One of the greatest things about being 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 Tonga or Vanuatu, you can check out one of these more local island getaways near Auckland. These are 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: $35+ return
Ferry + Hop On Hop Off Bus: $68 return
Time to island: 40 minutes
Calling all wine lovers! This one’s for you. There are countless wineries to visit, but don’t forget to check out the artsy and charming town of Oneroa or check out 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, a great beer selection (if you need a break from all the grapes), and cozy bean bag chairs next to the vineyard. 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 how far it is from everything else, but it’s definitely worth the trip if you have time.
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- Mudbrick: One of the most famous and therefore busiest, but for a good reason. This hill-top winery and restaurant is in a charming old stone mansion, where you can enjoy dinner at sunset and stay the night if you’re ready to splurge a little bit!
You can also take a helicopter over from Auckland if you’re feeling particularly opulent.
Always check BookMe for discounts on transport, packages, and activities!
Rangitoto Island
Ferry: $43 return
Time to island: 30 minutes
Why not 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 exploration on your way up.
One of the coolest things about the island is that the entire thing is 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.
Rotoroa Island
Ferry: $60 return
Time to island: 75 minutes
Not to be confused with Rotorua, in the Waikato, you won’t find any glowworms 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 a bit of bird watching, if that’s your thing!
From beaches to views at the peak, there’s lots to see here on a day trip. There are a few cute accom options which means you can choose to make this a day trip, or a longer overnight island getaway for maximum rest and relaxation.
Great Barrier Island (My personal favourite island getaway near Auckland!)
Ferry: $105+ one way
Time to island: 4 hours 30 minutes
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Flights: $40-200 one way (depending on your luck, when you book, and the size of your bag!) Mine cost $65 there and $115 back
Time to island: 30 minutes
This is one of the most challenging island getaways near Auckland 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
Activities: snorkelling, diving, glass-bottom kayaks, glass-bottom boat tours, visit the marine centre
Time to island: 1 hour drive from Auckland City
Ok ok fine, 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 and snorkel around it.
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.
