Things To Do In Auckland With Kids

Things to do in Auckland with Kids

There is a lot of things to do in Auckland with kids, some free and others that cost. Whether you are on a campervan holiday of New Zealand or just trying to keep your children entertained in the weekend or the school holidays, we have some suggestions.

Visit the Auckland Sky Tower

The views are amazing

The Sky Tower and Casino were built between 1994 and 1997 and the tower is still the tallest building in the southern hemisphere at 328m (1076 ft), 8m taller than the Eifel Tower in Paris.

All though Sky city is primarily the Auckland Casino, a trip to the Sky tower with kids / children can be a great outing. There are two restaurants in the tower, and two viewing decks. There is also a number of cafes and eateries around the Casino itself without having to go in.

You can do a controlled descent down the outside of the tower or walk outside, around the outer rings of the viewing deck with nothing but a rope to hang onto. Not necessarily recommended for children

The main viewing deck, on a clear day offers fantastic views of Auckland that you wouldn’t normally see.

My TIP:- For a few dollars more you can go up the tower twice in one day, once in the daytime and again at night. Here is the link to their price page

Location:-

Corner of Victoria and Federal Streets, Auckland City

 

Explore Kelly Talton’s Sea Life

Number One of the things to do in Auckland with kids

The brain child of Kelly Talton, a treasure hunter. Kelly’s dream was to bring the magnificence of the underwater sea life to the average person who would not normally go diving.

He took on a massive project setting up an aquarium in the old, disused, waste tanks of Auckland City.

As you go through the entrance you become immersed in the Antarctic with a replica of Captain Robert Falcon Scott’s Antarctic hut and other Antarctic information and memorabilia.

You then pass through a live penguin colony. Check for feeding times before you go.

As you progress there are all assorts of static displays and things to interest to do amuse the kids and adults alike. Some of the other features include a cafe and a large open Stingray tank. Again check for feeding times.

You then enter the aquarium on a travelator whilst the sharks, stingray and other exotic species of fish swim overhead and around you all the time keeping you nice and dry. Unfortunately Kelly died in 1985 a few months before his dream was opened.

My Tip:- If you have access to a window squeegee take it clear the condensation off the huge glass windows so you can get better pictures and views of the Penguins.

Location:-

Along Tamaki Drive, Auckland. A free shuttle leaves from downtown. It runs hourly on the HALF hour from 9:30am until 3:30pm, with the final pick up from downtown being at 3:30pm.

Pricing:-  If you buy online it’s cheaper

Terrorize the Auckland War Memorial Museum

Not just all about History

The Auckland War Memorial Museum sits on a hill overlooking the sparkling waters of the Waitemata (Auckland) harbour. The museum consists of three levels, the first, Maori and Polynesian history. The second natural history. The third is dedicated to New Zealand’s war history. An interesting features of the exterior, is the various names that are engraved above the windows; these represent all the battle arenas around the world that New Zealand has played a role in. The most significant being Gallipoli.

For the kids there is also a highly interactive section for learning and playing. My kids loved it in there, must admit I thought it was pretty cool too.

This is a good option for all weathers

My Tip:- If it’s a nice day take a picnic lunch and a ball and enjoy the great park grounds that surround the Museum.

Location:-

The Auckland Domain, Parnell, Auckland

Pricing:-  Free to Auckland Residents

 

Hike to the top of Mount Eden

Get the views of Auckland for FREE

Mt Eden is 196m (643 ft) high and gives a fantastic panoramic view of Auckland. The large volcanic crater at the top has been the focus of many a student prank. Mt Eden offers a great photo opportunity, but be warned it can be cold and windy at the top, so dress appropriately.

Here’s one of another great things to do in Auckland with kids as not only is it free, but they get to come up close and personal with a Volcano.. (Dormant). Take a map of Auckland and get the kids to workout the ares of Auckland they are looking at from the top.

Due to environmental reasons cars or vehicles, are no longer allowed up to the summit, so you will need to park and hike/walk up.

My Tips:- Another great place to have a picnic and be sure to take your camera

Location:-

Mt Eden Road, Mt Eden, Auckland

Pricing:- FREE

 

Search out the wonders of Western Springs

Three awesome attractions in one area

The lake at Western Springs was once Auckland’s main water source. Today it is a peaceful, tranquil lake that is the home to an abundant of wildlife extremely close to the centre of the city.

A very pleasant walk around the lake, feeding the ducks, geese and other birds is not only good for the soul, but great entertainment for the family. Perhaps a picnic and a game of ball with the kids/children could be a fantastic way to spend a lazy day.

Nearby is the world class, Auckland Zoo and the museum of science and Technology MOTAT, All three can be accessed on a nostalgic tram, from MOTAT.

My Tip:- Take some bread to feed the ducks and wildlife

Location:-

Great North Road, Western Springs, Auckland.

Pricing:- Western Springs park – FREE, MOTAT and the Auckland Zoo

This is just a few of the great, fun filled things to do in Auckland with kids, enjoy!