Auckland, Family Activities

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  • Waiheke Buzz Scenic Flight

    Your adventure begins with spectacular sights of Waiheke Island as you fly out of Ardmore Airport. Enjoy the views of Hauraki Gulf's islands - Motuihe, Motutapu and Browns Island - as you make your way up the East Coast. Marvel at the defence forts and tunnels that protrude from the landscape of North Head, then journey on to the stunning scenery that is Waitemata Harbour. Look on in awe at the glorious glistening waters and the panoramic views of the renowned Harbour Bridge & Sky Tower.

    Planes are 4 and 6 seater Cessnas.  Child prices available, under 4s are free.

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  • Auckland Maori Culture Day Tour

    This unique full day sightseeing tour takes you off the beaten track to see the sights of Auckland city’s famous landmarks and touring the wild West Coast with its sub tropical rainforests and stunning volcanic black sand beaches. Discover a landscape rich with indigenous flora and fauna and cultural and historical significance to New Zealand’s Maori people. Highlights of this trip include a scenic drive through the bohemian township of Titirangi well known for its gifted artisans, sweeping panoramic views of Auckland’s City of Sails, visiting the Arataki Visitor Centre and walking among the giant Kauri trees of an ancient subtropical rainforest. This scenic tour of Auckland takes you to visit the stunning black sand beaches on Auckland's famous wild West Coast featuring spectacular ocean vistas, windswept cliffs and roaring surf. Your personal Maori tour guide will entertain you along the way with insights and informative commentary on local Maori myths and legends, the indigenous, flora and fauna and fascinating facts about the area and its stunning wildlife. This tour is a fantastic introduction to Auckland and its surrounds with fascinating insights into New Zealand’s unique Maori culture from the eyes of a local, knowledgeable Maori guide. On this sightseeing tour you will learn more about Auckland in a day than you could by yourself in a week!

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  • Kelly Tarltons Sealife Aquarium

    SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton’s Aquarium is one of Auckland’s best attractions. Situated on the stunning Auckland Waterfront on Okahu Bay, Kelly Tarlton’s offers the ultimate underwater adventure! SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton’s is home to Southern Hemisphere’s largest Antarctic penguin colony, is the only place in the world to see Spiny Sea Dragons and gives you an up close and personal encounter of the shark kind! With over than 30 live animal exhibits in amazing habitat displays including sharks, penguins, turtles, stingrays, seahorses, fish and much, much more no trip to Auckland is complete without visiting SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton’s.

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  • Ages 14+

    Kayaking - Rangitoto Island

    With golden beaches, volcanic islands, bushland at the water’s edge and all of this teeming with unique and beautiful wildlife – there’s no better way to explore this region of gorgeous natural beauty than by paddling gently along in a kayak.
    Waitemata Harbour is a naturally sheltered area that is absolutely ideal for kayaking and close by, Rangitoto Island offers kayaking opportunities that are suitable for all skill levels.
    After a quick safety and paddling briefing, you will begin your journey by paddling across the Waitemata harbour, which translates to ‘sparkling waters’ in Maori.

    Next up is Rangitoto Island, the largest and youngest of Auckland’s many inactive volcanoes. A one-hour walk to the summit allows you to take in the breathtaking views of the NZ Christmas trees (pohutukawa), the volcanic scoria rocks and the amazing 360° views.

    Before you jump back on your kayak for your ride home, you will be treated to a full Kiwi lunch and hot or cold beverages. You may even like to jump in for a swim before your return trip (time permitting)!

    Your friendly, experienced guide will help you determine if the conditions allow for the use of a sail for your southern return trip to St Heliers Bay. Regardless, you will be positively beaming from your day on the water.

    Minimum age is 14 years.

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  • Ages 6+

    Waiheke Island Zipline Auckland

    EcoZip Adventures is built on the stunning sub tropical island of Waiheke, just a 35 minute ferry from downtown Auckland. EcoZip Adventures gives you the opportunity to view the island from a spectacular vantage point as you fly through the sky at speeds of up to 60kmph on 200 metre long zip lines.

    Minimum weight 30kg

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  • Waiheke Explorer Tour

    The amazing Waiheke Explorer Tour combines your ferry journey to Waiheke Island with a scenic tour of this beautiful Island and unlimited bus travel (on the Island) for the remainder of the day. What a fantastic way to see this amazing area!

    Boarding at the Auckland Ferry Terminal, you will enjoy a 40 minute scenic cruise through the gorgeous Hauraki Gulf, as you make your way to Waiheke Island. Once there, you will be greeted by your friendly and experienced driver as you board your comfortable tour bus.  Introducing you to Waiheke island’s best locations; hop on and off as much as you like at any of its 17 convenient stops which include vineyards, beaches and restaurants. If you prefer, stay on board and enjoy a 1½ hour scenic tour of the island. The double decker buses stop at some of the island’s iconic spots including Oneroa Village, Onetangi Beach, Batch Winery, the new Tantalus winery/brewery, Mudbrick Vineyard, Cable Bay Vineyard, Matiatia Wharf and more.

    When the tour concludes, you can take advantage of the free day bus travel in order to explore every nook and cranny of the Island or visit some of the destinations you saw on the tour. Otherwise, you can return to Auckland, with more stunning scenery along the way.

    Child rates, and under 5s go free.

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  • Kiwi Guardian Outdoor Adventures

    Get the kids outside to have some FREE family fun connecting with nature at Toyota Kiwi Guardians sites nationwide.

    Toyota Kiwi Guardians highlights family-friendly, treasure hunt style activities at specific Department of Conservation sites that encourage kids to engage with the outdoors and, ultimately, earn themselves a medal for their efforts.

    The goal of the conservation programme is to turn Kiwi kids into guardians of the land and sea.

    A total of 50 sites are operational nationwide. Families can get started on their adventure by downloading the appropriate “treasure hunt” map from: www.kiwiguardians.co.nz

    Click on the area of New Zealand nearest to where you are to find the choices available closest to home.

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  • Ages 10+

    Sail NZ America's Cup Yacht

    Grab the amazing chance to participate in the thrilling feeling of being a fully-fledged crew member of the America's Cup yacht. Operate the grinders, take the helm or just sit back and enjoy the magical atmosphere that is Waitemata Harbour.

    With the America's Cup being one of the worlds oldest and most sought after titles, the opportunity for us 'commoners' to be aboard is certainly a thrilling occurrence.  This unique opportunity for anyone to step aboard a purpose built sea machine, capable of blistering speeds, will replicate the glory of the America’s Cup and leave you in awe of the speed and agility of these amazing vessels.

    Departing daily, the glorious two hour adventure will have you mesmerised for the entire trip and is suitable for all sailing novices, with no experience necessary (minimum age 10 years).

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  • Harbour Sailing Cruise

    Experience a glorious daytime or evening's sailing aboard one of Auckland’s most impressive yachts, floating along one of New Zealand’s most beautiful settings – the world renowned Waitemata Harbour.  This exquisite outing onboard The Pride of Auckland includes an exquisite picnic lunch during the day or un incredible dinner menu ~ fit for royalty, without the price tag, and containing some of the freshest, most delicious New Zealand fare available. The super impressive, purpose built yachts – from within The Pride of Auckland fleet – glide along the calm waters of Waitemata Harbour, giving you spectacular panoramic views of this stunning area.

    Child prices available and under 5s are FREE.

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  • Auckland Whale and Dolphin Safari

    Departing daily from downtown Auckland the Whale and Dolphin Safari is a unique tour to view a variety of wildlife living on Auckland's doorstep. Jumping on board the "Dolphin Explorer", a 20 metre purpose built catamaran, you will take a 4 hour cruise on the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park to experience the diverse marine wildlife.

    From the large open deck you will absorb iconic views of the Harbour Bridge, North Head and Devonport as well as Rangitoto Island. But the main event is the wildlife and on your trip you will be on the look out for Orca and dolphins which frequent the city side waters. As this trip operates in a natural environment each cruise is different, with varying sightings each tour. Typically on the Whale and Dolphin Safari you will see Bryde's Whales and Common Dolphins but you could even see Pygmy Blue Whales, New Zealand Fur Seals, Sharks, Manta Rays, Turtles and up to 26 species of seabirds!

    Child and family prices available.

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  • Auckland Adventure Jet

    Auckland Adventure Jet are adrenaline masters. Hop aboard the twin V8 500HP engine powered New Zealand jet boat and hold on! For up to 40 minutes, you will experience the G-force with super speeds, unbelievable acceleration and crazy manoeuvrability. The striking sights of the beautiful Waitemata harbour will be a bit of a blur, but still, you will have the opportunity to see Auckland's skyline and the infamous Sky Tower as you splash past. The Hauraki Gulf Volcanoes, Shoal Bay, the Chelsea sugar refinery and the iconic Harbour Bridge will probably also look like something out of a Vincent van Gogh painting as you fly by, but that won't detract much from their beauty.

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  • Ages 10+

    Auckland Bridge Bungy Jump

    The ‘Bach’ Bungy centre, located in beautiful Westhaven Marina, Auckland, is home to the world’s first Harbour Bridge Bungy jump. AJ Hackett Bungy (famed for being the Bungy originals) have engineered a modern marvel – a special launch platform called the Bungy pod – which is suspended underneath the Auckland Harbour Bridge.
    Choose from a variety of Bungy jumps, including tandem Bungy and the ever-popular water-touch!  Minimum height 120cm, minimum weight 35kg.

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  • YMCA Auckland City Fitness

    From fully licensed early learning centres that give children the best start in life, to term programmes for pre-school and school age children that support co-ordination, motor skill and social skill development, holiday programmes and before and after school care, every day can be a new adventure for kids at YMCA.

     

     

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  • Kiwi Valley Farm Park

    Only twenty minutes from downtown Auckland, this attraction gives children a great opportunity to see farm animals close-up. Children will enjoy hand feeding the animals, visiting the nursery shed, walking round the farm or discovering the animal pens, aviary and hidden caves in the outdoor maze.

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    • Phone: 09 837 2952
    • Location: 308 Henderson Valley Road, Henderson
  • Museum of Transport and Technology

    MOTAT is New Zealand's largest transport, technology and social history museum. Spread across 40 acres, MOTAT will take you on an interactive journey to explore and discover the achievements that have helped shape New Zealand, from the 1800s to today. School visit programmes from early childhood upwards.

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    • Phone: 09 815 5800
    • Location: 98 Motions Road, Auckland
  • Whoa Studios

    Whoa! Studios opened in December 2016 in Henderson Valley. Whoa Studios is home to  a state-of-the-art movie set where live pantomime-style shows, based on a movie now in development, will be performed, including an impressive urban park, with a huge inflatable obstacle course, water slide, and a one of a kind in Australasia crochet play net.  If that’s not enough, Whoa! Studio’s will offer some of NZ’s best food offerings with a new restaurant - The Grounds, by Ben Bayly, executive chef of The Grove, Baduzzi and from the TV2 show MKR.  Auckland is about to have a new and exciting destination, offering the magic of a kids and family live studio experience to the people of NZ, with plenty on offer to make a great day out.

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    • Location: 8 Henderson Valley Road, Henderson, Auckland
  • Pins :: Henderson

    Pins offers a friendly, safe and inexpensive environment for friends and family to spend a fun time together. Go bowling at Pins then relax and enjoy our bar, cafe and other entertainment options.

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    • Phone: 09 837 1111
    • Location: 199 Lincoln Road, Henderson
  • Metrolanes

    12 full size Tenpin Bowling lanes, that are uniquely split into 3 areas. The absolute latest in sound and lighting is featured throughout the venue. Full bar and restaurant onsite.

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  • Rainbow's End - NZ's premier theme park

    Experience all the fun you can handle at Rainbow's End - a full day of fun for the whole family! Kidz Kingdom is brand new, fully covered and the ultimate place to visit for children 8 years and under. For a fun day out or a birthday party it’s a kids paradise with fun rides, lots of activities and cool places to explore. Big kids and parents will love thrill rides like the Stratosfear, Fear Fall and Invader and everyone will enjoy family rides like the Dodgems, Gold Rush and Log Flume.

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    • Phone: 09 262 2030
    • Location: Manukau, Auckland, Corner of Great South and Wiri Station Roads
  • Matakana Country Park

    Within 1 hour from Auckland CBD and just over the hill from Matakana Village you will find an animal petting park, adventure playground, pony rides, sit and ride-on express train, carriage rides and much, much more! Brumbles cafe is open daily during summer and school holidays, The Stables Restaurant is open Weds-Sunday from 4pm and Sundays from noon.  There is also a craft shop, art gallery, remedy room, children's riding lessons and every Sunday the Indie Market from 9.30am-2.30pm.

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    • Location: 1151 Leigh Road, Matakana
  • Lost in Time Mini Golf

    Prepare for an 18 hole journey through some key events in the history of New Zealand. From the battlefields of World War One to the Gold Mines of Waihi, to the lush forests of pre colonised New Zealand and back to the day where the Dinosaur ruled the earth. Lost in Time is an indoor venue.

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    • Phone: 09 368 4141
    • Location: 291 - 297 Queen Street Auckland
  • Polish Heritage Trust Museum

    The Polish Heritage Trust Museum is a great place to visit with the family.  They offer workshops and classes along with educational programmes designed for adults, children and families. Here you will learn - the story of the Pahiatua Children, see costumes, tapestries and embroidery, view ‘Stefania Dancing Slippers’ book original artworks, Wycinanki paper cut-outs, dolls in regional costume, war memorabilia, history displays and lots more. Open to the public.

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    • Phone: 09 533 3530
    • Location: 125 Elliot Street, Howick, Auckland
  • Ages 7+

    Escape Masters

    Escape Masters is an adventure, where teams are locked in a themed room and their common goal is to break out within an hour. To escape, they have to use objects from around the room, find clues and solve puzzles! It is a room filled with brainteasers, tricky riddles, locks, keys and a lot of fun. Choose your own difficulty level, select one of the themed rooms and bring a team of 2-8 people per room. Suitable for all ages.

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    • Location: Level 11, 300 Queen Street, Auckland
  • Ages 3+

    Clip 'n Climb

    Theme park meets climbing wall! Designed for children, this is great fun for kids and adults alike. No experience necessary, just wear loose clothes and trainers, and tackle our 36 walls of fun. The walls are themed to be easy and appealing for anyone from tots to adults. Simply clip into our safety rope, tackle one of our funky challenges and then gently lower back down.

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    • Phone: 09 630 6040
    • Location: 610 Dominion Road, Balmoral, Auckland
Map of New Zealand
  • Central Otago
  • Auckland
  • Bay of Plenty
  • Christchurch
  • Dunedin
  • Coromandel
  • Gisborne
  • Fiordland
  • Marlborough Sounds
  • Manawatu
  • Northland
  • North Canterbury
  • Queenstown
  • South Canterbury
  • Taranaki
  • Southland
  • Taupo
  • Wanaka
  • Waikato
  • Wellington
  • West Coast
  • Whangarei
  • Bay of Islands
  • Tauranga
  • Gisborne
  • Hamilton
  • Napier
  • Kapiti
  • Palmerston North
  • Whanganui
  • New Plymouth
  • Arrowtown
  • Te Anau
  • Akaroa
  • Ashburton
  • Hanmer
  • Kaikoura
  • Methven
  • Mt Cook
  • Oamaru
  • Tekapo
  • Timaru
  • Abel Tasman
  • Motueka
  • Nelson Lakes
  • Blenheim
  • Picton
  • Catlins
  • Gore
  • Stewart Island
  • Central Plateau
  • Invercargill
  • Cromwell
  • Greymouth
  • Hokitika
  • Westport
  • Glenorchy

Our favourite destinations…

Auckland

New Zealand’s economic heart and biggest city is also an exciting family visitor destination, situated on a sunny harbour with city beaches just minutes away from the CBD. Orientate yourself by heading down to Viaduct Harbour, wandering the waterfront, checking out the super yachts or enjoying the waterfront restaurants. Nearby is the must-visit Sky Tower along with excellent and kid-friendly museums and tons of exciting activities!

Wellington

Wellington is New Zealand’s capital. Here you will find New Zealand's parliament buildings, including the 'Executive Wing', more well-known as 'The Beehive' due to its distinctive shape. Another icon to look out for is the Wellington Tram, which was the main means of public transport between 1878 and 1964.

Christchurch

With a population of around 400,000 Christchurch, in Canterbury, is the South Island ’s largest city, yet much of it has the feel of a small town. Perhaps that’s why it’s known as the Garden City but with the expansive Hagley Park, Botanic Gardens, Port Hills, River Avon and numerous beaches the city certainly has an open, relaxed feel that’s hard to beat.

Queenstown

With its well-deserved reputation as New Zealand’s activity adventure capital you’ll never run out of activities and things to do in Queenstown, but you may run out of time! With breathtaking scenery, activities and festivals, cafes and restaurants, skiing and snowboarding, shopping and wineries, this lakeside alpine resort rates as one of the world’s top vacation destinations for all ages and seasons.

Rotorua

Rotorua sits on the shore of Lake Rotorua, one of sixteen lakes in the area formed by hundreds of thousands of years of eruptions from the Taupo Volcanic Zone. The area is renowned for its geothermal activity and top of any activity list is to see the bubbling mud pools that are around the region for yourself. The Waimangu Volcanic Valley offers a first hand insight into the devastation caused by the 1886 eruption of Mount Tarawera and is a great place to discover steaming volcanic craters and bubbling, spitting  pools of mud!

Nelson and Golden Bay

The Nelson and Golden Bay regions, at the top of the South Island, boast enviable sunshine hours, glorious sandy beaches, safe swimming spots, lots of wildlife to look out for, and Abel Tasman National Park - an absolute must to explore, on foot, by kayak, your own craft or watertaxi.  Nelson is home to a vibrant arts and crafts community with a fabulous Saturday market, and is close to award-winning wineries and family-friendly bike tracks to take you around the coast.

Hawkes Bay

Napier was rebuilt after the 1931 earthquake and is now known as NZ's Art Deco City.  The Art Deco influence has created a unique city – nowhere else can you see such a varied concentration of art deco style. With over 2,200 sunshine hours a year, Napier is a year-round holiday destination with countless activities to entertain the kids – there's days of entertainment on Marine Parade alone, plus numerous other family-friendly trips and activities.  Add to that the beaches, walks and flat cycle paths, outdoor cafes and entertainment, and you have a perfect holiday destination!

Northland

Beautiful, unspoiled beaches, fishing, historic gum fields, kauri forests – the Far North has it all. With subtropical temperatures, it's often known as ‘the Winterless north', with warm, humid summers and mild winters.
Gateway to the Bay of Islands, Paihia is a pretty, lively beachside town and a perfect base for your family holiday. It’s your start point for Bay of Island adventures including day cruises, sailing, kayaking, swimming with dolphins and reef or wreck diving.