We are into the long stretch of weekends between Queens Birthday and Labour Day. Yep, no long weekends for nearly half of the year (around 21 weeks). To save your sanity, here are a few suggestions for weekends away within 100kms of Auckland Harbour Bridge. Take off on a Friday afternoon, and come back Sunday, refreshed and ready to face the next week!
Pakiri Beach Holiday Park (84.8kms). If a tent in the middle of winter is not your thing, the holiday park has a great range of cabins & cottages to suit any budget. If you want real comfort I can recommend the Beachfront Luxury Lodge for a bit of self-indulgence…and there is nothing better to blow away the cobwebs than a walk along this beautiful beach on a winter's day. There is also Horse riding, Goat Island and Matakana Markets nearby.
Coromandel Township. OK, technically, Coromandel is 163kms by car, but if you jump on a ferry from Auckland City, it is only just over two hours and 75kms. Stay in the quaint Colonial Cottages Motel for something a little different. There is a great selection of Art & Craft shops in the township for the ladies, while the blokes can set off on a fishing trip. (Or for something extra special, check out Bushland Park.)
Weekend at Waiheke (43.8km to the ferry). Hop on a Sealink Ferry from Halfmoon Bay and spend the weekend exploring all Waiheke has to offer. Casita Miro offers a heavenly dining experience, and of course there are a myriad of vineyards to explore.
Try Tuakau (62kms) for something completely different. Enjoy a great pub meal at night, and explore the local lakes to the south during the day.
Where ever your travels take you, make sure you relax and have fun!