Waiheke Island
- Auckland
- Orewa
- Warkworth
36 km (23 miles)
Approximately 0.5 hour
Road Conditions: Motorway/State Highway
Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city, is situated between two enormous harbours and dotted with 48 extinct volcanic cones. It’s a place to enjoy marine adventures, wine trails, forest walks and urban sophistication.
At the beginning of your journey, you’ll drive over the Auckland Harbour Bridge towards the bays and beaches of Auckland’s North Shore. The motorway will quickly sweep you northward, until the suburban scenery gives way to peaceful farmland.
Before you reach Orewa, you have the option of taking an exit that leads to Silverdale and Gulf Harbour. Silverdale is famous for its factory and outlet stores. Gulf Harbour, at the end of the Whangaparaoa Peninsula, has a breathtaking golf course. Beautiful beaches can be found up and down the peninsula.
The town of Orewa spreads along the edge of a large, white sand surf beach. You can explore bush trails at the northern end of the town, visit the friendly shopping centre or dive into the waves for a refreshing swim.
Scenic Highlights
Auckland's volcanic cones
Climb green volcanic cones in the heart of a large city to peer into deep craters and explore ancient Maori earthworks. Look out over the harbours, islands and beyond.
Devonport & North Head
Discover colonial cottages, stately waterfront homes and World War II defences that run deep into a volcanic cone.
Wenderholm Regional Park
Swim at the beach, kayak up a river, explore a native forest headland or camp overnight in a seaside regional park just north of Auckland.
Hunua Ranges
Enjoy nature walks, mountain biking, fishing and camping in the largest mainland forest within the Auckland region.
Auckland Botanic Gardens
Learn about plants from New Zealand and around the world. This beautiful garden offers 64 hectares of cleverly themed displays.
Tamaki Drive and beaches
Enjoy on-street cafes, park-like picnic areas and safe sandy beaches just minutes from Auckland's central business district.
Parnell Historic Walk
Explore the historic houses and buildings of Parnell, New Zealand's first suburb. Be tempted by great cafes and specialty shops along the way.
Shakespear Regional Park
Flop on the beach with a good book or walk across farmland and through native bush to panoramic views of the Hauraki Gulf and islands.
Coast to Coast Walk
Walk across New Zealand in one day. This 16 kilometre walkway explores parks, volcanic cones and historic suburbs across the Auckland isthmus.
Long Bay Regional Park
Pack a picnic and head for a waterfront park just 20 kilometres from the city centre. Relax on the long sandy beach or hike along the headland.
Auckland Domain
Fly a kite, feed ducks, walk through native forest or follow a trail of outdoor sculptures in this magnificent inner city park.
Auckland's North Shore beaches
Dip your toes into the North Shore's beachy lifestyle. A series of sandy bays stretches from Cheltenham to Torbay.
Long Bay - Okura Marine Reserve, North Auckland
Less than half an hour from Auckland's CBD, this marine reserve runs along the edge of a beautiful sandy beach.
Motu Manawa (Pollen Island) Marine Reserve, Waitemata Harbour
A haven for wading and sea birds, you can see this marine reserve from Auckland's northwestern motorway.
Motuihe Island
Visit a picturesque island that is becoming a new wildlife sanctuary. Enjoy walks, beautiful sandy beaches and glimpses of the island's intriguing history.
Rangitoto Island
Cross the harbour on a ferry to step onto an alien volcanic landscape. Explore native forests and lava caves on the way to panoramic views from the edge of the summit crater.
Tiri Tiri Matangi Island
Encounter the entertaining behaviour of rare native birds on this pest-free island sanctuary. These birds have no reason to fear humans, so they're extra friendly.
Waitakere Ranges
In half an hour you can leave the city behind to explore a vast forest park with waterfalls, rivers, giant kauri trees and wild ocean beaches.
Activities
Auckland
Golf (1),
Walking/Trekking (9)
Tour and Sightseeing
Auckland
Golf (2),
Walking/Trekking (7)
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