At a Glance
- Local resident guide -we live here
- Location: North of the North Island – built across a narrow isthmus between the Waitemata and Manukau Harbours
- Best time to visit: November to April (NZ summer) – warm, long days, beaches at their best (note that prices skyrocket in School Holidays: Christmas to February)
- How long to stay: 3-5 days minimum to see the highlights. A week gives you time to breathe. Two weeks you can cover most of the best sights.
- Best for: Families who want city, beaches, nature, volcanoes and islands all within an hour of each other
- Budget (family of 4): NZD $350-450+ per day including accommodation & activities. Auckland is New Zealand’s most expensive city.
- Getting there: Auckland International Airport – well connected from Australia, Asia, Pacific and UK/Europe via connections
- Getting around: Car recommended for beaches and day trips. Good public transport within the city
- Don’t miss: Tawharanui Regional Park, Waiheke Island, Kelly Tarlton’s, Auckland Zoo, the numerous beaches, Sky Tower
- Family friendly rating: 9/10 – one of the world’s most liveable cities for good reason (the reason it’s not a 10 is due to the need for car which may not suit everyone)
Quick Picks
This post contains affiliate links – full disclosure at the end
Most people fly into Auckland and leave as quickly as possible by heading straight to Queenstown, Rotorua, or the Bay of Islands without giving New Zealand’s largest city a second glance. But Auckland itself has a huge offering of awesome things to do with kids.
We live in Auckland and have a young family here, so we have lived and breathed the city with our kids.
We can bring a personal touch to this guide and let you know where the secret places are.
Auckland is not a city you can ‘do’ in a weekend – ideally you would need a couple of weeks at least. It has so much to offer – spread across a narrow volcanic isthmus between two harbours, with a hundred beaches, fifty volcanoes, and with natural beauty at every turn. We wouldn’t want to live anywhere else.
This is our honest local guide to Auckland with kids.
Travelling further than Auckland?
Check out our other family guides
In This Article:
- What is Auckland like for families?
- When to visit Auckland with kids
- Getting to Auckland
- Getting around Auckland
- Where to stay in Auckland with kids
- Things to do in Auckland with kids: by category:
- Nature and Outdoors
- Beaches (with link to our full beach guide)
- Museums and Culture
- Entertainment and Theme Parks
- Walks and Viewpoints
- Day Trips from Auckland
- Where to eat in Auckland with kids
- Costs and budget
- Is Auckland worth it for families?
- Frequently asked questions
What is Auckland Like for Families?
You could spend a two-week holiday just in Auckland and only scratch the surface.
The coastline stretches 160km north to south and has around 100 beaches ranging from wild west coast black sand surf breaks to calm golden eastern bays perfect for young children.
For families it offers something genuinely unusual: a proper city with proper city amenities, surrounded by extraordinary natural beauty that requires little effort to access (just a car is handy!).
Rangitoto Island and Waiheke Island are just sh0rt ferry rides away.
The west coast wilderness of the Waitakere Ranges is 45 minutes by car.
There are plenty of theme parks and attractions, from a trip up the Sky Tower to the awesome Kelly Tarlton’s aquarium.
Our honest take: Auckland has a bit of everything, especially natural beauty, which it has in abundance.
Whilst it may not have the mega city man-made attractions, it’s a city that never fails to deliver when it comes to the outdoors. The combination of urban culture, beaches, nature and islands in one place is rare.
We are proud to call it home.
When to Visit Auckland with Kids
Summer / (+ late Spring and early Autumn) (November to April) – Best for a long Summer
One of the beautiful things about Auckland is that it never gets the extreme temperatures of many cities. Summer days rarely get above 28 degrees and Winter days rarely below 15 degrees. October to May, it’s short and t-shirt weather. It can rain at any time, but Summers are generally consistent.
School holidays from mid-December through to early February can make some popular spots busier.
Final point – New Zealand’s sun is brutal.
Absolutely make sure you go out with a wide brimmed hat and sunscreen.
Autumn (May) – Shoulder Season
Whilst Autumn is technically March to May, the weather is still so good in March and April, it’s still really Summer. Winter does start to bite in June, so for us, Autumn is only really one month – May. Nights start to draw in as the weather gets colder and wetter. But many warm days still to be had.
Winter (June to August) – Mild but Wet
Auckland Winters are short and mild but rainy. Being a sub-tropical climate, rain is heavy but in short downpours. The sea is generally too cold to swim, but beach walks are still enjoyable.
Spring (September to October) – Shoulder Season
September starts to warm up and is a beautiful time as the warmer weather starts to kick in. There is often a lot of rain still in September. Good value on accommodation at this time.
Getting to Auckland
Auckland International Airport is New Zealand’s main international hub being well connected from Australia (constant cheap flights), Asia, the Pacific Islands, and via connections from the UK, Europe and USA. The only connection to South America is via Buenos Aires.
From the UK, expect around 24-26 hours total travel including stops. From Australia, 3-4 hours. From Singapore, around 10 hours. From LA, around 12 hours
Book your flight to Auckland here
Airport to City
The SkyBus runs regularly between the airport and central Auckland taking about 45 minutes to an hour depending on traffic. Taxis and Uber are available. If you’re hiring a car, pick it up at the airport and you’re sorted for the whole trip.
The likelihood is that you’ll be arriving after a long trip and with kids, that can be exhausting. We have landed from afar heaps of time, and we know it’s sometimes best to take the easiest, most comfortable route possible.
We’ve used Welcome Pickups before and they do a great job of taking the stress out of arrivals
Getting Around Auckland with Kids
Car – Recommended
Auckland is a sprawling city and the best family experiences, particularly the beaches, regional parks and day trips, do require a car. Public transport covers the city centre well but becomes unreliable for the places worth going. Hire a car and your Auckland experience improves dramatically. Driving is straightforward (on the left) but just avoid rush hour, as the city grinds to a halt on many artery roads.
Hire your car here with Economy Bookings who are an awesome hire car comparison site
Public Transport
AT (Auckland Transport) Metro buses, trains and ferries cover the city reasonably well. The AT HOP card works across all services and gives a significant discount over cash fares (Kids under 5 are free, kids 6-15 heavily discounted). For city centre exploring, public transport works fine. For beaches, regional parks and day trips, you need a car.
Ferries
One of Auckland’s great joys, the ferry network connects the CBD (Central Business District) to Devonport, Waiheke Island, Rangitoto, other Gulf islands and several other suburbs. Fullers and 360 Discovery both operate services. Waiheke is best to book in advance in peak season to avoid queues for tickets. Kids love ferry trips so try take at least one.
Uber and Taxi
Available throughout Auckland. Useful for city centre trips when parking is expensive and frustrating but can seriously eat into your budget. Not recommended for day trips if travelling on a budget.
Where to Stay in Auckland with Kids
Auckland’s accommodation ranges from basic DOC (Department of Conservation) campsites to budget backpacker hostels, from self-contained rental houses to luxury waterfront hotels.
For families, self-contained apartments or houses tend to work better than hotels – more space, kitchen facilities, and often better value. A holiday home in New Zealand is called a Bach – and many Kiwis own one, treating it like a second home for holiday escapes. Many of these are rented out when not in use and provide a great place to stay.
- City centre / Viaduct area – close to the ferry terminal, good restaurants, great for a short stay. Inner city beaches nearby and some of the main attractions (Sky Tower, Kelly Tarlton’s). More expensive and expensive parking.
- Parnell / Newmarket – slightly quieter, good cafes and parks, 10 minutes from the city
- North Shore – closer to better beaches, more suburban feel, requires a car for most things. Takapuna and Devonport are the closest to the city and more doable on public transport.
- Eastern Bays (St Heliers / Mission Bay) – beach on the doorstep, local village feel, great for families who want beach access
Book your Auckland stay here
Things to Do in Auckland with Kids
Auckland’s size means the things to do list is genuinely enormous. We’ve organised it by category to make planning easier so pick what suits your family and build your days around that.
Click here to read our guide to the 20 best family beaches in Auckland
Nature and Outdoors
1. ⭐ Our Top Pick: Waiheke Island⭐
Voted 5th in Lonely Planet’s “Best Destination on the planet” in 2015 – 35 minutes by ferry from the city and a completely different world. Waiheke has vineyards, olive groves, beautiful beaches, excellent restaurants and a pace of life that instantly makes you feel uber-chilled. A brilliant family day out – swim at Onetangi Beach, visit an olive farm, have lunch at a vineyard restaurant. One of the best things you can do in Auckland, full stop.
Book your ferry ticket to Waiheke Island here
Book a Waiheke tour here
2. Rangitoto Island
The iconic volcanic island visible from almost everywhere in Auckland. Take the ferry from the downtown terminal (35 minutes) and walk or take the tractor train to the summit for incredible 360 views. Allow 3 hours return. Kids love the lava caves near the summit. There’s no shop or water so take everything with you.
Book your Rangitoto Island ferry tickets here
3. Waitakere Ranges and West Coast Beaches
About 45 minutes west of the city, the Waitakere Ranges are a dense native bush wilderness with beautiful walking trails and the famous black sand beaches of Piha, Karekare, Bethells and Muriwai. Strong rip currents make these beaches extremely dangerous so always swim between lifeguard flags.
4. Tawharanui Regional Park
Our favourite beach (Anchor Bay), 90 minutes north of the CBD. Pack a full day of supplies and go. Facilities limited to toilets only. Shade is limited. Check the surf report – if it’s good, grab a body board – the kids will love the waves. No buses run here.
Other Awesome Regional Parks:
5. Shakespear Regional Park
45 minute drive or 50 minute ferry north of CBD – beaches, walking tracks, expansive grassy picnic / BBQ areas and waterfall.
6. Wenderholm Regional Park
40 minutes north of CBD – bush walks, grassy picnic/BBQ areas and a beautiful calm beach. No buses run here.
7. Ambury Regional Park
A petting farm park just 15 minutes by car from the CBD. Great for young children.
8. Long Bay Regional Park
Expansive shallow beach, good walks, great playground, plenty of grassy picnic areas. Reachable by bus from CBD.
9. Auckland's Beaches
Auckland has approximately 100 beaches across its 160km coastline. We have a complete guide to the best ones here.
Here’s our summary of the highlights by category:
Best for Young Kids (Calm Water)
- St Heliers: Eastern Bays, calm, local feel, great cafes. Our top inner-city pick. Ice cream nearby.
- Takapuna: North Shore, golden sand, good facilities, 20 minutes from CBD. Awesome playground.
- Maraetai: East Auckland, sheltered bay, playground, views to Coromandel
- Shakespear Regional Park: multiple calm bays, BBQ grassy areas, great for kids to run wild
- Onetangi, Waiheke Island: beautiful beach, accessible by ferry. Good ice cream nearby
Best for Walking and Scenery
- Omaha: 4km of wild powdery white sand, great for long walks. Kids can run on the dunes.
- Pakiri: 14km of remote white sand, horses on the beach, barely any people
- Piha: dramatic black sand, Lion Rock, moody west coast scenery. Swim between flags as strong rip so less suitable for young kids
- Goat island – best place to snorkel in Auckland – just swim from the shore, or take a glass bottom boat trip
Best Overall
- Tawharanui Regional Park: our number one. Native-species sanctuary, Anchor Bay, and great body boarding when the swell is good
Museums and Culture
10. Kelly Tarlton’s Sea Life Aquarium
One of Auckland’s best family attractions – a walk-through aquarium with sharks, rays, penguins, an Antarctic encounter, and everything in between – the penguin encounter is brilliant for young children. Allow 2-3 hours. Book tickets in advance to save money.
Book your Kelly Tarlton’s Sea Life Tickets here
11. Auckland War Memorial Museum
In the Domain in the city centre – a comprehensive history museum with outstanding Maori and Pacific peoples sections, a native flora and fauna section, mini dinosaur section and an excellent volcanic Auckland exhibit that brings the city’s geological story to life! (some small kids may be scared of the volcano feature). This is a great spot for the kids and also a great rainy day option.
12. MOTAT – Museum of Transport and Technology
An extensive open-air museum covering New Zealand’s transport and technology history with aircraft, vehicles, historic buildings, working trams. Good for kids who love planes, trains and machines. Combine with Western Springs Lakeside Park next door. Or for a really long busy day, combine with the Zoo, very close by.
13. Auckland Zoo
A decent zoo with plenty for kids – NZ native wildlife (tuatara, kiwi, kea), African savannah section, meerkats, giraffes, lions. Gets packed on weekends and the parking situation is very difficult. Go on a weekday if possible. Worth at least half a day. Book online for discounts.
Book your Auckland Zoo ticket here
Entertainment and Theme Parks
14. Sky Tower
Auckland’s iconic needle at 328 metres – great views across the city, Waitemata Harbour and on clear days the Coromandel and Northland coastlines. The SkyJump (base jump from 192 metres) and SkyWalk (outside the tower at 192 metres) are available for older thrill-seekers. Views are excellent and worth playing ‘spot the volcano’ with the kids as you get to see Auckland volcanic landscape from high.
Book your Auckland Sky Tower ticket here
15. Rainbow’s End Theme Park
New Zealand’s biggest theme park in Manukau – roller coasters, water rides, dodgems and the usual mix of theme park fare. Good for a full family day. Best for ages 6 and above. The Corkscrew is the signature ride. Check the website for deals as full price can add up quickly for a family. Also check height restrictions to make sure you don’t turn up disappointed.
16. Whale and Dolphin Watching
Right in the Hauraki Gulf, whale and dolphin watching trips run from Auckland’s downtown ferry terminal. Allow 5 hours. The trip alone onto the turquoise waters of the gulf are an experience as you pass several of the gulf’s stunning islands. This is a really exciting experience for all ages.
Book your Whale and Dolphin Safari here
17. Crystal Mountain, West Auckland (Henderson)
A quirky little attraction out West off the beaten track – you’ll need a car. A small museum dedicated to crystals, gems and minerals from around the world but also with a mini theme park / petting farm with dinosaurs, animals, kids rides (small roller coaster and train track) both indoor and outdoor. Our kids always love it here.
Buy your Crystal Mountain tickets here
18. Butterfly Creek
A great family half-day attraction near Auckland Airport combining a tropical butterfly house, crocodile enclosure, farm animals, kiwi, fish, a train ride and a dinosaur exhibit all in one site.
19. Playgrounds
Auckland has playgrounds all over. Expect local kids in bare feet – the kiwi way for kids to enjoy the outdoors in New Zealand.
You’ll find playgrounds everywhere but some of the best that we know of:
Silo Park – by the Wynyard Quarter, walkable from the city centre. Heaps for kids to do here, and close to all the wonderful eateries.
Cornwall Park – by One Tree Hill, close to city centre. There’s a great playground here, with flying fox. But does get busy at weekends.
Takapuna – one of the best – this playground is right on the beach but does get very busy, but its right next to the awesome cafes that overlook the ocean.
Browns Bay – popular playground right on the beach in this North Shore suburb
Long Bay Regional Park – there are a couple of playgrounds here in a great spot on a grassy area right by the beach
20. Indoor Play or Entertainment / Soft Play
Essential knowledge for Auckland’s rainy days. There are heaps of indoor play areas so jump online and have a look what’s close to you but here’s a few we know of:
Chipmunks – these are a chain all over the country. Good for ages 2-8. Soft play with slides and games
Bounce – there’s three of these trampoline parks dotted around. Most have a soft play area too
Laser Tag – there’s a few of these around if your kids love laser tag.
Indoor Go-karting – Game Over in Albany is the one we’ve been to – great fun for the kids
Magic Loft – on the North Shore, this place is huge and has everything you can think of for a soft play zone
Timezone – there’s 3 of these in Auckland, one in the city
21. Ti Point Reptile Park – Leigh
This place is about an hour from central Auckland so you’ll need a car. It’s a little run-down but awesome fun for the kids as they get to see huge crocodiles, lizards, iguana, tortoises, amongst others. It’s a large space and you can easily spend a couple of hours here. Combine with trips to Omaha Beach, Leigh (Matheson Bay), Matakana.
22. Sheepworld
No visit to NZ would be complete without a visit to see some sheep! Located about an hour from central Auckland, you’ll need a car. It’s a great half day out with the kids. They have educational shearing sessions plus there’s a huge petting farm and a great cafe. Combine with Omaha, Mahurangi, Puhoi, Leigh, Tawharanui.
Useful Links
- ✈️ Flights to Auckland: Click here
- 🏨 Find family accommodation in Auckland: Click here
- 🚗 Hire a car in Auckland: Click here
- ⛴️ Waiheke Island ferry and tours: Click here
- 🐧 Kelly Tarlton’s Sea Life Aquarium: Click here
- 🦁 Auckland Zoo: click here
- 🗼 Sky Tower: Click here
- 🐬 Whale and Dolphin Watching: Click here
- 🛡️ Travel insurance for New Zealand: Click here
- 📱Grab your NZ e-SIM here
This post contains affiliate links. If you book through these links we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you – which helps keep Roaming Wild running. Thank you!
Walks, Volcanoes and Viewpoints
Auckland sits on 53 extinct volcanoes dotted all over the city. Many of them are walkable, some have car parks. All are free and offer 360 views of the city and beyond, and a great chance for the kids to burn off some energy. Here’s our pick of the best.
23. Mount Eden (Maungawhau)
The highest of Auckland’s grassy volcanic cones at 196 metres. The walk is steep but short (20 mins). 360-degree views along a metal walkway. Our kids always enjoy the walk up here. One of Auckland’s best free experiences.
24. One Tree Hill (Maungakiekie) and Cornwall Park
A slightly different angle on the city to Mount Eden but only really a stone’s throw away. The surrounding Cornwall Park is lovely for a stroll through native trees and historic stone walls. Sheep still graze the slopes. There is a great café and heaps of parkland around to make this a great picnic day out. Our kids love coming here time and time again.
25. North Head, Devonport (War tunnels)
Take the 5-minute ferry to Devonport and walk up North Head for stunning views all round, taking in the city, the harbour, Rangitoto, Waiheke. The war tunnels and old gun emplacements are great fun for the kids who will love exploring them. Devonport itself is a lovely historic village.
26. Sanders Reserve, Paremoremo
Off the beaten path – out near the prison in Paremoremo – beautiful views and walking and mountain biking tracks with a small playground. One of Auckland’s better-kept secrets. Our kids love this area for walking. Look out for the special tree – you’ll know it when you see it.
27. The Viaduct, The Wynyard Crossing and Wynyard Quarter (Silo Park)
Whilst this isn’t as much of a nature experience like the other walks above, it is still a great walk, and the kids can enjoy it too. The Viaduct, located in the heart of the city, is one of the city’s best entertainment areas with bars and restaurants on the water’s edge. You can walk to the Wynyard Quarter where you walk across the lifting Wynyard Crossing Bridge – fun for the kids if you catch it as a boat is heading out or returning to the gulf. Keep walking to the playgrounds at Silo Park. Heaps of great food options all along this route.
Day Trips from Auckland with Kids
28. Coromandel Peninsula
About 2-2.5 hours from Auckland.
Cathedral Cove (walk 45 minutes through the bush to one of New Zealand’s most iconic sea arches or take a boat trip).
Hot Water Beach (dig your own hot pool in the sand but make sure you check tide times before you go as it’s tidal and it does get very busy in peak season and at weekends).
This is a great family day out, but it is a very long drive – but possible if short on time. You’ll need to do it by car and leave early. Absolutely avoid Public Holiday weekends as the Coromandel gets absolutely insane from Aucklanders heading there. Staying overnight in Hahei or Whitianga gives you more time.
If you don’t have a car, don’t worry, you can book a tour here
29. Hobbiton
About 2-2.5 hours south. The Hobbiton movie set in Matamata is awesome for fans and non-fans. This is a full long-day trip and can be done by car or tour, or book overnight. Book well in advance as this is very popular.
Book your tour tickets well in advance here
If you don’t have a car, you can book a tour from Auckland to Hobbiton here
30. Waitomo Caves
About 2-2.5 hours south. The magical glow worm caves are a very popular trip. You board a small boat in almost pitch black and are gently taken through the short cave in silence. Look up and the magic is revealed. It is a full long-day trip and best done by car or tour, or book overnight. Book well in advance as this is also very popular.
Book your Waitomo Glow Worm Cave tickets here
You can book a combined Hobbiton and Waitomo Cave tour from Auckland here
Where to Eat in Auckland with Kids
Auckland has an excellent and diverse food scene reflecting the city’s multicultural makeup – Polynesian, Asian, Indian, European and everything in between, all within a relatively compact area.
Areas Worth Exploring
- Ponsonby Road – a diverse mix of trendy cafes, restaurants and bars. Good quality, slightly pricey
- Britomart – At the foot of Queen Street, on the harbour’s edge. Some real classy places to eat and drink around here. Pricier.
- The Viaduct – the city centre marina with a stunning array of bars and restaurants, all with views of the boats and the ocean
- Wynyard Quarter – just along from the Viaduct across the Wynyard Crossing Bridge, this is a fantastic spot to drink and eat on the water’s edge and people watch
- Dominion Road – Auckland’s best Asian food strip. Cheaper, good food, various options. Better if on a budget. You can easily get here by bus, as Dominion Road is one of the main corridors in and out of the city.
- Mission Bay / St Heliers – good waterfront cafes right by the beach
- Takapuna – excellent cafe and restaurant scene right alongside the beach on the North Shore. You can get here by bus. Awesome playground here.
Costs and Budget for Auckland with Kids
- Accommodation: NZD $200-300 per night (cheapest) hotel family room or bach. The further from the centre, the cheaper – a better option if you have a car but also need to consider avoiding rush hour traffic if you’re driving in.
- Car hire: NZD $40-80 per day
- Auckland Zoo (family of 4): NZD $120
- Kelly Tarlton’s (family of 4): NZD $100
- Sky Tower (family of 4): NZD $200 (+ more for bungee)
- Rainbow’s End (family of 4): NZD $290
- Rangitoto ferry return (family of 4): NZD $160 Return
- Waiheke ferry return (family of 4): NZD $132 Return (Cheaper if travelling off peak but limited times). Cheaper with an AT Hop card – buy anywhere in city.
- Meal for 4 in café / restaurant (family of 4): NZD $50-120 (really depends on where you go)
- Overall daily budget (family of 4 incl accommodation and activities): NZD $350-450+
Is Auckland Worth It for Families?
Yes, without a doubt. Primarily for outdoor, active types. If you’re after great shopping, you’re in the wrong place. If you’re after natural beauty, beaches, scenery, wildlife – letting your kids run wild, you’ll feel at home.
Many travellers dismiss Auckland far too quickly and miss out on so much, especially for kids.
The city has everything a family needs: beaches within 20 minutes of the city centre, volcanoes you can walk up for free, islands accessible by ferry, awesome wildlife attractions, excellent food, and a climate that rewards outdoor living for most of the year.
A week is our minimum recommendation but appreciate most people are on a tight timescale when they come here, usually from very far, so if time is limited then still try to set aside 3-5 days in your itinerary.
A week will make you feel like you’ve started to get under Auckland’s skin. Two weeks, you can do a lot of the above and you’ll be barefoot in the supermarkets like a true kiwi.
Useful Links
- ✈️ Flights to Auckland: Click here
- 🏨 Find family accommodation in Auckland: Click here
- 🚗 Hire a car in Auckland: Click here
- ⛴️ Waiheke Island ferry and tours: Click here
- 🐧 Kelly Tarlton’s Sea Life Aquarium: Click here
- 🦁 Auckland Zoo: click here
- 🗼 Sky Tower: Click here
- 🐬 Whale and Dolphin Watching: Click here
- 🛡️ Travel insurance for New Zealand: Click here
- 📱Grab your NZ e-SIM here
This post contains affiliate links. If you book through these links we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you – which helps keep Roaming Wild running. Thank you!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Auckland good for families with young children?
Yes – absolutely, without a shadow of a doubt. Auckland is excellent for families with children of all ages. Calm eastern beaches, accessible volcanic cones, family-friendly regional parks with BBQ facilities, and top attractions like Kelly Tarlton’s Aquarium, Sky Tower and the Zoo all cater well to young kids. The main consideration is having a car – without one you’re limited to what’s close to the city centre. With many of the best natural attractions needing a car, you would miss out on heaps of the good stuff.
How many days do you need in Auckland with kids?
3-5 days bare minimum to see the highlights. A week is better if you want to explore beaches, do more day trip / half-day trips. Two weeks and you’ll smash it out of the park.
Is Auckland expensive?
Yes. Accommodation, restaurant meals and activities all add up. Budget NZD $350-450+ per day for a family of four including accommodation and if planning to do many of the paid-for activities listed in this guide. Self-catering for some meals and using Auckland’s many free attractions (volcanic cones, regional parks, beaches) helps significantly and you could bring that budget down.
Do you need a car in Auckland?
For the best family experiences – the beaches, regional parks, day trips, then yes. Public transport covers the city centre well but the beaches and nature spots that make Auckland special are mostly not accessible without a car. Hire one. It transforms your Auckland experience, and driving is easy (Left side). Just avoid rush hour.
What are the best free things to do in Auckland with kids?
There are so many things to do, but these are the best for free: volcanic cone walks (Mount Eden, One Tree Hill), beaches (all free), regional parks (free), Ambury Farm Park, Cornwall Park, and Devonport by ferry. Auckland’s best experiences don’t require a big budget.
What is the best beach in Auckland for families?
Tawharanui Regional Park’s Anchor Bay is our top pick overall. For something closer to the city: St Heliers (eastern bays, calm, local feel), Takapuna (North Shore, golden sand, great amenities), or Shakespear Regional Park (native species protected sanctuary, multiple beaches, BBQ facilities). See our complete Auckland beach guide here
What is the best day trip from Auckland with kids?
Some of the best attractions can be done in a day but they will be a very long day and better done overnight. But with a car and an early start / late finish, if on a tight timeframe, you can visit these classics: Coromandel (Cathedral Cove and Hot Water Beach) or Hobbiton and Waitomo Caves are both outstanding. Coromandel is the most scenically spectacular (just avoid on a public holiday).
Have you been to Auckland with kids? What was your highlight? We would love to know about your trip. Drop a comment below
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