Useful Information
Auckland can be enjoyed by everyone, no matter the size of their budget. Explore the natural beauty of this city by exploring iconic attractions, before heading further afield to peruse some iconic beaches. Have an epic adventure in Auckland without breaking the bank, with our list below.
- Take a nature walk
- Explore the Auckland Museum
- Discover the exotic plants at the Wintergardens
- Go birdwatching at Tawharanui's Ecology Trail
- Discover the local gannet colony of Muriwai
- Go for a snorkel at Goat Island
Waitakare Ranges
Home to 16,000 hectares of native bush and coastlines, the local treasure of the Waitakere Ranges is a popular spot for both locals and visitors. With pristine bush, thriving native wildlife, rugged surf beaches, and over 250kms of walking tracks – the ranges are a wonderful place to explore on foot. Popular scenic spots like Karekare Falls are easily accessible.
Home to 16,000 hectares of native bush and coastlines, the local treasure of the Waitakere Ranges is a popular spot for both locals and visitors. With pristine bush, thriving native wildlife, rugged surf beaches, and over 250kms of walking tracks – the ranges are a wonderful place to explore on foot. Popular scenic spots like Karekare Falls are easily accessible.
Waiheke Island
An island escape renowned for its beaches, vineyards, and epic walking trails, Waiheke makes for an epic day trip out of Auckland. Swim in crystal clear waters of pristine beaches, and spend the afternoon touring world-class vineyards.
The West Coast
Black sand beaches, rugged hills, and wild seas of the West Coast are prime examples of mother nature's destructive force. The dramatic landscape of the wild West Coast compels both locals and visitors to explore. A popular filming location both internationally and locally, a visit to the west coast should be a must-do for anyone travelling in Auckland. Home to the city's best surf, make sure you check the lifeguard flags before bracing yourself for a swim. These seas are some of the wildest in New Zealand.
Shakespear Regional Park
Situated at the end of a narrow peninsula, Shakespear Regional Park offers incredible sweeping cliff top views and a beach along either side. Flop on one of the beaches and lose yourself in a good read, or go exploring across farmland and native bush to take in the panoramic views of the Hauraki Gulf. Only 40 minutes north of Auckland CBD, Shakespear Regional Park offers a peaceful sanctuary with magnificent views.
Tawharanui Regional Park
One of Auckland's best-kept secrets, Tawharanui Regional Park is a must-see destination for anyone in the city. Previously a private farm, this spot covers the end of a peninsula that juts out onto the Pacific Ocean. The long sandy beach on the northern side is one of the best surf and swim spots in Auckland, boasting some of the region's most beautiful white sand beaches, shingled bays, native coastal forest, and rolling pastures. It’s located around an hour and a half north of Auckland CBD and there are campervan sites so you can spend an evening in this magical place.
Duder Regional Park
Duder Regional Park is a well-kept secret in South-East Auckland. A favourite amongst locals, a trip to this destination will provide you with an authentic look into rural life in New Zealand. Duder Park allows visitors to get up close with friendly farm animals, against a backdrop of million-dollar views over the Hauraki Gulf. Enjoy the sandy shores, Pohutukawa-lined bays, and turquoise waters in this little slice of paradise. If you're visiting on a Sunday, be sure to make a detour to Clevedon to explore an epic farmers market offering everything from local produce to freshly made delights.
Auckland - Tapapakanga Regional Park
A scenic coastal farm park, Tapapakanga is home to a rich Māori and European history and offers an accessible, Pohutukawa-lined beach on the western shores of the Firth of Thames. An easy hour's drive from our Auckland branch, a visit to this regional park will provide you with a peaceful nature escape from the city. The highlight of this location is the bay itself, sheltered from the elements for both swimming and fishing, its perfect for the kids to get out and stretch their legs.
Auckland is a great spot to explore by campervan. With holiday parks located in scenic spots, you will be spoilt for choice when choosing somewhere to park up for the night.
We recommend downloading thl Roadtrip app (Powered by Campermate) before you hit the road. The ultimate travel companion; the thl Roadtrip app provides everything you need to help find places to stay and play across New Zealand, including the closest campgrounds for campervans on your route.
The Auckland region enjoys a warm, coastal climate year-round, with minimum temperature extremes. The best time of year to visit Auckland for warm-weather activities is from late December to late March.
Summer in Auckland (December - February)
Summers are generally warm with high humidity and an average daily temperature of 23°C. This is perfect for exploring beaches, but be mindful during the middle of the day as UV radiation levels can get very high, so be sure to wear sunscreen and a hat.
Autumn in Auckland (March-May)
For the months of March to May, Auckland shows a mild touch of the transition from summer to autumn, with only the leaves on trees changing colour. Autumn provides settled and comfortably warm weather.
Winter in Auckland (June – August)
The winter months bring a cooler change, although there is not a significant drop compared to many other regions in New Zealand. Winter temperatures are on average 14°C (57°F), with plenty of rain.
Spring in Auckland (September – November)
Spring can bring the wettest weather to Auckland and is typically dominated by south-westerly winds. The weather can change quickly with cold fronts, strong winds, and heavy rains. The flora and fauna in the region provide fantastic flowers and other blossoms
- Celebrate Chinese New Year, see more than 800 handmade Chinese Lanterns lighting up the Auckland domain, and sample some incredible authentic foods at the Auckland Lantern Festival
- Taking place every November, Taste of Auckland will allow you to sample a selection of signature dishes from the finest restaurants in Auckland, as you discover this epic food festival
- Take a 35-minute ferry ride from the city to Waiheke Island for a day trip to explore the unique headland Sculpture on the Gulf exhibition
- Witness Auckland transforming during March for the globally recognised Auckland Arts Festival. Experience an explosion of theatre, music, dance and visual arts as New Zealand celebrates our local artists, culture and diversity
Auckland can be enjoyed by everyone, no matter the size of their budget. Explore the natural beauty of this city by exploring iconic attractions, before heading further afield to peruse some iconic beaches. Have an epic adventure in Auckland without breaking the bank, with our list below.
- Take a nature walk
- Explore the Auckland Museum
- Discover the exotic plants at the Wintergardens
- Go birdwatching at Tawharanui's Ecology Trail
- Discover the local gannet colony of Muriwai
- Go for a snorkel at Goat Island
Waitakare Ranges
Home to 16,000 hectares of native bush and coastlines, the local treasure of the Waitakere Ranges is a popular spot for both locals and visitors. With pristine bush, thriving native wildlife, rugged surf beaches, and over 250kms of walking tracks – the ranges are a wonderful place to explore on foot. Popular scenic spots like Karekare Falls are easily accessible.
Home to 16,000 hectares of native bush and coastlines, the local treasure of the Waitakere Ranges is a popular spot for both locals and visitors. With pristine bush, thriving native wildlife, rugged surf beaches, and over 250kms of walking tracks – the ranges are a wonderful place to explore on foot. Popular scenic spots like Karekare Falls are easily accessible.
Waiheke Island
An island escape renowned for its beaches, vineyards, and epic walking trails, Waiheke makes for an epic day trip out of Auckland. Swim in crystal clear waters of pristine beaches, and spend the afternoon touring world-class vineyards.
The West Coast
Black sand beaches, rugged hills, and wild seas of the West Coast are prime examples of mother nature's destructive force. The dramatic landscape of the wild West Coast compels both locals and visitors to explore. A popular filming location both internationally and locally, a visit to the west coast should be a must-do for anyone travelling in Auckland. Home to the city's best surf, make sure you check the lifeguard flags before bracing yourself for a swim. These seas are some of the wildest in New Zealand.
Shakespear Regional Park
Situated at the end of a narrow peninsula, Shakespear Regional Park offers incredible sweeping cliff top views and a beach along either side. Flop on one of the beaches and lose yourself in a good read, or go exploring across farmland and native bush to take in the panoramic views of the Hauraki Gulf. Only 40 minutes north of Auckland CBD, Shakespear Regional Park offers a peaceful sanctuary with magnificent views.
Tawharanui Regional Park
One of Auckland's best-kept secrets, Tawharanui Regional Park is a must-see destination for anyone in the city. Previously a private farm, this spot covers the end of a peninsula that juts out onto the Pacific Ocean. The long sandy beach on the northern side is one of the best surf and swim spots in Auckland, boasting some of the region's most beautiful white sand beaches, shingled bays, native coastal forest, and rolling pastures. It’s located around an hour and a half north of Auckland CBD and there are campervan sites so you can spend an evening in this magical place.
Duder Regional Park
Duder Regional Park is a well-kept secret in South-East Auckland. A favourite amongst locals, a trip to this destination will provide you with an authentic look into rural life in New Zealand. Duder Park allows visitors to get up close with friendly farm animals, against a backdrop of million-dollar views over the Hauraki Gulf. Enjoy the sandy shores, Pohutukawa-lined bays, and turquoise waters in this little slice of paradise. If you're visiting on a Sunday, be sure to make a detour to Clevedon to explore an epic farmers market offering everything from local produce to freshly made delights.
Auckland - Tapapakanga Regional Park
A scenic coastal farm park, Tapapakanga is home to a rich Māori and European history and offers an accessible, Pohutukawa-lined beach on the western shores of the Firth of Thames. An easy hour's drive from our Auckland branch, a visit to this regional park will provide you with a peaceful nature escape from the city. The highlight of this location is the bay itself, sheltered from the elements for both swimming and fishing, its perfect for the kids to get out and stretch their legs.
Auckland is a great spot to explore by campervan. With holiday parks located in scenic spots, you will be spoilt for choice when choosing somewhere to park up for the night.
We recommend downloading thl Roadtrip app (Powered by Campermate) before you hit the road. The ultimate travel companion; the thl Roadtrip app provides everything you need to help find places to stay and play across New Zealand, including the closest campgrounds for campervans on your route.
The Auckland region enjoys a warm, coastal climate year-round, with minimum temperature extremes. The best time of year to visit Auckland for warm-weather activities is from late December to late March.
Summer in Auckland (December - February)
Summers are generally warm with high humidity and an average daily temperature of 23°C. This is perfect for exploring beaches, but be mindful during the middle of the day as UV radiation levels can get very high, so be sure to wear sunscreen and a hat.
Autumn in Auckland (March-May)
For the months of March to May, Auckland shows a mild touch of the transition from summer to autumn, with only the leaves on trees changing colour. Autumn provides settled and comfortably warm weather.
Winter in Auckland (June – August)
The winter months bring a cooler change, although there is not a significant drop compared to many other regions in New Zealand. Winter temperatures are on average 14°C (57°F), with plenty of rain.
Spring in Auckland (September – November)
Spring can bring the wettest weather to Auckland and is typically dominated by south-westerly winds. The weather can change quickly with cold fronts, strong winds, and heavy rains. The flora and fauna in the region provide fantastic flowers and other blossoms
- Celebrate Chinese New Year, see more than 800 handmade Chinese Lanterns lighting up the Auckland domain, and sample some incredible authentic foods at the Auckland Lantern Festival
- Taking place every November, Taste of Auckland will allow you to sample a selection of signature dishes from the finest restaurants in Auckland, as you discover this epic food festival
- Take a 35-minute ferry ride from the city to Waiheke Island for a day trip to explore the unique headland Sculpture on the Gulf exhibition
- Witness Auckland transforming during March for the globally recognised Auckland Arts Festival. Experience an explosion of theatre, music, dance and visual arts as New Zealand celebrates our local artists, culture and diversity