5 ideas for the best family day out in Auckland

Whether you’re planning a family weekend away or looking for creative ideas to get the kids out of the house for a day road trip, Auckland offers a range of fun and exciting activities to keep both you and the kids entertained, no matter the weather.

Here are some ideas to inspire the perfect family-approved itinerary, and rest assured that Auckland has you covered for a memorable day out with your loved ones.

Take a stroll around SkyCity's entertainment hub

While SkyCity offers the ultimate entertainment destination for thrill-seekers, gamers, and food-lovers, it also provides a precinct for family-friendly activities suitable for all age groups to immerse themselves in. Here’s a few of our favourite activities to explore.

Wētā Workshop Unleashed

For those who enjoy learning about the worlds of horror, fantasy, and science fiction, Wētā Workshop Unleashed offers a fantastical experience that transcends visitors of all ages into a world where encounters with resident monsters, alien robots, and giants truly do exist.

This multi-award-winning experience allows you to explore interactive and immersive make-believe movie sets and takes guests on a journey to discovering all the makings of fantasy films. 

From learning how film crews design, build and bring movie characters to life, to taking part in creative workshops and getting hands-on with special effects and props, there’s a lot to make even the wildest of imaginations run wild.

Andy's Burger Bar

Got a hankering to try some of the best burgers and chicken wings in town? Pop into Andy’s Burger Bar and sink your teeth into a juicy Andy’s crafted burger, or for something on the spicy side, Andy’s famous wings will surely tantalise your taste buds. 

Designed in true retro American diner style, Andy’s offers a casual place to eat, relax and watch the latest game of rugby with SkyCity’s home of live sport at Andy’s. 

Did we mention that Andy’s is home to resident service robots, Bella and Buzz? This robotic duo will delight the whole family by delivering plate orders right to your table. You’ll see them zipping in and out between tables, making sure that all their guests are well taken care of.

The All Blacks Experience

Step into the immersive, interactive, state-of-the-art All Blacks Experience and learn all about the legendary All Blacks and Black Ferns and what it takes to pull on the Black jersey.

Come behind the scenes and hear real life stories from the players, learn tips and tricks from the coaches, and gain first-hand experience of the mighty Haka and why it plays an important role in helping prepare our national teams in Black for the battlefield.

Feel what it’s like to be a player before a game, from changing room strategy talk and warm-ups to walking through the tunnel out onto the field in front of fan-filled stands. You don’t need to be a super fan or rugby-follower to enjoy the experience – there's fun in it for everyone.

Take the family adventure indoors

The Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT)

MOTAT is New Zealand’s largest transport and technology museum, celebrating 60 years of extraordinary history in science and technology. The museum offers a fun, educational and interactive learning experience for all ages to explore and discover how technology has evolved throughout time.

Experience past, present and future technology with ever-changing interactive exhibitions, unique events, live activities and school holiday programmes for our curious young minds. 

MOTAT is home to an extensive collection – with over 300,000 collection items – highlighting Kiwi innovation and ingenuity, from planes, trains and automobiles to telecommunications and railway.

There’s plenty of things to do and explore for the whole family, come rain or shine. Take a stroll through MOTAT’s historic village and discover the original cottages, schoolhouse, chapel, washhouse and forge of colonial Pākehā settlers in Aotearoa, New Zealand.

Or, simply enjoy a family ride on a beautiful heritage tram, between MOTAT Great North Road and MOTAT Motions Road – Aviation Hall.

Auckland War Memorial Museum

Located in the heart of Parnell’s Auckland Domain is this iconic heritage building, home to one of New Zealand’s first museums. 

Auckland War Memorial Museum tells the rich story of New Zealand, its people, and its place in the Pacific, and hosts a wide range of collections, exhibitions, galleries, programmes and events to explore.

The museum prides itself on encouraging children of all ages to develop a curiosity for and an understanding of the world around them by discovering cultures, arts, science and the environment.

From ancient civilisations and dinosaurs, to volcanoes and the world's wildlife wonders, the museum offers a fun, educational and entertaining experience for the entire family.

The popular Weird & Wonderful Weekends is a must-try activity, where you can discover the delights of the natural world and experience hands-on, immersive sessions inspired by the amazing collections in the museum’s Weird & Wonderful gallery.

Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq – Westfield Newmarket

Get ready to immerse yourself in a captivating world of entertainment. From childhood classics to modern-day VR experiences, Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq is your one-stop entertainment destination located inside Westfield Newmarket.

Discover eight ten-pin bowling lanes, a wide variety of arcade and ticket games, dodgem cars, carousel, an XD Theatre and lots of prizes to be won! A fantastic way to spend a few hours challenging the family to a game or two.

Gamed up an appetite? Not to worry, Archie Brothers Dazzler’s Diner has you covered. From beasty burgers and loaded fries to the famous Candy Stand Freakshake and All American Dog, you won’t be left hungry!

SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton’s

Descend under the ocean at SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton’s for the chance to see more than 80 different aquatic species across 30 immersive exhibits. This includes the world’s largest sub-Antarctic penguin colony display, the world’s biggest species of stingray and New Zealand’s largest collection of sharks.

SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton’s is home to the first curved aquarium tunnel in the world. You’ll get a completely different perspective on underwater life as you walk under fish, stingray and sharks. Those who are daring enough can even take the plunge and safely go nose-to-nose with sharks in a shark cage snorkel experience.

If you prefer to keep greater distance, there is plenty more to see while staying dry. Journey back in time and explore a replica of Captain Scott’s Antarctic hut, while getting a taste of what life is like on the coldest place on earth. The sea cave, art aquarium and Turtle Bay are interesting interactive areas where kids and adults alike will enjoy the chance to encounter and learn more about a variety of marine species.

Find the perfect spot for a feast fit for a family

Sugar Cafe at Chelsea Sugar Factory

Who needs the Wonka Factory when you’ve got Sugar Cafe at Chelsea Sugar Factory in Birkenhead on Auckland’s North Shore serving up sweet treats and all-day dining (and even their own factory tour). An idyllic spot with views across the harbour to the city, there is space to play and explore outside, including picnic tables for customers and a playground for the young ones to burn off some energy.

Get inspired watching the patisserie chefs in action and jump on a factory tour, where you can learn about how sugar is made, taste syrups and see the sugar mountain for yourself.

Circus Circus Cafe

Circus Circus in Mount Eden’s vibrant village is a recognisable corner cafe with plenty of seating and a varied menu that will keep everyone satisfied. The circus-themed setting offers a super fun and cheery atmosphere. Grab something from the cabinet, try their all-day breakfast menu or go all-out on the circus theme and try one of their legendary loaded hot dogs. Little bellies will likely find something on the kids’ menu, and be sure to keep some room for a sweet finisher—their desserts are all made in house.

Wynyard Quarter

Pack a picnic and head to stunning Silo Park. You might be surprised at what this spacious inner city park has to offer, with plenty of green space and play areas, including a basketball court, playground and the Silo Park Playline. 

Find a spot on the huge grass area to watch the flurry of activity around you while enjoying your packed lunch. Time your visit right and you might also discover markets, festivals, an outdoor movie theatre and other community events. There is also an art trail, with impressive outdoor artworks to discover (suitable for all ages). If you prefer to dine in, Wynyard Quarter has bustling eateries where you can soak up some sun and harbour views while watching the world go by. 

Explore popular outdoor experiences the whole family will enjoy

Auckland Zoo

For all ages, Auckland Zoo is a stunning green space to connect in nature together and experience extraordinary wildlife from Aotearoa and all around the world.

Renowned for its award-winning immersive habitats, it is home to more than128 different species (and over 2,900 animals!) – from kiwi and tuatara to rare endangered creatures such as the majestic Sumatran tiger and Nepalese red panda. 

We highly recommend getting along to one or more of the Zoo’s free daily keeper talks. Here, you may see animals enjoying food or engaging with enrichment items while you learn about each species from the Zoo’s knowledgeable keepers. The full schedule of talks are available on the back of the Zoo’s map – available at the entry, or on their website. 

The Africa Safari Track is a must-see with expansive immersive mixed-species habitats with animals such as zebra, giraffes and rhinoceros. The most recently created track at the Zoo, the South East Asia Jungle Track, features orangutans, siamang, tigers, otters and more. Look up and you may see these incredible apes moving above you on their 25m high aerial pathways!

For an exceptional experience of Aotearoa New Zealand’s unique plants and animals, explore Te Wao Nui - spanning across one-fifth of the Zoo! Here you can see wildlife from around the motu in habitats that reflect environments from picturesque alpines to dense night forests.

Conservation and connecting people with wildlife is at the heart of Auckland Zoo’s mahi. Every time you visit the Zoo or make a donation, you’re helping to support conservation efforts in New Zealand and around the world. To date, the Zoo has raised and distributed over $5 million to assist with conservation efforts for wildlife in the wild.

Thrillzone | Escape Adventures

You might be familiar with escape rooms, but Thrillzone, in partnership with Escape Quest, takes it a step further, by taking it to the street! Work together to find clues and solve puzzles throughout the city. It’s a clever combo of scavenger hunt, escape room and augmented reality that is suitable for the whole family. There are different storylines to choose from, as well as different levels depending on how much of a challenge you are up for.

Thrillzone has two Auckland locations—Takapuna and CBD. If you fancy a bit of friendly competition, at Thrillzone Takapuna you can also battle it out at lasertag, paintless paintball, Bazooka Ball and virtual reality games.

Rangitoto Island adventures

Rangitoto Island’s silhouette is an iconic Auckland sight—so why not leave the mainland and explore it up close? Just a 25-minute ferry ride from downtown Auckland, Rangitoto Island is a dormant volcano, renowned for its sweeping views, lava caves, and the country’s largest pōhutukawa forest.

The island’s highlight is the Summit Track, an (approximately) hour-long up-hill hike along well-marked paths through ancient lava fields and vibrant pōhutukawa trees full of native birds. At the summit you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of Auckland and the Hauraki Gulf.

Once at the top, you can circle the crater's edge, venture into the nearby lava caves just 15 minutes away, or begin your return journey.

Book a family-friendly stay at one of Auckland's coolest hotels

And, if you fancy spending the night in Auckland after a busy day out, these family-friendly hotels will be sure to surprise and delight!

The Cordis, Auckland

The Cordis in central Auckland offers spacious rooms with two double beds, perfect for accommodating a family of four. Parents and kids alike will love the rooftop heated saltwater pool and spa; relax in the sun or swim under the stars! 

The Cordis goes out of their way to make families feel at home. Their ‘For the Families’ package includes breakfast for four at their renowned restaurant, Eight, along with in-house movies and additional perks. Kids in particular are treated like VIPs, with a special welcome gift upon arrival and complimentary in-room amenities tailored for children. You can even book a delightful High Tea experience designed just for the young ones.

Mövenpick Hotel

With a name like Mövenpick you’d expect a few sweeteners when it comes to family deals. Kids will love the free ice cream available throughout their stay, and the 24-hour in-room sundae service means dessert is always on hand. But don’t worry, to balance the indulgence, the hotel also offers Healthy Shots at breakfast, blending fresh fruits and vegetables for a nutritious start to the day. Kids up to 6 eat for free while older kids will get 50% off their meals. Don’t miss the daily chocolate hour, where skilled chocolatiers serve up treats for guests, or enjoy a decadent chocolate fondue while taking in stunning city and harbour views.

SkyCity Hotel

For a memorable family getaway in Auckland, SkyCity Hotel offers the ideal city base. Enjoy a night’s stay with access to the iconic Sky Tower, where you can capture stunning views of the city and take home a family photo package as a keepsake. The experience includes convenient perks like complimentary parking, free Wi-Fi, and a late check-out, making it a perfect option for school holidays or a special weekend staycation.

Alternatively, The Grand by SkyCity provides a luxurious stay with similar family-friendly offerings. Along with Sky Tower admission and a photo package, families can enjoy the indoor lap pool, a hit with kids no matter the weather. The package also includes parking, free Wi-Fi, and a leisurely late check-out.