Day Trips from Auckland

Beaches, regional parks and island walks near the city each get a guide and their distance from Auckland, from Lake Wainamu to Pākiri.

Day trips from Auckland reach Waiheke Island’s vineyards, the black-sand surf of Piha and Muriwai, the Waitākere and Hūnua Ranges, the Hauraki Gulf islands, and the beaches and regional parks north of the city. Many are within an hour of the city, making them easy weekend escapes by car or ferry.

Day trips map

20 day trips in and around Auckland. Tap one for how far it is and the guide, or find the ones nearest you.

Map of 20 day trips

Pins from each day trip guide. Distances are in a straight line from the city centre.

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20 day trips

IslandRangitoto Island Summit TrackAuckland Day Trip & Ferry GuideBy ferry10 km north-eastNo dogs2 hr returnThe Rangitoto Island Summit Track is a popular 3.1 km return walk to the summit of Rangitoto, Auckland's youngest and largest volcanic cone.

IslandMotuihe Island CampsiteBoat-Access DOC Camping in the Hauraki GulfBy ferry16 km eastToiletsNo dogsCamping on Motuihe Island near Auckland: DOC's boat-access campsite, getting there, the three zones, fees and bookings, water, fires and biosecurity.

IslandMotutapu IslandTracks, Restoration & CampingBy ferry18 km north-eastNo dogs1-1.5 hr one wayMotutapu Island is a 1,510-hectare island in the Hauraki Gulf, connected to Rangitoto Island by a causeway.

IslandCycling Waiheke IslandRoutes, E-Bikes and Auckland Day Trip Guide40 min ferry22 km eastHardCycle Waiheke Island on a day trip from Auckland: 40-min ferry, 25-30km 5 Bays Ride, e-bike hire at Matiatia and key beaches.

West CoastBethells Beach (Te Henga)Black-Sand Beach, Dunes and Lake Wainamu28 km westToiletsBethells Beach (Te Henga) on Auckland's wild west coast: black sand, surf, the Bethells dunes and Lake Wainamu in the Waitākere Ranges Regional Park.

West CoastLake WainamuFreshwater Swimming, Dunes and Walks near Bethells Beach1 hr drive28 km westToiletsNo dogsLake Wainamu near Te Henga / Bethells Beach: freshwater swimming, black-sand dunes and walks in the Waitākere Ranges. Access, tips and current info.

West CoastPiha BeachSurfing, Lion Rock and Swimming Between the Flags29 km westPatrolled in summerToiletsPiha Beach is Auckland's most iconic west coast surf beach, a dramatic stretch of black sand backed by the Waitākere Ranges and facing the Tasman Sea.

IslandTiritiri Matangi IslandOpen Sanctuary Day Trip from AucklandBy ferry29 km north-eastYou won't believe the extraordinary birdlife and stunning landscapes awaiting you at Tiritiri Matangi Island, a true haven for nature enthusiasts.

West CoastKarekare BeachWild Black-Sand Surf, Swimming Safety and Dunes1 hr drive30 km south-westToiletsDogs on leashKarekare Beach on Auckland's west coast: wild black sand, powerful surf best swum between the flags, protected dunes and a short walk to Karekare Falls.

West CoastMuriwai BeachSurfing, Swimming and Gannet Colony50 min drive30 km westToiletsDogs off leashMuriwai Beach on Auckland's west coast: black-sand surf, swimming between the flags and clifftop views of the Ōtakamiro Point gannet colony.

West CoastMuriwai Regional ParkGannet Colony, Beach & Tracks30 km westToiletsPlaygroundBBQMuriwai Regional Park on Auckland's west coast has a black-sand surf beach, the Ōtakamiro Point gannet colony, bush tracks, picnic areas and a playground.

IslandWaiheke Island WalksTe Ara Hura, Stony Batter & Key Tracks40 min ferry37 km eastNo dogsEasy to moderateWaiheke Island offers one of the most accessible and varied walking experiences in the Hauraki Gulf.

South & EastHūnua Ranges Regional ParkNative Forest, Waterfalls & Walks Near Auckland1 hr 10 min drive38 km south-eastToiletsNo dogsThe Hūnua Ranges Regional Park protects the largest area of native forest close to Auckland. Auckland Council manages the park.

IslandRotoroa IslandDay Trip from Auckland to a Predator-Free Hauraki Gulf Sanctuary1 hr 15 min drive38 km eastToiletsBBQRotoroa Island in the Hauraki Gulf: ferry from Viaduct Harbour, takahē and kiwi, walks and bays, island history, landing fees and rules for visitors.

NorthTāwharanui Regional ParkBeaches, Sanctuary & Kiwi1 hr 20 min drive54 km northToiletsNo dogsTāwharanui Regional Park offers beaches, an open sanctuary with kiwi, walking tracks and marine reserve swimming 85 km north of Auckland.

NorthMatakana TrailGravel Ride from the Village to Omaha and Point Wells1 hr drive55 km north45 minMatakana Trail: 8 km to Omaha and 7 km to Point Wells from Matakana Village. Mostly gravel, MTB or e-bike advised, open 7am to 10pm, e-bike hire.

NorthGoat Island Marine ReserveSnorkelling & Day Trips64 km northNo dogsGoat Island Marine Reserve near Leigh, north of Auckland: New Zealand's first marine reserve, with free entry and snorkelling among snapper and crayfish.

NorthPākiri Beach14 km White Sand Surf Beach North of the City1 hr 20 min drive67 km northToiletsNo dogsPākiri Beach: 14 km white sand north of Auckland. Swimming tips, safety, access, regional park, estuary and practical visitor info.

NorthPākiri Regional ParkUnspoiled Beach and Dotterel Habitat67 km northToiletsDogs on leashPākiri Regional Park offers a quiet white-sand beach, pōhutukawa forest and dotterel habitat 90 km north of Auckland.

NorthTe Ārai Regional ParkBeaches, Tracks & Camping Guide77 km northToiletsDogs on leashTe Ārai Regional Park offers long beaches, walking tracks and CSC camping 90 km north of Auckland. Free entry, tide-aware walks and booking required.