Things to Do in Auckland | Family-Friendly Activities & Outdoor Adventures
The metropolis of Auckland on the North Island of New Zealand is a harbor city known for its cultural attractions, modern marvels and island activities. Things to do in Auckland include exploring Waiheke Island and jumping off Sky Tower! Families love Auckland for its kid-friendly activities like Auckland Zoo and Rainbow’s End theme park.
1. Waiheke Island
Paradise awaits just 35 minutes east of Auckland‘s central business district on Waiheke Island, a dreamy escape for travelers who can’t wait to sink their toes in white sands. The island also is a popular respite for adventurists who can explore forests, underground tunnels and seaside cliffs. The region is so gorgeous and ripe with activities that some visitors opt to stay on Waiheke Island, which offers plenty of budget beach huts and hostels as well as beachfront resorts.
Things to do in Auckland on Waiheke Island
- Onetangi Beach
- Oneroa Beach
- Te Ara Hura (“W” Bay walking trail)
- Mudbrick Restaurant and Vineyard
- Waiheke Ostend Market (Saturdays only)
- Whittaker’s Musical Museum
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2. Sky Tower
New Zealand’s tallest man-made tower is more than just a landmark to gaze up at. Sky Tower features a host of activities that include bird’s-eye views of Auckland from three observation towers, a choice of restaurants and an opportunity to plunge 630 feet (192 meters) from a ledge at the top! Tourists who want to be daring – but not quite as daring as the SkyJump – can buy tickets for the SkyWalk. This breathtaking experience lets visitors walk around the outer ledge of the Sky Tower while harnessed to safety lines. For dining, guests can eat at Sky Cafe on the 50th floor, The Sugar Club on the 53rd floor or Orbit 360° Dining, which features a rotating dining room in the top of Sky Tower.
Hours: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily (May to October); 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. daily (November to April)
Ticket prices: 32 NZD (21 USD) for adults; 13 NZD (8.50 USD) for children ages 6 to 14; free for children 5 and younger. (Includes entry to Sky Deck viewing platform, Main Observation Level and Sky Cafe. Tickets for SkyJump and SkyWalk must be booked separately online.)
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3. Auckland Zoo
A visit to Auckland Zoo can be a rewarding experience for the entire family. As New Zealand’s largest zoo, the facility houses more than 130 species of animals that make up the more than 1,000 residents of the zoo. Visitors can explore exhibitions themed by regions in Africa, Australia, Sri Lanka, Southeast Asia and South America, and kids can sign up for unique activities like the Junior Keeper program. Auckland Zoo even offers photography workshops for beginners to professionals seeking clean shots of rare animals.
Hours: 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily (last entry at 4:15 p.m.)
Ticket prices: 24 NZD (16 USD) for adults; 13 NZD (8.50 USD) for children ages 6 to 14; 19 NZD (12.50 USD) for seniors (65 and older)
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4. SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton’s Aquarium
As educational as it is MARVEL-ous, SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton’s Aquarium is a cool way to spend a day in Auckland no matter your age. The seaside aquarium holds some of the world’s largest aquatic life exhibits, including a penguin colony, stingray display, Seahorse Kingdom and the world’s only collection of Spiny Sea Dragons. SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton’s Aquarium also helps protect each species it houses and is admired nationwide for its turtle rescuing and rehabilitation program.
Hours: 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Last entry is at 4 p.m.
Ticket prices: 41 NZD (27 USD) for adults; 29 NZD (19 usd) for children ages 3 to 15; 33 NZD (21.50 USD) for students and seniors; free for children 0 to 2.
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5. Rainbow’s End
This fun theme park in Manukau (south of Auckland CBD) is a popular attraction for families and thrill-seekers. Rainbow’s End features more than 20 rides, virtual reality experiences, escape rooms and Kidz Kingdom, a covered educational and play zone that can keep children 8 and younger entertained for hours.
Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends, school holidays and public holidays.
Ticket prices: Superpasses for all rides start at 64.99 NZD (42.50 USD) for adults; 54.99 NZD (36 USD) for children ages 2 to 13. Prices do not include tickets to Kidz Kingdom, which can be purchased separately for 39.99 NZD (26 USD). For visitors who do not want to ride any rides, spectator passes are available for 19 NZD (12.50 USD) on weekends and 10 NZD (6.50 USD) on weekdays.
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