Excited to explore Aukland? Well, you’re in for an endless selection of beautiful landmarks and thrilling experiences. New Zealand is widely regarded as the origin of adventure tourism, but it’s also known for its astonishingly breathtaking views and attractions. With Aukland as your base, you’ll be able to get to almost everything. That being said, though, what are some of the most beautiful routes you can’t miss when you’re staying in Aukland?
In this article, we’ll share a list of some of the most utterly beautiful spots to see when you’re travelling in and around Aukland.
1. Bay of Islands
Starting our list our list of routes to take from Aukland is the drive to the Bay of Islands. All along this route you’ll be surrounded by pristine beaches and tons of quaint towns which you can stop at along the way.
Overall this three and half hour drive is one of the most spectacular routes you can drive and your destination is well worth the wait. In Paihia you’ll be spoilt for choice with the 144 different islands each with their own secluded swimming spots. Or if you want to take it all in you can organise a daily cruise, or hire a kayak to get up close and personal with the wildlife.
For those who want to explore more of the land you can take a walk amongst Waipoua Forest’s great Kauri Trees or delve into the heart of Maori culture at the Waitangi treaty grounds. Whether you prefer to in inland or on the water, or even both, this is a destination nobody should miss when travelling from Aukland.
2. Coromandel Peninsula
Another destination everyone shouldn’t miss out on when travelling from Aukland is taking a trip to the gorgeous Coromandel Peninsula. This one is worth taking a couple of days to enjoy, because let’s just say the long winding roads are best driven slowly – not only is it safer but then you can fully appreciate the eastern coast in all its glory.
Once you see the awe-inspiring rock formations of Cathedral Cove and immerse yourself in in the reviving thermal pools of Hot Water Beach, you’ll appreciate the journey even more. To top it all off, especially for those avid hikers, you cannot leave without hiking the Pinnacles for the gorgeous view of the entire peninsula – it’s just the cherry on top!
3. Rotorua
The road to Rotorua is truly a journey that immerses as many of the senses as possible, although if you’re not a fan of the scent of sulphur then you’ll want to keep your windows up (it can take a bit of time to get used to). But once you arrive at your destination and are used to the smell you’ll be mesmerised by the geothermal attractions, most notably the boardwalks of Waumangu Volcanic Valley with its iridescent blue pools and steaming creaks. Last but not least you cannot skip out of soaking in a private thermal spa that overlooks the beautiful lake at Polynesian Spa.
4. Hobbiton
While New Zealand is famous in its own right, millions of people might argue that it was the legendary trilogy, The Lord of the Rings, that really solidified it as the place to go for breathtaking views. And, for those Tolkien fans, one place you cannot miss when travelling from Aukland is none other than Middle Earth itself, otherwise known as Hobbiton. Just type it in on Google Maps, and a two-hour ride later, you’ll be in The Shire. You won’t find hobbits and wizards, but you will find the iconic doorways and tavern from the film. Even the roadtrip there will make you feel like you’re in Middle Earth.
5. Piha
For a roadtrip from Aukland that is short and sweet but still satisfies the need for adventure, then you need to take a drive to Piha. Being only an hour drive from Aukland, it’s quite the popular escape route for local Kiwi residents. En-route it’s a wonderful idea to stretch your legs and take a hike as many of them will lead you to swimming holes, creek beds and stunning waterfalls. Here you’ll find rugged cliffs that run along striking black sand beaches and not to mention Piha Beach. .
Tips for roadtripping around Aukland
You don’t need the biggest vehicle to explore Aukland and beyond, but to appreciate it in it’s entirety you need to choose a vehicle that you feel comfortable in. So, before you kickstart your adventure, consider the following tips when choosing a your rental vehicle to ensure you enjoy your roadtrip to the fullest.
- Consider how many people are joining you and how much space you need
- Know what is included with your vehicle
- Understand what the fuel consumption of the vehicle
- Be realistic with your budget
You can learn more about getting cheap rental rates in Auckland here!
Final Thoughts
When travelling around Aukland you’ll experience some of the most breathtaking views and absolutely astonishing sites. Of them all, these five spots remain amongst some of the best and most beautiful. It’s well worth taking the time to get out there and experience the life of a hobbit or wash away your troubles in a thermal spa, if you don’t, we’re telling you you’ll regret it.
