Whilst local Kiwis might make fun of anyone taking a trip to the ‘big city’ (with a population of just over 1.5 million), I found life there to be jam-packed with adventure and natural wonder. I lived in Auckland for around a year and a half with the city proving to be a perfect base from which to explore the North Island of New Zealand. From extreme sports to glowing caves and my favourite hike to date, Auckland really is a must-visit city when travelling through Oceania.

If you’re looking for things to do in Aukland then I cannot recommend these activities enough. I’ve included several that can be reached by bus or ferry, however, my biggest tip for anyone visiting NZ would be to hire a car! Public transport outside of the city isn’t the best, and by hiring a car you’ll be able to reach some of the most stunning natural beauty and rural destinations imaginable within a few short hours. Whilst you can do plenty in the North Island without one, there really is no comparing the experience of driving across the incredible country of New Zealand.

The 8 Ultimate Day Trips from Auckland:

1. Piha Beach

45 Minutes by Car
A local favourite, Piha Beach is stunningly coated in black volcanic sand and surrounded by rugged rocks, cliffs, and bush. It’s a must-visit surf spot, particularly during the beautiful NZ summer months of December – March, although surf season can last all year round if you’re brave enough! A 20-minute drive down the road is Kitekite Falls, an almost prehistoric waterfall surrounded by deep green forest and glittering wildlife. This extra stop is well worth the trip if you’re already on the West Coast.

2. Rangitoto Island

25 Minutes by Ferry
Grab a ticket at the Waterfront in Auckland’s CBD and transport yourself to the Island of Rangitoto. Free of all human civilisation, this volcanic island is home to stunning birds and plant variations like nothing I’d ever seen before. I would recommend you spend an afternoon hiking to the volcano’s summit for a perfect view of Auckland, then take your time exploring the caves down below. You should note that in the winter months, the ferries run sporadically and it would be worth checking a timetable the day or morning before.

3. Waiheke Island

30 Minutes by Ferry
If you’re a wine lover, or simply ready to enjoy the finer things in life, then run don’t walk to the Waiheke Ferry. This entire Island is covered with vineyards, lavender fields, and fine dining options. A taxi will meet you at the port to take you to wherever you might like, as well as pick you up in perfect time for the final ferry back. This is without a doubt a must-do experience…where else can you sip wine with ocean views and the gentle smell of lavender filling the air? My personal favourite vineyard was Mudbrick which offers wine tastings and a spectacular restaurant for lunch.

4. Hobbiton

2 Hours by Car
I’ve no doubt any tourist in Auckland already has Hobbiton on their to-do list, and I’m here to promise you that it does not disappoint. Pre-book a tour and arrive with plenty of time to enjoy the gift shop before the magic begins. The Shire is just as exceptional as it appears in the movies, and I’m happy to say they work hard to keep the site at a low number of tourists at any one time to ensure the magic (and photo ops) are uninterrupted.

5. Redwoods Treewalk, Rotorua

3 Hours by Car
Just an hour from Hobbiton is the Redwoods Treewalk in Rotorua. This treetop walkway is shrouded in mystical lanterns and beautiful lights and stays open after dark. For the perfect day trip, I recommend heading to Hobbiton for an afternoon tour, dinner in the delightful town of Rotorua, and then an evening amongst the Redwoods. This was my favourite day of the trip and would make the ideal date spot destination, particularly if you want to feel New Zealand at its purest: magic meets nature.

6. Waitomo Caves

2.5 Hours by Car
A fantastic day trip like no other. Drive down to just past Otorohanga to the Waitomo Caves and book a tour to go rafting. Many of the excursions even offer abseiling down into the caves and rock climbing your way back out if you’re ready for an extra sprinkle of adventure! Once in the caves, you’ll lie back on a rubber ring to float through the streams, the real attraction above as millions of glow worms light up the space like stars in the night sky. This is, without a doubt, a trip to remember.

7. Karangahake Gorge

2 Hours by Car
Once an old mining site, Karangahake Gorge now offers a walking dream with hidden walkways, tunnels, and waterfalls spread across a series of hikes differing from easy to hard. A day could easily be spent at the Gorge exploring the old mine tracks and bridges, whether you’re a history buff or just a sightseer passing through.

8. Whagarei

2 Hours by Car
Just a few hours north of Auckland sits the wonders of Whangarei. On the way up feel free to stop at any of the countless viewpoints or wonderful villages, whether Orewa, Waipu, or anywhere in between, you’ll find welcoming locals and wonderful coastal beauty. In Whangarei you can surf, explore the beautiful Whangarei Falls, and get lunch at many of the sweet local cafes. One absolute must, however, is my top hike in all of New Zealand’s North Island: Mount Mania. Begin roughly 90 minutes before sunset, and once at the summit just sit and take in the view. I dare you to find a more spectacular spot in all of Oceania.

One thing you’ll quickly notice in Auckland is very particular dialect! Let me get you started with…

A Beginner’s Guide to Kiwi Slang

• Jafa: A derogatory term for someone living in Auckland
• Pomme: An English person
• CBD: ‘Central Backing District’ or the Downtown area of a city
• Kia Ora: The typical greeting instead of ‘hello’ stemming from the Maori language
• Haere Mai: Again from the Maori language, Haere Mai is used to say ‘Welcome’

Did I miss anything? Leave it down below!

I moved to New Zealand in May 2019 with nothing but a backpack, you can read about it in my post, Screen to Page: How I Rewrote My Story.