Best Day TripsAuckland is New Zealand’s largest city and is big on adventure and outdoor activities, with the Hauraki Gulf right on Auckland’s door step, there is plenty to explore.
Auckland is known as the city of sails and is a great place to explore by charter boat, and there are multiple charter operators available at the Viaduct on Auckland’s waterfront and from Gulf Harbor on the Whangaparaoa Peninsula.
Waiheke Island
There are cruises available to many of the numerous islands within the Hauraki Gulf, one of the most popular islands to visit is Waiheke Island just a short trip from Auckland’s Viaduct.
Waiheke Island is a fantastic place to unwind, there a numerous beaches to explore around the island and you can hire a car and drive around or hire a bicycle for a more sedate approach.
The most popular activities on Waiheke are the wine tasting at the many vineyards that dot the island and visiting the many cafes that are popular with both locals and tourists, Waiheke Island is a fantastic place for a day trip while visiting Auckland.
Tiritiri Matangi Island
Tiritiri Matangi Island is located off the Whangaparaoa Peninsula just north of Auckland City there are charters operating from both the Viaduct in Auckland and from Gulf Harbor on the Whangaparaoa Peninsula.
The main attraction on Tiritiri Island are the native birds as the whole island is a sanctuary, this pest free island is home to many of New Zealand’s endangered bird species.
From the wharf on Tiritiri Matangi Island you head up to the lighthouse at the highest point on the island, here you get stunning views of the Hauraki Gulf, there are numerous walking tracks that circumnavigate the island allowing views of the wildlife and birds that inhabit this island.
There is overnight accommodation available on Tiritiri Matangi Island at the former lighthouse cottage, fifteen bunks are available with a kitchen and facilities, the accommodation needs to be booked in advance through the Department Of Conservation, Tiritiri Matangi Island is a fantastic place to visit anytime of the year.
Rangitoto Island
Rangitoto Island is an extinct volcano located in the Hauraki Gulf, this is a great place to unwind and explore this unique island in the gulf, you can get there with just a short charter boat ride from the Viaduct at Auckland’s waterfront.
There are no facilities or shops available on Rangitoto Island so be sure to bring what you need, the main attraction on the island is the walk to the summit of Rangitoto, the well defined path is fairly easy to walk and there are stunning views of the Hauraki Gulf at the top.
The Island is dotted with numerous lava caves and fields to explore while on the island, you can also explore the rocky coastline and beaches, this is a fantastic day out on the Hauraki Gulf and highly recommended.
Motuihe Island
Motuihe Island is located within the Hauraki Gulf, around sixteen Kilometers from Auckland’s Viaduct, this island was a former quarantine station back in the 1800s with influenza patients were quarantined here.
Motuihe Island is a great place to explore with many white sand beaches and crystal clear water, and is a popular place for yachts to anchor over night in the calm of the island.
There are relics to explore all over the island, in 1914 the island was a prison of war camp and also served as a naval training base, there are coastal walks around the island and camping is available during the summer months, Motuihe Island is a great day trip from Auckland and highly recommended.
