One of the greatest things about living in Auckland is how many outdoor escapes there are so close to the city. If you’re craving a little island time and can’t hop on a last-minute flight to Fiji or Vanuatu, check out one of these local island getaways near Auckland. They’re perfect for a weekend away or even an adventurous day trip.
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Island getaways near Auckland
One of my favourite things about Auckland is how you can enjoy all the benefits of living in a big city but make an easy escape on the weekends. Here are some of my favourite island getaways near Auckland to consider for your next staycation:
Waiheke Island
Ferry: $44-59 return
Ferry + Hop On Hop Off Bus: $94 return
Time to island: 40 minutes
Wine lovers, this one’s for you. There are countless wineries to visit on Waiheke, but don’t forget to check out the artsy and charming town of Oneroa or stroll one of the walking trails along the coast for great views. Some of my fave wineries:
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- Wild on Waiheke: I’m pretty sure it’s the only winery that offers archery, clay target shooting, and cozy bean bag chairs next to the vineyard. It also has a great beer selection if you need a break from all the grapes. Perfect for a sunny day!
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- Man O’ War: Definitely one of the best in terms of actual wine quality, and the expansive outdoor patio sits right next to the beach. So you can enjoy lunch with the sound of waves crashing on the sand. The only downside is that it’s far from everything else, but it’s definitely worth the trip if you have time. They now have a direct ferry from Auckland to Man O’ War.
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- Mudbrick: One of the most famous and therefore busiest, but for good reason. This hilltop winery and restaurant is in a charming old stone mansion, where you can enjoy dinner at sunset and stay the night at The Lodge if you’re ready to splurge on some bougie accom.
You can also take a helicopter over from Auckland if you’re feeling particularly opulent. Always check BookMe for discounts on activities!
helicopter from Auckland
boats in the harbour
Wild on Waiheke archery
Rangitoto Island
Ferry: $58 return
Time to island: 30 minutes
Hike up a dormant volcano for something a little different. To be fair, Auckland is full of these, but there’s something a little more magical about it when it’s an island. You can also explore some lava caves, which I have to admit sound cooler than they are, but are still worth a little detour on your way up to the summit.
One of the coolest things about the island is that it’s a nature reserve, so there are no shops, restaurants, or hotels. The most direct route to the peak only takes an hour or so and boasts some pretty nice views of the Auckland skyline! This is probably one the most famous island getaways near Auckland, but the walk is popular for a good reason. Try to visit on a weekday to avoid any crowds.
Rangitoto Island hiking trail
Rotoroa Island
Ferry: $95 return
Time to island: 75 minutes
Not to be confused with Rotorua, in the Waikato, you won’t find any glow worms or geothermal activity here. BUT for a more off-the-beaten-track adventure, this island offers lots to explore with fewer crowds. The whole island is a nature reserve, just like Rangitoto, but Rotoroa is more famous for bird watching opportunities.
From beaches to views at the peak, there’s lots to see here. There are a few cute accom options, too, which means you can choose to make this a day trip or a longer overnight island getaway for maximum rest and relaxation.
Cool rock near the ferry dock
Weka
Great Barrier Island (My personal favourite island getaway near Auckland!)
Ferry: $100+ one way
Flights: $150-300 one way
Time to island: 30-minute flight, 4-hour ferry
It’s possible to ferry one-way and fly the other.
This island getaways near Auckland is one of the most challenging to access, but making the journey over to Great Barrier Island is well worth it! Accom can be pretty expensive and you’ll need a car to get to all the best trailheads, so I highly recommend getting one of these rooftop tent camping cars.
Goat Island Marine Reserve
Time to island: 1 hour drive from Auckland City
Ok so you can’t actually step foot on this island as it’s protected. But the short trip from Auckland is still well worth it if you’re into marine life because you can swim, snorkel, and kayak around it. It’s one of the best places to snorkel or dive in New Zealand!
I swam next to sting rays, saw giant fish, and even spotted a teeny tiny baby octopus. I’m not even exaggerating when I say the fish were nearly as big as I am. If you’re lucky, you may see dolphins and whales, or, if you’re not so lucky, sharks. Obviously, this is far less common.
