Fantastic Things You’ll Want to do in Auckland With Kids
Taking only 3 hours from Brisbane or Sydney by giant mechanical bird, visit Auckland with the kids for a good dose of “sweet as” Kiwi hospitality and humour. This charming City of Sails is surrounded by two harbours and as a result, is renowned for its beauty. Combine this with the fact that Auckland is both modern and thriving and you have one amazing destination for families.
Here are Some Fantastic Things You’ll Want to do in Auckland With kids!
Go Island-Hopping
Waitematā Harbour is the perfect place to go island hopping in New Zealand. Take a ferry or tour over to Tiritiri Matangi, a wildlife sanctuary and predator-free island. Alternatively cruise over to Waiheke Island for beautiful white sand beaches, restaurants and world-class vineyards.
Head Out on a Dolphin & Whale Watching Safari
If the season is right for your visit to Auckland with kids, get up close with dolphins and whales on a local whale watching safari. Alternatively, charter a boat and try your hand at catching a local snapper to cook on the hotel barbecue.
Visit The Auckland Zoo
Head to the Auckland Zoo with the kids for a fun-filled day of animals and zookeeper talks. Of course, don’t forget the obligatory ice-cream break after lunch. Fun for the whole family, this is a great way to knacker the kids out so you can enjoy some peace and quiet back in your room later.
Visit The Sky Tower
View Auckland from a whopping 200 metres above street level at the Sky Tower with 360-degree views up to 80 km in every direction. There are three restaurants and cafes in the Sky Tower, including a revolving restaurant. Don’t forget to check out the school holiday activities here which are fun for the whole family.
Knacker The Kids Out With a Hike
Hike one of the 52 volcanic cones located around the city of Auckland with the kids. Older kids will be impressed with the Instagram worthy views from the top and younger kids will burn off some energy. Alternatively, walk through lush native bush tracks in the Waitakere Ranges to discover the black sand beaches and wild surf off Auckland’s West Coast.
Ferry Over to Rangitoto Island
Ferry over to Rangitoto Island for an active morning walking the Summit Track, the most popular walk on the island. Winding through lava fields and native forest to the peak, it takes around an hour to reach the top and here you will be rewarded with fantastic panoramic views. Kids will love the Lava Caves just 200 metres before the top but don’t forget to bring a torch to explore them.
Rangitoto is a shipwreck lovers paradise, a graveyard for unwanted vessels. There are at least 13 of them abandoned here between 1887 and 1947!
Head to Eden Park to Watch The Rugby
What can I say, watching the All Blacks perform the Haka on their home turf in Auckland with kids is incredible! It’s not all about Rugby though, the Te Matatini Herenga Waka Herenga Tangata Festival will feature here in Feb 2022. This is followed by the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup and finally the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2023.
Enjoy Fine-Dining
Auckland is a dining mecca, including Park Hyatt Auckland’s Onemata restaurant, which serves up fresh locally sourced food. However, when the need for a simple sugar fix ice cream arises, head to Duck Island’s Auckland store on Ponsonby Road for scoops of wacky and wonderful creations.
Credit – Onemata Restaurant
Experience The Auckland Art Gallery
Featuring multiple exhibition spaces spread across four levels, The Auckland Art Gallery is the largest and most inspiring visual art experience in New Zealand. Make sure to check out the family-friendly offerings with drop-ins, storytelling sessions, a creative learning centre and gallery games. This is a must-do in Auckland with kids!
Embrace The Cold at Snow Planet
Head to Snow Planet for the ultimate family fun experience in Winter Wonderland where you can check out the two super tubing tracks or make use of the child-friendly tobogganing. No skills are required for this fun activity in Auckland with kids! Families can also take ski and snowboard lessons here or if you’re already in the know how, just get straight to it.
Stroll The Brick Bay Sculpture Trail
The Brick Bay Sculpture Trail is a cool one-hour walk through a stunning natural environment of native bush, wildlife and ponds featuring an exhibition of contemporary sculpture by New Zealand’s leading contemporary artists. From large-scale sculptures to smaller, harder to spot pieces, this is a great family activity!
Credit – Park Hyatt Auckland
Where to Stay, Getting There & Getting Around Auckland With Kids
Where to Stay in Auckland With Kids
Stay at The Park Hyatt Auckland! All 23 suites and 195 generously sized 5-star rooms have great views of Waitemata Harbour, providing a new level of sophistication for those visiting Auckland with kids. Parents will love the Spa facilities and everyone can enjoy the 25-metre infinity pool and room service.
Getting to & Getting Around Auckland With Kids
Air New Zealand has regular flights to Auckland departing from capital cities in Australia. Make sure to check out their very convenient Skycouch options. Alternatively, compare flights across major carriers here.
Book your private transfer from the airport to your hotel here.
Compare hire car options in Auckland with kids across major brands here.
Pssst. Since you’re looking at a visit to New Zealand, make sure to check out the amazing Taupo region!
