10 Incredible Weekend Trips from Auckland

It’s hard to imagine a city better placed for weekend trips than Auckland.

Within 3 hours or less from Auckland’s city centre—and some strategic planning around traffic—you can be at a waterfall, a stunning beach, a natural hot pool, or a hiking trail in a rainforest.

In this guide, I’m sharing my favourite weekend trips from Auckland to help you plan your next getaway. 

When I first moved to Auckland back in 2016, my partner Ty & I took every opportunity to explore the North Island on our weekends. We were blown away by the incredible array of destinations just a short road trip away from the city. 

While we live in the South Island now, we still return to these spots whenever we can because we just love them so much. But if you’re based in Auckland—then lucky you—you can easily access these places whenever you have a free weekend to spare.

My idea of a perfect weekend getaway involves nature and good food, so if that sounds like you, too, then I hope you’ll love these places as much as I do.

Let’s get to it then. Here are 10 incredible weekend getaways from Auckland!

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The Best Weekend Trips from Auckland

1. Matakana

🚙 Distance from Auckland: 70.5 km / 55 minutes

Matakana is known for its fresh farm-to-table food, vineyards & proximity to some of Auckland’s best beaches.

Basically, it’s the perfect place for a weekend getaway from Auckland.

Try to arrive on a Friday or early Saturday morning so you don’t miss the famous market!

Things to do in & around Matakana

• Peruse the Matakana Village Farmer’s Market, held on Saturday mornings from 8am to 1pm. Pick up local produce and get a bite to eat from one of the food stalls (I love the savoury gallettes from the Bon Appetit Creperie).

• Head out to Goat Island for kayaking, snorkelling, or a walk on the Goat Island Walkway.

• Visit the nearby beaches, including Omaha Beach & Matheson Bay. 30 minutes away, you’ll also find Pakiri Beach, a stunning long stretch of squeaky-white sand with great surf when the conditions are right.

• Day trip to Tawharanui Regional Park, a predator-free bird sanctuary with incredible walking trails and beaches. The 1-hour return Ecology Trail is a real highlight, and Anchor Bay Beach is a beautiful spot for a picnic and swim. (You can also camp overnight here—this is one of the best Auckland campsites, and a weekend destination in its own right!)

Where to eat & drink in Matakana

• The Matakana Bacon Company does the best bacon butties.
  
  
• Get oysters at the Matakana Oyster Co.
  
  
• Craft beer lovers have got to visit Sawmill Brewery & 8-Wired Brewery. They’re both excellent, with fantastic beers and delicious food to pair with.
  
  
• Do a wine tasting at Brick Bay & walk the sculpture trail.
  
  
• Treat yourself to a gelato from Charlie’s Gelato. They also have a super cute garden onsite where you can pick your own flowers & herbs for a small fee.

Where to stay in Matakana

• Matakana Motel: This motel couldn’t be in a better spot. You’ll be just steps away from Matakana’s shops and eateries—and the farmer’s market, making it easy to wake up and beat the morning market crowds.
  
  
• Camping: The Whangateau Holiday Park is located just a 10-minute drive from Matakana Village, in a peaceful spot by the water. In addition to camping sites, they also offer cabins (I like the waterfront deluxe cabin for a couple).
  

2. Piha

🚙 Distance from Auckland: 40 km / 50 minutes

While Piha makes for a great day trip from Auckland, it’s also a magic spot for a weekend getaway from the city. 

Located under an hour from Auckland in the bush-clad Waitakere Ranges, Piha is an incredible destination for lush rainforest walks, rugged black sand beaches, and waterfalls.

Things to do in Piha

• Explore the black sands and dramatic scenery of Piha Beach. It’s epic. Surfers will be in heaven when the conditions are right, but if you choose to swim here, do take care—the show Piha Rescue exists for a reason! This area is notorious for its rips and rough conditions.
  
  
• Visit Kitekite Falls. A gorgeous 45-minute return walk weaves through the rainforest and leads you to this stunning waterfall. If you’d like to extend your walk, you can take the trail up to the top of the falls (it’s a popular swimming hole). Please ensure you use the shoe-cleaning station before your walk to help prevent kauri dieback disease.
  
  
• Walk the Mercer Bay Loop Track. This 2km walk is located above Piha and offers sweeping coastal views. I like doing this one on the drive to Piha, or on the return to Auckland.
  
  
• Karekare Falls: Detour to this impressive waterfall on your drive to or from Piha. It’s beautiful and only requires a short walk to access.
  
  
• Watch a West Coast sunset. Head to the beach, pack your beverage of choice (and maybe some crackers and cheese) and watch the sun drop behind the ocean and light up the sky. West Coast sunsets are hard to beat.

Where to stay in Piha

• Piha Beachstay: This gorgeous property offers lodge-style hostel rooms in a sunny setting surrounded by trees. You can easily walk to the Kitekite Falls Track from here, and you’re about 1km from the beach. Choose from rooms with shared facilities or ensuite options.
  
  
• Romantic Piha: Book a queen or family suite at this gorgeous property, which has the most epic ocean views and is truly something special.
  
  
• Camping: The Piha Domain Motor Camp is a great spot for camping, located just steps away from the beach. They don’t have cabins here but have plenty of sites for campervans or tents.

3. Waipu

🚙 Distance from Auckland: 121 km / 1 hour 30 minutes

Head to Waipu for a sun-kissed weekend at the beach, plus opportunities for exploring a bit further afield (like glow worms! and a waterfall swimming hole!). 

Located in beautiful Bream Bay in Northland, this is a relaxed place for a getaway by the sea.

Things to do in Waipu

• Hang out at the beach! Waipu Beach is a long, sandy stretch of beach with great swimming & sometimes surf, too. Nearby is Lang’s Beach, yet another stunning beach to post up at for a while.

• Check out Waipu Village, where you’ll find boutique shops, a couple of op shops worth perusing, & some cute cafes. Feoh Espresso is the best spot for a coffee.

• Walk the Waipu Coastal Walkway and look for the pancake rocks. I like the section from Waipu to Waterman Drive the best; the next bit (from Waterman Drive to Lang’s Beach) is quite rocky. It’s best to time this walk with low tide, otherwise you’ll need to cross the tidal stream at the start of the track.

• Visit the Waipu Caves. In my opinion, these caves are the best place to see glow worms for free in NZ! For the best experience, let your eyes adjust to the darkness of the caves before wandering in further to see the glow worms. I also recommend wearing shoes with good grip, as it can be slippery in the caves. 

• Swim at Piroa Falls: Accessing this waterfall requires an easy 5-minute walk. There are swimming holes at the base of the falls if you’re keen for a dip.

Where to stay in Waipu

Camp Waipu Cove is an awesome beachside spot for a stay, whether you’re camping or choose to book one of their great little cabins.

It’s one of my top campgrounds in Northland and I always love staying here!

4. Hahei

🚙 Distance from Auckland: 175 km / 2 hours 10 minutes

Ahhh, Hahei. I never get tired of visiting this small but scenery-packed little beach town in the Coromandel Peninsula.

The beaches around Hahei are stunning and are the main attraction here, with Cathedral Cove being a big draw to town.

Post up for a couple of nights and explore the area a bit. Or just chill out at the beach and feel like you’re on a proper holiday 😎

Things to do in Hahei

• Visit Cathedral Cove by walking, kayaking, or boating there. Around low tide is best. Pack a picnic and your swimsuit and spend some time there—it’s stunning.
  
  
• Hang out at Hahei Beach.
  
  
• Walk up to the Te Pare Point Historic Reserve for epic coastal views over Hahei and the Pacific Ocean.
  
  
• Drive to nearby Hot Water Beach to dig your own hot pool in the sand (time this 2 hours either side of low tide, and expect crowds!). This iconic Coromandel beach is so unique and I think everyone needs to see it at least once!
  
  
• Shop at Cove for beautiful housewares, gifts, and gourmet food items. I love picking up some Opito Bay salt when I’m here, and Uncle Dunkle’s hot sauce!

Where to eat & drink in Hahei

• The Pour House makes yum wood-fired pizzas, perfect for pairing with a house-brewed beer or cider.
  
  
• The Little Blue Kitchen in Hahei does delicious coffee & bagels.

Where to stay in Hahei

• The Church Accommodation: Stay in a charming timber cottage amidst lush gardens at this beautiful property. 
  
  
• Camping & glamping: Camp or stay at the Hahei Beach Resort— they have numerous cabin & accommodation options available, in addition to campsites for tents or vans (splurge on an ocean-view site if you can!).
  
  
• More camping & cabins: I also love the Hot Water Beach Top 10 Holiday Park, a 10-minute drive from Hahei. Their “deluxe camping cabins” are great. This is easily one of my favourite campgrounds in the Coromandel.

5. Raglan

🚙 Distance from Auckland: 160 km / 2 hours

The bohemian surf town of Raglan is the place to visit for free-spirited souls. It’s a small but beautiful place with laidback vibes.

With black sand beaches, famous surf breaks, & fantastic food, you’ll visit once and then dream of the next time you can return.

Things to do in Raglan

• Surf or watch the surfers at Manu Bay or the other surf spots around town.
  
  
• Go for a long beach walk along the black sands of Ngarunui Beach. I like accessing the beach via the jungly trail starting at the Bryant Memorial Scenic Reserve.
  
  
• Visit the epic Bridalveil Falls. The trailhead is about a 20-minute drive from town (it’s a nice walk to do on your drive in or out of Raglan).
  
  
• Hire kayaks and paddle to the Raglan Pancake Rocks.
  
  
• Shop for locally-made pottery at Tony Sly, and pop into Ulo’s for vintage clothing & prints and stickers made by local artist Kyoko Shirai. And before you head home, pick up a stunning bouquet of flowers at the Raglan Floral Co roadside stall.

Where to eat & drink in Raglan

• Raglan Roast: get a coffee at the “hole in the wall” location of this famous Raglan coffee roaster.
  
  
• The Shack: have brunch at this fantastic cafe. Seriously, don’t miss it!
  
  
• Ulo’s Kitchen: this is THE spot for dinner in Raglan. There’s such a fun vibe here (with live music sometimes!) and they make incredible Japanese food and great cocktails. Make sure to book ahead.
  
  
• Raglan Fish: enjoy the freshest fish & chips al fresco at the Raglan Wharf.

Where to stay in Raglan

• Bow Street Studios: My top spot to stay in Raglan, these apartment-style studios are right in town by the harbour and have a calming minimalist decor. Their patios are perfect for enjoying a morning coffee or evening drink. 
  
  
• Raglan Sunset Motel: I’ve stayed here a couple of times and find their rooms great value for money. The property is centrally-located in town within walking distance to all of the shops and cafes. There is a hot tub onsite, too.
  
  
• Camping: The Raglan Holiday Park is in a convenient spot within close walking distance to town. They also have cabins available.

Further reading: the best things to do in Raglan

6. Whangamata

🚙 Distance from Auckland: 158 km / 2 hours 30 minutes

Whangamata is a surf town in the Coromandel with a population that swells from around 5,000 to 60,000+ people in the summer months. 

And the reason why it’s so popular? The beach here is absolutely beautiful, and the town itself is filled with creative & friendly locals who run some lovely shops & eateries.

If you want a bustling vibe, visit in the summer. But if you’re like me and enjoy places that aren’t too crowded, a shoulder season visit will be the best call.

Things to do in Whangamata

• Surf, swim, or relax at Whangamata Beach.
  
  
• Hire kayaks to paddle out to Whenuakura (Donut) Island. It’s a sacred, protected island and you shouldn’t get out of your kayak to explore it, but viewing it from the water is a magical experience.
  
  
• Hike to Wentworth Falls.
  
  
• Visit beaches a bit further afield: Opoutere Beach & Onemana Beach are both well-worth visiting. If you’re up for an adventure, you could hike into Pokohino Beach or Octopus Bay (but please pack out anything you bring into these places!).
  
  
• Shop at the Whangamata Surf Shop & also visit the Coromandel Chocolate shop to pick up beautiful handmade bean-to-bar chocolates.

Where to eat & drink in Whangamata

• Port Road Project makes beautiful breakfast and lunch items—I never miss this cafe when I’m in town! Their pytti panna dish (a Swedish-style hash with an egg) is the stuff my brunch dreams are made of.
  
  
• Soul Burger does the best burgers around! They have delicious options for meat-eaters, vegetarians & vegans. The kumara fries here are also next-level good. This is the perfect spot to grab takeaways to enjoy at the beach.

Where to stay in Whangamata

• South Pacific Motel: This comfortable motel has modern rooms and a lovely garden setting. Friendly owners add to its charm. You can easily walk to town from here. This is my go-to motel in Whangamata!
  
  
• Camping: I love camping at Opoutere Coastal Camp, located a 20-minute drive from Whangamata. It’s one of my all-time favourite campgrounds in the North Island. For something a bit closer, the Wentworth DOC Campsite is also a nice choice.

7. Mangawhai

🚙 Distance from Auckland: 100 km / 1 hour 15 minutes

Mangawhai—and the adjacent township of Mangawhai Heads—is a fantastic destination for a beachy weekend close to Auckland.

Located in the southern part of Northland, Mangawhai is a dreamy place to get a taste of the subtropical north without having to drive too far from the city.

Things to do in Mangawhai

• Hike along the incredible Mangawhai Cliffs Walkway, one of the best day walks in the North Island. You’ll be surrounded by nikau palms and get amazing coastal views. It’s a stunner.
  
  
• Swim, surf or hang out at Mangawhai Heads Beach.
  
  
• Shop at the Bennett’s of Mangawhai Chocolate Shop, and head into Threadbox next door for some cool locally-printed clothing. I also love the op shops around Mangawhai.

• Stroll through the Mangawhai Tavern Market, held on Saturday mornings. Pick up local produce, vintage clothing, and handmade gifts, and enjoy a snack from one of the food stalls.

• Day trip to Te Arai Beach, located a 20-minute drive from Mangawhai. This long stretch of soft, white sand is unbelievably gorgeous, and there are great surfing and swimming opportunities when the conditions are right. Check out the neat shell-filled lagoon at the south end of the beach, too.

Where to eat in Mangawhai

• Cafes: Brewed As is a great spot for coffee and breakfast in Mangawhai Heads. I also like the Bennnet’s Cafe in Mangawhai proper; their Mediterranean courtyard is a lovely spot for a meal.
  
  
• Gringas: Go here for some of the best Mexican food you’ll find in NZ (& fantastic margaritas). Source: I grew up in California and have high standards for Mexican food 😂
  
  
• Mean Brgr: A great spot to grab a takeaway burger to enjoy at the beach.

Where to stay in Mangawhai

• Tui & Nikau: This gorgeous property in Mangawhai is surrounded by native bush in a peaceful setting. Their rooms and cabins are stylish and comfortable with lots of special little touches, like herbal teas and scented candles.
  
  
• The Hideout: Located in the peaceful countryside near Mangawhai, this is a special place for a getaway. Choose from four stunning cabins nestled amongst native forest.
  
  
• Camping: The Mangawhai Heads Holiday Park is a spacious campground in an awesome spot on the estuary. You’re just a short drive or walk away from the beach. They have lovely camping cabins, too!
  

8. Rotorua

🚙 Distance from Auckland: 226 km / 2 hours 30 minutes

You’ll know you’ve made it to Rotorua when a sulphuric scent starts to permeate the car. 

Geothermally-fuelled scents aside, Rotorua is a unique and activity-packed place to visit on a weekend trip from Auckland, particularly in the winter months when a hot pool feels as heavenly as it sounds.

There’s a lot to do in Rotorua (way more than you could fit in during a weekend), but here I’ll share my favourite spots.

Things to do in Rotorua

• On the drive to Rotorua, detour to the Putaruru Blue Springs, where you can take a short walk to see the crystal-clear source of around 70% of New Zealand’s bottled water. Afterwards, stop by Over the Moon Dairy in Putaruru for some local cheese.
  
  
• Walk through the Whakarewarewa Redwoods, or bring (or hire) mountain bikes here to hit some of the best mountain biking trails in NZ.
  
  
• Visit Blue Lake for a swim and walk around the peaceful trail that circles the lake.
  
  
• Stroll through Kuirau Park to see geothermal activity for free. There are also 3 paid geothermal parks around Rotorua: Te Puia, Waimangu Volcanic Valley, & Wai-o-Tapu.
  
  
• Soak in a free hot pool at Kerosene Creek or Hot & Cold Pool, or book in at the Polynesian Spa.
  
  
• Walk the forested trail at Okere Falls, where you can watch people raft down one of the highest commercially-rafted waterfalls in the world and spot fish swimming against the current in the trout pool. Afterwards, get a craft beer and lunch at the Okere Falls Store.
  
  
• For dining out, I love the Mexican food & margaritas at Sabroso. Ciabatta Cafe is a great spot for a breakfast sandwich.

Where to stay in Rotorua

• Aura Accommodation: This is my go-to motel in Rotorua. The rooms aren’t fancy but are perfectly comfortable, the staff are super friendly, and the onsite hot pools are a treat. From the motel, you can walk to the waterfront and plenty of eateries in just a few minutes.
  
  
• Camping & cabins: I recommend the Blue Lake Top 10 Holiday Park, located a 10-minute drive from the town centre in a peaceful setting just above the shores of Blue Lake. The location is great because it’s not too far from town, but also gets you away from the sulphur fumes. Picnic or swim at the beautiful lake, and at night, look for glow worms in the forest!

9. Mount Maunganui

🚙 Distance from Auckland: 215 km / 2 hours 30 minutes

While it’s technically a suburb of the city of Tauranga, Mount Maunganui feels like a bustling beach town in its own right, with its namesake volcanic cone—Mauao—residing at its helm. 

Known by locals as “the Mount,” this is the type of place where the outdoors reigns supreme and everyone is out enjoying the surf, sun and sand.

There is also some really great food and shopping. I love it here so much that every time I’m in town, I think…”I wish I could live here.” Just a warning: you might feel the same after you visit.

Things to do in Mount Maunganui

• Hike up or around Mount Maunganui, the extinct volcano that gives this place its name. The 45-minute hike to the summit is steep but offers a panoramic view over the Bay of Plenty. If you can get yourself up for a sunrise hike, you won’t regret it!
  
  The walk around the base of Mount Maunganui is a lovely, easy trail with secret shelly coves on its eastern side. I love both the summit walk & base track and almost always do both when I’m in the Mount.
  
  
• Walk, surf, swim, or chill out at Maunganui Beach. I love going for long beach walks here at low tide; the sand is almost always hard-packed and you can walk for ages! 

• Soak in the Mount Hot Pools, where you’ll find soothing pools filled with heated saltwater. 

• Hire a kayak or SUP at Pilot Bay Beach & go out for a paddle.

• Pop into the local shops. Paper Plane Store is a must-visit for housewares & gifts. Amberjack Candles is also lovely (and smells divine). 

• Little Big Markets: Visit one of these seasonal weekend markets and explore the stalls run by local artisans, vintage sellers, and food vendors. Check their website for upcoming dates.

Where to eat & drink in Mount Maunganui

• Have brunch at the General or Tay Street Cafe.
  
  
• Rice Rice Baby is a must for lunch or dinner. It’s is a fun, vibrant Vietnamese joint with amazing food and cocktails & a great atmosphere.
  
  
• Get craft beers & dumplings at the Rising Tide.
  
  
• Cool off with an ice cream—Copenhagen Cones is the most famous spot, but I love the handmade ice cream at Mount Made. Sea People is another great option—they make delicious vegan ice cream & even have gluten-free waffle cones, so no one has to miss out!

Where to stay in Mount Maunganui

• Mission Belle Motel: This is the best place to stay in the Mount. It’s located in the heart of town and you can walk to everything from here. The rooms are modern & comfortable and have kitchenettes. I can’t recommend it enough.
  
  
• Camping: The Mount Maunganui Beachside Holiday Park is in an incredible location, right at the base of Mauao and next to the beach. They have cabins & caravans, too, which are a great accommodation option if you’re on a budget.

Related read: the best things to do in Mount Maunganui

10. Waihi Beach

🚙 Distance from Auckland: 152 km / 2 hours

Yet another epic North Island beach destination, Waihi Beach is the perfect coastal town for a sun-soaked weekend getaway from Auckland.

Spend a couple of days here sinking your toes into the sand, plunging into the sea, and enjoying beach & bush walks. In between your outdoor pursuits, fuel up with delicious food and coffee at the local cafes.

Things to do in Waihi Beach

• On the drive from Auckland to Waihi Beach, stop in Paeroa for a cafe fix at the Refinery and peruse the secondhand shops. Also pay a visit to the stunning Karangahake Gorge—the Windows Walk is quite neat.
  
  
• Hang out at beautiful Waihi Beach—go for a long beach walk (there are usually heaps of shells to admire!), swim, or surf. Or just chill out under your beach umbrella with a good book.
  
  
• Walk to Orokawa Bay, a hidden pohutukawa-fringed beach that requires a 45-minute (each way) bush walk to reach. It’s best visited around low tide. Pack a picnic!
  
  
• Want another secret beach adventure? Then head to Homunga Bay. You can walk there via the long, rough track from Orokawa Bay, but I like accessing it via the Ngatitangata Road carpark. To walk there from Ngatitangata Road, it’ll take about 45 minutes down a steep trail through farmland, and do remember that you have to hike back up it to get back to your car! Pack snacks and plenty of water.
  
  
• If it’s a drizzly day, the nearby Athenree Hot Pools are a treat.
  
  
• Shop at Sunday Homestore & Slowly Golden.
  
  
• Pop into the Waihi Beach Sunday Market, held on Sundays from Labour Weekend in October through the end of April. It’s a little but lovely market (I had a delicious dosa there on my last visit, and loved the vintage stalls!).
  
  
• Get a burger at the Surf Shack.

Where to stay in Waihi Beach

• Whether I’m camping or staying in a cabin, I like both the Tasman Holiday Park – Waihi Beach & the Beachaven Holiday Park. Both are just steps away from the beach and have great facilities.
  
  
• For something special, book Amongst the Nikau, a luxurious chalet surrounded by gardens, complete with an outdoor bath.

Thanks for reading my guide to weekend trips from Auckland!

I truly hope it’s helped you plan your next getaway.

And if you have any questions or feedback (or favourite weekend trips you’d like to share with me), please let me know in the comments—I always love hearing from you!

More New Zealand trip ideas for you

• The best road trips from Auckland
• Auckland to Queenstown road trip