Enjoy a relaxed home-cooked breakfast at your son's house or pop into the local Blockhouse Bay village cafés (many open ~7:30am) for good coffee and pastries; perfect to conserve time and settle in.
360° views over Auckland and the Hauraki Gulf give you a quick city overview — open typically 9:00am–10:00pm, book ahead if you want the best sunset slot.
Explore Māori and Pacific collections and the Domain’s wintergardens; museum hours are generally 10:00am–5:00pm so midday is ideal to avoid early queues.
Choose waterfront fish-and-chips or a casual bistro in Britomart — many waterfront venues open from 11:00am and are great for people-watching and harbour views.
Dine locally with options ranging from family-friendly bistros to takeaway fish-and-chips; staying local makes for a relaxed first night and supports neighbourhood businesses (check individual opening times).
Drive from Blockhouse Bay to the downtown ferry terminals (allow extra time for parking/bus), arriving with time to buy or confirm ferry tickets to Waiheke.
Scenic 35–40 minute ferry crossing to Waiheke; ferries typically run multiple times daily from early morning — book online for summer weekends to secure seats.
Beachside options or cosy island restaurants serving fresh seafood and local produce; restaurants generally open from 11:30am for lunch and dinner service.
Spend a relaxing afternoon on Onetangi’s sandy beach or hire a bike to explore smaller bays and olive groves — bike hire typically opens from about 9:00am.
Walk across lava fields to the summit for panoramic harbour views — allow ~2–2.5 hours return, bring water, sun protection and sturdy shoes; tracks open in daylight hours.
Short walks through tunnels and coastal batteries that offer excellent harbour vistas and WWII history; North Head is open during daylight hours and is free to visit.
Catch an afternoon ferry back to the CBD and then drive to Blockhouse Bay to relax at home — ferry and drive times vary with traffic, so plan accordingly.
If stopping on the way back, Takapuna has good seaside dining; otherwise a home meal sitting in Blockhouse Bay is convenient and restful after a busy day.
Iconic black-sand beach with the Lion Rock landmark and great surf photography — the beach is open all day but surf can be strong so respect lifeguard flags.
Choose a casual café in Piha village or bring a picnic for a peaceful spot by the falls if you do the short Kitekite walk; cafés usually open from 9:00am to mid-afternoon.
Prepare a packed breakfast at 62 Taylor Street or grab takeaway before you set off to Matamata; early departure (approx 2–2.5 hour drive) reduces midday heat and traffic.
Guided tour through the Shire with set pieces from the LOTR and Hobbit films; tours run throughout the day (~2 hours) and are best booked in advance, especially in January.
Pack breakfast from 62 Taylor Street and depart very early to maximise time at Cathedral Cove and avoid the worst of the traffic; expect a 2.5–3 hour drive to Hahei.
Iconic coastal archway with a 45–60 minute walk each way from the car park, or take a seasonal boat/kayak trip (boats run from ~8:30/9:00am) to avoid the walk and crowds.
Dig your own hot pool in the sand during low tide windows — this is a seasonal and tide-dependent activity so confirm tide times in advance (usually safe and best at low tide).
After a long day, enjoy an easy meal at 62 Taylor Street or order a local takeaway; many small-town eateries may close earlier, so home is most reliable.
Head north-east from Blockhouse Bay (approx 1h15–1h30 drive) to arrive early at the popular market (typically 8:00am–1:00pm) for produce and local artisan goods.
Visit boutique shops, galleries and the Brick Bay Sculpture Trail with coastal views — Brick Bay cellar doors and café usually open from around 9:00–10:00am.
Goat Island is New Zealand’s first marine reserve and excellent for snorkelling or guided trips from Leigh; bookings for snorkel tours typically run mid-morning to mid-afternoon and should be reserved in summer.
Enjoy a calm final breakfast at your son’s place or, if you prefer city flair, drive to Amano in Wynyard Quarter (opens ~7:30am) for artisan pastries and coffee.
Enjoy a final meal in the city and pick up any last souvenirs — shops and cafés operate through the afternoon, but allow time to return to Blockhouse Bay to collect belongings.
Gather your bags at your son’s house and confirm airport transfer or car return — allow at least 45–60 minutes to reach Auckland Airport from the CBD, longer in peak traffic from Blockhouse Bay.