10 Fun Family Trips from Auckland for Long Weekends
- By: Auckland for Kids
- Last Updated:
- Topics: Travel
As long weekends approach, it’s the perfect time to plan a memorable family getaway without straying too far from home. Pack up and hit the road in your family car for a fun yet fulfilling adventure. Here are ten exciting family road trips you can enjoy from Auckland, making the most of your long weekends.
1. Head to Waitomo Caves
Less than three hours south of Auckland, Waitomo offers a perfect mix of adventure and relaxation.
Activities:
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Glowworm Caves Tour: Explore the famous glowworm caves and marvel at the stunning formations.
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Bushwalks: Take a short hike on the Marokopa Falls Walk and Mangapohue Bridge Walk to enjoy nature.
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Escape Room: Try the family-friendly Troll Cave escape room for some indoor fun.
Where to Stay:
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Waitomo Top 10 Holiday Park: Enjoy the playground, pool, and modern facilities, perfect for a short stay.
Getting There:
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Follow State Highways 1 and 39 for a scenic drive to Waitomo.
2. Escape to Tauranga & Mount Maunganui
In under three hours, you can reach the sunny Bay of Plenty, known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant community. Read
Activities:
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Beach Day: Spend a day at the beach, trying your hand at surfing or relaxing in the sun.
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Mount Hot Pools: Unwind in the warm waters of the Mount Maunganui Hot Pools.
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Waimarino Adventure Park: Enjoy kayaking, a climbing wall, and other activities at the Adventure Park in Tauranga.
Where to Stay:
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The Reef Beachfront Apartments: Centrally located apartments with family-friendly facilities and swimming poool.
Getting There:
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Drive via State Highway 2, passing through New Zealand’s beautiful countryside.
3. Have a Classic Kiwi Holiday in Taupo
Taupo is a fantastic destination for a mix of adventure and relaxation, just four hours drive from Auckland.
Activities:
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Huka Falls: Visit the stunning Huka Falls and take a boat ride for an up-close view.
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Taupo DeBretts Hot Springs: Soak in naturally heated mineral waters at these Taupo Hot Springs.
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Trout Fishing: Try your luck fishing for trout, or visit the local prawn farm.
Where to Stay:
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Taupo TOP 10 Holiday Park: Enjoy a games room, heated pool, and more.
Getting There:
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Head south on State Highway 1 for a direct route to Taupo.
4. Discover the Beautiful Coromandel
The Coromandel Peninsula is a popular spot for Aucklanders, offering a natural playground just three hours away.
Activities:
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Hot Water Beach: Dig your own hot pool in the sand at low tide.
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Cathedral Cove: Take a boat tour to see this iconic natural formation.
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The Waterworks: Enjoy this quirky water-themed park with plenty of interactive displays.
Where to Stay:
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Hot Water Beach TOP 10: A short walk from the famous beach with nine different types of accommodation options, year round heated pool complex, go-kart hire, basketball court, bouncing pillow, kids playground and more excellent facilities.
Getting There:
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Follow State Highways 1 and 25 for a scenic drive to the Coromandel.
5. Have an Epic Adventure in Rotorua
Rotorua, less than three hours away, is packed with activities perfect for an adventurous family.
Activities:
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Skyline Rotorua Luge: Zoom down the luge tracks for an adrenaline rush.
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Paradise Valley Springs: Visit the wildlife park for a close encounter with animals.
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Rotorua Canopy Tours: Experience the thrill of ziplining through the forest.
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Redwoods Treewalk: Admire the majestic and magical giant Redwoods on a Rotorua tree top walk.
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Wai-O-Tapu geothermal wonderland: Check out all the vibrant colours at this natural volcanic park in Rotorua
Where to Stay:
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Blue Lake Top 10 Holiday Park: Located on the Blue Lake, with easy access to major attractions in Rotorua.
Getting There:
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Drive south via State Highways 1 and 5.
6. Explore Northland’s East Coast Beaches
For a shorter trip, head to the beaches between Auckland and Whangarei, just 90 minutes to two hours away.
Activities:
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Mangawhai: Enjoy the nature and surf beach at Mangawhai.
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Ruakākā: Visit the stunning small beachside in Bream Bay for a weekend of relaxation.
Where to Stay:
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An Airbnb in Mangawhai as there are lot’s of family-friendly houses to choose from.
Getting There:
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Drive north on State Highway 1 for a quick and easy trip.
7. Adventure in Hamilton & the Waikato Region
Hamilton is a short drive from Auckland and offers plenty for families with younger children or teenagers. Then venture further into Waikato to visit Raglan and/or Matamata.
Activities:
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Hamilton Zoo: Meet the animals and attend “Meet the Keeper” sessions.
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Hobbiton Movie Set: Take a tour of the famous film set in Matamata.
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Raglan Beach: Enjoy surfing and the beautiful beach.
Where to Stay:
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Airbnb as there are lot’s of family-friendly options in Hamilton’s neighbourhoods and Raglan to choose from.
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Matamata Central Hotel: Close to visiting Hobbiton.
Getting There:
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Drive south on State Highway 1 for a quick trip to Hamilton. Raglan is then only a 30 min drive from Hamilton.
8. Stay and Play in the Bay of Islands
The Bay of Islands offers a mix of history, nature, and relaxation, just three hours north of Auckland.
Activities:
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Hole in the Rock Cruise: Take a boat tour from Paihia.
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Waitangi Treaty Grounds: Visit this significant historical site.
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Urupukapuka Island: Explore the nature reserve and enjoy a swim.
Where to Stay:
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Bay of Islands Holiday Park: Centrally located with excellent facilities for families including a swimming pool and playground.
Getting There:
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Drive north on State Highway 1, stopping at Mangawhai for a break.
9. Experience the Northland’s Rugged Beauty
Head to the far north of New Zealand for a mix of coastal beauty and historical sites if you have the full long weekend to get away, and ideally an extra day.
Activities:
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Cape Reinga: Visit the northernmost tip and experience the iconic lighthouse.
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90 Mile Beach: Explore this vast stretch of beach.
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Waipoua Forest: See the ancient Kauri trees, including Tane Mahuta.
Where to Stay:
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Whatuwhiwhi Holiday Park: Close to popular beaches and historical sites.
Getting There:
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Drive north on State Highway 1, taking your time to explore smaller towns along the way.
10. Take a Trip to the Sunny Hawkes Bay
Although a bit further, the Hawkes Bay offers a mix of coastal and inland activities perfect for a long weekend if you can get an extra day of (like when the teachers add a teachers only day onto a long weekend)! Or if you don’t want to drive you could always fly!
Activities:
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Cape Kidnappers: Visit the gannet bird colony.
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Napier: Explore the national aquarium and enjoy the boardwalk.
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Te Mata Peak: Hike for stunning views and enjoy the farmers markets.
Where to Stay:
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Kennedy Park Resort: Centrally located in Napier with excellent facilities including pools, games room, playground, jumping pillow, trampoline, half-court and pedal cars.
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Scenic Hotel Te Pania: Located on the waterfront on Marine Parade overlooking Hawkes Bay.
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Hastings TOP 10 Holiday Park: Perfect for exploring inland attractions and fun for the kids with their swimming pool, bicycle and pedal go karts, adventure playground, basketball court and tennis court.
Getting There:
Conclusion
Long weekends are perfect for quick family getaways from Auckland. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or a bit of both, these destinations offer something for everyone. Pack up your family car and hit the road to create lasting memories with your loved ones.