Weekend Trips And Getaways From Auckland

While there are many awe-inspiring escapes within the confines of Auckland, it’s equally as well placed for a number of weekend getaways. For as little as taking Friday afternoon off work, you can get two whole days of joy away from the city – think sailing over the country’s biggest lake, or marvelling at art deco architecture in Hawkes Bay. Hop in the car, hit the road, and take your Friday drinks with a side of fresh countryside air.

Taupō

The real drawcard in Taupō is its lake; the largest in New Zealand, and a truly spectacular sight. Crystal-clear blue waters are bordered by magnificent cliffs and, in some places, the lake seems so deep you could be left wondering what hides in its inky depths – local Māori certainly did, which is where cultural legend the Loch Ness monster-esque taniwha originates from.

Napier

In the wake of a devastating earthquake in the 1930s, Napier was largely rebuilt. The result is an Art Deco-rich city that feels incongruous from the rest of the country’s architecture, but works so beautifully in this seaside setting. Retro facades aside, the city has a thoroughly modern interior, staking its claim as a dining hub in New Zealand. Should all that building ogling get too much, the beautiful beaches are the perfect place to soak up some rays.

The city base perched just behind the harbour from the pristine beaches of Mount Maunganui and Papamoa, Tauranga is a flourishing port town. A growth in population in recent years has afforded the town some serious new restaurant openings, helping to create a vibrant cultural scene in this picture-perfect beach destination.

1. Food and Wine Tasting Tour

Activities, Tours

This bucolic area of the country has much to offer in the way of edible and quaffable delights. Sample the best of them on this food and wine tour. Departing from the city centre, you’ll be taken to some of the area’s finest independent producers, sampling foods like bespoke cheeses and salamis, and beverages like locally brewed cider and wine from an award-winning vineyard. Your knowledgeable guide will transport you between destinations, filling you in on notable facts and local history as you go along, and having you back in time for a sunset swim.

Coromandel

This much-lauded peninsula is often pinpointed as being home to some of the country’s best beaches – and the masses certainly aren’t wrong. With white sand and crystal-clear water, alongside hidden bays and the infamous Cathedral Cove (you may recognise it from the Chronicles of Narnia films), Coromandel is a destination that epitomises why New Zealand is so often seen as a heaven on earth.

2. Coromandel Coastal Walkway Day Tour

Tours, Activities

Wind your way through the gravel lanes of the Coromandel Peninsula as your driver deftly navigates these tricky stretches of road to deliver you to some of the most picturesque areas in the area. Dropping you off at Stony Bay, you’ll then traverse the 10km (6mi) coastal path to Fletcher Bay – taking you past crystal clear waters, through lush bushland and with views over to Great Barrier Island, this is a hike you won’t soon forget. Your driver will meet you at the other end, dropping you back to Coromandel Town for a well-deserved sunset drink.

Bay of Islands

Comprising 140 islands amongst glassy waters, the Bay of Islands is an otherworldly idyll at the top of the North Island. The two main towns in the area are Paihia, and the historical port and whaling town of Russell, which was once referred to as the “Hell Hole of the Pacific”. History buffs should forego the former for the latter, which is filled with colonial houses and some of the oldest structures in New Zealand.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.