Day trip from Auckland

Auckland is a fantastic city to base yourself on a motorhome holiday. There are so many places to pick up a campervan from, and after that the world is entirely your oyster. If you’re planning on a holiday in and around the City of Sails, here are some ideas for places to go in under two hours drive.  

Hauraki Gulf 

If you want to keep the campervan parked and explore the Hauraki Gulf by boat there are so many ways to do this. Take a harbour cruise to get a general overview, take a ferry to Rangitoto and climb to the top to enjoy stunning vistas. Or make like the locals and head to Waiheke - It's only 40 minutes by boat from the CBD  and you can enjoy white sand beaches, plenty of cellar doors, gorgeous walks, quirky shops and great eateries.  If you're keen on whale watching there are tours that will take you out to do that too. 

Wild West 

If you're looking for the wilder, more untouched, side of Auckland take your home on wheels west to stunning beaches like Piha, Muriwai, Bethells and Karekare - there are campervan parks out there if you want to stay overnight. Explore beautiful bush walks through the Waitakere ranges (some include waterfalls) and make sure you stop at the breweries and vineyards West Auckland is so well known for, on your way back into the city. 

Hamilton and Hobbiton 

Hamilton Gardens are internationally-renowned for a reason and it will only take you just over 90 minutes to get there in a motorhome from Auckland. Don’t write this off as a trip for the over seventies. The Surrealist Garden - and many other sections - will appeal to all ages and there seems to be something new popping up every year, making it even more impressive than before. After that it’s not that much further on to Hobbiton, and the movie set  tour is equally fascinating for fans and non fans alike as you poke through the hobbit holes in the side of the hills and finish up with a drink at The Green dragon. 

Matakana and Tawharanui

Head north to Matakana for well-loved markets, boutique shopping, excellent oysters, sculptures, vineyards and one of Auckland's most stunning beaches - Tawharanui. There’s a reason Aucklanders flock there in droves every weekend and it will add an extra special dimension to your campervan holiday. 

So if you’re taking a motorhome vacation in and around Auckland, it’s well worth exploring some of the amazing options less than two hours from the city centre. From beaches, to islands, to world famous gardens to movie sets of international acclaim, there are so many options - for all tastes.