5 Best Day Trips from Auckland

Auckland is one of New Zealand's major cities and a great place to base yourself and explore some of the nearby attractions. Here are the best things to do from the north of the country.
5 Best Day Trips from Auckland

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Auckland, located in the north of New Zealand, is one of the country's major cities, one of the most visited places by tourists and also an ideal base from which to explore some of the main attractions outside New Zealand's best-known cities.

Among the best activities you can see and do in Auckland to discover the city's surroundings are a trip to Hobbiton, the natural setting for The Lord of the Rings, a tour to Rotorua and Wai-O-Tapu, a visit to the Coromandel Peninsula, a tour of the Bay of Islands and a visit to the Waitomo Caves.

1. Excursion to Hobbiton from Auckland

Hobbiton|©duncan cumming
Hobbiton|©duncan cumming

If you want to see one of the most beautiful places on the outskirts of Auckland and you are also a fan of The Lord of the Rings saga, you can visit Hobbiton, located in Matamata. This tourist destination offers a total immersion in Middle Earth, created by writer J.R.R. Tolkien.

These full-day excursions usually include hotel pick-up and a guided tour through the picturesque trails of the film set in Hobbiton, where you can admire the 44 hand-built hobbit houses. Each one has its own personality and unique details, from the gardens to the clothes hanging on the clotheslines.

During these tours, you will learn about how the film set was created and how The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit films were shot on location. You'll also be able to take some of the best photos of your trip with the original props and scenery, such as the round door of Bilbo Baggins' house.

On these tours, you'll also discover the open views from the hill that was used as the main setting for the first film, allowing you to experience Tolkien's Middle Earth. The best views are in August or during the spring months.

Details of interest

  • Price: these tours have an approximate starting price of £115 per person, including return transfers with hotel pick-up and guided tour.
  • Duration: between 8 and 9 hours.

Book an excursion to Hobbiton and the Waitomo Caves

2. Excursion to Rotorua and Wai-O-Tapu

Rotorua|©Dmitri Opekine
Rotorua|©Dmitri Opekine

Rotorua and Wai-O-Tapu are the two most famous tourist destinations on New Zealand's North Island. If you are in Auckland and looking for a day trip to explore the natural and cultural beauty of this region, these tours offer some of the best options.

Rotorua is a geothermal city known for its geysers, hot mud pools and thermal waters. Upon arriving in the city, you can see the Pohutu and Prince of Wales Feathers geysers, which spew hot water and steam at regular intervals. You can also visit the mud pools and thermal pools. Some of the Auckland cruises also include stops at these tourist areas.

In addition to the geothermal attractions, Rotorua is also an ideal place to explore the Maori culture, which is unique to New Zealand. On these tours, you can usually attend a dinner and show featuring traditional tribal songs and dances.

The next stop on the tour will be Wai-O-Tapu, a geothermal area with stunning brightly coloured pools, bubbling waters and fumaroles. You can walk along marked trails and discover attractions such as the Champagne Pool and the Golden Pool, which are known for their orange and golden hues.

At Wai-O-Tapu, you'll also find the famous Sulphur Pool, which has a bright green colour and an otherworldly appearance. This is undoubtedly one of the best options for your trip, especially if you're planning to visit Auckland in summer.

Details of interest

  • Price: these tours have an approximate starting price of £175 per person, including round-trip transfers with hotel pick-up, guided tour and Maori show.
  • Duration: approximately 11 hours.

Book an excursion to Rotorua

Book an excursion to Rotorua

3. Excursion to the Coromandel Peninsula

Coromandel Peninsula|©Guillermo Relaño
Coromandel Peninsula|©Guillermo Relaño

If you're looking for an adventure tour in New Zealand, a tour from Auckland to the Coromandel Peninsula could be just the thing for you. This region of the North Island offers a wealth of outdoor activities, breathtaking scenery and plenty of opportunities for exploration.

On these tours, which start in Auckland and usually include round-trip transfers with hotel pick-up, you'll explore the east coast to the Coromandel Peninsula and enjoy views of the Pacific Ocean and the region's green hills. You can also book a guided bike tour.

On the peninsula, you can enjoy different activities depending on the tour you choose. If you're a hiking enthusiast, you can hike to the top of Mount Pauanui, where you can enjoy some of the best views in the area. You can also go kayaking or boating, visit the white sand beaches and crystal clear waters, or take a dip in the natural pools that form at low tide.

If you are a nature lover, don't miss Coromandel National Park, where you can see plant and animal species unique to the region. You can also visit Cathedral Cove, a beautiful beach characterised by a natural arch carved by the sea into the rock. If you plan to visit Auckland during Christmas, you can also discover the site illuminated with decorations on Christmas Eve, creating a magical atmosphere at night.

Interesting details

  • Price: these tours have an approximate starting price of £150 per person, including return transfers with hotel pick-up and guided tour.
  • Duration: approximately 12 hours.

Book a tour of the beaches and rainforest

4. Excursion to the Bay of Islands

Bay in Auckland|©BATC042
Bay in Auckland|©BATC042

If you're looking for a beach option during your trip to Auckland, don't miss the tour to Bay of Islands. This place is known for its crystal-clear beaches, beautiful panoramic views and wide variety of flora and fauna.

Bay of Islands is located in the north of New Zealand and during the tour you can enjoy views of the coast, see the famous Auckland Harbour Bridge and pass through the Northland wine region, which is the main wine-producing region in the country.

In the Bay of Islands, you can usually explore the area on a boat trip and learn about the history and legends of the area. During the tour, you will have the opportunity to see dolphins and whales, as well as take some of the best photographs of your trip. This area also offers some of the best food tours.

In addition, one of the highlights of the tour is a visit to Urupukapuka, the largest island in the bay. There, you can hike the trails, take in the panoramic views, and visit the remains of a historic fort. You'll also have free time to relax on the beach or explore the island on your own.

Details of interest

  • Price: these tours have an approximate starting price of £179 per person, including round-trip transfers with hotel pick-up and guided tour.
  • Duration: between 12 and 13 hours.

5. Excursion to Hobbiton and the Waitomo Caves

Hobbiton with river view|©Heather Cuthill
Hobbiton with river view|©Heather Cuthill

If you want to combine a visit to Hobbiton, the natural setting of The Lord of the Rings saga, with an experience in one of New Zealand's most striking locations, these excursions are the perfect solution, as they also include a tour of the famous Waitomo Caves.

Hobbiton is home to J.R.R. Tolkien's hobbits, so the tour will take you through the hobbit holes, Sam and Rosie's garden, the water mill and the Green Dragon Inn. You'll also have the opportunity to enjoy the best beer tours in a hobbit bar and buy souvenirs in the gift shop, in a magical experience that will transport you to Tolkien's world.

In addition, these excursions will also take you to the Waitomo Caves, which are known for their glow worms. The caves are filled with these insects that create an impressive and surreal natural spectacle.

During your visit, you can enjoy a boat ride on the underground river and watch the glow worms light up the cave as if it were a starry sky. You will also have the opportunity to explore the cave on foot and see impressive rock formations. If you plan to visit Auckland in winter, you can also discover the glowworms illuminated in the darkness of the night, as sunset is usually early.

Interesting details

  • Price: these tours have an approximate starting price of £185 per person, including return transfers with hotel pick-up and guided tour.
  • Duration: approximately 10 hours.

Book an excursion to Hobbiton and the Waitomo Caves

How to book an excursion from Auckland?

Man looking at laptop|©Austin Distel
Man looking at laptop|©Austin Distel

You can book a tour from Auckland in advance online or in the city once you arrive, although I recommend planning your itinerary before your trip and booking your tours in advance to avoid delays or sold-out tours.

Also, if you plan to visit Auckland in February or during the summer months, keep in mind that this is part of the high season, so prices may increase. By booking in advance, you can lock in the rate and avoid last-minute increases.

What will I see on this type of excursion?

Visit the Botanical Gardens.|©Eduardo Arostegui
Visit the Botanical Gardens.|©Eduardo Arostegui

On these tours, you will discover some of the main sites in northern New Zealand, from the scenes of The Lord of the Rings saga in Hobbiton to the natural hot springs and Maori culture of Rotorua, which also has one of the largest geysers in the world.

You can also visit Wai-O-Tapu, another of the country's most famous geothermal areas, where the hot springs are complemented by the bright colours of its lakes.

On the other hand, in the Bay of Islands and the Coromandel Peninsula, you can discover some of the best beaches in Oceania and essential natural sites, which are usually included in the best tours of Auckland.

Book an excursion to the beaches and rainforest

Tips for a day trip from Auckland

Photos taken from the Auckland Tower.|©Eduardo Arostegui
Photos taken from the Auckland Tower.|©Eduardo Arostegui

If you visit Auckland, using the city as a base for excursions to nearby sites is one of the best options this destination has to offer, although it can be a bit tricky to organise tours if you don't have enough information. Here are some tips that you may find useful:

  • Plan your trip: make sure you know how to get to your destination, how long it will take and what activities are available, even if you plan to join a tour, as most of them offer free time. It is important to have a clear idea of what you want to do in order to make the most of your time.
  • Be prepared for the weather: the temperature in New Zealand can be unpredictable, so you should be prepared for any eventuality. Bring warm clothing and rain gear if necessary, especially if you plan to visit Auckland during the winter months.
  • Learn about the destinations: many of the sites you will visit, such as Hobbiton, are very beautiful to look at, but also require some prior knowledge so you don't miss out on any attractions, so I recommend that you study some of the characteristics of the destinations beforehand.
  • Don't forget your camera! The landscapes in New Zealand are breathtaking, so be sure to bring a camera to capture your memories, as you will come across some of the best scenery of your trip.

Why is it advisable to take a trip from Auckland?

Aerial view of Auckland|©Eduardo Arostegui
Aerial view of Auckland|©Eduardo Arostegui

Auckland is a vibrant and diverse city, but it is also surrounded by natural beauty. Taking a day trip from the city will allow you to explore New Zealand's landscapes and wildlife.

In addition, there are a wide variety of outdoor activities available in the Auckland area, from hiking and boating to surfing and mountain biking. This makes it easy to find something to suit your interests and abilities, even when you need to fill in some free time between excursions.

There are many tour options to choose from, so you can visit nearby islands or explore the beaches of the Coromandel Peninsula.

Finally, taking a trip from Auckland will also allow you to learn about Maori culture and New Zealand's colonial history. There are many opportunities to visit sacred sites and learn about New Zealand's rich history.

Reviews from other travellers

4.6
· 3049 Reviews
  • I
    I.
    4
    (0 Reviews)
    Recommended.
  • D
    D.
    4
    (0 Reviews)
    The place is very nice and you learn a lot during the excursion.
  • L
    L.
    5
    (0 Reviews)
    How beautiful Rotorua is! It has a unique nature, I was fascinated to see this place! I declared it my favourite place in New Zealand and the guide made the experience unique, so don't miss the Wai-O-Tapu geothermal park!
  • M
    M.
    5
    (0 Reviews)
    Great!
  • A
    A.
    5
    (0 Reviews)
    Simply fabulous, if you get the chance, do it.