Four Easy Day Trips for When You Need to Get Back to Nature

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New Zealand is known for its tantalising backyard and the friendly demeanour of our people. But when it all gets too much in the urban sprawl, sometimes you need an escape to relax, restore and rewind. A breath of fresh air, on top of a mountain or at the bottom of the ocean, is all it takes. Downtown Auckland is just mere moments from some of the country's most desirable slices of paradise. Together with Hugo Boss we have rounded up four easy day trips. BOSS BOTTLED Infinite aims to help you discover the best version of yourself and find the perfect balance between an urban working life and spending moments close to nature.

Miles Holden

WIND DOWN ON WAIHEKE

Nothing says relax and rewind like a day trip to Waiheke Island. So close to the city it feels you could almost grasp the lush greenery, but far enough away to take in a breath of fresh air. There's two ways to explore the island; the way you've always done it, or in a luxury car of your own winding through the deserted roads between wineries and ocean views. Hire a convertible from the city and take it over on the car ferry; feel the wind in your hair as you explore Waiheke's hidden beaches and aromatic drops. Call into Mudbrick for a sip of wine made before your eyes and savour every bite of tapas as the sun goes down. If a day on Waiheke simply isn't enough, book yourself a boutique bed at The Oyster Inn or nestle up with nature in one of Fossil Bay Lodge's lotus belle tents.

MAKE FOR THE BREAK AT TE ARAI

If you're a thrillseeker looking to dive into something with a bit more stoke, grab your board and hit the road. Drive until you can smell the lush woods and the fresh ocean air. When you see the break peeling on the horizon, you know you've found the spot. Sprawling across the edge of the region, the sandy beach is a moment to leave the stresses of the big smoke for dust. Te Arai is loved among local legends and learners alike, for the ever-pumping hollow break, begging to be ridden.

Leave the city at the crack of dawn to make the most of nature's playground. Then, once the waves have been shredded and the cars start to roll onto the beach, retreat to the greens of Tara Iti Golf Club for a scenic swing. Before hitting the highway home, call up the road to Mangawhai for an ever-deserved craft beer at Wood Street Freehouse and let the day slowly shift into night.

Nicola Easterby

COOL OFF IN NATURE'S INFINITY POOL

If feeling on top of the world sets you free, head off on a local waterfall hike. With remote and hidden streams traversing the mountains of the wild west, it's hard to pinpoint a crowd favourite. But with lush green surrounds and a view to be marvelled from both top and bottom, Kitekite Falls is loved for all the right reasons. It's known to Instagrammers as nature's lushest infinity pool. The access track is tucked away from the famous beach haven, Piha, known for its black sand and rugged coastline.

The 15-minute hike leads you to a towering three-tiered waterfall reaching 40 metres. It's no wonder swimming up to the edge of the falls is only for the brave and most determined, but the reward when it feels like there's nothing but you and the heavenly pool is unparalleled. Call into Titirangi's Deco Eatery for a sumptuous breakfast on your way through the Waitakeres, and scale Lion Rock at Piha to watch the sun slip into the ocean after a day of reconnecting.

GET UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL WITH WILDLIFE ON TIRITIRI MATANGI

Another island in the gulf, the lush forests of Tiritiri Matangi replace the asphalt jungle with the actual jungle. A dedicated wildlife sanctuary and one of the country's most exciting conservation projects, the untouched island is like a step back in time. Many of the native birds on the island can only be found here; an opportunity to get up close to the unique wildlife of New Zealand. With a rich wildlife population, the Tiritiri Matangi Project has gone to the ends of the earth to protect the island. To top it all off, ferry spots are limited each day meaning the island never gets too crowded. With hidden beaches and secluded paths to be explored, the island detaches you from city life. Live in harmony with nature. Even if only for a short while.

Hitting that work-life balance is hard. But shutting your laptop, splashing on some new BOSS BOTTLED Infinite and getting out in nature will help you seize the day and live your best life.