Most Scenic Road Trips in Auckland, New Zealand
1. Waterview Highway
Stunning coastal drive offering panoramic views of the Hauraki Gulf and Auckland skyline.
- Coastal Views: Breathtaking ocean vistas for most of the route
- Auckland Skyline: Incredible city skyline views from various points along the drive
- Rest Stops: Multiple scenic lookout spots to pull over and take in the sights
2. Auckland to Waiheke Island Ferry
Ferrying to Waiheke Island for its picturesque vineyards and beaches.
- Wine Tasting: Visit numerous wineries offering tastings and tours
- Beautiful Beaches: Enjoy pristine beaches with crystal-clear waters
- Scenic Ferry Ride: Relaxing ferry journey offering stunning views of the Hauraki Gulf
3. Auckland to Matakana Coastal Drive
Driving along the stunning coastline to reach the charming village of Matakana.
- Artisanal Food: Visit farmers' markets, vineyards, and gourmet food stores
- Scenic Coastal Views: Enjoy beautiful ocean views and charming coastline vistas
- Historic Sites: Stop at historical sites such as Warkworth and the Matakana Museum
4. Auckland to Tauranga via Coromandel Peninsula
Driving through the Coromandel Peninsula for its stunning beaches and lush forests.
- Hot Water Beaches: Relax on hot water beaches formed by underground thermal springs
- Lush Forests: Explore lush forests, including the mighty Pinnacles and Cathedral Cove
- Scenic Coastal Views: Enjoy breathtaking coastal views throughout the drive
5. One Tree Hill (Maungakiekie)
Visit a historic volcano with panoramic views of Auckland city and the Waitemata Harbour.
- Historic Maori Significance: Learn about its significance to Maori history and culture
- City Views: Capture stunning images of Auckland cityscape from the summit
- Monumental Sculpture: Visit the iconic carved Maori warrior statue at the summit
6. Auckland to Paihia via Whangarei
Traveling North to Paihia along scenic routes with stunning beaches and native forests.
- Native Rainforests: Explore the beautiful Whangarei Falls and native rainforest of Tane Mahuta
- Scenic Coastal Views: Enjoy breathtaking coastal views throughout the drive
- Historic Sites: Visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840
7. Bombay to Port Waikato
Driving through the scenic Bombay Hills and reaching Port Waikato's beautiful black-sand beach.
- Scenic Farmland Views: Enjoy picturesque farmland views along the route
- Black Sand Beach: Relax on the unique black sand beach at Port Waikato
- Historic Sites: Stop by Bombay Museum to learn about the region's history
8. Auckland to Bethells Beach (Bethells Coast),
Driving along the stunning West Coast to reach the famous black-sand beach of Bethells.
- Black Sand Beach: Experience the unique beauty of a black sand beach
- Karekare Falls: Visit the picturesque Karekare Falls on the way to Bethells Beach
- Rugged Coastline: Drive through a stunning, rugged coastline with dramatic cliffs and ocean views
9. Auckland to Muriwai Gannet Colony
Driving along the coastal road to reach the Muriwai Gannet colony and its black-sand beach.
- Gannet Colony: Watch thousands of gannets nesting at the colony
- Black Sand Beach: Relax on the unique black sand beach at Muriwai
- Scenic Coastal Views: Enjoy breathtaking coastal views throughout the drive
10. Auckland to Waiheke Island via Devonport Ferry
Taking a scenic ferry ride from Devonport to Waiheke Island for its vineyards and beaches.
- Wine Tasting: Visit numerous wineries offering tastings and tours
- Beautiful Beaches: Enjoy pristine beaches with crystal-clear waters
- Scenic Ferry Ride: Relaxing ferry journey offering stunning views of Auckland Harbour
11. Auckland to Piha via Scenic Drive (Arataki Visitor Centre)
Driving along the scenic West Coast road to reach Piha Beach and the Arataki Visitor Centre.
- Piha Beach: Experience the unique beauty of a black sand beach
- Arataki Visitor Centre: Learn about the West Coast's history, flora, and fauna
- Scenic Coastal Views: Enjoy breathtaking coastal views throughout the drive
12. Auckland to Clevedon via Kaiaua Coast Road
Driving along the beautiful Kaiaua Coast Road to reach the charming town of Clevedon.
- Scenic Coastal Views: Enjoy breathtaking coastal views throughout the drive
- Fishing Village of Kaiaua: Experience a traditional Kiwi fishing village and its iconic Hauraki Rail Trail
- Charming Clevedon: Explore the charming town of Clevedon with its antique shops and gourmet food stores
13. Auckland to Orewa via Red Beach
Driving along the picturesque coastline to reach the charming coastal town of Orewa.
- Scenic Coastal Views: Enjoy breathtaking coastal views throughout the drive
- Red Beach: Visit the unique red-coloured sand beach at Red Beach
- Charming Orewa: Explore the charming coastal town of Orewa with its restaurants and shops
14. Auckland to Takapuna via Northcote Point
Driving along the coastline from Auckland City to reach the vibrant suburb of Takapuna.
- Scenic Coastal Views: Enjoy breathtaking coastal views throughout the drive
- Vibrant Takapuna: Explore the vibrant suburb with its restaurants, shops, and beachfront promenade
- City Skyline Views: Enjoy stunning views of Auckland city skyline from Northcote Point
15. Auckland to Beachlands via Maraetai
Driving along the beautiful coastline to reach the charming coastal town of Beachlands.
- Scenic Coastal Views: Enjoy breathtaking coastal views throughout the drive
- Charming Beachlands: Explore the charming coastal town of Beachlands with its cafes, shops, and beach
- Maraetai Boat Ramp: Enjoy watching boats launching and retrieving at the Maraetai boat ramp