As New Zealand’s only real theme park, Rainbow’s End can be a great day out for those that enjoy the thrill of rides. To some extent there is something for everyone from a soft play area for toddlers, to a mini-rides area for under 8 year olds and everything from…
Depending where you’re staying in Auckland, Al’s Deli could make a good place to eat breakfast at the start of your day – they serve the kind of breakfasts that will give you fuel to keep going through to lunchtime, even if you’re packing in a lot of sightseeing! Otherwise…
Depending on your child(ren)’s interests, this gallery will either captivate them for hours or just be somewhere that you hang out for a short time, perhaps to escape a rain shower or the heat of the sun. There are permanent displays of artwork and changing exhibitions some better suited to…
On the city side of Kelly Tarlton’s Sea Life Aquarium, is this great expanse of grass with a good playground right in the middle. There’s a wooden boat that’s elevated and various options for climbing up and down. There’s a flying fix, swings that meet in the middle, a bucket…
Children and adults who are happy to forego the usual Tip Top flavours of ice-cream and instead test their tastebuds should experience Giapo for some ice-cream fun. Unlike a typical ice-cream shop or dairy, Giapo doesn’t have a display of their daily flavours for you to look at, instead you decide…
This is a giant board game with a difference – this playground is a giant game of snakes and ladders where the kids are the moving counters, there are ladders for moving up and slides to represent snakes. Also at this playground are swings, picnic tables, grassy areas with trees…
This is a big outlay for a large family but gives unprecedented views over Auckland and beyond, going up the tallest building in New Zealand (a grand 328 metres)! For some, their fear of heights might be challenged, whether it’s because the tower sways if it’s very windy or because…
This is an indoor maze with a difference – navigating through it, tests your senses. There are many different zones that you work your way through and each one tests a different sense. These can change from time to time but might include for instance, a room with mirrors to…
If you’re on the waterfront in Auckland, looking for an early dinner with kids, this restaurant is a good option. Very friendly staff are happy to accommodate children and will swap the fizzy drink for diluted juice without your child realising, if required. The $15 kids’ meals are big (the cheese…
Right in the heart of Auckland City, this cafe is a popular breakfast and lunch cafe for city workers but it’s also great if you’re staying in the city on holiday or just having a city based day out. Breakfast options seem healthier than your average cafe and there’s a separate…
