
Tips for Traveling with Kids in Auckland, New Zealand
1. Auckland Zoo
Meet over 135 native and exotic animals. Ideal for a full-day family adventure.
- Animal Variety: Offers a wide range of animals, including kiwi birds, giraffes, and orangutans.
- Interactive Activities: Features animal encounters and keeper talks for interactive learning experiences.
- Accessibility: Wheelchair and stroller friendly, making it easy to explore with young children.
2. Seal & Penguin Sanctuary at Kelly Tarlton's
Learn about seals and penguins in a unique underwater world.
- Educational Value: Provides insight into marine conservation efforts.
- Interactive Exhibits: Features a glass-bottomed boat ride and a tunnel with underwater views.
- Accessibility: Wheelchair and stroller friendly, offering an accessible experience for families.
3. Auckland War Memorial Museum
Discover New Zealand's history, culture, and wildlife under one roof.
- Historical Insight: Showcases Maori and European history, as well as natural history exhibits.
- Family-friendly Activities: Offers interactive activities for kids, such as the Discovery Centre.
- Accessibility: Wheelchair and stroller friendly, making it easy to explore with young children.
4. Auckland Botanic Gardens
Explore over 64 hectares of beautiful gardens and glasshouses.
- Variety of Gardens: Features themed gardens, including the Rose Garden, Japanese Garden, and Fern Glade.
- Family-friendly Activities: Offers kids' activities during school holidays.
- Accessibility: Wheelchair and stroller friendly, with plenty of paths for easy exploration.
5. Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki
Appreciate over 15,000 works of art spanning centuries and cultures.
- Art Variety: Features European, Maori, and Pacific Islander art.
- Family-friendly Activities: Offers free family activities on weekends, such as workshops and guided tours.
- Accessibility: Wheelchair and stroller friendly, with lifts and accessible restrooms.
6. Voyager New Zealand Maritime Museum
Explore the history of New Zealand's maritime past and present.
- Maritime History: Features exhibits on Polynesian voyaging, European exploration, and modern shipping.
- Family-friendly Activities: Offers interactive exhibits, including a real ship to explore.
- Accessibility: Wheelchair and stroller friendly, with lifts and accessible restrooms.
7. Wild West Coast Adventures
Experience the wild beauty of Auckland's west coast by jet boat or kayak.
- Adventure and Fun: Offers high-speed jet boat rides and guided kayak tours.
- Nature Connection: Provides an opportunity to see wildlife, such as dolphins and seals, in their natural habitat.
- Safety Considerations: Equips participants with all necessary safety equipment and provides professional guides.
8. Auckland Bridge Climb
Scale the iconic Auckland Harbour Bridge for breathtaking views of the city.
- Unique Experience: Offers a guided climb up the Auckland Harbour Bridge.
- Safety Considerations: Provides all necessary safety equipment and trained guides to ensure a safe experience.
- Age Requirements: Minimum age for participants is typically 10 years old.
9. Viaduct Harbour and Wynyard Quarter
Explore the vibrant waterfront area with restaurants, shops, and events.
- Dining Options: Offers a variety of family-friendly restaurants serving diverse cuisines.
- Shopping Opportunities: Features shops selling local art, fashion, and gifts.
- Events and Attractions: Hosts regular events, such as concerts and festivals, and attractions like the Silo Park slides.
10. Beaches in Auckland
Relax on pristine beaches or enjoy water sports activities.
- Water Activities: Offers opportunities for swimming, surfing, kayaking, and sailing.
- Scenic Beauty: Features picturesque coastlines and panoramic views of the Hauraki Gulf.
- Safety Considerations: Lifeguards are usually on duty during peak hours, ensuring a safe environment for families.
11. Rainbow's End Theme Park
Experience thrilling rides, water slides, and family-friendly attractions.
- Thrill Rides: Offers roller coasters, free fall towers, and other adrenaline-pumping rides.
- Water Fun: Includes water slides, wave pools, and a lazy river for family fun.
- Family-friendly Attractions: Features rides and attractions suitable for younger children, too.
12. Auckland Domain
Relax in Auckland's oldest park, featuring a large duck pond and historic buildings.
- Scenic Beauty: Offers beautiful gardens, including the Wintergardens and Fernery.
- Family-friendly Activities: Features a playground, duck pond, and picnic areas.
- Historical Significance: Includes the Auckland War Memorial Museum and the Auckland Art Gallery.
13. Ferry trip to Waiheke Island
Enjoy a ferry ride to Waiheke Island for beaches, vineyards, and olive groves.
- Scenic Beauty: Offers stunning views of Auckland's coastline and the Hauraki Gulf.
- Relaxation: Provides an opportunity to relax on beautiful beaches or enjoy wine tasting at vineyards.
- Family-friendly Activities: Features family-friendly accommodations, restaurants, and activities.
14. SkyCity Entertainment Complex
Experience a world-class casino, cinemas, restaurants, and Sky Tower.
- Entertainment Variety: Offers gaming, movies, dining, and observation deck experiences.
- Family-friendly Activities: Features kid-friendly restaurants and the Sky Tower's viewing platform is suitable for families.
- Safety Considerations: Casino has age restrictions, and Sky Tower has height restrictions for safety reasons.
15. Auckland Regional Botanic Gardens
Explore over 64 hectares of beautiful gardens and glasshouses.
- Variety of Gardens: Features themed gardens, including the Rose Garden, Japanese Garden, and Fern Glade.
- Family-friendly Activities: Offers kids' activities during school holidays.
- Accessibility: Wheelchair and stroller friendly, with plenty of paths for easy exploration.