Infinity Float Centre – Total Relaxation for Body & Mind
Step into serenity with floatation therapy – the ultimate way to unwind and recharge. Each 1-hour float is equivalent to 4 hours of deep sleep, helping your body reset and your mind release tension. Inside a private float tank filled with warm water and 500kg+ of Epsom salts, your body becomes weightless, relieving pressure on your spine, muscles, and joints. With no external distractions, it’s your time to relax, heal, and detox. The perfect antidote to busy modern life.
Good to know: First-time floaters may take 5–10 minutes to fully relax—this is completely normal.
Allow: 1.5 hours total (includes showering before and after your session).
Paradice Ice Skating Botany – Glide, Play & Enjoy Family Fun
Paradice Ice Skating Botany offers a fun ice skating experience for all ages with an Olympic-sized rink, skate hire, and a licensed café. Located at 490 Ti Rakau Drive, it’s perfect for family outings, birthday parties, or casual skating sessions. Other activities onsite include mini-golf, laser tag, and escape rooms, making it a great all-in-one entertainment spot. Open daily with sessions throughout the day.
Family tip: Balance frames are available for beginners and younger children learning to skate.
Safety tip: Helmets are recommended for kids and beginners; gloves help protect from slips and cold surfaces.
Howick Historical Village – Step Back in Time
Wander through heritage homes and gardens at this living history museum. Set on 7 acres, Howick Historical Village recreates life in early Auckland from 1840 to 1880, with authentic buildings, furnishings, and costumed guides bringing the past to life.
Good to know: Live days and special events offer demonstrations like blacksmithing, cooking, and schoolhouse lessons.
Allow: 1.5–3 hours to explore at a comfortable pace.
Live Wire Sylvia Park – Games & Good Times for All Ages
Get ready for non-stop fun at Sylvia Park’s premier entertainment hub! From cutting-edge VR and F1 Simulators to Bowling and Arcades, Live Wire is packed with action for families, friends, and parties. Whether you're competing or just kicking back, every visit promises energy, excitement, and epic memories.
Good to know: Book bowling lanes in advance, especially on weekends.
Allow: 3+ hours for bowling, VR, and arcade combo visits.
Ayrlies Garden & Wetlands – A Masterpiece of Colour & Tranquility
Just 35 minutes from central Auckland, Ayrlies is one of New Zealand’s most celebrated gardens. Spread over 4 hectares of rolling lawns, cascading ponds and lush borders, it’s a serene escape where colour and texture shine. Wander through vibrant floral displays, sub-tropical plantings, and mature trees that frame views to the Hauraki Gulf. Connected to the sea by an expansive 14-hectare wetland and lake, Ayrlies is a peaceful haven for birds and nature lovers alike. A must-visit for garden enthusiasts and anyone seeking quiet beauty.
Good to know: Wear comfortable shoes—paths vary between lawn, gravel, and garden tracks.
Family tip: The wetland boardwalk is pram-friendly and ideal for slower strolls.
Formosa Golf Resort – Championship Golf with Coastal Views
Just 40 minutes from Auckland, Formosa Golf Resort offers an unforgettable golfing experience with panoramic views over the Hauraki Gulf, Waiheke Island, and beyond. Designed by Sir Bob Charles, the 18-hole international championship course is set across 170 hectares of rolling coastal terrain and is regarded as one of New Zealand’s finest. Only minutes from Pine Harbour Marina and nearby beaches, it’s an ideal retreat for golfers and visitors alike.
Good to know: The clubhouse offers food and drinks with panoramic views—great even for non-golfers.
Allow: 4–5 hours for a full 18-hole round.
SeaLink Ferries – Your Gateway to Island Escapes
Start your island adventure with a scenic 45-minute cruise from Auckland aboard SeaLink, leaving from Half Moon Bay. Relax in comfort as you journey across the Hauraki Gulf to stunning island destinations, soaking in the views along the way. Enjoy a coffee and snack onboard, and let the hustle of the city melt away. With years of experience and thousands of happy travellers, SeaLink offers a fast, reliable, and relaxing way to explore paradise.
Good to know: Arrive early—boarding starts ahead of departure, and peak seasons can be busy.
Allow: 45 minutes–1 hour for the ferry crossing.
Riverhaven Artland – Where Art Meets Nature
A peaceful retreat for families, art lovers, and serenity seekers, Riverhaven Artland is a unique open-air gallery set within a stunning arboretum. Wander through seasonal blooms—daffodils, hydrangeas, and vibrant autumn foliage—while discovering sculptures that blend seamlessly with the natural landscape. This immersive experience invites you to slow down, reconnect, and explore the harmony between creativity and nature.
Good to know: Wear sturdy shoes, as paths weave through natural terrain.
Family tip: Bring a picnic to enjoy among the trees or alongside seasonal blooms.
