{"id":10553,"date":"2022-12-09T11:41:51","date_gmt":"2022-12-08T22:41:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/greenviewpark.co.nz\/?p=10553"},"modified":"2023-01-30T19:35:21","modified_gmt":"2023-01-30T06:35:21","slug":"7-fabulous-day-escapes-from-auckland-to-enjoy-this-summer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/greenviewpark.co.nz\/7-fabulous-day-escapes-from-auckland-to-enjoy-this-summer\/","title":{"rendered":"7 Fabulous Day Escapes from Auckland to Enjoy this Summer"},"content":{"rendered":"
From finding someone to feed the cat to the expense of accommodation and getting stuck in<\/span> holiday traffic – holidays out of Auckland can be a hassle. And when there are so many<\/span> incredible day escapes you can enjoy, why would you worry about packing an overnight<\/span> bag?<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n So why not pop the 7 itinerary ideas below on your calendar, and you\u2019ll have day trips galore<\/span> to keep you busy for the next couple of months!<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The T\u0101wharanui Peninsula is a big place, so this location may require a few day trips before<\/span> you manage to cover it all! Of course one of the most amazing things about this region (just<\/span> over an hour north of Auckland City) is the stunning scenery – think gold sand beaches and<\/span> crystal clear water. And if you enjoy your coastal walks, there\u2019s plenty to do here, for all<\/span> ability levels.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Up this way you\u2019ll also find Matakana, home to boutique shopping, eateries and the<\/span> infamous Matakana markets. Other popular spots include Omaha, Point Wells, Sandspit and<\/span> right on the Mahurangi River is Warkworth, a great place to stop for morning or afternoon<\/span> tea.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n South of Auckland City, and to the west, you\u2019ll find Clarks Beach on the Manukau Harbour. A<\/span> gorgeous little beachside town, it\u2019s an ideal place to bring a picnic and stay for the day.<\/span> There\u2019s also things to see and do on your drive there and back – you could call into the CCT<\/span> Lavender Farm and Cafe in Karaka, pop into the Glenbrook Vintage Railway, or enjoy the<\/span> serenity at the Wrights Watergarden in Patumahoe.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The wild west coast, with its black sand beaches and rugged coastline, is always a great day<\/span> out, no matter the weather. And while it\u2019s a great destination for your day trip, the road<\/span> travelled will provide you with lots of amazing vantage points to take in the view west to the<\/span> Tasman Sea, down to the Manukau Harbour and east to the city.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The Piha Cafe has delicious food on the menu, or Elevation Brasserie is another popular<\/span> eatery as Piha Road joins back up to Scenic Drive.<\/span><\/p>\n A mere 40 minute boat ride will get you to the self-proclaimed jewel of the Hauraki Gulf, and<\/span> there\u2019s no question it is a fantastic way to spend a day. You can jump on board a tour bus to<\/span> check out all the sites, or hire a car and take yourself for a drive.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The main town centre, Oneroa, is only a quick bus trip away and not only will you be able to<\/span> spend the morning in and out of gorgeous boutique retailers, but the view over Oneroa<\/span> Beach is incredible and there are a variety of cafes and restaurants to choose from. Waiheke<\/span> is also a wine-lovers paradise, so if that\u2019s something you fancy, make sure to check out at<\/span> least one or two vineyards – they are world class.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Head east and drive through Clevedon to check out the Riverhaven Artland Sculpture Park,<\/span> and if you\u2019re roading tripping on a Sunday, make sure you stop at the Clevedon Farmers<\/span> Market.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n From here you can either take the south eastern route to P\u016bkorokoro \/ Miranda, or the north<\/span> eastern route (slightly longer, but more scenic as it runs alongside the Firth of Thames). At<\/span> your final destination for the day, you\u2019ll find the Miranda Cafe which also boasts a shop and<\/span> gallery, and while you\u2019re in town, a visit to the Shorebird Centre is a must-see for keen bird<\/span> watchers.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The daily 10:30am sailing from Sandspit to Kawau Island will take you on the largest mail<\/span> run by water in the Southern Hemisphere – the Royal Mail Run Cruise. Suitable for all ages,<\/span> you get to travel right around the island, hopping on and off at various landmarks, and also<\/span> learning about the fascinating history of the island.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Of course you\u2019ll want to visit the Mansion House, once the home of Governor Sir George<\/span> Grey, and the bird life here is incredible, from all of our native species to a few from our<\/span> Australian neighbours.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Puhoi is an easy, short drive from most suburbs in Auckland and offers an interesting, varied<\/span> itinerary of things to see and do. Steeped in history, the Puhoi Heritage Museum is an ideal<\/span> starting point to give you the background on those who first settled this quaint little town on<\/span> the banks of the Puhoi River. Nearby is the Puhoi Pioneers Memorial Park and the <\/span>absolutely gorgeous Puhoi Cottage Tea Rooms with some of the best tea and scones<\/span> around. However no visit to Puhoi is complete without a stop at the Puhoi Cheese Factory,<\/span> so make sure you put that on your to-do list for the day!<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Isn\u2019t Auckland lucky to have all of these wonderful places on its doorstep! We hope a few of<\/span> these ideas have made it to your calendar.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n T\u0101wharanui Peninsula<\/b><\/b><\/h3>\n
Clarks Beach<\/b><\/b><\/h3>\n
Piha<\/b><\/b><\/h3>\n
Waiheke Island<\/b><\/b><\/h3>\n
<\/b>P\u016bkorokoro \/ Miranda (via Clevedon)<\/b><\/b><\/h3>\n
Kawau Island<\/b><\/b><\/h3>\n
Puhoi<\/b><\/b><\/h3>\n