Things to do in Auckland with kids

Things to do with kids in Auckland mostly come down to water, animals and boats, and the city has all three. This page sorts family days out by the kind of day you're after, with more to explore across Auckland and the wider things to do with kids collection.

Aquariums and animal encounters in Auckland

Aquarium days suit families who want something close to the city. SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton's Aquarium sits on Tamaki Drive in Orakei, with a walk-through Antarctic Ice Adventure and its sub-Antarctic penguin colony, a Turtle Bay with an interactive turtle rescue zone, and an underwater tunnel with a curved ceiling.

Daily animal talks and feeding sessions keep younger visitors busy, and there's an indoor playground for water play. General admission includes free parking and a digital photo pass, and the aquarium is wheelchair friendly. The operator's own tip is to time your visit for the diver feeds, when the fish and turtles gather around the divers.

Island days out on the Hauraki Gulf

Auckland's Gulf islands make a full-day outing for a family. The Rotoroa Island and Man O' War combo cruise leaves from the Quay Street booking kiosk in the CBD, takes a 90-minute cruise to Man O' War Vineyard on Waiheke Island, then makes a 15-minute boat transfer to Rotoroa Island before a 75-minute cruise back, returning at about 4pm. It runs on set days of the week, so check the calendar when you book.

On Rotoroa Island the day is about walking tracks, sheltered sandy beaches, free-ranging native wildlife and a museum in the island's heritage buildings, plus a small kiosk selling ice creams and drinks. Man O' War Vineyard on Waiheke has a beachfront cellar door and restaurant, with time to relax by the bay between stops.

Treetop thrills above Waiheke's vineyards

For a more active island day, the Waiheke Island Zipline Tour with EcoZip Adventures is a 3-hour outing built around three 200m dual ziplines over native bush and a working vineyard. The lines are dual, so two people can fly side by side with views of the Auckland skyline and Waiheke Island.

Complimentary pick-up from Matiatia Ferry Terminal or Oneroa Village Bus Stop is included, along with a 20-minute sightseeing tour of the island and an interpretive forest walk. Departures run 7 days a week from 9.15am, and a family ticket is available for two adults and two children.

Behind the scenes of the movies at SkyCity

Weta Unleashed on level 5 at 88 Federal St, opposite the Sky Tower, is a hands-on look at how practical movie effects are made. The Auckland Weta Workshop Unleashed Tour is a 90-minute walk through three movie projects across fantasy, sci-fi and horror, with creatures, robots, dinosaurs and spacecraft to meet along the way, and a free souvenir video from the film set.

Mandarin-speaking families can book the Mandarin guided tour instead, also a 90-minute tour led by Mandarin-speaking guides, with a daily 2.20pm departure.

Choosing a family day by energy and age

The shortest outings are the 90-minute SkyCity tours and the aquarium, where you pick an entry time slot and move at your own pace. A half-day suits the Waiheke zipline, which includes the island pick-up so there's no fuss at the ferry end.

The island cruise is the big one. It's a full-day trip that returns around 4pm, with a 90-minute stop on Rotoroa Island for walking and beach time, so it suits kids who are happy on a boat all day. For days that stay dry, see Auckland's rainy day activities, or browse more Auckland attractions and cruises.

Frequently asked questions

What are good things to do with kids in Auckland?

Family days in Auckland include an aquarium visit at SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton's, a full-day island cruise to Rotoroa Island and Waiheke, a zipline tour on Waiheke Island and a behind-the-scenes tour at Weta Unleashed. Experience Oz sells tickets and tours for each.

Is SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton's suitable for young children?

SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton's Aquarium has an indoor playground for water play and daily animal talks and feedings. Infants aged 0 to 2 and children aged 2 to 15 have their own ticket types, and children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult over 18.

Can kids do the Waiheke Island zipline tour?

Yes. The Waiheke Island Zipline Tour sells child tickets for ages 15 and under, and participants under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. A family ticket covers two adults and two children.

How long is the Rotoroa Island and Man O' War day trip?

The Rotoroa Island and Man O' War combo cruise is a full-day trip: a 90-minute cruise to Man O' War Vineyard, a 2-hour stop there, a 15-minute boat transfer to Rotoroa Island, a 90-minute stop on the island and a 75-minute cruise back, returning at about 4pm. Child tickets cover ages 5 to 15 and infant tickets ages 0 to 4.

Are the Weta Unleashed tours suitable for kids?

The Auckland Weta Workshop Unleashed Tour sells child tickets for ages 5 to 14, and infants aged five and under are free. The tour explores fantasy, sci-fi and horror worlds, and photography is welcome but videography is not allowed.

How do you get to Waiheke Island from Auckland with kids?

Ferries to Waiheke leave from the downtown ferry terminal in Auckland. The Waiheke Island Zipline Tour includes complimentary pick-up from Matiatia Ferry Terminal or Oneroa Village Bus Stop, while the Rotoroa Island and Man O' War combo cruise sails direct from the Quay Street booking kiosk.

Pick a day from the collection above, then fill the gaps in the family itinerary with more of Auckland's tours.