Best Day Trips from Auckland

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 of New Zealand's best-known cities.

Some of the best things to see and do in Auckland to discover the city's surroundings include a trip to Hobbiton, which is the natural setting for Lord of the Rings, a tour of Rotorua and Wai-O-Tapu, a visit to the Coromandel Peninsula, a tour of the Bay of Islands and the Waitomo Caves.

If you want to see one of the most beautiful places outside of Auckland and you're also a fan of the Lord of the Rings saga, you can visit Hobbiton, which is located in Matamata and is a tourist destination that offers total immersion in the Middle Earth created by the writer J.R.R. Tolkien.

These full-day tours usually include hotel pick-up transfers 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 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 movies were filmed at the site. You will also be able to take some of the best photographs of your trip with the original props and sets, such as the round door of Bilbo Baggins' house.

On these tours you can also discover the open views from the hill that was used as the main set for the first film, giving you a fantasy experience of Tolkien's Middle-earth. The best views are if you travel to Auckland in August or during the spring months.

Interesting details

• Price: These tours have an initial cost of approximately ¤131 per person, including hotel pick-up and return transfers and guided tour.
• Duration: between 8 and 9 hours.
• Advantages of these tours: You will get to see one of the most beautiful and picturesque places on the outskirts of Auckland.
• Disadvantages of these tours: This is a Lord of the Rings story tour, so if you have no prior knowledge of the saga, you may miss some important details.

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

Rotorua is a geothermal city known for its geysers, hot mud pools and hot springs. Upon arrival in the city, you'll see the Pohutu Geyser and the Prince of Wales Feathers Geyser, which emanate 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 characteristic of New Zealand. On these excursions, you will usually be able to attend a dinner and performance of traditional Maori dances and songs.

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

At Wai-O-Tapu you can also find the famous Sulphur Pool, which is bright green in colour and has an unearthly appearance. It's definitely one of the best things to do on your trip, especially if you're planning to visit Auckland in the summer.

Interesting details

• Price: these tours have an initial cost of approximately 175 euros per person, including return transfers with hotel pick-up, guided tour and Maori show.
• Duration: approximately 11 hours.
• Advantages of these tours: you will get to know in depth one of the most famous regions of New Zealand.
• Disadvantages of these tours: they usually last all day, so may not be compatible with a short stay in Auckland.

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

These tours, which start in Auckland and usually include hotel pick-up and drop-off, will take you up the east coast to the Coromandel Peninsula and take in the views of the Pacific Ocean and the region's green hills. You can also book a guided bike tour.

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

If you're 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 with a natural arch carved into the rock by the sea. If you plan to visit Auckland at Christmas time, you can also discover the place lit up with Christmas Eve decorations creating a magical atmosphere at night.

Interesting details

• Price: these tours have an initial cost of approximately 171 euros per person, including hotel pick-up and return transfers and guided tour.
• Duration: approximately 12 hours.
• Advantages of these tours: one of the most interesting adventure alternatives in the north of New Zealand.
• Disadvantages of these tours: you may not be able to do a full tour of the site or enjoy all the tours in a full day tour.

If you're looking for a beach option during your trip to Auckland, the Bay of Islands tour is not to be missed. This place is known for its pristine beaches, beautiful scenic views and variety of wildlife.

The Bay of Islands is located in the north of New Zealand and during the tour you can enjoy the coastal views, see the famous Auckland Harbour Bridge and pass through the Northland wine region, which is the leading wine region of its kind in the country.

In the Bay of Islands, you'll usually get to see the site on a boat tour 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, which is the largest island in the bay. There, you can hike the trails, take in the panoramic views and visit the remains of a historic fortress. You will also have free time to relax on the beach or explore the island on your own.

Details of interest

• Price: these excursions have an initial cost of approximately 199 euros per person, including return transfers with hotel pick-up and guided tour.
• Duration: between 12 and 13 hours.
• Advantages of these tours: they are the best alternative to visit some of the best beaches in New Zealand.
• Disadvantages of these tours: they are nature-focused tours, so while you will have time to relax on the beach, they are not recommended if you want a relaxed visit.

If you want to combine a visit to Hobbiton, which is the natural setting for the Lord of the Rings saga, with an experience at one of New Zealand's most striking sites, these tours may offer the solution, as they also include a tour of the famous Waitomo Caves.

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

In addition, these tours will also take you to the Waitomo Caves, which are known for their glow worms. The caves are full of these insects which create a stunning and surreal natural spectacle.

During your visit you can enjoy a boat ride on the underground river and watch the worms light up the cave like a starry sky. You'll 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 worms' illumination exalted in the darkness of the night, as sunset is usually early.

Details of interest

• Price: these tours have an initial cost of approximately 185 euros per person, including hotel pick-up and return transfers and guided tour.
• Duration: approximately 10 hours.
• Advantages of these tours: You will be able to combine a visit to the scenes of the Lord of the Rings saga with one of the most striking sites in New Zealand.
• Disadvantages of these tours: It is a very intense tour with very little free time for rest.

You can book a tour from Auckland in advance online or in the city once you're there, but to avoid delays or sell out, I advise you to make a pre-trip itinerary and book tours in advance.

Also, if you plan to visit Auckland in February or during the summer months, bear in mind that this is part of the peak season, so prices may increase. Booking in advance will allow you to freeze the rate and avoid last minute price increases.

On these tours you'll discover some of New Zealand's top sites in the north, 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 world's largest geysers.

You can also visit Wai-O-Tapu, which is another of the country's most famous geothermal areas, with its hot springs and brightly coloured lakes.

The Bay of Islands and Coromandel Peninsula are also home to some of Oceania's best beaches and natural must-see sites, which are often included in the best Auckland tours.

If you're visiting Auckland, using the city as a base for excursions to nearby places is one of the best things to do in Auckland, although it can be a bit of a hassle if you don't have enough information. Here are some tips that might be 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's important to have a clear idea of what you want to do so you can make the most of your time.
• Be prepared for the weather: the temperature in New Zealand can be unpredictable, so be prepared for anything. Pack warm clothes and rain gear in case you need to, especially if you plan to visit Auckland during the winter months.
• Learn about the destinations: many of the places you'll be visiting, such as Hobbiton, are beautiful to look at, but they also require you to have some prior knowledge so that you don't miss some of the attractions, so I recommend that you study up on some of the features of the destinations beforehand.
• Don't forget your camera: The scenery in New Zealand is breathtaking, so be sure to bring a camera to capture your memories, as you will come across some of the best landscapes of your trip.

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 is a wide variety of outdoor activities available around Auckland, 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 free time on excursions.

There are many tour options to choose from, so you can visit everything from nearby islands to exploring beaches on the Coromandel Peninsula.

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