The Most Interesting Excursions in Auckland
The Auckland Harbour Bridge offers spectacular views of the city, but for an adrenalin rush take a guided tour up to the summit. The hike includes views of the ethereal duck pond, rugged cliffs and caves.
The lava formations of Rangitoto Island are a defining feature of the Auckland landscape. A short ferry ride takes you to the volcanic wilderness, with hiking trails through native bush and lava fields.
Piha Beach
Piha beach is one of Auckland’s most iconic spots - a stunning black sand beach framed by natural sub tropical rainforest and rugged west coast cliffs. The dramatic beach is famous among local kiwis, particularly in the summertime and is often crowded. However it is easy to find a quiet spot to stretch out and relax, especially during the week. The beach and surrounding village is also a hotspot for artists with painters, welders, woodworkers and photographers all calling the area home.
The area is covered in native bush and hiking trails - from gentle strolls to full on day trips that will give you a proper workout and classically beautiful coastal views. The Laird Thompson track at the end of North Piha beach leads to a small pool that forms at low tide known as the Blue Pool and is a beautiful spot for a swim. The nearby Kitekite waterfall is a must visit too, with 40 meters of glorious waterfalls thundering down and into a swimming hole at the bottom, this hidden away gem is definitely worth a day trip to explore.
Originally a Maori settlement, the name ‘Piha’ comes from the Maori word 'Te Piha' which means the broken ripple at the bow of a waka (canoe), which is how the waves break around Lion Rock that sits in the centre of the beach and village. Today the community of Piha consists of both permanent residents and 'baches' which is Kiwi-speak for holiday homes.
It is a popular spot for surfers and has earned the reputation of being a ‘gnarly’ surf beach due to the power of its rips and strong currents. While this makes it a great spot for surfing, it is a dangerous beach and can be very choppy and rough in conditions. In fact, it keeps the lifeguards busy with around 200 rescues per year - so if you are planning on swimming here, there is a strict ‘swim between the flags’ rule.
Enjoy the beauty of Piha and its surrounds with a guided tour. Starting at the Arataki visitor center, admire sweeping views across the Pacific Ocean and learn of the history of the area from your guide as you venture out for an easy but gorgeous rainforest walk and stroll along the beach. This is a popular activity and does sell out, so book in advance online.
Tourists consider renting a car one of the best ways to enjoy all that New Zealand has to offer. Renting an economy class car in Auckland Airport will cost about 18 euros per day, in Christchurch airport - about 19 euros per day.
Mount Maunganui
Known locally as “The Mount”, this popular beach town is the perfect place to soak up New Zealand’s kiwi beach culture. With a main street lined with incredible restaurants and bars wedged between a soaring mountain and endless beach, there are plenty of exciting things to do in Mount Maunganui.
Start your day on the beach and wander along Pilot Bay, a smaller area that’s a nice switch up from the wavy waves of the main beach. This is also a great spot to try your hand at wind and kite surfing.
Next, head to the Mount Maunganui Botanic Gardens and explore their stunning flora and fauna with the kids. The gardens are a beautiful spot to spend the day, whether you want to take in the prehistoric-themed Gondwana Arboretum or visit the birdsong-filled African Plants Garden. You’ll definitely get your Instagram photo-worthy moments here!
If you’re up for it, make sure to take the gondola ride up to the Sky Tower. This iconic landmark is the highest tower in the Southern Hemisphere and offers a bird’s eye view of the cityscape that will take your breath away. The views will be especially impressive when you visit during sunset, when the city lights up and the sky turns a stunning shade of orange.
Another must-see is the Mount Maunganui Museum, which showcases local history and artifacts from the area. The building itself is a historic neoclassical temple from 1929, but it’s the collections and exhibitions that make the museum truly special.
Visiting the museum will give you a unique insight into the city’s cultural heritage, as well as its natural environment and wildlife. This will be a fun and educational experience for the entire family!
A short ferry ride from downtown Auckland takes you to Waiheke Island. Described by many as a wine lover’s paradise, this beautiful island is home to an abundance of vineyards and beaches that will delight the senses.
While you’re here, make sure to check out the Waiheke Vineyard Tour to sample some of New Zealand’s finest wines and learn about the region’s rich history of Maori and European relationships.
Waitakere Ranges
The stunning Waitakere Ranges are the rugged western edge of Auckland. The area’s pristine rainforests and coastal trails are a favorite destination for hikers, surfers, and nature lovers. A short drive from the city center will take you to the wild coast and volcanic peaks that make up this expansive regional park.
The Waitakere Ranges are home to several stunning waterfalls, lush green forests, and more scenic views that will surely revitalize your spirits! There are also numerous campsites available at this beautiful place for you to enjoy a peaceful stay under the stars. So, why not go on a refreshing adventure to this mesmerizing natural paradise with your family and friends?
Known as 'Auckland’s Wild West’, the Waitakere Ranges parallel the city’s coastline and rise as a series of steep-walled ridgelines north from Manukau Harbor. The hills host a number of bush trails, from short loop tracks to multi-day treks. Be sure to check the latest trail information before setting off, as many of them are closed due to kauri dieback.
This stunning region is also home to several surfing beaches, including the famous Piha Beach, Muriwai Beach, Te Henga Beach, and Karekare Falls. Surfers from all over the world flock to this place for its pumping waves and secluded black sand beaches.
One of the best ways to explore this wonderful place is by foot, which offers breathtaking views of its stunning natural landscapes. You can also see native animals such as birds, bats, and invertebrates along the trails. There are also plenty of scenic lookouts and viewpoints where you can get a bird’s-eye view of the entire region.
Arataki Visitor Centre is the best place to start your journey into the Waitakere Ranges. It’s located just 30-40 minutes from the center of Auckland and is right on the boundary of the park. You can walk the Arataki Nature Trail from here, which will give you a closer look at some of the park’s most stunning sights.
The visitors center features a large, 12-metre-tall pou and has interactive displays that describe the history of the Great Forest of Tiriwa (Wao Nui o Tiriwa). The forest was once home to massive kauti and a tangle of smaller plants, insects, and invertebrates. It was then cleared for timber milling and many of Auckland’s old villas were built with kauri from this wilderness. Today, the forest is once again thrusting skyward and new generations are discovering its beauty.
Great Barrier Island
If you’re looking for a place to escape the grind, Great Barrier Island is an ideal destination. This pristine oasis sits 88 kilometers northeast of Auckland, and is a world away from the city’s bright lights. The islands pristine bush, epic tramps, and crystal clear water offer a rejuvenating break from the stresses of life.
The island is accessible by a quick 30-minute flight with Barrier Air from Auckland or a relaxing 4-and-a-half-hour Sealink ferry. Once you arrive on the island, you’ll see why it’s dubbed “a paradise” and why so many people want to move there.
With around 1,000 residents, this tiny speck of an island feels like a world away from the hectic hustle and bustle of Auckland. Here, a small group of locals make a living from agriculture and tourism, and the pace of life on GBI is slow and simple. The GBI community takes pride in the natural beauty of their home, and ensuring that the pristine beaches and flora remain protected.
On the island, you can visit Memory Rock to hike up and admire the views from the top, or head over to the Milk, Honey & Grain Museum in Claris. For a spiritual experience, Vicky Kyan of WaiOra Wellbeing offers a Shinrin-yoku session – a Japanese practice that focuses on becoming deeply connected with nature and yourself. And you’ll find the Great Barrier Island Community Heritage & Arts Village, where art created by the islanders is on display.
GBI is a hiker’s paradise with over 100 kilometres of tracks to choose from. From the short scramble to Windy Canyon to the Mount Hobson marathon, there’s a trail for every ability.
GBI’s unique geology is a sight to behold. The soaring cliffs that rise out of the pristine blue waters of the Hauraki Gulf are covered in lush green native forests and wildflowers. You can also explore the coral reefs that surround the island, or take a dip in the crystal-clear ocean.