New Zealand

10 Attractions for a Getaway in a Day from Auckland

by Richard July 19, 2024

On New Zealand's north island, Auckland is located around two harbours. Home to beaches, islands, secret gardens and other tourist spots, Auckland is an excellent place to live. Here are a few places to visit as an Auckland day trip:

1. Orewa Beach

Orewa Beach is a three-kilometre-long sandy beach on the Pacific Beach. It is a suburb of Auckland. Orewa is located on the Hibiscus Coast and is one of the most famous tourist attractions in New Zealand. It can be a perfect one-day trip, with The Coach Company NZ offering different activities.

Distance from Auckland: 41 Km
Travel Time: 35 Minutes

It is an impressive beach resort with multiple activities for tourists. The beach is long and scenic and is perfect for long walks and relaxing. It is the best place for swimming and surfing to help rejuvenate the soul. The gentle waves of the endless ocean on this beach make it worth visiting. It is safe for water sports, and visitors can enjoy different activities on a getaway at this beach. It is a flat-fronted, golden, sandy beach with opportunities for jogging, kitesurfing, walking, and even fishing on a warm summer day.

Kitesurfing or kiteboarding along the waves is one fun sport to enjoy at this beach. Paddle Surfing is another fun activity; the stand-up paddle boats found here are a fun experience even for beginners. Another attraction for beginners is kayaking, as it requires only basic skills. Rowing a kayak on one's holiday can be thrilling and fun. It is just one of the fun activities offered at Orewa Beach.

Cycling along the beach - bikes can be hired at the beach for less than $10. In addition, tourists can enjoy horse riding at the beach. Horses can be hired through the beach's official website. In addition to activities on the beach, there are different cafes and restaurants in the surrounding areas. The town around the coast is also a tourist attraction because it is multi-ethnic and multi-cultural. A market is held in Orewa Square every Sunday, and local sellers gather there. People visiting the beach can buy local products on that occasion. Moreover, the beach has proper parking for group transport, such as buses from The Coach Company NZ.

2. Papakura:

Papakura is a southern suburb of Auckland. Pahurehure, Rosehill, Redhill, and Opaheke are its significant attractions. A day trip with The Coach Company NZ can be enjoyable, including a visit to the following places.

Distance from Auckland: Almost 33.4 Km
Travel Time: Almost half an hour (30 Minutes)

Papakura is known for its thriving town centre art galleries and museums. Listed below are some major attractions in Papakura.

2.1. Hawkins Theatre
It is an art centre and community cinema based in Papakura. Hawkins Theatre is a performing arts venue that showcases dance, music, theatre, and films. The theatre's rooftop is a moonlight cinema, where you can watch movies under the sky. It is a purpose-built theatre and a place to watch art performances like dance, plays, or films.

2.2. Papakura Museum

Papakura Museum is one of the major attractions for most tourists. Papakura Museum traces the city's history back to its settlement. This past is reflected here by more than 10,000 items and photographs. Moreover, the military gallery is also one of the significant elements here. It records the military presence which has been here since the 1860s. The military gallery mainly focuses on common military history. Each year, this museum organises 3 to 4 exhibitions based on different themes; these exhibitions usually run for two to three months. A comprehensive account of events or exhibitions during your visit can be researched online. Let The Coach Company NZ take you there on time, in comfort.

2.3. Clevedon Animal farm

One of the best animal farms and aquariums. It has different activities and a range of animals. If you are an animal lover or want to go down memory lane of your childhood visits to the zoo, this is the best option to add during a day trip.

2.4. Bruce's Pulman Park

A large park lined with trees and a sports and other recreational activities centre. It is an outdoor activities park with paths for jogging and walking; well-maintained with a netball centre. It can be a good stop on a day trip. The Coach Company NZ is your reliable travel resource for an unforgettable Auckland day trip to Papakura.

2.5. Auckland Botanical Gardens

A 65-hectare Garden with native forest. Free entry throughout the day, with more than 9000 plant species, with access easily.

3. Whatipu Beach

A breathtaking beach with serene surroundings, located in the Waitakere Ranges in the West of Auckland. A scientific reserve managed by the Department of Conservation and Reserve Auckland. It is a must-visit place on a relaxing day trip as it has moderate traffic and fun activities for visitors.

Distance from Auckland: 40 Km
Travel Time: Almost 1 Hour

If you are planning a weekend to recharge your energy, the calmness of this remote beach and its breathtaking views can be your answer. A black sand beach with dunes and caves all around the deep turquoise water of the Tasman Sea. This remote beach is the most scenic in the area. Whatipu Beach is an excellent picnic spot and the perfect road trip destination. Everyone can enjoy a BBQ with travel buddies and walk beside the sea.

An all-season beach with stunning dunes and caves on its coast is perfect for a stroll. There is a lighthouse, “Whatipu Beach Beacon,” which offers a heavenly view of the west coast from the headland. If you are fond of photography, we at The Coach Company NZ advise you to carry a camera around to capture some excellent shots. However, swimming at this beach is not advised due to fast currents. But other than that, it is a perfect tourist spot and can be the best one-day trip. The Coach Company NZ can be of service throughout this planned trip. So, be ready for catharsis on this fantastic beach near Auckland.

4. Muriwai

Muriwai is a coastal community. It is on the west coast near Auckland—one of New Zealand's most spectacular black sand surf beaches. The black sand surf beach and surrounding area are popular recreational areas for Auckland day trip goers. It is most famously home to a gannet colony.

Distance from Auckland: Almost 41.6 Km
Travel Time: 38 Minutes
Following is a list of things you should do in Muriwai with The Coach Company NZ.

4.1. Gannet colony

Top Of Rugged coastal cliffs and stacks is a colony of gannets. These magisterial sea birds are astounding to see close-ups. The best time to see these gannets is between August and March.

4.2. Walk the Muriwai Beach loop

Have a fantastic time at the stunning beach of Muriwai by taking the Muriwai beach loop track. It takes almost 1 hour and 30 minutes. The walk takes you through the dunes, onto Muriwai Beach and back along the walkway alongside the coast road. Guided walks can be booked.

4.3. Do some Surfing

Stunning Muriwai Beach and Maori Bay are famous surfing locations. There is a surf school for beginners. Kiteboarding and windsurfing can be fun to enjoy, too.

4.4. Take a trip to Henga (Bethells Beach)

A 40-minute drive from Muriwai takes you to this beautiful beach. This beach is famous for surfing. You can get great views from the Hillary walkway and enjoy water sports like surfing. On a day trip, it is one of the best places. The Coach Company NZ suggests you add it to your wish list.

4.5. Visit Lake Wainamu

While exploring the Bethells beach area, take advantage of Lake Wainamu! This stunning lake, surrounded by dunes, is a fantastic place to swim, relax, and enjoy nature. There is a waterfall at the far end of the lake.

4.6. Play a round of Golf

With extraordinary coastal views, Muriwai Golf Link is a course to be noticed. The golf club in Muriwai has many facilities, especially for visitors wanting to rent gear and play somewhere economical. The Coach Company NZ must be your travel partner of choice.

5. Waiuku

 

The heritage town of Waiuku is a rural town packed with unique features, located at the Southern end of the Waiuku River. It has many attractions like Waiuku Regional Park, Manukau Heads Lighthouse, a vintage train track and a heritage site. It can be a perfect day trip destination with multiple fun activities. The trip can be enjoyed fully when The Coach Company NZ is your coach operator.

Distance from Auckland: 64 Km
Travel Time: Almost 1 Hour

5.1. Vintage railway rides

Enjoying a trip down memory lane can be fun, and vintage steam or diesel engines are a perfect way to do so. At Glenbrook Station Road, you start your vintage railway ride on beautifully restored steam engines. The scenic journey of 15 km to Manukau Harbour is offered from Saturday to Monday. Travel there in style with The Coach Company NZ.

5.2. Manukau Head Lighthouse

The picturesque lighthouse is one of the most popular picture spots, offering amazing photo opportunities from outside and inside.

5.3. Waiuku Forest

It is a Crown Forest managed as a tourist spot with multiple attractions like hiking on a trail around the forest. You can enjoy mountain biking here and other fun activities, while surrounded by nature. A must-add place to your day trip destinations with The Coach Company NZ.

5.4. Waiuku Golf and Squash Club

A perfect getaway place from the hustle and bustle of city life, a perfectly built golf course with a warm atmosphere is on offer. It is a member club but welcomes visitors to try 18 or 9-hole courses. Acceptable tree-lined golf courses with hidden challenges. So, a little game of golf on your trip with The Coach Company NZ is a fun activity to add to your wish list. There are other exciting and fun activities besides the ones mentioned above, like carving your greenstone pendant. The Cabbage Tree Cottage, 60 West Coast Road, offers a glimpse of old Maori tradition. You can also taste Awhitu Wines' local wine and harbour views. A fun place to take a break on your day off. The Coach Company NZ.

6. Parakai

 

A Northern town near the Kaipara Harbour. It is home to many tourist attractions and relaxing places. It has hot water springs, eateries and a wide variety of things to do for fun. A day trip with The Coach Company NZ can be exciting.

Distance from Auckland: 48 Km
Travel Time: Almost 1 hour
Places that can be visited during a day trip:

6.1. Palm Springs Geothermal Pools

A getaway trip is all about rejuvenating and relaxing. The geothermal pools in Parakai are the richest ones, providing clean and healthy geothermal water. They have an attractive atmosphere with palm trees and hot spring pools. It is an excellent place to add to a day trip bucket list with The Coach Company NZ.

6.2. Skydiving

Skydiving is an adrenaline-rush sport with thrills, and it can be a great activity during a trip. It helps you view the town from high up. You can check your options and book a perfect skydiving experience.

6.3. Woodhill Mountain Bike Park

It is a 50 km mountain bike riding track, a venue that ranks among the best. It boasts a pine forest and more than 60 bike tracks. Not a keen biker, a walk around the park can be excellent for taking a break surrounded by nature. A keen biker, it is a must-visit for you.

6.4. Omeru reserve

Omeru Reserve is a scenic natural reserve with a steep incline. It can be explored on a day trip with The Coach Company NZ.

6.5. Westbrook Winery

It's an acknowledged spot for a getaway. Family-run, offering wine tasting in the countryside. It has a lovely lily pond on a grassy terrace, producing a serene environment. A visit can be achieved with The Coach Company NZ.

In addition, some restaurants serve freshly hunted meat and are famously known among the town's attractions. So, on a day trip, you can enjoy different outdoor activities, walk surrounded by nature, and have good food. All of it can be enjoyed with The Coach Company NZ.

7. Whangarei Heads

 

Whangarei Heads is a town centre located near Auckland. It is a natural playground with coastal beaches, volcanic peaks, a harbour, and a forest. It is a popular tourist destination. There are opportunities for walking, playing sports, or enjoying the beach. Along with these energetic activities, it also has a strong art community that arranges events to showcase the talent of local artists. A one-day trip can be planned with The Coach Company NZ to make the experience worth it.

Distance from Auckland: 160 Km
Travel Time: 2 Hours 20 Minutes

7.1. Ocean beach

It is the top-visited beach in the region and is famous for surfing. There is a proper surf patrol on this beach. You can enjoy Boogie Boarding, surfing, and other water activities on the beach. It is a white sand beach with sheltered waterways, making it attractive and worth visiting. The Coach Company NZ can help you throughout the tour to this beach.

7.2. Mount Manaia

At Taurikura Bay, Mount Manaia offers a spectacular view of the city. The track to the summit is a dramatic experience with unmatched views. The summit requires a strong head for heights, but it is worth it. It is covered with native forest and large tree ferns with rocky outcrops, making it unforgettable. The Coach Company NZ will get you there.

7.3. A visit to Desired Bay

Taurikura Bay, Urquharts Bay, Smugglers Bay, Mcleod Bay, and others are the top most visited bays in the area. It is a land of waterfalls, beaches, and bays. There are different attractions in each of the mentioned places. A day trip can include visiting one to sit and relax. They are good picnic spots for family outings. Other activities with views of nature can be added to a well-planned, relaxing day trip. The Coach Company NZ.

8. Athenree

 

At the northern end of Tauranga Harbour is located the coastal town of Anthenree. It is a seaside settlement with different attractions offering lots of fun activities. It has several beaches and quiet waterside havens, making it the perfect place to relax on a holiday treat. It is a day trip destination with The Coach Company NZ, including some or all of the following activities:

Distance from Auckland: 155 Km
Travel Time: 2 Hours

8.1. Omokoroa Walkway

A scenic yet quiet walkway which shares an off-road path and a local road along the ocean. It is a 19km path where cycling can be fun. The Coach Company NZ can add it to the day trip spot in Athenree.

8.2. Athenree Hot springs

It is an all-season family park with two hot mineral pools. It is a 5-minute walk from the beach and has a beautiful park setting. It is a well-maintained place with friendly staff. So, to take off all the weary burdens, visit these hot springs and enjoy a hot mineral bath.

8.3. Anzac Bay

A harbour beach famous for family days out. It is a beautiful beach that is safe for swimming and has a lovely coastal bay for walking. It is an idyllic and peaceful beach covered in the shade of the Pohutukawa Trees -The pohutukawa tree (Metrosideros excelsa) is a beautiful flowering tree, commonly called the New Zealand Christmas tree because of its vibrant, deep red flowers. There are many options for surfing at this beach, and you can enjoy cycling, jogging, and walking by the beach with the view of its incredible waves. There is a large reserve area and also access to parking. It is a calm spot for a picnic and enjoying yourself. On a day trip, it is a recommended relaxing spot by The Coach Company NZ.

8.4. Karangahake Windows Walk

A scenic spot for a walk along the Karangahake Gorge among the remains of a gold mine. Enjoy a walk through the relics of mining. It is a heritage site with great views and the possibility of visiting disused gold mines. A walk around can be a soothing experience with beautiful views and fun-filled memories of past times. It can be an excellent trail to add thrill and excitement to the planned day trip with The Coach Company NZ.

In addition, there are other activities like surfing, water sports, paintball, and more. Beach walks and little trails are abundant with the blooming beauty of nature. There are also waterside cafes and restaurants along with waterside accommodations. So, to take a break from your busy life, plan a weekend trip with The Coach Company NZ.

9. Matamata

 

Matamata is located near the base of Kaimai Ranges, known worldwide for the Hobbit movie's set. It is a farming area with rolling hills and grasslands. It is a close-to-nature getaway with scenic views and serenity. A fun trip with different activities can be planned with The Coach Company NZ to Matamata for an Auckland day trip.

Distance from Auckland: 159 Km
Travel Time: Almost 2 Hours

Hobbit Holes

The best place to visit on a day trip in Matamata is a movie set with Hobbit holes. It is a wizardry place giving a fantasy of love with one's favourite films, Hobbit and Lord of Rings. People visit it to live their Hollywood fiction life as imaginary characters. The Coach Company NZ can take you on a magical journey with the movie set as a main focus.

Firth Tower

Matamata has many other attractions and activities, such as visiting the Firth Tower. This was built in 1882 and is a picturesque tower with 13 surrounding buildings, all offering exhibitions. Visiting museums and exhibitions during a day trip can be a fun activity. Information and booking can be made online, and transport can be arranged with The Coach Company NZ.

Heritage Trail

A walk around this humble Kiwi town offers a different experience. One activity can be the Matamata Heritage Trail, a one-hour, forty-minute trail starting from i-SITE. It would include viewing some amazing gardens, heritage bank buildings, and even the railway plantation from 1855.

It can be a fun experience during a day trip with your partner, The Coach Company NZ. Another place worth visiting is a walk around the Kaimai Range. You can take a short walk to the summit of Kaimai. Rapurapu Kauri Track is another exotic forest to walk around. It offers a perfect getaway place along a stream you cross several times during the walk.

The Escape Room

Another walk is very famous, but it is a puzzle-solving walk. The escape room found here is themed and trapped escape room. If you plan on having fun with your travel buddies, you can visit it to solve the puzzle of getting out of the puzzle room. It is fun and can be the best activity to add to your day trip on a rainy day.

Hot Water Pool

An outdoor hot water pool is an excellent rejuvenating activity during a day trip to Matamata. You can stop there in the evening - to relax under the stars—a fantastic and reasonably priced activity to end your Auckland day trip with The Coach Company NZ.

Conclusion

Planning an Auckland day trip and hiring a bus in New Zealand to make it possible doesn't have to be stressful. By considering your specific needs, prioritising safety, checking reviews, and choosing a reputable coach hire company like The Coach Company New Zealand, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable NZ travel experience for your group. Browse this website to learn more about our bus hire Auckland services and get a quote for your upcoming trip. At The Coach Company New Zealand, we offer hassle-free and transparent NZ bus charter services. Let us take care of your transportation needs so you can focus on enjoying your trip. Request your quote today, and let's start planning your trip. Go confidently and enjoy the convenience and comfort of a reliable NZ bus charter with The Coach Company New Zealand.

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