Auckland fun for families these school holidays: penguins, parks, and Sky Towers!
Auckland’s school holiday magic: From close encounters with penguins and SkyTower thrills to wildlife cruises and epic sports – find the best family outings right here!
If you’re looking for a family-friendly holiday destination that combines urban excitement, unique nature and a vibrant culture without taking a long haul flight, look no further than Auckland, New Zealand.
Why Auckland is the ultimate school holiday destination
A short three hour flight means you can pop over for a school holiday getaway where you can encounter New Zealand’s unique wildlife, explore culture, and experience adrenaline-pumping activities. Here are some not-to-be-missed activities happening in Auckland these school holidays.
- Chill out with penguins at SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton’s aquarium
Auckland’s aquarium, SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton’s houses the Southern Hemisphere’s largest display of Sub-Antarctic penguins as well as one of the most successful breeding programs on the planet in their Antarctic Ice Adventure.
If you have a little adventurer on your hands, head to the Shipwreck Discovery exhibition, an underwater world home to over 1,500 fish and a collection of artefacts from different shipwrecks around the world!
2. See the city from above at SkyCity
Take a bird’s eye view of Auckland from the 328-metre Sky Tower, where you can experience stunning 360 degree views across Auckland and the Waitematā Harbour.
If you have any daredevils in the family, the SkyWalk is the experience of a lifetime and a chance for you to snap the perfect pictures of Auckland to send home to grandma and grandpa (kids under 14 must be accompanied by an adult). For those who prefer keeping their feet planted in the main observation deck, then fasten your seatbelts and head to the SkySlide. Soar and slide down glass tubes that weave their way around the Sky Tower in an adrenaline filled 360º virtual reality tour!
Foodies (both young and not-so-young) will love exploring the more than 15 restaurants by New Zealand’s top chefs in and around the Sky Tower, especially crowd-pleaser Andy’s Burgers & Bar where you’ll be served burgers and hotdogs by robots!
3. Go wild at Auckland Zoo
Share with your family a truly unique experience of New Zealand’s animals, plants and culture all in one location, at Auckland Zoo’s Te Wao Nui habitat.
A day at this world-leading zoo will give your family a chance to see wildlife you may not have encountered before. See New Zealand’s national bird, the kiwi, as well as tuatara, the only surviving member of the reptile order Rhynchocephalia, and a whole enclosure containing more than 100 native plant and 30 native animal species, including New Zealand’s unique kororā (little penguins), kea and longfin eels.
There are more than 2800 individual animals in residence at Auckland Zoo, so you won’t miss your favourite wildlife from around the world – lions, giraffes, monkeys, rhinoceros and zebras. And don’t miss the lush South East Asia Jungle Track with otters, crocodiles and tigers, as well as orangutans swinging overhead in their high-canopy playground.
4. Explore the whimsical Wētā Workshop Unleashed
Located in the heart of the city, this multi-award-winning experience offers the whole family the chance to explore interactive and immersive make-believe film sets. Explore the worlds of horror, science fiction, and fantasy while navigating enchanting environments, perplexing displays, and interactive technologies during a 90-minute guided experience. An encounter with the resident monsters, an alien robot, and more than realistic giants are all part of the experience.
5. Make a splash with Tīkapa Moana Whale & Dolphin Wildlife Cruise
Explore Group’s Tīkapa Moana Whale & Dolphin Wildlife Cruise is a stunning 5.5-hour cruise on a purpose-built wildlife viewing vessel, and is a fantastic way for your family to explore the beautiful Hauraki Gulf Marine Park. While you enjoy the views and keep an eye out for marine mammals, you’ll be provided with informative commentary about the history and conservation efforts of the area. Every trip is different, but common sightings can include dolphins, whales, seals, birdlife and more. It’s a guaranteed great day out.
6. Grab tickets to watch a One NZ Warriors game at Go Media Stadium
Throughout the year Auckland buzzes with a variety of sports and entertainment events and experiences. Your little footy fans won’t want to miss experiencing the One NZ Warriors playing on home turf versing some familiar faces to Sydney Siders, the Manly Sea Eagles! Grab your tickets for the 13 April game and make sure you sit front row to experience the mighty Warriors kick off the game with a powerful haka.
7. Climb the summit, find shipwrecks and explore lava caves on Rangitoto Island
Junior volcanologists will love exploring Rangitoto Island, a dormant volcanic cone sitting in Auckland’s Hauraki Gulf. A short ferry ride with Fullers360 will take you across to Rangitoto and from there you can explore the island. Climb the summit (it takes about an hour and is a gentle incline) for epic views across the Waitematā Harbour, and check out the lava caves and tunnels on your way back (remember to take a torch!). You may also spot 13 shipwrecks around the island. You can also tick off another one of the 50 islands of the Hauraki Gulf by walking along a causeway to enjoy the walking trails and native birds on the adjacent Motutapu Island.
For more tips on visiting Auckland, check out Aucklandnz.com.
