8 Family-Friendly Activities Auckland

Auckland is a playground; full of fun and fabulous things the whole family can enjoy. With drop-dead gorgeous vistas surrounding the two harbours, it’s a lush landscape that lends itself to entertaining full-of-beans kids, and parent-please too. Here are 8 Auckland activities that offer some quality family time.

 

1. Make for a Market

Markets are great for meandering; search for a hand-crafted treasure, bag a bargain or discover a gem. For some quality craft, head to Mt Eden Village Craft Market. If it’s fresh produce you’re pining for, take a picturesque drive to the Clevedon Village Farmers’ Market. And for something different, La Cigale in Britomart and Parnell has all things French; from melt-in-your-mouth croissants to cheese – please. Top off your visit to Britomart with an ice cream from world-renowned Giapo.

 

2. Snorkel Goat Island

This pristine marine reserve is bursting with underwater life; eye-spy fish, eagle rays and crayfish. Fabulous for everyone, from first-time snorkelers to expert divers, this area also features stunning beaches and walks around the coast when you’re done exploring the deep.

 

3. Ferry the Family to Rangitoto

A comfortable 25-minute ferry ride will get you to Rangitoto, the most well-known of all Auckland’s 48 islands. Try the easy walk to the highest point on the island, then once you’re back down, take your torch and start exploring the lava caves, which are lit up by glow worms.

 

4. Auckland Art Gallery

Take advantage of this beautiful space, and enjoy the free exhibitions. No visit is complete without popping into the Creative Learning Centre where the kids can embrace their inner artist, let loose and work on their creations.

 

5. Beach Life

The beach is always a hit, and Auckland has an abundance to choose from. The good news is, it doesn’t have to be warm and summery to enjoy a day on the sand; don your winter woollies and investigate the rock pools at Red Beach. Challenge the kids to a game of beach cricket using a bat fashioned from driftwood.

 

6. Wonder at Waterfalls

You don’t have to venture far to see the incredible Oakley Creek Falls; a six-metre waterfall in Waterview, Auckland Central. If you and the family are looking for an idyllic setting with pretty ponds and flowers, the Mauku Waterfall at Wrights Watergardens has ‘wow’ factor.

 

7. Pack a Picnic

Grab some fresh food, pack a hamper and eat it al fresco; Judges Bay and Mission Bay both make beautiful backdrops for your outdoor eating. And if you find yourself on Tamaki Drive, stop at any of the bays along the way, to unpack your picnic.

 

8. SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton's Aquarium

See things under the sea; sharks, stingrays, seahorses and even turtles. Home to the biggest Sub-antarctic Penguin colony in the southern hemisphere, the whole family can take part in an Arctic Ice Adventure, with these incredible black and white birds waddling and sliding past. Go to the Amazing Creations zone to draw your imagined sea creature, and then watch it swim to life on the interactive wall. Buy your tickets online in advance and save up to 10%.

New Zealand’s biggest city offers a huge variety of activities, adventures and experiences every family member will love.