Local Escapes Near Auckland

NZ boasts some seriously gorgeous beaches and some of the best Airbnbs right by the water.

We live for new openings (especially the kind that involves food) and know you do, too. Fortunately, Auckland is the city that just keeps on giving when it comes to new restaurants, bars, cafes and bakeries—we really are a lucky bunch.

Does life feel so hectic right now that you’re missing out on those magical moments with your special someone? Check out these romantic getaways and magical retreats within driving (or ferry) distance from Auckland.

From rolling valleys to dense native forest and cliffs overlooking black sand beaches, we've found the most jaw-dropping Airbnbs across New Zealand that you can book for a getaway.

Forget the tourist hubs and ski slopes—these are the secret spots worth planning your trip around. 

Fancy a kid-friendly weekend at a waterfront beach house with a gated pool? Or sneaking away to the hinterlands for a farmstay filled with horses and cows? You decide.

If you’ve got 48 hours and a curiosity for art, music, film and performance, this is your sign to make a beeline for Wellington. 

There’s a moment in Wellington when the day starts to soften and the city shifts gears. For our editor, this is Wellington at its best.

Swap your waterproof jacket for a robe and hiking boots for slippers, here’s how to spend a stress-free 72 hours in Aotearoa’s geothermal heart.

Oh New Zealand, how we love it. Home to dramatic, unspoiled landscapes it’s one hell of a spot for a group getaway—and, once you’re there, all you need is the best Airbnb to take your longed-for hol to the next level.

Managed to wrangle time with the whole fam and tempted by a New Zealand getaway at the best Airbnb? You’ve come to the right place.

From small batch spirits and sweet treats to world-class coffee and fine dining that'll mesmerise eyes and taste buds alike, consider this your guide to 48 hours of seriously good kai.

When the summer season kicks in, you’ll see ferry-loads make a beeline over the water to Waiheke for the weekend. A day out in this little slice of paradise makes for a perfect weekend getaway—with minimal travel required. 

Nothing beats good food and breathtaking views, so why not combine the two and head out for a picnic. We've taken the hard part out of your picnic organisation and put together a list of 16 of the best spots you can set yourself up at around Auckland. 

We’ve rounded up our crew's tried-and-tested favourites  so you can skip the guesswork and dive straight into an epic Auckland getaway.

From boutique to five-star luxury we've scoured town for la crème de la crème, so without further ado, here are the best hotels in Auckland.

Quaint streets, sparkling harbour views, and a vibe so chill you'll toss up selling everything you own and never returning home: Here's your essential 2026 guide on where to eat, play, and stay in lovely old Akaroa.

We’ve uncovered a luxurious lineup of local road trips that feel like a slice of Italy, the Alps and beyond.

Auckland has some of the best Airbnbs around and we’re semi-obsessed (let’s be real, head-over-heels in love) with those secret urban dwellings that go above and beyond. 

Walking is one of the best ways to make the most of the City of Sails. So grab some sturdy shoes, make use of the kauri dieback wash stations and get amongst the beautiful coastlines, stunning waterfalls, urban strolls and native bush.

Here are eight epic day trips from Auckland for you to tick off one by one.

For tasty kai with bangin' views, make a beeline for the Auckland Viaduct. 

Let’s be honest, Mother Nature is one amazing lady. She’s the mastermind behind some of life’s finest things: beaches, waterfalls, mountains, forests…the list goes on. 

One of the best things about Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland is the fact that writing a list of the best beaches within a region is absolutely possible.

Grab your tickets to this free family-friendly event filled with fireworks, local dance and drum performances, lion dancing and beautiful lanterns lighting up the grounds. With over 60 food stalls and lines out the door each year—we’ve rounded up our top food picks while enjoying the sights and lights.

We’ve scoured around for the Airbnbs with the prettiest pools in all the land (Auck-land that is) so you can feel like an absolute water baby.

We’ve scoped the waterfalls around the city to bring you a list of the best in Auckland. Take a picnic!

If you’re like us and love a juicy berry punnet or two, then read on to find the best pick-your-own strawberry fields in Tāmaki (and beyond). 

Who loves the salt, sand and sea more than us humans? Our furry best friends of course. That's why we've got to get them out and about at the most dog-friendly beaches in Auckland.

As far as celebrations go, they don't get much bigger than a wedding and here in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, we're spoilt for choice when it comes to finding that special somewhere to say 'I do'.

Whether you want to enjoy a picnic alfresco, go for a walk, watch the sunrise or sunset or just get away from it all, here are the top suggestions for reconnecting with nature and filling your wellness cup.

Who says the little luxuries in life are hooman-only territory?  

Load up the roadie snacks and delve into the best camping spots within driving distance from Auckland to add your hit list this summer and beyond. 

If you’re anything like us, your resolution to get fit may seem like an uphill battle—literally. But here in the City of Sails, we’re lucky enough to be sitting on a whopping 53 volcanoes, and they all offer striking views of our wonderful city. 

Is there anything more calming than falling leaves in autumn? Yes, they’re technically dead leafy corpses but they’re still Insta-worthy AF.

It’s hard to spark romance when you’re picnicing with every other human in Tāmaki Makaurau, especially when your thunder could be stolen at any moment by a cute Frenchie pup in a bandana. So (and we hope you’ll forgive us if we give up your secret spot) we’ve decided to spill the beans and reveal 16 of the best hidden picnic spots in and around Auckland.

Grab your tent and round up your posse, we’ve found the very best camping spots in Auckland. 

Without further ado, here’s our list of 10 epic movie locations around Auckland that made it onto the big screen.

Star light, star bright, first star I see tonight…Aucklanders, while the South Island may be famous for its skies, we’re pretty damn lucky too. 

No one can deny that New Zealand is gifted in the looks department. From rugged, rolling hills to breath-taking beaches and waterfalls, here are Auckland's best scenic drives.