Self-Drive Day Trips From Auckland: 9 Scenic Journeys
Whether you’re in Auckland for business or vacationing, New Zealand's most popular city is the perfect base for a self-driving holiday. From stunning black sand beaches on the West Coast to wine retreats on Waiheke Island, you’ll find the most gorgeous sights on the North Island just a drive away.
To jump-start your trip, Enterprise Rent-A-Car has curated 10 day-trip destinations for your time in Auckland. We’ll make it easy to squeeze an adventure into your schedule and explore remarkable destinations.
Want to end your travels outside of Auckland? Our one-way rental program has you covered, so you can drop off your rental car at any Enterprise Branch of your choosing, no matter where you started.
Enjoy easy day trips with travel times tailored to your schedule. Book a vehicle today and take the wheel for a sunny North Island adventure.
10 Self-Drive Trips from Auckland
Kickstart your travels from New Zealand's largest city! Home to incredible restaurants, art galleries, museums, a thriving coffee culture and unique activities like the Sky Tower Jump. It’s well worth exploring everything that Auckland offers before you consider hitting the road.
For special destinations like Tiritiri Matangi Island, you don’t even need to drive. Just hop on the ferry straight from central Auckland.
1. Auckland to Waitakere Ranges Regional Park via Scenic Dr/Rte (21.9 km - 32 minutes)
When you need a break, take a short trip from Auckland to Waitakere Ranges Regional Park and enjoy over 16,000 hectares of wild rainforests and rugged coastline.
Quick Stats
- Trip Distance: 21.9 km
- Driving time: 32 minutes
- Car recommendation: SUV
- Suitable for: Couples, business travellers, nature lovers
The Range is home to some of the most beloved hikes in New Zealand. The Kitekite Track is just 45 minutes and will take you through waterfalls, pools, streams and gorgeous native bush.
The Arataki Visitor Centre is a must-see while you’re in the park. The centre is the best source of information for the natural and cultural history of the regions, and you’ll often see an exhibition or educational event there.
The closest restaurants to Waitakere Range and the Arataki Visitor Centre are the Olive Kitchen and Bar, the Glen Eden Foodbar and Sam’s Kitchen. Be sure to pack your own picnic if you’d like to eat by the scenic coastal views.
2. Auckland to Glenbrook via SH1 (53.1 km - 43 minutes)
A quick jaunt down the SH 1 to Glenbrook gives you the chance to experience a quaint rural town and beautiful natural vistas without spending the whole day at the wheel.
Quick Stats
- Trip Distance: 53.1 km
- Driving time: 43 minutes
- Car recommendation: Compact car
- Suitable for: Couples, business travellers, nature lovers
Glenbrook is an industrial town and a major steel mill area for New Zealand. You’ll find Glenbrook Beach a short drive away from the town itself, if you’re interested in a swim. The town is also close to beautiful natural reserves, with the nearby Waitangi Falls being a true hidden gem.
The town’s most well-known feature is the Glenbrook Vintage Railway. This historic railway line and fully functional steam train is founded and operated by passionate volunteers looking to keep a piece of the region's stories alive. Relax as the railway goes through 15 km of beautiful countryside. Or hop off in Waiuku to see the mighty Waikato River and Waiuku forest.
There are plenty of quality restaurants around town. You can find over three different Indian restaurants, or you can stop by the Chulo Eatery for a pizza run.
3. Auckland to Piha via State Hwy 16, Rte 13 and Piha Rd (39.8 km - 51 minutes)
A short way past the Waitakere Ranges Regional Park, you’ll find a surprisingly packed hidden gem of a town just begging for a day trip. Piha is famous for the unique black sand of the beaches and the surrounding cliffside.
Quick Stats
- Trip Distance: 40.6 km
- Driving time: 53 minutes
- Car recommendation: SUV
- Suitable for: Surfers, couples, business travellers, nature lovers
There’s more to see once you’re done sunbathing or hitting the waves on Piha Beach. Lion Rock, an iconic landmark with a fascinating history, is just a walk away. This volcanic pug has taken almost 16 million years to find its unique shape and was once a territory marker for the Te Kawerau ā Maki people.
On the drive back, consider taking a moment to see the Fairy Falls. This moderately challenging hour-long hike will take you through native Kauri trees to see a series of tranquil waterfalls. Waitakere Ranges Regional Park also has wonderful scenic drives if you’d like to spend a bit more time in nature before you head back.
Piha has some incredible restaurants and cafes nearby. Aryeh offers expertly made local dishes inspired by New Zealand's natural beauty, while take-away meals, coffee and delicious tacos can be found at Murray Piha and Surfside Bites & Brew.
4. Auckland to Shakespear Regional Park via SH 1 and Whangaparaoa Rd (50 km - 1 hour)
Head out to the Shakespeare Regional Park to see the picturesque views of the Hauraki Gulf and the surrounding Islands. Situated in the Whangaparāoa peninsula, you'll find farmlands, beaches and even a World War 2 gun emplacement across the area.
Quick Stats
- Trip Distance: 51 km
- Driving time: 1 hour
- Car recommendation: SUV
- Suitable for: Families, business travellers, animal lovers
Hit the road from Auckland to Shakespear Regional Park for a scenic drive right through the Northern island. If you’re looking to spend the night under the stars, Te Haruhi Bay campgrounds are right around the corner from the beach.
The peninsula itself is home to some fantastic hikes and nature walks, including a waterfall gully. Be sure to snap a picture by the giant frame before you leave. The view is literally a work of art thanks to this fun and creative installation.
When you’re feeling peckish, there are plenty of tranquil picnic spots if you’ve brought your own meal. Alternatively, you can take a trip to Army Bay or Gulf Harbour to see quality local restaurants.
5. Auckland to Hamilton via SH 1 (123 km - 1 hour 32 minutes)
Only an hour and a half away from Auckland city centre, Hamilton offers a completely different style of adventure to Auckland's bustling streets.
Quick Stats
- Trip Distance: 123 km
- Driving time: 1 hour 32 minutes
- Car recommendation: Full-size rental
- Suitable for: Families, business travellers, nature lovers
The most beloved attraction in the area is the Hamilton Gardens. The Gardens feature 58 hectares of greenery and astonishing hand-crafted displays and exhibits. Step back in time to Ancient Egypt, or take tea in the Chinese Scholars Garden, next to clattering bamboo and serene wind chimes.
You will also find in-depth exhibitions and displays of Māori Culture at Te Whare Taonga o Waikato Museum & Gallery. See the great arts of local talent, or awed at ancient artefacts like a majestic war canoe personally gifted to the city by the Māori Queen.
In Hamilton, you’ll find a variety of dining options: Gothenburg Restaurant offers modern tapas, the Kirk Cafe serves fusion cuisine, and Duck Island Ice Cream is perfect for a sweet treat to end your day.
6. Auckland to Hobbiton Movie Set via SH 1 (170.6 km - 2 hours 7 minutes)
Is it really a trip to New Zealand without a visit to Middle-earth? Stop by the iconic Hobbiton Movie Set for a day trip you’ll never forget. Be sure to book your time in advance.
Quick Stats
- Trip Distance: 170.1 km
- Driving time: 2 hours 7 minutes
- Car recommendation: Compact car
- Suitable for: Couples, business travellers, families, film buffs
Step into the Shire and enjoy a 2-hour tour that takes you through both the iconic set and 1,250 acres of picturesque sheep farms. You’ll see the beautiful views of the Kaimai Ranges before you even set foot into Hobbiton itself.
The sets themselves are well-renowned for the sheer detail that was put into them. Not only will you be able to see the interior of fully fleshed out hobbit homes like Bagshot Row, but each prop has hand-crafted wear and tear to make it feel more real.
If you’re looking for a meal fit for a hobbit, you’ll find the Shire's Rest Cafe and the Green Dragon Inn right by the sets.
7. Auckland to Waiheke Island via Half Moon Bay Ferry (15 km by ferry - 1 hour travel time)
You can reach Waiheke Island from Auckland by taking the Half Moon Bay Ferry, just a short drive away from Auckland's city centre. If you’re looking to spend a little bit more time relaxing along the beach or sampling the many fine wineries, consider booking a stay at a local hotel.
Quick Stats
- Trip Distance: 9.4 km to Half Moon Bay Car Ferry/ 15 km (8 nautical miles)
- Driving time: 23 minutes from Half Moon Bay Car Ferry/ 1 hour to Waiheke Island from the ferry
- Car recommendation: Compact car
- Suitable for: Couples, business travellers, wine fanatics
Enjoy a day of swimming through crystal clear waters or take a relaxing walk through flourishing rolling hills with a stunning view of the coast. You can also enjoy thrilling activities such as snorkelling, laser clay pigeon shooting, archery, and a flying fox zipline.
Why not try some of Waiheke Island's famous wines while you’re here? The region is best known for Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, and has many wine tours if you’d like to try a tasting.
Many local vineyards have outstanding restaurants attached to them, each with a varying cuisine style and culture. From Spanish to Italian, to dishes inspired by local ingredients, you’ll find something to suit your tastes!
8. Auckland to Whitianga via State Hwy 25 (191.6 km - 2 hours 45 minutes)
Go the extra mile to treat yourself. While reaching Whitianga from Auckland is a bit of a drive, you won’t regret losing yourself in this coastal paradise for the day.
Quick Stats
- Trip Distance: 192.2 km
- Driving time: 2 hours 45 minutes
- Car recommendation: Compact car
- Suitable for: Couples, business travellers, nature lovers
The Lost Springs is a restorative day spa and geothermal mineral pool. The Springs waters are naturally therapeutic and surrounded by an amethyst cave, so you can enjoy tranquil nature without having to lift a finger. The Springs are one of the most recommended activities in all of Whitianga.
The Coromandel Peninsula is one of the oldest settlements in New Zealand, and at the Mercury Bay Museum, you can learn the region's story yourself. Enjoy a wide collection of Māori and early settler artefacts, including exhibits dedicated to the legendary Polynesian explorer Kupe.
If you’re in town during September, be sure you don’t miss out on the Whitianga Scallop Festival, featuring over 60 stalls and even shucking contests.
9. Auckland to Waipu via SH 1 (121 km - 1 hour 34 minutes)
This small town in Bream Bay has spectacular natural surroundings and a unique cultural history. When you’ve finished with beautiful nature walks, immerse yourself in high-quality museums.
Quick Stats
- Trip Distance: 121 km
- Driving time: 1 hour 34 minutes
- Car recommendation: Compact car
- Suitable for: Families, business travellers, history buffs
Waipu is a town with a rich Scottish heritage that is still alive and well to this day. At the Waipu Scottish Migration Museum, you’ll discover the complete story of the Scottish Highlanders’ initial settlement in the area during the 1850s. The Archived documents held at the Museum are now included in the Memory of the World Aotearoa New Zealand Ngā Mahara o te Ao register for heritage.
If you’re looking to stretch your legs after the Museum, the Waipu Coastal Walkway is a moderately challenging 2.4 km hike through native coastal bush. You’ll walk past the unique ‘Pancake rocks’ of Waipu, stones that have been eroded into ‘pancake stacks’!
Waipu is also home to one of the best free Glowworm Caves in New Zealand. You’ll enjoy a short walk across local farmland before exploring the main cave, where you'll find dramatic limestone stalactites and stalagmites while you explore the 175 m long cave.
Waipu is a naturally beautiful area, and there’s plenty of outdoor seating. The Cove Cafe offers great burgers and cocktails while Waipu Central is a perfect stop for breakfasts, coffee and family meals.
Rental Cars from Auckland
Main highways and most local roads in and around Auckland are well-maintained and fully sealed. For long trips or rides through forests and reserves, you may want a car that can handle steep and windy conditions. We would recommend:
Bleisure Travel Driving Business Forward
With flexible working conditions, 'bleisure travel’ (Combination of business and leisure) is becoming more and more popular. If you have a business trip to Auckland coming up, our flexible business car rental can help you make the most of your downtime.
Get to your meetings easily and plan some North Island sightseeing along the way. Our personalised business package features a dedicated Account Manager and 24/7 roadside assistance with no membership fees required.
Looking to schedule some extra fun for your next work trip? Check out our tips for making the most of bleisure travels in Auckland:
- Try the local cafes: New Zealand is famous for its high-quality coffee and preference for darker roasts with stronger flavours. Search your neighbourhood for the best local coffee spot with free Wifi, to get some work done between meetings.
- Convenient hotels geared for business: You must make sure your hotels can meet your business needs. Franchises like the Holiday Inn have services such as fax/copying machines, USB connectors, powerpoints and meeting rooms, while places like the Abstract Hotel have access to co-working spaces.
- Sleep off the beaten path: Don’t just spend all your time in Auckland. You’ll find plenty of accommodations across the North Island. Why not look for a hotel with the proper amenities near rugged destinations like Waitakere Ranges Regional Park for a day, to make your exploring easier?
Steer Your Way With Epic Day Trips From Auckland!
Self-driving day trips from Auckland are a fantastic way to discover the North Island, especially when you’re short on time. Whether you’re a rugby fan or a serious foodie, Enterprise Rent-A-Car is here to help steer you towards your dream destination with our 10 recommended day trips.
Looking for more adventure? Embark on a 4-day Auckland to Coromandel trip, or go the extra mile with a full-blown North Island road trip! With car rental branches at Auckland City, Auckland Airport and Wellington Airport, you can plan a road trip around the whole island. We also offer one-way rentals to make planning as easy as possible.
Experience the freedom of the road with an Enterprise car rental today!