As New Zealand's largest city, Auckland offers a lot of fun for families. If you are traveling with children it's often a good idea to break up the serious sightseeing with some fun activities that they will enjoy. Here are some things that appeal to children as well as adults that are available in the Auckland region.
Rainbow's End Theme Park
This is the largest theme park in New Zealand and has lots of adrenalin-pumping fun. There are a variety of rides and the country's only corkscrew roller coaster. For something less aerobic there is a cool 3D virtual theatre and little children will love the rides in Castle Land.
Rainbow's End is open every day (except Christmas Day) from 10am and is a twenty minute trip down the southern motorway from the Auckland City center.
Rainbow's End Theme Park Contact Info:
- Address: Corner of Great South Road and Wiri Station Road, Manukau City
- Website: www.rainbowsend.co.nz
Kelly Tarlton's Antarctic Encounter and Underwater World
For an opportunity to experience the unique marine life of New Zealand and the surrounding southern oceans, there is nothing better than Kelly Tarlton's. Here you will find sharks, stingrays, penguins and a huge variety of fish. There are lots of activities to choose from, including a snowcat ride through a penguin colony and a moving walkway which takes you beneath a sea of swirling sharks, eels, stingrays and fish.
For the truly brave, you can even snorkel or dive amongst sharks!
Everything here is very well presented, educational and fascinating fun.
Kelly Tarlton's is only 15 minutes form downtown Auckland (along the waterfront) and is open every day of the year from 9.30am to 5.30pm.
Kelly Tarlton's Contact Info:
- Address: 23 Tamaki Drive, Auckland City
- Website: www.kellytarltons.co.nz
Auckland Sky Tower
A landmark which dominates the Auckland city skyline, this is the tallest building in the southern hemisphere at 327 meters. A climb to the observation lounge rewards with 360 degree views. Also from the same area is a view the children love to look at; it's looking straight down to the pavement on the street below from perspex viewing panels set into the floor! Funnily enough, it's only the adults who tend to hesitate experiencing this view of Auckland!
For the more adventurous, the Sky Tower also offers an outdoor stroll around the perimeter or a leap off the end - both from 192 meters in the air. Fortunately, safety harnesses are provided!
The Sky Tower is open every day from 8.30am until late in the evening. Day or night, it gives a breathtaking view of Auckland and surrounds.
Sky Tower Contact Info:
- Address: Corner of Victoria and Federal Streets, Central Auckland
- Website: www.skytower.co.nz
Auckland Zoo
If you think a zoo is a place where bored animals sit in cages and enclosures all day you really need to visit this place. The creatures are housed in a variety of fascinating displays and exhibits that replicate their own natural environments. There's The Rainforest, Aussie Walkabout, Hippo River, Tiger Territory and more. Special events and activities are scheduled regularly - an don't forget to visit the Kiwi House to see New Zealand's most famous and unique native bird.
Opening hours are daily from 9.30 am until 5.30pm (5pm in the winter), every day except Christmas Day.
Auckland Zoo Contact Info
- Motions Road, Western Springs, Auckland
- Website: www.aucklandzoo.co.nz
Snowplanet
Fancy skiing in the middle of summer? Snowplanet is an indoor snow experience where you can ski, snowboard or toboggan 365 days of the year. The slope is 200 meters long and suitable for all ages. There is also a cafe with observation wall if the parents would rather be having a coffee. Equipment is available for hire and there is even coaching on offer. This is a great place for snow sport enthusiasts of all ages and abilities.
Snowplanet is twenty minutes drive north of central Auckland. It is open 365 days a year from 10am to 10pm (11pm on Fridays; hours may be shorter over Christmas and on public holidays).
Snowplanet Contact Info:
- Address: 91 Small Road, Silverdale, Auckland
- Website: www.snowplanet.co.nz
Stardome Observatory and Planetarium
The Stardome provides a great way to learn more about our universe. In addition to displays and exhibits (free admission), planetarium shows are held evenings from Wednesday to Sunday and weekend afternoons. The show features a projection of the universe onto the dome shaped ceiling and changes every month. This is the ideal educational and fun activity for all the family. It is open most days, but may be closed on Public Holidays.
Stardome Observatory and Planetarium Contact Info
- Address: 670 Manukau Road, One Tree Hill, Auckland
- Website: www.stardome.org.nz
