Last updated: . This update checks current Auckland activity access and safety guidance while keeping the family outings as past experiences. Date information added October 28, 2026.
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First published July 2, 2020. Our Auckland memories come from a three-month stay in 2020, when the city was reopening after Covid disrupted our full-time travel plans. This guide mixes those family visits with other suggestions. For current walks, see Auckland Council’s Kitekite track page; for water outings, see DOC’s swimming-safety guidance. Check access, weather, schedules and prices before setting out; a past visit does not establish today’s conditions.
Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city, offers a huge range of fun sights and activities for families. We lived in Auckland for three months after Covid derailed our plans for further full-time travel. Things were just starting to open up again, but we had a blast with our kids!
Like all of New Zealand, Auckland offers endless things to do and see outside. The natural beauty of this country is mind-blowing. Just going outside, to a beach, or on a simple hike can offer all the entertainment you need.
However, if you are like us and love to get out and explore other activities, here are our favorites from our time there.
Spotting this tower from the freeway is a thrill as you drive around Auckland. Getting up to the top and seeing the sweeping views is even more fun! Downtown Auckland has much to offer and starting with the Sky Tower was the perfect kickoff for us. Book your ticket here!
SkyJump is a controlled descent from the tower. We did the jump with our oldest daughter, Lucy, while the other four kids watched, and we all loved it. Check the operator’s current participation and safety requirements before planning around it, including age, weight, health and weather conditions.
Our family video: Free Falling 630ft Off New Zealand’s Tallest Building.
We were gifted a visit to this aquarium and loved it. I’m a big sucker for museums and aquariums. While this one was small in area, it packed a big punch for us! We rode a moving walkway beneath a glass aquarium tunnel and gazed up at sharks, fish and more. Check the aquarium’s current exhibits before visiting, and compare the dates, availability and inclusions of this deal for a general admission ticket.
We loved learning about trips to Antarctica with Sir Edmund Hillary, testing our resolve in the icy water challenge, and seeing our coloring pages transported to the wall in the interactive drawing center.
My goal for every day: wear out my kids. When it’s a rainy day in Auckland or if you want a different energy output for your kids, get them jumping! It’s a bit expensive, but we love playing dodgeball with the kids, learning some parkour, and burning lots of calories!
This was our favorite playground in Auckland, with beautiful beach views; it was a kid’s dream. We ranked it second only to this one in Christchurch. You can combine the playground and a beach stroll as a family, keeping children supervised around the play equipment and water. You can also look for a hotel nearby.
While the outdoor playgrounds are a blast, we also love a good indoor one! Magic Loft Play Place is a great indoor playground in Auckland. The kids had a blast and it’s a great way for them to expend some energy inside.
Piha’s black sand is beautiful, but large waves and strong rip currents make this a beach to approach with care. Piha beach guidance says to swim only between the red and yellow flags and to stay out of the water when no lifeguards are on duty. Check SafeSwim for current conditions and water-quality information, follow signs and lifeguard instructions, and keep children closely supervised.
Kitekite Falls is close to Piha, so these stunning falls can be part of a West Auckland outing when the track is open. Check the Council track page linked above for access and weather updates before going. Track repairs and temporary closures can affect the route, and streams can rise quickly after heavy rain. Obey closures and use the cleaning stations to help protect kauri. The cold water we mentioned in the original guide is not an assurance that swimming is suitable or safe; follow local advice and stay out if unsure.
Indoor skiing? When my kids heard this, we knew we had to go. We love skiing in Utah. The slope was understandably short, but the concept was worth the visit for us. Equipment and clothing rental were part of our earlier planning, and we noticed local kids taking regular lessons. Check Snowplanet’s current hire options, clothing, lesson availability, participation requirements and session calendar before booking rather than relying on our old note about member-only nights.
Butterfly Creek’s proximity to the airport made it an option for our last day in Auckland. We combined it with our flight back to the USA, so it was a bittersweet experience. We also hoped to do the nearby ropes course, but all spots were filled when we went. That was a separate activity; check the current operator, booking and admission arrangements before including a ropes course in your plans, and allow enough time for your flight.
On our visit, we thought of Butterfly Creek as a bit of an outdoor zoo, a mythical-creature section and a butterfly pavilion, with light food and a little train ride that was fun for littles. Check its current exhibits, opening days, food options and ticket inclusions for your visit.
Due to poor planning on our part, we didn’t make it to Waiheke Island until dinner. We found the ferry from downtown Auckland easy to take, and wished we had time for a night or two on this cute island, with its gorgeous beaches and delicious restaurants. Our original guide linked an option to tour around by ferry and hop-on-hop-off bus. Check current ferry timetables, routes, stops and tour inclusions; the old 16-stop description is not a promise about today’s service.
Our original list also suggested Sheep World for learning about sheep and farm life. Check the operator’s current activities and opening information before planning a visit; this listing does not describe a confirmed family visit.
We haven’t seen all of these in person, but they were recommended to us! We love getting outside in New Zealand. Check current access and choose walks and water activities that suit your family’s abilities and the day’s conditions.
Before booking, check Immigration New Zealand’s current entry requirements, including the travel documents and declarations relevant to your trip.
Check out my other posts about Auckland and enjoy your time there!
HIKING THE TONGARIRO CROSSING WITH KIDS IN NEW ZEALAND
VISITING HOT WATER BEACH IN NEW ZEALAND WITH KIDS
RESOURCES-
FLIGHTS:
ACCOMODATIONS:
ACTIVITIES:
TRAVEL INSURANCE:
Travel insurance was important to our family while traveling, and we loved World Nomads as an option for our travel insurance. Eligibility, destinations, benefits, exclusions and claims rules depend on the policy and traveler’s residence. Read the current policy wording against your trip needs before deciding.
We also loved Travel Insurance Masters as a comparison option in our original guide. Before choosing a policy, read the current insurer terms for eligibility, coverage limits, exclusions and claims; a comparison service cannot guarantee the right cover for every traveler.
TRAVEL NECESSITIES:
For a comprehensive list of all the 7 Wayfinders Travel Must-Haves, Click Here.
Our original online-shopping tip was to check Rakuten for cashback offers: if we were shopping anyway, getting money back sounded like a no-brainer. Rates, eligible stores and purchases, exclusions and payout terms vary, so check the actual offer; cashback is not guaranteed on every order.
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