What should I pack for these scenic drives around Auckland?

Pack water, snacks or picnic food, sunblock, a hat, a light rain jacket, comfortable walking shoes, swimwear and a towel. A phone or camera plus a portable power bank are also useful, since conditions can change quickly and you may decide to stay out longer if the weather and light are good for photos.

Self-Drive Day Trips from Auckland: Best Scenic Routes

Q: Which self drive route is best if I only have one free day in Auckland?

If you want dramatic scenery and an only-in-New-Zealand feel, Piha is hard to beat with its black sand, rugged surf and coastal cliffs within about 45 to 60 minutes of the city. Travellers who prefer food and wine can choose Matakana for markets and vineyards, while Hunua Falls is ideal for those who want native forest and an easy waterfall walk.

Q: Do I need a 4WD for these Auckland road trips?

No. The routes from Auckland to Piha, Matakana and Hunua Falls all use sealed public roads, so a compact or mid-size rental car is suitable year round. Drivers should still take extra care on winding sections, in heavy rain and when driving after dark.

Q: Are Piha, Matakana and Hunua Falls good for families?

Yes. Each destination offers short walks, picnic spots and a mix of free or low-cost activities. Matakana is particularly family friendly with safe east coast beaches and village facilities, Piha has patrolled swimming areas in season, and Hunua Falls offers easy bush tracks and open spaces near the river.

The best self drive day trips from Auckland are Piha on the wild west coast, Matakana in the north for wine and beaches, and Hunua Falls in the south east for forest and waterfalls. Each is about 40 to 60 minutes from the city in normal traffic and is easy to explore in a day with a rental car, great food stops and plenty of photo opportunities.

Why Auckland is perfect for self-drive day trips

Auckland sits roughly in the middle of the upper North Island, which means in under an hour you can reach black sand surf beaches, boutique wine villages or native forest and waterfalls. Self-drive Auckland road trips give you the flexibility to leave early, dodge peak traffic, chase better weather, and stay out for sunset without worrying about timetables.

For both domestic and international travellers, picking up a rental at RaD Auckland Airport or RaD West Auckland keeps logistics simple; you can be on the motorway within minutes, and most of the routes in this guide are on sealed roads suitable for compact or mid-size cars. We also have an option for an Auckland CBD pick up and drop off if you are staying in central Auckland, covering all the bases when it comes to car hire in Auckland.

If you are looking to spread your wings a little further, check out these ten top destinations within 3 hours of Auckland.

How far are Piha, Matakana and Hunua Falls from Auckland?

When planning the best day trips NZ wide around Auckland, realistic drive times matter more than straight line distances.

Auckland to Piha - about 40 kilometres west of the CBD; typical drive time 45 minutes to 1 hour by car, depending on traffic and road conditions.
Auckland to Matakana - around 67 kilometres north of central Auckland; expect about 50 minutes driving via State Highway 1 in light traffic. Check out our recent post on Toll Roads to learn more about the drive to Matakana.
Auckland to Hunua Falls - Hunua Falls Path in Hunua Ranges Regional Park is a popular day walk; the falls track starts from 232 Falls Road, and the short path to the lookout takes about 15 minutes from the car park.

RaD Auckland Airport tip: If you are landing early, allow at least 90 minutes from airport pick up to your first stop on any of these routes; this builds in time for paperwork, a coffee stop and a supermarket run before you hit the highway.

Auckland to Piha - classic west coast surf and cliffs

Piha is one of the most iconic Auckland road trips; a wild black sand surf beach framed by the volcanic bulk of Lion Rock and steep bush-clad hills. The coastal village is close to the city yet feels like a different world, which makes it ideal for short breaks, especially for visiting friends and relatives.

Things to see and do in Piha

Stroll along Piha Beach and walk partway up Lion Rock for elevated views across the bay; the climb is short but steep and is closed during maintenance or for safety so always respect signage.
Explore North Piha for slightly quieter sand and great photo angles back toward Lion Rock and Taitomo Island; this is a favourite spot at low tide.
Add Karekare Beach and Karekare Falls if you have a full day; this nearby bay feels even more remote, and the short walk to the waterfall is a highlight for photographers.

RaD West Auckland staff tip: Collect your car from the West Auckland branch in the morning; you will already be on the correct side of the city for Piha, so you avoid central congestion and can reach the coast in about 30 minutes from the depot in good conditions.

Where to eat on a Piha day trip

Piha Café is a reliable choice for brunch, cabinet food and good coffee within walking distance of the sand.
If you are budget-conscious, stock up at supermarkets and bakeries in New Lynn or Glen Eden then picnic at the beach or the roadside lookout partway down Piha Road.

Photography spots to bookmark:

The roadside lookout just before the final descent into Piha; you can frame Lion Rock, surf and black sand sweeping to the horizon in one shot.
Late afternoon back at the beach; west-facing light gives silhouettes of surfers and walkers against glowing water, which is perfect for phone and DSLR shots alike.

Auckland to Matakana - markets, wine and golden sand

Image credit: Matakana Village and Farmer's Market Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/Matakanamarkets/photos/d41d8cd9/4391927757543665/)

Matakana is a compact village and wine region north of the city; in normal traffic, the 67 kilometre drive from central Auckland takes around 50 minutes, which makes it one of the most manageable scenic drives Auckland offers for first-time visitors. The area is popular for weekend escapes that mix food, wine, art and safe east coast beaches.

Top things to do on a Matakana day trip

Visit the Matakana Village Farmers Market on Saturday mornings for local produce, coffee and live music; it sits beside the river and is a draw card for both locals and visitors.
Head to nearby beaches such as Omaha, Snells Beach and Tāwharanui for swimming, coastal walks and birdlife; Tāwharanui in particular is known as an open sanctuary with protected wildlife and white sand.
Explore galleries and sculpture gardens such as Sculptureum where outdoor walks through art filled gardens are combined with indoor exhibitions and tasting options.

RaD Auckland Airport staff tip: If you arrive on an early international flight, an Auckland to Matakana loop is a gentle way to start your trip; book a fuel-efficient hatchback or hybrid to keep motorway fuel costs down, then stretch your legs at the market and beaches before heading back to the city.

Eating on a budget in and around Matakana

Within Matakana Village you will find cafés, bakeries and casual eateries near the cinema courtyard; these are perfect for lunch or coffee during your wander.
For cheaper meals, grab supermarket picnic supplies in Warkworth on the way north and eat at the beach car parks or reserve areas at Omaha or Snells Beach.

Hidden gems and photo spots:

Buckleton Beach offers a smaller, sheltered bay with calm water and views across to Kawau Island; the short walks above the beach provide lovely elevated photo angles without big crowds.
The historic village of Puhoi, just off SH1 on the way north, rewards a brief stop with a heritage hotel, small cheese shop and river scenes; this is a favourite of staff at both Auckland branches on their own days off.

Auckland to Hunua Falls - native forest and a 30 metre waterfall

South east of the city, Hunua Falls sits within the Hunua Ranges Regional Park; the falls themselves drop around 30 metres over basalt rock into a plunge pool surrounded by native forest. It is one of the most accessible waterfall experiences in the region, which makes it a strong contender among the best day trips NZ wide for travellers who want nature without long hikes.

What to do at Hunua Falls

Walk the Hunua Falls Path from the main car park; Auckland Council notes this as a leisurely walk of about 15 minutes to the lookout platform, suitable for most ages and fitness levels.
Extend your outing with longer tracks such as the Massey Cossey Loop Track of around 8.3 kilometres for a three-hour bush walk; bring sturdy shoes and check current track status and kauri dieback precautions before you go.
Use the picnic tables and grassy areas near the river for a relaxed lunch; the wider ranges support more than 450 native plant and wildlife species, including rare kōkako so keep an ear out for birdsong.

RaD Auckland Airport staff tip: Because Hunua Ranges are closer to the airport than the CBD, this is a great half-day adventure either on arrival or just before you fly out; collect or return your car at the airport branch and keep away from central motorway traffic.

Food options on a Hunua Falls road trip

There is no café at the falls so buy supplies in Papakura, Clevedon or Hunua Village before heading in; these towns have dairies, bakeries and supermarkets for sandwiches, pies and drinks.
On weekends, the Clevedon Farmers Market (when operating) is a nice extra stop on your way back from the ranges with local produce and food trucks.

Photography ideas:

Visit early morning or late afternoon for softer light in the gorge; after heavy rain the waterfall is especially powerful, although tracks may be muddy, so dress accordingly.
Stick to formed paths and viewing platforms; multiple safety campaigns have highlighted the dangers of climbing cliffs or swimming too close to the base, so keep your photography tripod on stable ground.

Practical driving tips for these scenic routes

Auckland can be busy; a little planning helps your self-drive day run smoothly.

Avoid peak commuter hours where possible; leaving after 9.30am or returning after 6.30pm often means less congestion on the motorways.
Check weather and road conditions before you set out; Piha Road is steep and winding in places and can feel narrow for drivers not used to rural New Zealand roads.
Always fuel up and food up before reaching Piha or Hunua; there are no petrol stations in these exact locations and only limited food outlets.
Respect surf, rock and waterfall safety signs; west coast beaches can have strong rips and cliffs around waterfalls are slippery after rain.

RaD West Auckland tip: Choose a vehicle size that matches your group and the roads you are driving; smaller cars feel easier on tight coastal routes while still offering enough boot space for day packs and a chilly bin. Staff can help you match a model to your plans when you collect the keys.

Check out our post on Driving Tips in New Zealand for more information.

FAQs – Self-drive day trips from Auckland

Which self-drive route is best if I only have one free day in Auckland?

For dramatic scenery and an only in New Zealand feel, Piha is hard to beat thanks to its black sand, rugged surf and coastal cliffs within about 45 to 60 minutes of the city. If you prefer food and wine, Matakana offers markets and vineyards, while Hunua Falls is ideal for forest and waterfall lovers.

Do I need a 4WD for these Auckland road trips?

No; all three routes use sealed public roads so a compact or mid-size rental car is suitable year-round, although caution is needed on winding sections, in heavy rain and at night.

Are Piha, Matakana and Hunua Falls good for families?

Yes; each destination has short walks, picnic spots and a mix of free or low-cost activities, with Matakana particularly good for family-friendly beaches and Piha offering patrolled swimming areas in season.

How long should I allow for each day trip?

Plan for a full day of around eight to ten hours for each route; that allows for driving both ways, a main activity or two and relaxed food breaks without rushing. Drive times are usually around 45 to 60 minutes each way, but can increase in peak periods.

What should I pack for these scenic drives Auckland region?

Bring water, snacks or picnic food, sunblock, a hat, a light rain jacket, walking shoes, swimwear and a towel, plus your phone or camera and a portable power bank; conditions can change quickly and you may decide to stay out longer if the light turns spectacular for photos.