Quick Guide: Day trips from the North Shore

You can’t go past the infamous Matakana farmers market:

There’s no better way than getting into that weekend feeling then with a trip to the local farmers market. The markets are open every Saturday from 8am – 1pm, with a focus on fresh produce, there is everything to fulfill a true foodie’s greatest desires. They offer a huge selection of foods, from freshly shucked oysters, gourmet olive oils, spreads, cheeses, sweet treats and freshly baked breads. It’s a trip the whole family can enjoy with the atmosphere of the live band for brunch and a coffee, or a lunch time craft beer and fresh paua fritter by the river’s edge with friends. However, word of advice is that you best get in early if you want to pick up a bunch of the most exquisite Whangateau roses for that someone special.

Plus, there is always the option to get real fruit ice-cream or my personal favorite, Charlies ice cream as a treat on the way home.

For the little ones:

Matakana offers a wide range of activities for kids, and if weather permits has some of the most beautiful beaches a stone throw away that are an absolute must to visit. One in particular is Tawharanui, it makes a great location for the family to pack up a picnic and spend the day playing in the waves. Enjoy the golden sandy beaches, or body surfing in the waves and at low tide children (or those adults who are young at heart) are able to go exploring in the rock pools.  If that isn’t enough, with it being an open sanctuary it’s a haven to enjoy bird watching for native birds and wildlife.

Secondly, Goat island, only 15 minutes from Matakana town, is a marine reserve, where you are able to spend the day snorkeling among the sea life, and coral. And for those who want to keep your feet dry, there is also a glass bottom boat on offer.

Waiheke Island

Waiheke Island, otherwise known as “the island of wine” is a quick 40 minute fullers ferry ride from the main land, making it easily accessible. A day-trip that all those living on the North Shore should do at least once. Less than an hour’s trip from the hustle and bustle of the North Shore, you will find world class wineries, vineyards, magnificent sandy beaches, a zip line and art galleries.

Being home to over thirty wineries, the possibilities are endless . Top brands such as Man O War, Mudbrick, Stonyridge, and Cable bay are just a few of the world class wineries on the island, making it the perfect day trip for casual tipplers to those wine connoisseurs. Soak in the stunning views, while sipping on elegant wines and enjoying some award winning food.

If you are wanting to soak up the last of those summer rays, you can wander along the white sand beaches of Oneroa, Onetangi or Palm beach. Just a few of the best spots on the island to take a dip in the sheltered waters.

And for those a little more adventurous the island offers many other activities such as a flying fox zip line, clay pigeon shooting, horse riding tours, fishing charters, diving, snorkeling, bike or scooter tours and handful of different hiking and walking trails.

The beauty of this magical little island keeps you wanting to come back for more.

Rangitoto Island

Located just 8km northeast of Auckland, and 25 minutes away on the Fullers ferry from downtown, sits the majestical island of Rangitoto. The distinct landscape seen from most coast lines of the North Shore, consists of native bush, golden sandy beaches and ruggered landscapes.

The island itself, offers a unique day trip for everyone. For those history buffs of the family, tours of the volcanically-formed structure provide an informative experience about the history and geology of the island.

There are a number of different hikes over the island but the most popular would be to the summit. On the way up to the top take in the panoramic views over Auckland and the Hauraki Gulf, view impressive craters, natural formations, native flora and fauna or take a short detour to the lava caves and tunnels. All which adds to the unique character of the islands origin.

Other activities on the island include hiring a sea kayak and exploring the island and rugged coastlines from the water, and a 4WD road train tour through the 600 year old landscape

Rangitoto island is also connected to Motutapu Island by a causeway, allowing you the possibility to go hiking, swimming, spend the day relaxing on the beaches or exploring the island.

 Beaches and Sunsets

Located between 40 minutes to an hour out west (dependent on which beach you head to) are some of New Zealand’s best surf breaks and the iconic black sand beaches, making them an idyllic getaway. Muriwai, Bethells, Anawhata, Piha, Karekare are some of the most popular surfing spots, with great swimming, dramatic landscapes, rugged coastlines, and sweeping views over the Tasman sea. Also, the southern end, Otakamiro point in Muriwai, is home to a one of the few mainland gannet breeding colonies.

Grab the kids or head there with a group of friends and go explore all that the west coast has to offer. Being a free natural attraction, those who visit have the chance to explore on foot, go wildlife spotting, take a boogie board and surf the sand dunes, or simply just relax on the famous black sand beaches. Piha Beach, well known for its powerful waves and lion rock, would be the most popular of the beaches, especially for a surfing trip. The picturesque beaches are also the perfect setting to enjoy a picnic with family and friends. Then when the sun begins to set and the Tasman sea begins to crash against the rugged coastline, it will provide an epic snap of the day trip.

Waitakere Ranges

The Waitakere ranges is the perfect place for those who love the outdoors. Covering more than 16,000 hectares of coastlines and native forests, it has become home to more than 250km of walking and tramping tracks. Bonus features include the spectacular west coast beach’s, breathtaking views, cliffs and waterfalls.

The Must Do list for the Waitakere Ranges –  Hiking the lower and upper sections of the Fairy Falls, swimming in the cold waters of Kitekite falls, getting that perfect Instagram shot of Kerekere falls, jumping off the jetty at Lake Wainamu and the breathtaking views from the Arataki Visitors center. Three of the most popular  hikes in the ranges are;

1. Fairy Falls – the three hours return hike is a 15meter high cascade fall, located in the central area of the regional park.

2. Kitekite Falls – 45 minutes one way, is a spectacular 40meter multi step waterfall, which is located in the western part of the park, near the popular Piha Beach.

3. Karekare Falls – a short 10 minute walk, the 30m horsetail fall, is also located in the western area of the park. The easy access and breathtaking scenery make it one of the ‘Must See’ waterfalls in Auckland.