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Teeming with fun and exciting things to do for both families and adults, Auckland is an adventure-packed city on New Zealand’s North Island offering memorable experiences to residents and visitors alike. Known for its alluring setting on the Hauraki Gulf, vibrant culinary scene, rugged black sand beaches, award-winning high-quality boutique vineyards, and dazzling nightlife there are a series of different ways in which you can plan your Auckland itinerary. No matter the activities you are into and your travel style there are a plethora of activities to do in Auckland for every age group.
There is much to see and do in ‘The City of Sails’ and our pick for the best things to do in Auckland has something for everyone.
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There are plenty of fun and exciting things to plan in Auckland with family whether visiting for a day, weekend, or multiple weeks.
With a myriad of cool things to do in Auckland, families can experience a fun day out with the whole family with a visit to top attractions such as Auckland Zoo, Butterfly Creek, Sculptureum, Whale & Dolphin Safari, Thrillzone, Rixen NZ Cable Wakeboarding Park, Sheep World and more.
| Attraction | Why Visit & Things You Simply Can’t Miss |
|---|---|
| Auckland Zoo | A must-visit for families with kids, encounter over 140 different species of animals as you stroll through Auckland Zoo and learn more about different animal species. |
| Sky Tower | Auckland Sky Tower offers stellar panoramic views of the city and the Hauraki Gulf and while there you can enjoy adrenaline-pumping activities such as SkySlide, SkyWalk, and SkyJump. |
| Viaduct Harbour | Stroll along the picturesque Viaduct Harbour and enjoy the waterfront backdrop while dining at some of the finest restaurants and bars around the area. |
For keeping kids entertained on a rainy day there are plenty of indoor activities in Auckland which one can plan. Rainbow’s End Kidz Kingdom, Snowplanet, Escape Masters, All Blacks Experience, VR Voom, Auckland Art Gallery, and Stardome Observatory & Planetarium are some of the key spots in Auckland for kids of all age groups.
| Attraction | Why Visit & Things You Simply Can’t Miss |
|---|---|
| Auckland Art Gallery | Displaying European artwork dating back to the Middle Ages as well as modern artworks from Maōri, New Zealand, and Pacific artists, Auckland Art Gallery offers the most compelling visual arts experience. |
| Odyssey Sensory Maze | Offering more than typical indoor entertainment, Odysseum Auckland hosts exciting adventures for visitors to experience illusions, lights/sound effects, quirky obstacles, and strange sensations to indulge all senses. |
| Maritime Museum | Celebrating New Zealand’s maritime history, learn more about Kiwi beach culture through excellent exhibits and cool interactive displays during your visit to the Auckland Maritime Museum. |
If you wish to plan free things to do in Auckland then there’s a list of unique and fun options for every family. Whether you choose to visit the magnificent Botanic Gardens, Wynyard Quarter, or Arataki Visitor Centre you and your family are bound to have a fun-filled experience.
| Attraction | Why Visit & Things You Simply Can’t Miss |
|---|---|
| Auckland Botanic Gardens | Only a 20-minute drive from the CBD, Botanic Gardens is 64 hectares of beautifully spread-out paradise displaying collections of native and exotic plants where visitors can spend a good chunk of their day. |
| Wynyard Quarter | Tāmaki Makaurau’s newest waterfront neighbourhood, Wynyard Quarter with its stunning harbour views, lively atmosphere, and bustling eateries is a perfect place for planning family excursions. |
| Cornwall Park | Spanning over 200 hectares and located in the heart of Auckland City, Cornwall Park is a wide open landscape where one can easily plan a leisurely picnic, brisk run, or even a friendly cricket match with friends or family. |
Whether planning your evening out in the city with friends, or family our list of things to do in and around Auckland is perfect for those who wish to burn off some late-night energy. Experiencing Auckland nightlife means you get to enjoy the best views and indulge in fun activities after the sun has set.
A perfect nighttime Auckland activity, the Night Markets are hosted across seven different locations every night of the week offering a glimpse into the region’s multicultural community with their blend of street food, handmade crafts, and live performances.
Adding a twist to amusement park rides, Rainbows End Night Rides is among New Zealand’s most popular theme parks which opens its gates as the sun goes down only for a few selected dates in the whole year. Have a fun-filled night out with family in Auckland and join the thrill of your favourite rides by pre-booking your tickets in advance through their official website.
Auckland has plenty of Escape Rooms in and around the CBD area perfect for those who want to spend their evening indulging in challenging exercises lasting a few hours. The thrill of being locked in a room and doing your best to get out following a series of clues is a perfect group activity planned during the late hours of the night.
If you are someone who loves all things spooky then a visit to Auckland’s only ‘haunted’ theme park ‘Spookers’ is a must. Make your way through this themed haunting house that has several different setups including a ghost house, cornfield, freaky forest, and more to scare your socks off.
If you fancy organizing a weekend trip to unwind with friends or simply going out after work with colleagues, our list of unique and crazy things to do in Auckland for adults might interest you.
Self-drive day trips from Auckland will give you the chance to explore many exciting destinations and venture beyond city limits. Below is the list of best day trips from Auckland that you can plan with family or friends.
For the ultimate island retreat plan a day trip to Waiheke Island famously known as the ‘island of wine’ for its many wineries and vineyards. Exploring the island’s stunning beaches, visiting local art galleries, and planning zipline adventures over vineyards are some popular activities you can organize during your visit.
Located about two hours south of Auckland city, Hobbiton Movie Set and Waitomo Glowworm Caves are must-see attractions for an unforgettable full-day tour with family. Lord of the Rings movie fanatics can indulge in a guided tour of the set and revel in incredible views of the Kaimai Ranges. Waitomo Glowworm Caves offers plenty of cave adventure activities, like abseiling or black water rafting and is a must-visit destination for nature lovers.
For a relaxing family day trip from Auckland consider driving to Tiritiri Matangi Island which is among the world’s most successful conservation projects filled with wildlife including rare New Zealand native birds. Walk around the island and explore the island’s wildlife for a relaxing day trip with family.
When you are ready to experience everything Auckland has to offer consider hiring a car for ease of transportation. Through our website, you can easily book your car rental in Auckland today at the cheapest prices. Pick up your car from Auckland Downtown/CBD location or if you have just flown in, collect your car hire at Auckland Airport and explore everything the city has to offer at your pace.