Great getaways near Auckland

Waiwera is famous for its hot pools, but there's also the beach. Photo / Herald on Sunday

You're back at work after a nice couple of weeks lazing around on the beach in the sun ... you're trapped indoors, the boss is making
unreasonable demands and your next holiday suddenly seems a long time away. The answer is make the most of your weekends and take short breaks that are right on your doorstep.

Here are some of the best destinations within easy reach of Auckland.

Waiwera
Where: 40 minutes north of Auckland on SH1.

Why: Its swisher, gentrified neighbour Matakana may hog the attention but there's something to be said for parking up in seaside Waiwera for a few nights. It's right on a safe swimming beach, as well as, of course, the famous Waiwera hot pools. The beautiful Wenderholm Regional Park, with its easy walks, great beaches, and abundant birdlife, is right
next door. Stunning Tawharanui and Mahurangi regional parks are an easy drive north, along with all the food, wine and snorkelling delights of
Leigh, Matakana and Goat Island. For accommodation, choose from classic Kiwi camping at the holiday park, or go upscale at Waiwera Infinity Spa
Thermal Resort.

Link: www.waiwera.co.nz

Devonport
Where: Auckland's North Shore; about a 30-minute drive from the city, or a 20-minute ferry trip.

Why: If you're an Aucklander it may seem odd to holiday in another
part of the city, but a trip to Devonport - particularly if you take the ferry from downtown - is an easy way to get away without really having to go anywhere. After all, in Auckland's pre-motorway history this
seaside naval village, at the foot of North Head, was a popular holiday spot for citysiders. It might be easier to get to now but Devonport
still retains an air of isolation. Book yourself into one of the excellent B&Bs and spend the weekend mooching through the boutique shops, restaurants or around the harbour's edge. Cheltenham Beach is
an easy 30-minute walk away or stroll up North Head for spectacular views and old military tunnels.

Link: www.devonport.co.nz

Awhitu Peninsula
Where: The peninsula stretches along the southwest shores of the
Manukau Harbour, about 45 minutes' drive from the centre of Auckland.

Why: Why not? This seems an oft-forgotten stretch of Auckland region with many city holidaymakers generally headed north or west to more famous beaches. But Awhitu is a lovely spot for a summer getaway. There are stunning beaches, such as Brooks and Kauritutahi in Awhitu Regional Park, an abundance of coastal walks, as well as kayaking, birdwatching and mountain biking. The area is also a foodie haven, with all manner of growers and producers. There's a country market on the fourth Sunday of every month and on long weekends, elsewhere there are winemakers, olive growers, citrus orchards, arts and crafts makers, plant nurseries and honey producers, so you won't go hungry. There are several accommodation options, from camping in the regional park, to lodges and
B&Bs.

Link: www.awhitu.com

Orere Point
Where: About an hour's drive east from the central city.

Why: Orere Point is a tranquil spot on the region's far eastern shores, looking across the Firth of Thames towards Coromandel Peninsula. There's a safe beach to suit all the family and an abundance of fish
that keeps keen fisherman returning every weekend. Miranda hot pools are about an hour's drive along the Seabird Coast, or head back towards Beachlands and Maraetai to Duders Regional Park. On the way to Orere Point, stop at Clevedon's Italian Country Market, and on the way
home pick a designated driver and book into Vin Alto winery, near Clevedon for one of their legendary Sunday lunches. For accommodation, there's a Top 10 Holiday Park at Orere Point or rent a bach.

Link: www.orerepointholidaypark.co.nz

BOOK IT
Renting a bach or holiday home is often a great way to get good accommodation, especially in smaller, less-developed locations. It's also great if there's a group and you can split costs.

Try these sites:
www.bookabach.co.nz
www.holidayhouses.co.nz
www.holidayhomes.co.nz
www.bluepenguin.co.nz

Where to go:
Here are the 10 most popular locations for baches booked through www.bookabach.co.nz, and the average cost per night.

Whangamata $222

Waihi Beach $224

Mangawhai Heads $201

Raglan $181

Taupo Central $236

Whitianga$241

Pauanui $236

Waikanae Beach $165

Mt Maunganui $252

Tairua $228