Nestled into the Hauraki Gulf coast on the North Island/Te Ika-a-Māui, Auckland’s Hibiscus Coast is a haven of beaches, coastal communities and stunning landscapes. From water activities and relaxation retreats to wineries and nature experiences, the beauty of this pocket of paradise is unparalleled.
Since Tāmaki Māori settled the Hibiscus Coast area in the 13th century, the region has evolved into a popular destination for Auckland/Tāmaki Makaurau’s locals and visitors alike. Just a short drive north of Auckland city, there are plenty of hidden treasures waiting for you to explore around the Hibiscus Coast in yourHertz rental car.
Discover the Hidden Coastal Gems
A getaway on the Hibiscus Coast brings with it a wealth of both exciting and relaxing water activities for you to pass the days by the pristine blue of the ocean. The perfect place to begin your travels through this picturesque region is in the town at the centre of the Hibiscus Coast, Orewa. While Orewa Beach is the Coast’s worst kept secret, you’ll discover a plethora of hidden treasures to bring a sparkle to your holiday. The hibiscus flowers that populate the landscape near the shore are the region’s namesake. Their quiet beauty against the backdrop of the beach is definitely something to keep an eye out for. Orewa Beach is also home to a little farmer’s market every Sunday morning. Stop by for some fresh produce and some time with the local community. To explore the serenity of the coastline and get amongst the marine life, Perfect Paddles on Orewa Beach offers the perfect activity to get away from the crowds and above the water. You can hire a stand up paddleboard and embark on your own adventure in the ocean. To really explore the hidden coastal gems around this area, there are several secret beaches on Hibiscus Coast that you can reach in your Hertz rental car. Te Haruhi Bay and Pink Beach, both about a half an hour drive from Orewa, offer jaw-dropping views and serene beaches to relax on. 
Wind-Down Away From the Crowds
The Hibiscus Coast’s beaches aren’t the only way for you to sit back and relax as you take in the beauty that surrounds. A wine-tasting tour is the perfect way to combine cultural flavour with stunning landscapes at Hibiscus Coast’s world-class wineries. Just half an hour north of Orewa, the Matakana Wine Trailprovides a scenic way to taste some of the best wines in the region. You can explore some of these reputable wineries and vineyards with your rental car, such as Coxhead Creek or Brick Bay, but make sure to always have a designated driver. If you’d prefer to let an expert lead you the way, leave your rental car at your accommodation and join in on a wine tour that will venture out to a handful of hidden gems in the region. Kiwiness Tours is a great option for wine-hopping, with not only transport sorted for your journey but also a helpful tour guide to give you the local backstory of the area. For another relaxing activity away from the holiday crowds, slow things down with a yoga retreat. Situated in Orewa, Yoga House provides a range of classes and programs for you to stretch your body while you calm down your mind. Make sure to keep an eye out for their seasonal workshops too. 
Embrace the Untouched Parts of Nature
The Hibiscus Coast has no shortage of stunning nature parks to discover. Where the bush meets the ocean, Shakespear Regional Park at Whangaparāoa Head is a gem in the coast’s crown of jewels. The best way to get amongst this vivid scenery of lush bush and wide open ocean is by following the coastal walk from Okoromai Bay to Shakespear Park. Consisting of gravel trails, grass tracks and boardwalks, this walking track will not only deliver stunning slices of thriving bush, but also panoramic coastal views. With the track finishing back up at Okoromai Bay, the cherry on top of this relaxing bush walk is a dip in the shores of the soothing ocean. Shakespear Park is also home to the Heritage Trail that will lead you through landscapes of native forest, wetlands and farmland as the bush comes alive all around you. The most ideal spot for a quiet picnic among the flora and fauna of the Hibiscus Coast, this is a slice of paradise that will make you forget about the world beyond the coast.
Whether you want to take your travels slow or jump straight into adventure, there are a range of hidden treasures waiting for you on the Hibiscus Coast to explore in your Hertz rental car.
