🇳🇿 Auckland · Living here

Weekend getaways in Auckland

Places within easy reach of Auckland, with how long they take, how to get there and what a weekend costs. Filter by time and mode.

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14 getaways from Auckland

  • Rangitoto Island

    25 min · Ferry

    Walk up the youngest volcano in the gulf through lava fields and pōhutukawa forest for a view back over the city.

    Stay
    Day trip
    Per person
    NZ$50–NZ$90
    Ferry from the downtown terminal, a few sailings a day
    All year; take water and sun cream in summer

  • Waiheke Island

    45 min · Ferry

    Vineyards, olive groves and swimming beaches, with buses linking the bays.

    Stay
    Day trip / 1 night
    Per person
    NZ$60–NZ$450
    Ferry from the downtown terminal, roughly every 30–60 minutes
    Spring to autumn; book weekend ferries in summer

  • Piha and the west coast

    45 min · Car

    Black-sand surf beaches under Lion Rock, with rainforest walks to waterfalls on the way.

    Stay
    Day trip
    Per person
    NZ$20–NZ$100
    Car over the Waitākere Ranges; no public transport
    Summer; swim only between the flags, the rips are strong

  • Matakana and Goat Island

    1 h · Car

    A Saturday farmers' market, cellar doors, and snorkelling with big snapper in the Goat Island marine reserve.

    Stay
    Day trip / 1 night
    Per person
    NZ$40–NZ$350
    Car north on State Highway 1
    Summer for snorkelling; the market runs all year

  • Tiritiri Matangi

    1 h 15 min · Ferry

    A predator-free island sanctuary where takahē and other rare native birds are easy to see.

    Stay
    Day trip
    Per person
    NZ$90–NZ$160
    Ferry from downtown or Gulf Harbour, on set days
    Spring and summer, for birdsong

  • Great Barrier Island

    1 h 30 min · Flight, Ferry

    Off-grid bays, hot springs and a certified dark-sky sanctuary for stargazing.

    Stay
    2–3 nights
    Per person
    NZ$400–NZ$900
    Short flight from Auckland Airport or North Shore, or a long ferry
    Summer and early autumn

  • Raglan

    2 h 5 min · Car

    A relaxed surf town with one of the world's long left-hand breaks and a harbour for paddleboarding.

    Stay
    1–2 nights
    Per person
    NZ$200–NZ$500
    Car south via Hamilton
    All year; surf is best autumn to spring

  • Hot Water Beach and the Coromandel

    2 h 30 min · Car

    Dig your own hot pool in the sand at low tide, then kayak along the coast near Hahei.

    Stay
    1–2 nights
    Per person
    NZ$250–NZ$600
    Car around the Firth of Thames; the coast road is slow and lovely
    Spring to autumn; check tide times

  • Waitomo

    2 h 30 min · Car, Bus

    Boat rides under glow-worm ceilings, and black-water rafting through the caves if you want it wet.

    Stay
    Day trip / 1 night
    Per person
    NZ$150–NZ$450
    Car south on State Highway 1 and 3, or a day tour
    All year

  • Wellington

    2 h 30 min · Flight, Car, Train

    The compact capital: Te Papa museum, the waterfront, coffee and a wind that is part of the character.

    Stay
    2–3 nights
    Per person
    NZ$400–NZ$900
    Hourly flights, or the scenic Northern Explorer train
    Summer and autumn, on a still day

  • Rotorua

    3 h · Car, Bus, Flight

    Geysers, hot pools, Māori cultural evenings and mountain biking in the redwood forest. It smells of sulphur.

    Stay
    1–2 nights
    Per person
    NZ$250–NZ$600
    Car or coach south via Hamilton
    All year; hot pools are best in winter

  • Queenstown

    3 h · Flight

    Mountains over a glacial lake, Milford Sound within a day's reach, and skiing from June.

    Stay
    3–4 nights
    Per person
    NZ$800–NZ$1,800
    Direct flights, about 1 hour 50 minutes
    All year; winter for skiing, summer for walking

  • Bay of Islands

    3 h 15 min · Car, Bus, Flight

    Sailing between 144 islands, dolphins, and the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, where the country's founding document was signed.

    Stay
    2–3 nights
    Per person
    NZ$350–NZ$800
    Car north to Paihia, then the ferry to Russell
    Summer

  • Tongariro and Lake Taupō

    3 h 45 min · Car, Bus

    The Tongariro Alpine Crossing past volcanic craters and emerald lakes, then a soak by the country's largest lake.

    Stay
    2–3 nights
    Per person
    NZ$350–NZ$800
    Car south on State Highway 1
    Summer for the Crossing; winter for skiing on Ruapehu

Budgets are per person for the whole trip: return travel, a mid-range double room shared, and food.