Over the past couple of years, self-driving day trips have become incredibly popular as the getaway of choice. We’re extremely lucky in this country, as no matter where you are, you can pretty much hop into a car and, a short drive later, be somewhere extraordinary.
This is especially true in our biggest city, Auckland, which has so many day trip destinations on its doorstep. From ferry rides to relaxing islands to thrilling adventures in National Parks, Auckland is the ideal city to base yourself for North Island Kiwi experiences.
We have put together a list of 15 self-drive day trips from Auckland with our staff’s favourite tips, broken down by drive time – within 1 hour, 2 hours, 3 hours and an extra special trip worth a +3 hour drive. New Zealand roads are generally well-maintained, sealed and have minimal traffic outside of the city, making it an ideal self-driving holiday destination.
With branches in downtown Auckland and the Airport, you are never too far away from a seamless Auckland car hire.
Places to visit within 1 hour of Auckland
1. Waitakere Ranges Regional Park
Drive time: 29 minutes
Distance: 22 km
Swap the city buzz of downtown Auckland with the beautiful mountain scenery of the Waitakere Ranges Regional Park. With over 350 hiking trails, from easy family-friendly to challenging expert level, it’s an amazing day trip to stretch your legs and breathe in the sweet country air. Find hidden gems like the cascading Kitekite Falls or marvel at the Arataki lookout point. Then spend an afternoon at the iconic black sand beaches like Piha and Karekare surfing, swimming and spotting dolphins.
GO Tip – Michael from the HQ IT Team
“Gibbons Track First Lookout Point is a fantastic half-day hike in the Waitakere Ranges Regional Park! It starts at the Whatipu car park and winds through dense forests, mountains, and rivers. Here’s a tip: you can return along Whatipu Beach, though it’s still a long walk, taking around 3 hours. The full loop covers about 19 kilometres. In spring, Whatipu Beach is covered with thousands of wild yellow lupine bushes, making September to November the perfect time to hike this trail and catch the lupines in bloom.”
2. Puhoi
Drive time: 34 minutes
Distance: 46 km
Puhoi Village is a quaint little place with a fascinating and unique history. Established in the 1860s just off the picturesque Puhoi River, the settlers were migrants from Bohemia (now known as the Czech Republic). The Puhoi Heritage Museum shares many great stories about this, which makes it the perfect starting point when you arrive. Once acquainted with its history, there are plenty of choices for things to do, with one of the more unique things being trying some of its world-famous (in New Zealand), Puhoi Valley Cheese at the local cafe and shop.
3. Whangaparaoa
Drive time: 39 minutes
Distance: 44 km
Auckland has no shortage of peninsulas within a short drive of the city, and one of the best is the Whangaparaoa Peninsula. The Whangaparaoa Peninsula is said to have been the first landing point for Maori when they first came upon these lands some 800 years ago. First impressions must have been very positive back then, as Whangaparaoa has some spectacular bays and beaches to set your eyes on. It is also home to Shakespeare Regional Park, a beautiful sanctuary of conservation and recreation. For movie buffs, the coastline of Whangaparaoa was also used in the filming of the 2018 blockbuster, The Meg, which is a fun fact to take with you.
GO Tip – Sarah from the HQ Reservations Team
“There are some lovely quiet beaches and walks around where I live in Whangaparaoa, one of them being Shakespear Park. Only a short drive from Auckland, often early in the morning, you will be the only person on the beach.”
4. Hunua Ranges
Drive time: 45 minutes
Distance: 49 km
The Hunua Ranges Regional Park is an awesome place to visit as the largest area of native forest in the Auckland region. On arrival, you’re greeted with the fantastic sight of the Hunua Falls and from there you can follow any number of different walking tracks that take you around the park, including one that includes glow worms. As well as all the natural beauty you’ll see, including the flora, fauna and birdlife, you’ll also get to see the spectacular reservoirs and dams that constitute the main supply of water for Aucklanders. A great choice for nature lovers.
5. Matakana
Drive time: 1 hour drive
Distance: 74 km
Matakana has quickly become one of the most popular weekend getaway destinations for Aucklanders, thanks to its fantastic Farmers Market every Saturday. This may be appealing or not for some people, but it definitely adds to a great vibe with delicious food and produce available as well as live music, arts and crafts. The surrounding area is just as nice to explore as well, with nearby vineyards like Brick Bay and Plume, beaches like Snells Beach and Omaha and a great little ice cream parlour called Charlie’s.
6. West Coast Beaches
Drive time: 41 minutes to Muriwai Beach
Distance: 42 km
The rugged West Coast beaches are a great place to spend a day for an altogether different type of coastal experience. You won’t find the golden sands and calm shores present on the East Coast of the country. Here, you’ll encounter black sand beaches and an untamed coastline clashing against the powerful force of the sea. It’s an awesome sight to see and is one that offers a different type of scenery that is wild but calming in its own way. There are a number of beaches to choose from along the coast, like Muriwai, Piha and Te Henga, all with their own unique characteristics that include gannet colonies, surfing, walks, waterfalls and more. Each one of them is a winner in our book.
Places to visit within 2 hours of Auckland
7. Awhitu
Drive time: 1 hour 17 minutes
Distance: 94 km
Awhitu is located on a beautiful peninsula just over an hour’s drive southwest of the CBD. It’s a lesser-known destination for Aucklanders, which is great as it offers an escape from the hustle and bustle that comes with crowds. It has a lovely regional park that has some peaceful and serene coastal walks, as well as some interesting historical sites. Driving to the top of the peninsula, you can also visit the wonderful Manukau Heads Lighthouse, which offers great elevated views across the Manukau Harbour and Tasman Sea. You might also be tempted to stop at Awhitu Wines Vineyard on the way back to take home a nice bottle of Peninsula Chardonnay too.
8. Hamilton
Drive time: 1 hour 21 minutes
Distance: 121 km
The biggest city within driving distance of Auckland is Hamilton, a very easy drive down State Highway 1 and a nice place to spend a day too. Hamilton has some great natural features within its boundaries, which include the mighty Waikato River (the longest river in New Zealand) and the picturesque Hamilton Lake Domain. It also has a spectacular display of natural beauty that’s been curated by hand in the Hamilton Gardens. Easily its most popular attraction, the Hamilton Gardens has over 20+ gardens and walks with a diverse range of flowers, plants, trees, arrangements and displays to see and enjoy. It’s an Instagrammer’s paradise and one you won’t want to miss.
GO Tip – Tuini from the HQ Trade Team
“Hamilton Gardens is a great place to take in the beauty of the fauna and flora of NZ, nestled around the Waikato River. Grab a picnic and your walking shoes and spend a couple of hours exploring the creativity around the multitude of garden concepts. My fav is the Italian Renaissance Garden. Helps to forget that you are in the middle of a city! It’s always worth a stop when passing through H-Town.”
9. Raglan
Drive time: 1 hour 54 minutes
Distance: 159 km
Another epic stop for black sand beaches and immense surfing conditions. Manu Bay in particular has one of the World’s longest left-hand surf breaks and is world famous among surf lovers. If surfing is a no for you, then don’t be put off by Raglan. With incredible spots like the volcanic Mount Karioi, stunning Bridal Veil Falls and a charming town full of foodie places, it’s an awesome place for a day trip.
10. Waiheke Island
Driving time: 2 hours (including car ferry)
Distance: 48 km
Most people think of Waiheke Island as a destination by foot and ferry, but there is also a car ferry service that is an awesome option. Waiheke is bigger than you might think, and having a car makes it so much easier to get to attractions at different parts of the island. Whether it‘s the unique Man O War winery with beachfront wine tasting on the East Coast or the beautiful white sand beaches of Oneroa on the West Coast, you will be glad you have a car to experience every corner. Alternatively, enjoy the passenger ferry and simply pick up a Waiheke car hire from our Matiatia ferry terminal branch.
GO Tip – Lucie from the Waiheke Island Branch
“My fave experience in Aotearoa that I would recommend would be enjoying a refreshing summer beverage in one of our beautiful Waiheke venues, of course!”
Places to visit within 3 hours of Auckland
11. Iconic Hobbiton Movie Set
Drive time: 2 hours and 4 minutes
Distance: 167 km
This is well worth the drive time as Hobbiton literally takes you to another world – the world of Middle-Earth. If you’re a Lord of the Rings fan, Hobbiton will already be on your life’s bucket list if you haven’t been there already. It’s an immaculate recreation of the actual set used in Sir Peter Jackson’s epic films, with hobbit holes that looked like they’ve been lived in for years. If you’re really keen (as many fans are), you’re more than welcome to dress up as a character from Middle-Earth to make the trip all the more memorable. We also recommend a pint or two of Hobbit Ale at the Green Dragon Inn.
12. Waitomo Caves
Drive time: 2 hours 20 minutes
Distance: 190 km
The Waitomo Glowworm Caves are a truly enchanting day trip from Auckland. Famous for the majestic boat ride through the Glowworm Grotto, the Waitomo Caves have been captivating locals and visitors for over a century. The natural beauty of the caves is lit up by thousands of tiny glowworms, giving the ceiling a starlit sky appearance that is both serene and jaw-dropping. With an impressively tall Cathedral chamber to explore and steep Māori culture and legends to learn about, it’s a road trip option for the whole family.
13. Coromandel Peninsula
Drive time: 2 hours 37 minutes
Distance: 189 km
Renowned for its pristine golden sand beaches, beautiful native forests and many stunning walking trails, you will be glad you picked up a rental car in Auckland for a day trip to the Coromandel Peninsula. Take a boat tour to the epic Cathedral Cove or relax on Hot Water Beach to dig out your own hot pool from the bubbling, tranquil waters. For an adventure, hike the summit trail of the Pinnacles and be rewarded with sweeping views of the lush green forest and coastline.
14. Rotorua
Driving time: 2 hours 39 minutes
Distance: 226km
Rotorua is famous for its geothermal activity, from a tranquil Polynesian spa to bubbling geysers and mud pools. It’s a road trip with relaxation as the end goal. With a rich Māori history, visitors can take part in Māori experiences like performances and traditional feasts. Or, if you are ready for a few hours of thrill-seeking, you can ride the famous mountain biking trails in Whakarewarewa Redwood Forest. Take the Skyline gondola for amazing views over the city and the surrounding area before zooming back down on the zipline. Rotorua has something to offer everyone on a day trip from Auckland.
GO Tip – Lucie from the Waiheke Island Branch
“The Frying Pan Lake in Rotorua is a natural wonder you could only see in New Zealand. Seeing a whole lake constantly steaming, even boiling at parts, left me speechless!”
A day trip worth +3 hours drive from Auckland
15. Bay of Islands
Drive time: 3 hours 35 minutes
Distance: 254 km
Now we know this is a long drive, but it deserves a place on this list due to its outstanding natural beauty. If you don’t have time for a few days here, then a day trip should be squeezed in to feast your eyes on an incredible region. Featuring over 144 islands, the subtropical region is a nature lover’s playground full of opportunities to snorkel, sail, fish, kayak and marvel at marine life. With cute villages like Kerikeri and Kawakawa to explore, along with waterfalls, geothermal hot pools and local seafood to indulge in, it’s a North Island day trip that will captivate you.
GO Tip – Pip from the HQ HR Team
“My favourite thing to do is to just jump in the car and drive north up to the Bay of Islands, where the beaches are beautiful, the water’s glistening, the pristine sand, and it’s the perfect spot to sunbathe, swim and just relax.”
Auckland Trips Through the Lens of our Customers
Our Snap Happy Photo Competition has customers revv’d up about our car hire in New Zealand! Submit a cool photo of your GO travel memory and be in with a chance to win up to $500 back from your booking.
Andrew
The first night in New Zealand was one of the best! Flew in, drove to Piha in our GO Rentals and saw one of the most beautiful sunsets at one of the most beautiful beaches! Amazing!
Eugen
This year my Wife and I realised our once-in-a-lifetime journey to NZ. One of the most impressive locations was the film set of Hobbiton. We enjoyed the atmosphere of Frodo and his Friends. Our GO Rentals car made it possible to reach every point of interest on the whole island. An unforgettable experience. Thanks to the whole of NZ.
Kreason
We drove from Auckland to Lake Taupo and back in one day, made the most amazing memories as a family, and we couldn’t have done this without our relatable, safe and comfortable hire car!
Sonia
On our epic little Waiheke trip, we got to go where we wanted on the island, see what we wanted to see with freedom. So happy to have hired a car.
Tips for Planning Auckland Day Trips
If you want to take advantage of the many experiences close to Auckland, you will need to plan ahead to jam-pack your day trip. With a seamless local rental car from downtown Auckland or the airport, you can get an easy pickup with GO Rentals and get GOing faster than your mate can say shotgun! We’ve put together a list to ensure you have everything you need to love Auckland’s surrounding areas as much as we do:
- Book ahead: All year round, but especially during peak season, activities can sell out quickly. Book your tours, rental car and ferries in advance to avoid disappointment.
- Check the weather: We’re not biased, but New Zealand does look stunning in all types of weather. However, it is unpredictable and can change very quickly. Check the weather and pack for many occasions on any day trip from Auckland.
- Check road conditions: Road conditions are generally safe and smooth on the North Island, but with weather changes and planned works, it’s always wise to check ahead before setting off, especially if you are driving in winter.
- Match your interests: Our day trips range from 30-minute drives to 3-hour drives to make sure it is worth it. If you are interested in surfing and relaxing on beaches, then the 10-minute drive to the rugged West Coast beaches may be for you. But if Polynesian spas are more your bag (why wouldn’t they be?), then a longer Rotorua road trip could be an unforgettable experience.
- Revel in the scenery: Experience the freedom of the open road and enjoy the beautiful landscapes rolling past your windscreen at every corner. Don’t be so focused on your day trip destinations that you forget to savour the journey.
Accelerate your Self-Drive Day Trips from Auckland
Our list of 15-day trips from Auckland is designed to help you experience the very best of New Zealand’s outstanding beauty, all within a 3-hour drive (apart from 1). Basing yourself in the bustle of a city and zipping out in a rental car for day trips is an epic way to experience the North Island. You get the best of both worlds, the vibrant city culture and nightlife, with the option to escape into nature.
Pair your day trip plan with GO Rentals and you can skip the paperwork, easily check in online and seamlessly pick up your keys quicker than a tour bus can finish counting heads. A weekend car rental may be what you need to make the most of the scenic trips from Auckland.
If you are heading to the South Island, check out our self-drive day trip from Wellington or book a one-way car hire for a stress-free holiday.
Book a vehicle for this trip
We recommend:
Intermediate 4×4 Hybrid
Toyota Rav4 AWD Hybrid
