Great New Zealand Day Trips

Pure Piha: Just a hop, skip and a jump from Auckland City, Piha is a great day trip escape!

When the sun's shining and you're up for an adventure, there's nothing better than packing the car with your best mates and heading out on a day trip. This beautiful country of ours has so much to offer and you don't have to travel far if you don't want to. Whether its a beach, the bush, a special swimming spot or a great stretch of road, nothing says summer like a great day trip with good tunes, great mates and delicious food.

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I can't believe I've only discovered Whale Bay recently. It is the perfect beach. Stunning white sand, deep azure water, and a beach rimmed with low pohutukawa branches for children to sit on. This place is an absolute dream and a must if you've got visitors you want to impress.

Just 50km north of Auckland's CBD lies this gorgeous, pest-free regional park that has not one but THREE fantastic swimming beaches, meaning it's well worth a summer day trip from the city. Te Haruhi Bay is a sandy strip of coastline that melts slowly into gentle, sedate waters while the better-known Army Bay is at the park entrance. Lesser known Okoromai Bay is a tidal beach, which is more ideal for hunting and gathering cockles than for swimming. Incredibly popular during public holidays, it pays to arrive at Shakespear Regional Park early if you want to secure the family a top beach spot. However, if you just want to fang up in the car for a satisfying swim then you can't go past this park as one of the best swimming spots in the greater Auckland region.

Beautiful peaceful scenery, black sand, sparkling ocean

Mauao, the local landmark etched on the skyline is recognisable from the top of the Kaimais and up and down the coast. It’s my favourite playground and to see it means I’m back in The Bay. A visit to this beautiful reserve is a must-do no matter what your fitness level. I find peace just sitting on main beach and looking up at the volcanic cone. The 3.4km base track is suitable for strollers and wheelchairs and only takes a 45-minute stroll. Keep an eye out for nesting black-backed gulls and pied shags. The western lower slopes are laden with pipi shells from pre-European Maori middens. You might even spy a resting penguin or seal. If you’re feeling energetic choose a track and climb the 232 metre-high summit and take a few minutes to enjoy the best view around. I love this mountain for its beauty, wildlife, history, breath-taking views and exercise.

The BEST way to disconnect from reality and get back in touch with nature xo

I love Cherry Island for picnicking - my idea of a picnic is some good ol’ fish and chips from the local Fish Box, for less than $20 an d spending the afternoon lying on the grassy banks of Cherry Island reserve. Every now and then I can catch someone bungee jumping into the river for the Taupo Bungy - a well entertaining sight. The birds are constantly chirping around Cherry Island, and on a really hot day, the crystal clear waters of the river make it perfect for a dip.

The much-loved local playground highly visible throughout Hawke’s Bay is one of my favourite recreation areas. The dramatic “giant amongst us” Te Mata Peak offers five diverse trails within the 99-hectare park ranging from 40 minutes to more than two hours. The peak rises to 399 metres so some tracks are steep and exposed. I love it for the powerful reflective energy evident in the fossilised limestone rock uplifted from the seabed millions of years ago, rock which once teemed with sea life now carries walkers, runners and mountain bikers, and for being able to get so close to the elements and the stunning views across the Heretaunga Plains. If time is short or you are feeling a bit lazy there’s a sealed road to the top.

Take a roadtrip along Taranaki's long and winding Surf Highway 45 to experience the raw and rugged beauty of the North Island's bejewelled, black-sand West Coast. Along with the legendary Stent Rd surf spot where you can either jump in the water and catch a wave or check out the seriously good-looking surfers who rock up to this well-known break on a regular basis, the most iconic stop on any Taranaki roadie is to see Cape Egmont Lighthouse. Perched out on a point, the wind-swept piece of coastline is punctuated by this beautiful, white historical lighthouse that is one of New Zealand's most legendary landmarks.

Pack up the kids, the dog and a picnic and enjoy a spring day at the beach! Take a walk down the beach, build some sandcastles, dip your toes in the water or throw in a line and catch your dinner. It's the perfect way to see in the warmer months after being cooped up inside over winter!

One of my favourite places in New Zealand. Beautiful white sandy beaches that you have to see to believe. Take the lazy option and hop on one of the ferries where you can see this stunning coastline in all its glory. There is also the option to take the walking tracks if you are feeling a little more adventurous.

Head just two kilometres out of Takaka, on the road towards Pohara, and follow the signs to the incredible Labyrinth Rocks Walkway. It truly is one of Golden Bay’s most amazing secrets. The walkway is through a maze-like network of limestone canyons. The walkway is open to the public and still being developed but, with solid footwear, kids will love it. It’s a very special place and enchanting family wonderland. Suitable for young or old - one of this region's great little discoveries.

Perfect for a day trip, the Kaitoke regional park provides free to use BBQs, and a beautiful view of the Rimutakas also. When you need to escape the city, there is nothing better than native bush and quiet.

Love snapper? Then you’ll love Hokitika Beach. If you’re handy with a fishing line then the ocean is your oyster when it comes to fishing for these delicious bottom dwellers. The best place to cast off is at the Hokitika river mouth, FYI!

Located on the coast about 25km north of Kaikoura - in winter the Ohau Seal Colony is the place to see baby seals frolicking in the waterfall while their parents are off fishing for dinner. Park on the main highway and walk about 10 minutes in to the pool and waterfall. Very cute!

There is nothing more awe-inspiring and humbling than taking a trip to one of New Zealand's most beautiful natural wonders, the Franz Josef Glacier. I've only been here once but I will never forget the moment I clapped eyes on its beauty. Stay at Okarito Beach on a full moon and you can see the big, bright moon rise above the glacier. It's the stuff NZ Tourism videos are made of but it's real life. I can't wait to come back here and am planning a trip again very soon.

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