Matakana
This charming little outpost was barely a mark on the map a few decades ago but, in recent years, city folk have discovered its rural charms – and today it’s quite the destination. On Saturdays, Matakana Village Farmers’ Market provides everything you’ll need for the perfect picnic - chocolate, cheeses, artisan breads, gourmet spreads, there’s also been a boom in craft beers. This little haven is also home to vineyards and arts and crafts including the internationally renowned ceramics hub, Morris & James Pottery. And if you’re potty about pottery, every day at 11:30am, you can take a ‘behind the scenes’ tour. The gardens and galleries at Sculptureum are also drawing crowds.
Leigh
Goat Island Marine Reserve is like an aquarium in nature. One of the country’s most accessible snorkel spots, the sea life here is astonishing. If you’re not keen to swim, enjoy the fish from a glass-bottom boat or by hiring a see-through kayak. Nearby Pakiri Beach is renowned for horse riding, and with 14km of sand to gallop along, this is an equine thrill. Round your day off with dinner at The Leigh Sawmill Café, and because they also provide accommodation, why not make a night of it, with live music a regular feature out there.
Go west
Kumeu is a relatively affluent neck of the woods, noted for its rustic vineyards, restaurants, and verdant green hills, and just a 20 minute drive from the city centre. Try a cellar door tasting or dip into the craft beer scene at Hallertau with their beer garden serving up excellent grub from platters to set menus, cider too.
The Riverhead is New Zealand’s oldest riverside pub. Historic and hospitable, hearty food is often served up with live music. Other reasons to head this way, the high ropes course at Tree Adventures, Woodhill Mountain Bike Park and Huapai Golf Club, take your pick.
Clevedon
But wait there’s more. This area, nestled beneath the Hunua Ranges, is home to Duder Regional Park, an oyster farm and a magical three-day kayak adventure called Te Ara Moana or The Seagoing Pathway. Auckland Sea Kayaks can help visitors enjoy this as a day trip or multi-day adventure. Ayrlies Garden in Whitford is an International Garden of Significance, and a magnet for visitors with a botanical bent. Then there’s the simple pleasure of a brisk walk along any of the area’s walking tracks.
The North Shore
Perusing the charms of historic Devonport, walking the volcanic cones of North Head and Mt Victoria, or ducking underground to explore the network of tunnels left over from World War Two, the North Shore is full of curiosities. Takapuna is also a hotbed of epicurean delights from Madam Woo (Malaysian hawker food) to Jam Organic Cafe (wholesome breakfasts and lunches), or merely enjoying an ice cream at the Takapuna Beach Café.
South Auckland
The visitor centre on Māngere Mountain helps put the region's past into perspective with guided tours led by passionate local guides. Or discover why Vector Wero Whitewater Park has made such a splash. New Zealand’s first purpose-built white-water playground, this $37million marvel is described by kayaking legend Ian Ferguson as the ‘most amazing white-water park in the world’. With artificial rivers graded 2-4, experienced paddlers and newbies can all have a go at rafting, kayaking, even stand up paddle boarding. Back on dry land, stop for a frozen treat at Real Fruit Strawberry Ice Cream (during summer) in Māngere and see why locals rate this unpretentious place so highly.