Every great city has its secrets—those special places that lie just off the beaten path, waiting to be discovered. To truly experience Auckland, you need to venture beyond the usual tourist spots and see the city through the eyes of a local.
Forget the crowds. We're sharing five of our favourite local secrets and hidden gems that will show you a side of Auckland most visitors never see.
1. Muriwai's Dramatic Gannet Colony
While the famous Piha beach gets most of the attention, nearby Muriwai Beach offers a wilder, more dramatic coastal experience. Its rugged black sand is impressive, but the real magic is the clifftop gannet colony, where thousands of birds nest between August and March.
Why It's a Gem: It’s an easily accessible and breathtaking display of nature that feels a world away from anywhere else.
The Zodiak Insider Tip: Visit an hour before sunset on a clear day. The sight of the gannets returning to their nests with the golden sun setting over the Tasman Sea is pure magic.
Getting There: A 45-minute drive from the CBD. A rental car is essential for this trip.
2. The Tunnels of North Head Historic Reserve
Hiding in plain sight in the charming harbourside suburb of Devonport is North Head, a historic reserve offering incredible views and a fascinating labyrinth of old military tunnels and gun emplacements to explore. It's a must-do for history buffs and urban explorers.
Why It's a Gem: It combines stunning city and harbour views with a unique glimpse into Auckland's military history.
The Zodiak Insider Tip: Bring a torch (or use your phone's) to properly explore the darker corners of the tunnel network. Afterwards, wander down to Devonport village for a well-deserved ice cream.
Getting There: Take a short, scenic ferry ride from the Downtown Ferry Terminal to Devonport, then enjoy a 20-minute walk up the hill.
3. The Matakana Village & Wine Trail
Just under an hour north of Auckland lies the charming Matakana region. It's a sophisticated country escape known for its incredible Saturday Farmer's Market, boutique wineries, art trails, and stunning coastal scenery.
Why It's a Gem: It offers the food and wine experience of Waiheke but with a more relaxed, local feel and fewer crowds.
The Zodiak Insider Tip: Time your visit for a Saturday morning to experience the market at its most vibrant. Afterwards, follow the 'Matakana Wine Trail' to discover beautiful vineyards for a tasting.
Getting There: A one-hour drive north. This makes for a perfect, easy day trip with a rental car.
4. The Kitekite Falls Track
Tucked away in the lush rainforest of the Waitākere Ranges, Kitekite Falls is a stunning multi-tiered waterfall that cascades into a beautiful pool at its base. It's an accessible walk that delivers a huge scenic reward.
Why It's a Gem: It's a more intimate and less strenuous alternative to some of the longer hikes in the ranges, yet it feels just as wild and impressive.
The Zodiak Insider Tip: Pack your swimsuit! The pool at the base of the falls is perfect for a refreshing (and chilly!) dip on a warm day. The track can be muddy, so wear sturdy shoes.
Getting There: Located near Piha Beach, about a 50-minute drive from the city.
5. The Auckland Coast to Coast Walk
This is the ultimate urban adventure that most visitors don’t know exists. You can literally walk 16km across the country in a single day, from the Waitematā Harbour on the east coast to the Manukau Harbour on the west, passing through parks, volcanic cones, and historic suburbs.
Why It's a Gem: It offers a completely unique perspective on Auckland's geography and history.
The Zodiak Insider Tip: If you don't have a full day, tackle the section from the CBD through the Auckland Domain to the summit of Maungakiekie (One Tree Hill) for some of the best views in the entire city.
Getting There: The walk officially starts in the Viaduct Harbour, right on the doorstep of our apartments.
Exploring Auckland's hidden gems is all about adventure and discovery. At the end of the day, return to your own private sanctuary in the city. A Zodiak Stays apartment provides the perfect, comfortable base to launch your explorations and relax after a day off the beaten path.
Ready to discover the real Auckland?