Brought to you by Visit Auckland.
When you’re planning a holiday for the whole family – kids included – there’s more to think about than just the destination itself. You’ll want to make sure there’s plenty to do to keep everyone entertained when you get there, of course, but you’ll also want to consider the time it takes to travel to your chosen destination. No one wants to be stuck on a long-haul with small children in tow.
Auckland is the easy option for families: it’s just a three-hour flight away from Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne, and it has heaps of adventure activities and memory making experiences to try, plus loads of family-friendly accommodation options to choose from. In fact, this international city is so close, you really can pop over for a weekend, a week or longer.
From the best of where to stay, where to play and everything thrill seekers need to know, here’s our guide to the unmissable parts of Auckland that will bring joy to the young, and young at heart!
1. Chic stays
First up you’ll need a base for your trip. Thankfully, Auckland has some of the best family-friendly hotels with some special options for the kids.
M Social Auckland
This contemporary hotel offers family-friendly social twin rooms that are spacious and chic. The hotel overlooks the vibrant Princes Wharf that is home to a stunning array of dining, entertainment options and shopping experiences. At M Social you can enjoy bike hire, a 24-hour gym and complimentary movie releases in your room. Plus, treat yourself to dinner at Beast & Butterflies restaurant – you won’t regret it.
Mövenpick Hotel Auckland
Steeped in Swiss tradition yet unequivocally modern, you’ll settle into that sweet spot between luxury and lively at Mövenpick Hotel Auckland. Enjoy the gym, library and amazing BODA Restaurant during your stay. Excellently located in the heart of Auckland CBD, at the edge of the waterfront, it’s the perfect base to explore the iconic city with the family. Plus, there’s on-demand ice cream for the kids with the Family Happinest Package and the Mövenpick Chocolate Hour will keep everyone happy!
2. Indulge your tastebuds
It isn’t a holiday without a little treat or two, and there’s plenty to smile about on the food front in Auckland.
Cody High Tea by Cordis for the Kids
Celebrate your stay with an unforgettable experience your mini VIPS will love – a 5-star Cordis hotel stay. Located in the heart and soul of Auckland, Cordis’ thoughtfully designed hotel rooms and suites offer families space, luxury and location, with treats for parents (read, unique Cordis restaurants, bars featuring signature Kiwi-inspired cocktails and the famed Chuan Spa, swimming pool and health club), and the red-carpet treatment for the younglings.
The playful high tea by Cordis is sure to put a smile on their faces as they tuck into the ‘Happy Bear’ ham sandwich, ‘Give a Hug Ladybug’ fairy bread, the ‘Sweetheart’ Cody macaroon and yummy ‘Holiday Time’ tropical lollipops. A special experience the whole family will enjoy.
3. Drive in style
While there’s plenty to do in Auckland CBD, you’ll be able to explore the region to the full if you book your own wheels.
GO Rentals
Book a large car for the family with GO Rentals. Conveniently located at Auckland Airport or Auckland city, you can pick up your car as soon as you arrive so you can explore the best of the Auckland region. Catch a Fullers360 Ferry to Waiheke Island and continue your adventure with a car from GO Rentals convenient Waiheke Island depot. A haven of beautiful vineyards, olive groves and beaches the island is the playground of EcoZip Adventures and Terra & Tide.
4. Get your adrenaline pumping
Create lasting memories at these Auckland adventure experiences.
EcoZip Adventures
EcoZip Adventures is Auckland’s most spectacular native forest experience and premier zipline adventure. There are thrills a ‘plenty for all the family on the awesome flying fox ziplines, while the eco-immersive forest walk on breathtaking Waiheke Island is perfect for nature lovers of all ages.
Terra & Tide
Discover the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park, surrounding Auckland, with this 41-foot catamaran Pacific Star sailing tour. This unique eco adventure could see you spot seabirds, dolphins and whales. Prefer to keep your feet on dry land? Learn more about the wildlife, beaches and forest trails with Terra & Tide‘s walking tours that combine learning and discovery.
All Blacks Experience
Learn the story of the All Blacks at this state-of-the-art experience where you can test yourself against the best and find out what it takes to make it as rugby’s elite. Expect to feel the passion of a haka too.
5. Create lasting memories
Let your imagination run wild as you get a taste for some of the other immersive experiences Auckland has to offer.
SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton’s Aquarium
Enjoy 12 different themed zones with over 30 exhibits, as well as the world’s first curved underwater tunnel. Get up close to the Southern Hemisphere’s largest colony of Sub-Antarctic penguins, learn how they care for rescued sea turtles and see the world’s only public display of spiny sea dragons. Discover marine lives of the Hauraki Gulf and learn about the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park; get hands-on at the aquarium’s tidal touch pools. Family passes are available.
Wētā Workshop Unleashed
A fantastic film effects experience from the creators of Lord of the Rings, Avatar and The Hobbit for your little movie makers. Let their imagination run wild with a Wētā Workshop Unleashed Tour where they’ll explore interactive and immersive make-believe film sets, focussing on the worlds of horror, fantasy and sci-fi.
Auckland is calling, so pop over with your family! For more great ideas of what to do on your Auckland holiday, see Visit Auckland. Brought to you by Visit Auckland.
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