Auckland has more to offer than just cool cafes, the Sky Tower, and epic sunsets. If you’re looking to take your Auckland adventure up a notch, why not escape to one of the nearby islands? With beautiful beaches, world-class wineries, scenic hikes, and unique wildlife, each island offers its own unforgettable experience. The best part? They’re all just a ferry ride away, so you can easily explore them on separate day trips. 

Whether you’re in Auckland for work, a weekend escape, or just passing through, these island trips are a must-do. And, if you’re looking for a place to stay, Legacy Airedale Hotel Auckland or family-friendly Heartland Hotel Auckland Airport make exploring easy.  

Waiheke Island: Wine, Beaches & Chill 

Waiheke is Auckland’s golden child when it comes to day trips. Think white sand beaches, boutique wineries, and a whole island vibe that says “chill out in style”

What to do 

  • Wineries for Days: Ever wanted to sip wine with a view so stunning, it‘s straight out of your Instagram dreams? Stop by places like Tantalus, Mudbrick and Cable Bay Vineyards. 
  • Beach Bumming: Oneroa and Onetangi beaches are your Waiheke Island go-to spots for sun, swimming, and unwinding. 

Getting to Waiheke Island 

Catch a ferry from Auckland’s CBD – just a short stroll from Legacy Airedale Hotel on Queen Street. It’s a 40-minute ride, so grab a coffee, sit back and enjoy the ocean vibes. There are several ferry services to Waiheke Island with Fullers360 running the most frequently. SeaLink NZ also provides a ferry service with the option of taking your car to the island if you prefer to self-drive.

Getting around Waiheke Island

Buses: Public buses connect major attractions and beaches, often aligning with ferry arrival and departure times. 

Hop-on Hop-off Explorer Bus: This bus meets each ferry on arrival (Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays) and stops at 15 locations around the island, including vineyards, beaches, and restaurants. 

Taxis: Taxis are readily available and service the entire island, with some services offering set fares to specific venues. 

Rental Cars: You can hire private vehicles to explore the island at your own pace. 

Bicycles: Renting bicycles is a popular way to explore the island, and you can even take your own bike on the ferry free of charge. E-bikes are also available for hire. 

Scooters: Island Scoot offers premium retro scooters for hire, based in Oneroa/Blackpool. 

Tour Buses: Tour buses provide guided experiences, allowing you to explore the island with an expert.

Local Tours: There are various tour companies offering a range of experiences, from walking and wine tours to bike, horse, kayak, and even jet ski tours. 

Rangitoto Island: Hike a Volcano 

Looking for an adventure? Rangitoto Island is a volcanic wonderland and is in fact New Zealand’s youngest (and thankfully inactive) volcano. Perfect for outdoor lovers, Rangitoto offers hiking, lava caves, the largest Pohutakawa forest in New Zealand, and unbeatable views of Auckland. 

What to do 

  • The Summit Track: This easy-to-moderate hike that takes about an hour to the summit, where you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of Auckland and the Hauraki Gulf.
  • Lava Caves: Explore the unique lava caves created by Rangitoto’s volcanic history—just don’t forget your flashlight! 
  • Kayaking Tours: If hiking isn’t your thing, paddle your way around the island for a fresh perspective. Rangitoto Island sea kayaking tours run daily, giving you the chance to explore this unique island. 

Getting to Rangitoto Island

Fullers360 Ferries leave from Auckland CBD several times a day making it super easy to get to if you’re staying at Legacy Airedale Hotel Auckland. The journey will take about 25 minutes to reach the island from the terminal.

What to bring

  • Snacks / Lunch – there are no cafe’s or restaurants on the island and you’ll need to bring plenty of fuel for your explorations
  • Water – there is no drinking water on island
  • Sturdy shoes – you’ll be walking over rugged basalt lava flows, and the ground can be un-even in places
  • Sun protection – parts of the island are quite exposed so a good hat, sun-glasses and sun-screen are a must
  • A watch or phone to keep track of time – you don’t want to be the person running for the last ferry!
  • Your sense of adventure!

Tiritiri Matangi Island: Wildlife Wonderland 

For nature and wildlife lovers looking for things to do in Auckland, New Zealand, Tiritiri Matangi Island is a must. This predator-free sanctuary is one of New Zealand’s most successful conservation projects and offers a peaceful escape with incredible wildlife.

What to do 

  • Birdwatching Galore: Spot rare native birds like the takahē, tūī, and korimako (bellbird). 
  • Stunning Walks: For a true taste of Tiritiri Matangi, take one of the island walks – either the Wattle Track for a leisurely, scenic stroll or the Kawerau Track for epic coastal views. 
  • Historical Fun: Discover ancient middens, kūmara pits, and New Zealand’s oldest working lighthouse, plus a watchtower, foghorn, and maritime museum with fascinating artefacts. 

Getting to Tiritiri Matangi Island 

It’s a longer ferry ride – around 75 minutes from Auckland’s CBD – but well worth it. Explore Group run a daily service with pickups from the CBD and also from Gulf Harbour on the Whangapaparoa Peninsula (just over an hour’s drive north of Auckland). Be sure to book your ferry and any guided tours in advance—they can fill up quickly. 

Free tea and coffee are available for sale at the Visitor Centre on island but there is no food for sale so you’ll need to bring a packed lunch or some snacks, and water to see you through your day. Advice for visiting this unique island.

Why Stay with Scenic Hotel Group? 

After a full day of exploring these Auckland things to do, you’ll need somewhere to relax and recharge. Scenic Hotel Group has two great places to stay in Auckland:

Legacy Airedale Hotel Auckland

Perfect if you want to be in the heart of CBD action. Legacy Airedale Hotel Auckland is close to ferry terminals, top restaurants, and shopping. The modern vibe makes it the perfect base for your city adventures.

Heartland Hotel Auckland Airport 

Flying in or out? Heartland Hotel Auckland Airport has you covered. You’re close to the airport and still within easy reach of Auckland’s islands. It’s all about comfort and practicality – think family-friendly, a swimming pool, free parking and no stress. 

Both hotels deliver that classic New Zealand hospitality Scenic is known for, so you’ll feel right at home.