Day-trips and things to do in and around from Auckland?

[777]

Does anyone have any suggestions for good day trips from or things to do in Auckland? I am heading over there in July with the family (my brother, my wife and 20 month old .777) for a 4 day weekend. I've been to NZ a few times but largely ignored Auckland and surrounds (Very partial to Wellington and the South Island). Looking for wineries, scenery, day-trips, drives or things to do in Auckland central.

Any suggestions most welcome.

 

[richie9x]

The most obvious answer is Waiheke Island. It is a 40 minute passenger ferry ride from central Auckland. There is also a vehicle ferry that leaves from the eastern suburbs as well. There are a number of small vineyards on the island many with excellent restaurants as well. There are some good beaches, but probably a bit cold for a swim in July. There are quite a few artists and small galleries on the island. There is an old World War 2 gun battery which is worth a wander around.

 

[777]

Thanks Richie, it was on the radar will definitely prioritise it now.

 

[Mal]

... Drive North. Plenty of beautiful things to see and do. NorthlandNZ for Aussies - The official website for Northern New Zealand, Bay of Islands, Tutukaka Coast & Far North NZ

 

[Greggsy]

Having had this same dilemma back in April for the Boss Reggie Lunch, I can highly recommend a day trip to Waitomo Caves, you'll need a hire car and most the day but will be worth the trip. I believe the Villa Maria winery is near the airport too for something local.

Try dinner at Skytower as well, it's pretty cool.... if you are after a top quality meal I can't recommend enough Euro down at the viaduct.

Greg.

 

[flyingfan]

You'll probably find something better than Coromandel Peninsula which is what I did - guidebook descriptions of it sounded much more interesting than how I found it or maybe I just didn't stop at the right places. Perhaps I should have headed north which was one of my other ideas.

 

[Deleted member]

What are your dates in July?
I am going over 12th returning 16th.
There are plenty of things to do..
A short drive north is waiwera. ( hot pools).
hot water beach can be fun ( dig a hole in the sand and have your own hot salt water swim.)
Waitomo as Gregsy suggested.
The museum if the weather is rubbish.
Waiheke wine tours and restaurant experience .
Travel to West Auckland to visit the waitakere ranges , wine tour en route .
While I've not been there is hobbiton in matamata. About 2 hours south of Auckland

 

[Major]

I can thoroughly recommend a trip to the Kauri Museum. It's about a 1.5hr drive North and a fantastic museum

The Kauri Museum, Matakohe | Northland

 

[Simo]

Lunch at Euro can take up most of the day

 

[Deleted member]

I can thoroughly recommend a trip to the Kauri Museum. It's about a 1.5hr drive North and a fantastic museum

The Kauri Museum, Matakohe | Northland

And if you then drive back down the west coast road you can visit tane mahuta ( the big Kauri) as featured on the NZ stamp

 

[k_sheep]

Devonport can be worth a trip if you've got half a day spare. Ferry over is cheap and quick. It's a nice place to just stroll around, lots of nice little cafes, art if you're into that (I'm not), there's a small hill you can walk up to get a great view. Devonport chocolates is a must do, their hot chocolate is out of this world!

 

[Major]

If the weather is OK do a Harbour cruise, you can also hop on/off the ferries to the Islands in and around the Harbour

 

[richie9x]

Devonport can be worth a trip if you've got half a day spare. Ferry over is cheap and quick. It's a nice place to just stroll around, lots of nice little cafes, art if you're into that (I'm not), there's a small hill you can walk up to get a great view. Devonport chocolates is a must do, their hot chocolate is out of this world!

There are actually two hills in Devonport - Mount Victoria and North Head. Mount Victoria has good views of the Auckland city, while North Head has great views of Rangitoto Island and the Hauraki Gulf. Both a worth an explore. North Head has a lot of old military buildings and tunnels that can be explored. There are some who think that the first plane made by Boeing (Boeing Model 1) is still stored in a secret vault in North Head. But no sign of them has been found. It was likely burnt in a fire on the beach.

 

[Deleted member]

I lived in Devonport. Mt Victoria can be walked and driven. We used to slide down parts of it on cardboard box sleds. ..... Oh to be young again.
Devonport retains a village like atmosphere in spite of being so close ( by ferry) to the city. There is also a small naval museum there.

 

[PrincessK]

Thanks for starting the post 777 and for the tips everyone. Am heading to Auckland on a LAN status run next weekend and was wondering what to include on the itinerary. Waiheke Island it is and just booked lunch at Euro!

 

[serfty]

Also if you'd like to look at some 400 year old crater and related lava flows, take a half day trip to Rangitito.

The ferry trip takes about 25 minutes from the Auckland ferry terminal.

Posted on a wing and a prayer ...