I’ve talked so much about how much I love living in the city in Auckland that half the time you’re probably sat there wondering if I ever actually, you know, leave the city.
I’m pleased to report that I do!
So many people pass by Auckland without really exploring any of the suburbs, the islands or the towns a bit further afield. Of course New Zealand has a lot more to offer than just Auckland (I mean, look at Taupo or Wellington or Tauranga) but if you’re visiting and fancy a day (or 7) out of the city be sure to check these out
Piha Beach
Piha is a coastal town north-west of Auckland with a beach which is perfect for surfing and sunbathing. Surfing isn’t really my thing but sunbathing? You never have to ask me twice…
While you’re in Piha you have to climb Lime Rock for some beautiful views over the ocean too.
How to get there
The easiest way to get to Piha is by driving but if you don’t have a car of your own don’t worry, it’s ridiculously easy to hire a car in Auckland and there’s some good deals to be had as well especially if you’re sharing the cost with a few friends.
Driving directions from Auckland to Piha:
Mission Bay
The beach at Mission Bay is a harbour beach and, with it being the closest one to the city, it always popular on the summer weekends. There are free barbeques dotted through the park behind the beach and it’s generally a really nice place to hang out with cafes and restaurants lining the street overlooking the sea.
How to get there
Take bus 745 – 769 from Britomart Transport Centre stop 7010 – D13.
Waiheke Island
There’s literally so much to do on Waiheke Island that you might want to spend an entire weekend there instead of just a day! You’re just a 35 minute ferry ride away from vineyards (wine!), beaches (sunbathing!), cycling, stand-up paddle boarding, kayaking, zip-lining…and when you’re done you can try out one of the gourmet restaurants if you feel like splashing out (seriously, treat yourself, the food is amazing).
How to get there
Catch the ferry from the terminal on Quay St, Auckland city.
Takapuna
If the view of the city skyline doesn’t wow you on the journey to Takapuna then the view of Rangitoto Island from the beach will. Takapuna’s another coastal suburb of Auckland with calm water, kayaks and enough shops and pubs to entertain you once you’re done at the beach.
How to get there
Take bus 822 – 896 from Albert St, CBD.
Devonport
Devonport, on the north shore, has a real village-feel to it and is one of Auckland oldest suburbs. Many go to Devonport to visit North Head which was used as a military coastal defense base but just as many go to see the historic buildings, walk around the many book shops and craft stores or just grab a coffee and check out the view of the city.
How to get there
Catch the ferry from the terminal on Quay St.
Matakana
If you love beaches, markets and wineries (and let’s face it, who doesn’t?) you’ll love Matakana. Matakana Farmers Market is held on a Saturday (with a smaller market on a Sunday morning too) and Omaha Valley Winery is a beautiful place to do wine tasting and try local food produce.
Matakana’s also great for surfing and fishing or if you fancy a walk on the sand check out Omaha Beach or Pakiri beach.
How to get there
Matakana is an hour’s drive north of Auckland so either hire a car and make your own way up or take the bus.
Driving directions from Auckland to Matakana:
Rangitoto Island
Rangitoto can be seen from Auckland city, Takapuna and Mission Bay and the best thing to do here is climb to the top! Climbing to the top of a 600 year old volcano is totally worth it when you get 360 degree views of the Hauraki Gulf and Auckland.
Obviously make sure you take plenty of water and sunscreen – even on a cloudy day you can burnt in New Zealand.
How to get there
Catch the ferry from the terminal on Quay st.
So, which will you be exploring first?
B., I really want to go back to Auckland and New Zealand. Your latest post isn’t helping to damp that urge. At all.
Great ideas for day trips from the A-K-L!
fotoeins | Henry recently posted..German Rail Pass, late-2012 RTW
Thanks Henry, hopefully you’ll get back to New Zealand one day
Great post, we were originally thinking of just doing the South Island but after this post I think we need to consider making the trip to the North Island! Thanks for all the tips! Looks like a great time! Safe travels!
Hannah @ Getting Stamped recently posted..Meet a Traveler – Interview with Suitcase Stories
Hannah that’s awesome that you’re thinking of going to the North Island and not just the South! Let me know if you need any North Island tips/things to do/places to go
Rangitoto has been on my list for ages – and we’ve scheduled to climb it the day we leave the country – May 1st! I’ve been and done all of these, bar spending time in Devonport – I was meant to go to the Food and Wine Festival in Feb, but I didn’t get there in the end… gutted.
Good choices, B
Kate – CanuckiwiKate recently posted..Countdown to travel: 3 months to go
You’re climbing Rangitoto on your last day in New Zealand? That’s awesome Kate, have a fantastic time!
Without trying to sound like a spam comment – I’ve book marked this in Evernote for when I eventually get my butt to New Zealand. Great little post here sweet; thanks
Mission Bay looks uh-mazing! 
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Thanks hun, really glad you found it useful
obviously let me know if you need any other tips or anything New Zealand related in the future, more than happy to help!
Piha beach looks lush…added to my to do list
Chris recently posted..The First of My 2013 Backpacking Adventures; New Zealand and Beyond!
Piha is awesome Chris, you’ll love it!
Very nice post! I have some friends living in Tauranga at the moment and it’s making NZ slowly creep up my list of places I need to go to pretty much immediately. Thanks for sharing!
emma@gottakeepmovin recently posted..Photo of the Day: Barcelona, Spain
OK, booked 3 week britz, Christchurch to Auckland trip 6 may arrival. What do I need to see / do? How long on each island? I’m bringing a teenage girl and 6 yr old boy, will they be able to climb / hike to top of volcanic island in Auckland?
I have a friend who went to Auckland and explain me amazing adventures. I really would like to go.
I really loved Devonport. I spent too little time in Auckland, but when I go back, Rangitoto is on the top of my list of things to do.