Five of the best mini-breaks in Auckland

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Auckland has plenty about it to love, but sometimes we all need to get away from the big smoke.
If you're already considering a mid-winter break but don't want to break the bank, then a stay-cation rather than a vacation may be just the thing. And one of the great aspects of Auckland, because of its huge sprawl, is that there are some secret little corners that will make you think you're not in Auckland anymore.

Here at Stuff we've put together a list of our favourite spots on the fringes of the city, which will provide you with a getaway, be it just for the day or an overnighter. Either way, they're guaranteed to show you a new side of Auckland and recharge your batteries..
1. Goat Island, Leigh

TONY ENDERBY/FAIRFAX

Snorkeler Tony Enderby surveying fish in their natural habitat at Goat Island Marine Reserve in Leigh.

With pristine waters and friendly fish, the marine reserve of Goat Island in Auckland's rural north is a world away from the hustle and bustle of big city Auckland. Though a dip in the water may not sound like the ideal holiday for a mid-winter break, the locals say its the perfect time to visit, with the weather conditions making for the most crystal clear waters.
You can tog up in a thick wetsuit provided by the local rental snorkelling shop, or if you really don't want to get wet there are kayaks or a glass-bottomed boat offering 45-minute tours of the marine life. And then drift back to Leigh for a meal and a hot toddy. You can make it a day trip or shack up in one of the local lodges or B'n'Bs to make a weekend of it - and check out some of the other local attractions.


2. Matakana

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Mahurangi River winery is one of the finest of Matakana's selection of vineyards.

So fins and a wet suit are not your cup of tea. Maybe a glass of pinot and a cheese platter is more your style. No problem, the north can cater for your tastes too. A mere hour away from Auckland's CBD a sprawl of vineyards and cafes awaits you.
With plenty of accommodation around, you can easily extend your stay it into a weekend getaway. Enjoy the Matakana Farmer's Market which takes place every Saturday and Sunday with a spread of fresh produce and great lunch food. We'd highly recommend the buffalo burgers. There is also a quality ice cream shop and a gallery of local arts and crafts to bring some of Matakana home with you.
3. Kawau Island

SHERIDEN RHODES

Kawau Island is surrounded by clear blue water, in case you're the type to brave a mid-season dip.

Auckland is a city of cars (and congestion and interminable traffic light delays at times). So where better to get away from Auckland without leaving Auckland than go where there are no cars. Get out onto the Hauraki Gulf and try Kawau Island, accessible only by a ferry or a water taxi. Once you're there we guarantee the big smoke will be well out of your mind. 

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Take a walk along one of the Island's many tracks, visit the Mansion House to dabble in some history and if your budget allows, stay in one of the Island's cottages overnight.
4. The Whatipu Caves 'Ballroom'

HARSH TIWARI

In a little under an hour, you could be watching the waves crashing on the rocks at Piha beach.

The black sands of Piha are of course well known, after all they feature in TVNZ's popular Piha Rescue. But it can offer so much more than a simple day out. Why not use it as your gateway to explore this part of Auckland's rugged west coast.
From Piha you can walk up the coast and then into the walking tracks of the Waitakere Ranges. Pick your track depending on your taste for adventure and effort, you can vary from relatively easy walks to those more challenging.
All come with beautiful bush and stunning views when you reach a vantage point. We defy you not to feel refreshed after a day on the coast - and amazed that such pristine nature is so close and accessible to Auckland.

Epic Little Missions

The caves have an interesting background - they were used as a shelter in pre-european times and as a dancehall early in the 20th century.

If your legs are up to it you can also walk south of Piha to Whatipu Beach (or take the car and zigzag back in to Titirangi and out to Whatipu via Huia) where you can visit a west coast highlight - the Whatipu Caves.
Nestled into the cliff face, there are a range of caves which are believed to have been used as shelters by pre-European Maori. But it is the biggest cave Te Ana Ru which has the most colourful history. It is said to have been used as an impromptu ballroom by early European settlers, with boat loads of revellers even journeying from Onehunga to offload on the beach and walk in their finery to the cave. It has been heavily silted by sand since then, but is still worth a visit. Remember to bring a flashlight!
The west coast promises distinctly non-Auckland vibes - but also has Auckland-quality cafes and accommodation to suit all budgets.

5. Muriwai 

Charlie Yang

The gannet colony is a Muriwai attraction.

A little further north of Piha is another rough, westy black sand beach to make you feel worlds away from backed-up motorway on-ramps and packed suburban beaches. Muriwai is the start of a stretch of unbroken beach which extends 50 kilometres north to the Kaipara Harbour, with thundering surf and sand hills.

Depending on how energetic you are feeling, you can consider walking the beach or simply driving up it. Muriwai is technically classified as a road and is popular with both motorbikes and four wheel drivers. Horse riding is also popular along the beach and there are horse tracks behind the sand dunes, accessible through the Woodhill Forest Equestrian Park.

There is bush walking, with the 'Hilary Trail' passing through Muriwai and there are plenty of mountain bike trails in the pine forests fringing the beach. The southern end of the beach is a regional park and includes a golf course.  If you want to hit the swells, the Muriwai Surf School hires surfboards and provides lessons. Or if you are a definite land lubber, why not try a sand yacht.
Of course one of the most famous features of Muriwai is the gannet colony, a truly impressive nesting roost for these beautiful birds. But its winter, so the gannets have all gone to wherever they go to escape the Auckland winter. However, it is still worth a look even without the birds, as the nesting ground they leave behind creates an almost artistically shaped landscape.

Now - I know we said this was the best five mini-getaways, but wait - there's more. Here's three more bonus picks.
6. Cascade Falls and Fairy Falls

Epic Little Missions

The falls are hiding behind some rather large boulders - bring your togs if you're feeling brave!

If the bush rather than the beach is more your scene, the Waitakere ranges also offers two waterfalls well worth a visit buried in the heart of the ranges well away from the sand. Base yourself in accommodation in the fringes of the ranges in West Auckland for the weekend and then tackle a waterfall a day.
Cascade, located from Falls Road, is designated "easy grade" by tour guide websites - perfect if you're after some adventure but don't want to work up too much of a sweat. The walk is around 45 minutes, and the starting point is a little over half an hour from Auckland's CBD. Fairy Falls is similarly an hour-long trek (or leisurely walk). There's plenty of native trees, as well as a swimming hole at each if you fancy a quick mid-winter dip, and the waterfalls themselves to ooh and aah over. For the rest of the days you can head back into the West's vineyard country, sampling the best they have to offer.
7. Tiritiri Matangi Island

ROSE REES-OWEN/FAIRFAX NZ

Sea birds such as dotterels and oystercatchers nest at Hobbs Beach, Tiritiri Matangi.

Another beautiful bush experience can be found on Tiritiri Matangi Island - which also takes you back in time, to what New Zealand would have looked and, importantly, sounded like before Europeans arrived with the possums, rats and other rodents which devastated our birdlife.The wildlife sanctuary which has been painstakingly returned to nature has an impressive array of birds from Kiwis to Kakapo. You can choose to take a guided tour around the Island, or look around in your own time.

Though it is not well known, you can convert a normal day trip into an overnight stay at the Tiritiri bunkhouse. Yes it's basic, no five star lodge, you need to bring a sleeping bag, but it is well equipped with cooking utensils, freezer, refrigerator, gas stove and BBQ, hot and cold running water, showers and bathroom facilities.
The pay off is the magic of spending the night in  a bird sanctuary enjoying a lost New Zealand. You are welcome to walk the trails with a torch at night.
8. Clevedon 

Fiona Goodall

The milking herd of the Clevedon Valley Buffalo farm.

​Just as the rural north offers magic, so does the rural south. Clevedon, a cute village surrounded by dairy farms and horse studs, is surrounded by ample accommodation choices, and offers easy access to the beautiful Maraetai coastline and a host of good eating options from quality fish and chips to eat at sunset on the beach or great local restaurants and vineyards.

A highlight is the Sunday farmer's market with plenty of local produce (such as mozzarella from the local buffalo farm or Clevedon oysters) to buy up and take back home to get the holiday feeling lasting all week. The flat roads of the area are a magnet for cyclists, so if biking is your thing, load up the cycle and hit the road for the morning.
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