If you’re traveling to the North Island in New Zealand, chances are you’ll be flying into it’s major northern city, Auckland. Though Auckland is seen mostly as an urban and metropolitan area, there are some hidden gems near the city that you absolutely must check out if you find yourself in the area. During my stay in New Zealand, I had the pleasure of visiting many of them. Below, I have narrowed it down to my top five must-see destinations!
1. Piha Beach
Piha Beach is just a forty minute to one hour drive from Auckland. Piha is a black sand beach that’s famous for it’s intriguing rock formations. When you visit Piha, it’s essential that you see it’s iconic landmark, the Lion Rock. The natural formation is an easy climb, and when I say easy I mean that for about a quarter of the way up you’ll basically just be walking up man-made stairs.
The hike takes about thirty minutes at most. When you reach the top, you’ll be graced with a breathtaking view. Piha is grand in both it’s beauty and size, and an absolute must-see if you’re going to Auckland.
The Infamous Lion Rock.
Side note: Don’t try to go barefoot here, the sand is black due to a high volcanic origin in it’s content, which can be pretty rough on the feet!
2. KiteKite Falls and the Waitakere Ranges
Located in the lush Waitakere Ranges, KiteKite falls are about the same distance from Auckland as Piha Beach. They’re both located towards the Western part of Auckland, and in very close proximity to each other. It’s possible to make a whole day out of seeing both the waterfall and the beach, so long as you make an early start.
The hike up to the falls in easy, and quite enchanting. But the most enchanting part is definitely when you arrive at the hidden falls, keep walking up, and the views just get better. If you’re looking for picturesque, this is your place.
The Waitakere Ranges
3. Waheike Island
Just a gorgeous forty minute ferry ride away from the Auckland CBD Port, Waheike is every wine enthusiast’s dream. With multiple vineyards to explore, bopping around the island is a day-long adventure within itself, and the perfect excuse to get all dressed up and have a photoshoot!
Waheike’s vineyards are each designed with articulate and creative detail, and you can’t go wrong visiting as many as you possibly can. No matter where you go in Waheike, whether you’re a wine drinker or not, you’re guaranteed to be taken in by the dynamics and overall beauty. Napa who?
4. The Lord of the Rings Hobbiton Set
The Hobbiton Set, or Shire (as the Lord of the Ring’s fans would call it), is around a three hour car ride from Auckland. Booking a tour to visit the set is necessary, and makes far more sense, because the views on the drive there will not be something you want to miss.
You’d think the set isn’t actually as beautiful as it looks in the movie, but you’ll be pleasantly surprised. It may just be even more breathtaking and magical in person. The kind of magical that makes you feel like dropping all your things and frolicking around. If you weren’t a LOTR fan before, you will be after you visit this place.
The Shire (Middle Earth)
Side note: Try the cider, and the mince pies!
5. Waitomo Caves
Last but not least, the Waitomo Glowworm Caves are about a three and a half hour drive away from Auckland, but it is possible to book a tour that takes you to the caves after visiting the Hobbiton, with round trip transportation from the city.
While the Waitomo glowworms may possibly be one of the most incredible things you’ll ever lay eyes on, they are for the eyes of those who make the visit to see them in person only. There is no photography allowed inside these sacred caves. In order to preserve the lives of the glowworms that bring them their beauty, this is a necessary rule to follow. And to be honest, you’re pretty much a huge jerk if you think getting a photo is more important than the lives of these incredible, fragile, exquisite creatures.
For centuries, these caves have been maintained by the indigenous tribes of New Zealand, primarily known as the Maori. If you’re a nature lover like myself, this visit will be extremely compelling to say the least. Out of each day I spent in New Zealand, the moments I spent in these caves were my absolute favorite. From singing along with complete strangers on our tour, to gazing up at the glowworms in their habitat in complete silence that was so beautiful it brought me and my friends to tears, Waitomo should be considered a top wonder of the world. Either way, it will always be at the top of my list.
Side note: You can pose for photos that photoshop you into a background with the glowworms like the one above, although they’re noticeably fake, I recommend purchasing it for the memory. I still look back at mine and giggle, with the utmost reminiscence for this experience.
