Auckland to Coromandel Town takes about 2½ hours, but you can also opt for a ferry ride from downtown Auckland with Fullers360. The ferry journey across the Firth of Thames lasts two hours and includes a 15-minute minibus transfer to Coromandel Town. Short transfers to Driving Creek are also available.

Wander the pathways of Tiritiri Matangi

Why visit? Discover native birdlife on an island sanctuary

Cross the Hauraki Gulf to this predator-free sanctuary, Tiritiri Matangi, home to the quirky and flightless takahē. This unique bird can only be found here, within fenced sanctuaries and remote areas of New Zealand's South Island. Walking along Tiritiri Matangi's bush and beach trails may allow you to spot up to 30 other bird species.

Getting to Tiritiri Matangi: Take the ferry from downtown Auckland to Tiritiri Matangi with Fullers360. Fullers also offers day trips to other islands, including Waiheke Island and Rangitoto Island.

Experience the unique microclimate of Waiheke Island

Why visit? Wine, stunning beaches, and exquisite dining

Auckland's island of wine is a beloved retreat for locals, attracted by Waiheke's vineyard restaurants and a Mediterranean-like microclimate that feels like both southern Europe and the southern hemisphere. Test your limits with EcoZip's zip line adventure, soaring above vineyards and native forests, followed by a leisurely lunch at the Spanish-inspired Casita Miro.

Getting to Waiheke Island: Take the Fullers360 passenger ferry from downtown Auckland, then use the convenient 50A and 50B bus services provided by Auckland Transport to explore the island. You'll need to purchase a stored value AT HOP card for bus travel. Car ferries from Sealink depart from Wynyard Quarter and Half Moon Bay in East Auckland.

Enjoy a meal by the beach in Waihi

Why visit? Gold-mining heritage and stunning clifftop trails

Waihi’s main street, lined with towering Phoenix palms and impressive buildings, reflects the town's rich gold-mining history. Discover this legacy at the award-winning Gold Discovery Centre, take a guided tour of the expansive Martha Mine, or head to nearby Waihi Beach to hike the Orokawa Bay trail overlooking the ocean. For a delightful dining experience, consider a late lunch or early dinner at Flatwhite's beachfront location.

Getting to Waihi: The drive from Auckland to Waihi takes about 1¾ hours, followed by an additional 15-minute drive to Waihi Beach. InterCity buses connecting Auckland to Tauranga stop in Waihi, but travelers will need to catch the Bayhopper number 85 bus to Waihi Beach (available only on Tuesdays and Thursdays) or arrange a taxi with Waihi Cabs.