Our top three must-visit destinations in the Auckland region.

Auckland is New Zealand’s biggest city, the international gateway to the nation and a starting point for most travellers. A car hire from Auckland Airport is and has been the beginning of myriad unforgettable road trips.

Any city is more than just its CBD. While the iconic Sky Tower and Harbour Bridge may be top of mind for those who don’t know Auckland’s secrets, the sprawling suburbs, endless coastlines, and lovely landscapes of the wider region can turn it from a pass-through entry point to a fantastic destination in itself.

For those who’d like to spend more time exploring this enigmatic city, we’ve put together our top three parts of the larger Auckland region to visit with your rental vehicle, while staying at the unique Castaways Resort on the west coast. From vineyards to countryside charm to wild black-sand beaches, these are some of the lesser-known highlights lurking near the skyscrapers of the central city and easily accessible with a car hire.

The wild West Coast

Head west from the CBD in your Auckland rental car and you’ll soon feel like you’ve left the city for another world entirely. Once you’ve wound your way through the lush green native bush of the Waitakere Ranges, the Tasman Sea will soon be in sight. The coastline here is windswept and spectacular, featuring a string of black-sand beaches that will take your breath away with their desolate beauty.

Surfing is popular here, as is swimming (which should be done only when and where the beaches are patrolled by lifeguard services). Venture inland to explore the many miles of bush tracks. If you’re interested in a short hike with the reward of a spectacular waterfall at the end, set aside a few hours and head to the KiteKite Falls tracks near Piha.

Further south, between Port Waikato and the Manukau Heads, sits Karioitahi Beach, which is the home of Castaways Resort. Situated on a wild cliff top with unbeatable views, Castaways is the perfect accommodation pick for those seeking something different but still close to Auckland. These remote chalets set amidst flax and ferns capture the essence of Auckland’s west coast—a great place to stay for the full, wild experience.

Clevedon and beyond

About an hours drive east of Castaways, you’ll find a sprawling rural area centered on charming Clevedon, bordered by a lengthy Hauraki Gulf coastline, city suburbs, and the Hunua Ranges. This corner of Auckland is the perfect destination for those seeking some peace, a small-town feel, and some fantastic regional parks. It’s easily reachable in your Auckland car hire.

Highlights of this part of Auckland include the Clevedon Village farmers market, the laid-back beachside town of Maraetai with views across to Waiheke, the stunning Tapapakanga Regional Park with great scenery and rich history, and the hiking trails of Hunua Ranges Regional Park. It’s also a great place to just drive around and enjoy the bucolic scenery—filled with rolling hills, luxe lifestyle properties, grazing animals, and plenty of cafes.

When you’re back at your accommodation, treat yourself to a leisurely spa treatment, which you can combine with a dinner package to round out a perfect day.

Waiheke Island

This paradise isle is reached via a short ride in the car ferries that depart from Half Moon Bay marina in the eastern suburbs or Wynyard Wharf in the city centre. Plan for an early start from Castaways to ensure you make the most of your time on the island. Waiheke sits just offshore in the Hauraki Gulf, a playground for leisure seekers. There are beaches and coves galore, rolling hills harbouring vineyards and cellar doors, and several small towns where locals and holiday makers gather, shop, dine, and caffeinate.

If outdoor pursuits are more your style, Waiheke has options: there’s ziplining, walking tracks, bike trails, kayaking, fishing, and of course a lot of coastline to explore. You can even walk out and visit the tunnels in Stony Batter Historic Reserve, a remnant of WWII.

You’ll no doubt be ready for a good nights rest when you return, so whether you’re staying in one of Castaways studios, chalets or villas, you’ll be sure to wake up relaxed and ready for what lies next.

Auckland—as its residents know it—is a diverse place in New Zealand with as much natural beauty as there is urban sprawl. Book your Auckland Airport rental car and Castaways Resort accommodation, to discover it all!