Treasure Island Adventure Golf: Pirate-Themed Mini Golf Fun
Putt your way through life-sized pirate ships, cascading waterfalls, haunted treasure caves, and shark-infested waters at Treasure Island Adventure Golf. This immersive, pirate-themed mini golf course is fun for the whole family—no experience needed! Perfect for birthdays, group outings, or a bit of friendly competition, it’s a swashbuckling good time for kids and adults alike.
Allow: 60–90 minutes; great before an airport pickup.
Butterfly Creek: Dinosaurs, Dragons & Kiwi Encounters
Step into a world of wonder at Butterfly Creek! Wander through a tropical butterfly house, explore the Dinosaur Kingdom with over 40 life-sized, roaring dinos, and dive into the magical world of Mythic Creatures—featuring unicorns, mermaids, and dragons. Get up close to NZ’s only saltwater crocodiles, Scar and Goldie, meet brown kiwi in the Kiwi Forest, and enjoy hands-on fun at Buttermilk Farm. You’ll also find alligators, bugs, reptiles, and New Zealand’s largest tropical aquariums. Relax at the Butterfly Creek Café, let the kids play in the playground, or ride the Admiral Express Train. Spread across 18,000m², there’s space to explore safely and something for everyone to enjoy!
Good to know: Excellent wet-weather option near the airport.
Stardome Observatory & Planetarium: Inspiring & Educational
Located in beautiful Maungakiekie / One Tree Hill, Stardome has been sharing its passion for space since 1967. Enjoy immersive presenter-led shows and films in the 360° indoor dome with comfy reclining seats – perfect for all ages. Explore the stars above Auckland in Our Night Sky, join a sci-fi evening, or ask an expert astronomer your cosmic questions. Weather permitting, telescope viewing after evening shows lets you see planets up close. Family-friendly, welcoming, and unforgettable – Stardome brings the universe to you.
Insider tip: Evening shows + telescope viewing are magic on clear nights. .
Rainbow’s End: Thrilling, Family-Friendly, Action-Packed
With over 20 rides and attractions, Rainbow’s End has fun for everyone! Take on the Big 5 thrill rides, enjoy family favourites like the Log Flume and Dodgems, or explore Kidz Kingdom – a fully covered zone for children 8 and under. Don’t miss Rainbow Playlab for the latest in high-tech fun: VR, escape rooms, e-sports, arcade games and more. It’s your fun – build it your way!
Allow: Half-day; pre-book in peak school holidays.
Auckland Botanic Gardens: Peaceful, Scenic, Family-Friendly
Just 20 minutes from the city or airport, Auckland Botanic Gardens is a stunning South Pacific paradise. Enjoy free entry every day to explore native and exotic plant collections, tranquil lakes, outdoor sculptures, and the award-winning Potter Children’s Garden. Start your visit at the Huakaiwaka Visitor Centre with a café, exhibitions, and panoramic views. A perfect spot to relax, wander and be inspired – where ideas grow.
Insider tip: Spring blooms and autumn colours are standout seasons.
Wero Whitewater Park: Urban Adventure & Water Thrills
Dive into a world of water-fuelled excitement at Wero Whitewater Park. Whether you're chasing adrenaline or a relaxed paddle, there’s something for every kind of adventurer. Take on River Rush and conquer Grade 3 rapids, or keep it cruisy with family-friendly rafting on the Tamariki River. Brave the Pump Waterfall – the highest man-made waterfall in the world – or explore the crystal-clear lake with kayak and SUP hire. Lessons available for beginners, plus lakeside pizzas to refuel after your splash-filled day.
Good to know: Bring a towel and spare clothes; bookings essential on weekends.
Ambury Farm: Family-Friendly Coastal Farm & Nature Walks
Tucked along the scenic shores of the Manukau Harbour in Māngere Bridge, Ambury Farm is a peaceful escape offering a glimpse of rural life within the city. Meet a variety of friendly farm animals as you stroll the grounds, then venture out on one of two walking loop tracks or hop on your bike for a ride along the dedicated trails. The area is also an important habitat for shorebirds, and the nearby coastline showcases fascinating basalt lava flows—perfect for a bit of natural discovery with the family.
Best for: Low-cost days with kids; bring snacks and layers.
JKs Driving Range: 24/7 Golf Fun at Auckland Airport
Whether you're looking to fine-tune your swing or simply unwind, JKs Auckland Airport Driving Range is the perfect spot. As New Zealand’s only 24-hour, 365-day-a-year driving range, it’s always open when the golf bug hits. Boasting over 40 driving bays, a purpose-built synthetic chipping and putting green, and one of the best-stocked pro shops in the country, JKs is a must-visit for both serious golfers and casual players. Drop in anytime to relieve stress and sharpen your game—day or night!
Insider tip: Late-night hits after a flight are blissfully quiet.
Spookers: Haunted Attraction Scream Park in Kingseat
Enter if you dare! Spookers is Australasia’s #1 Haunted Attraction Scream Park, offering a spine-chilling live entertainment experience like no other. Set inside the former Kingseat Psychiatric Hospital, this immersive horror attraction is not for the faint of heart. Wander through terrifying themed environments including the Haunted House, Freaky Forest, Disturbia in 3D, and more—populated by professional scare-actors who deliver screams on cue. With haunting soundscapes, gruesome props and spine-tingling effects (some created in collaboration with Weta Workshop), every step will keep you on edge.
Open Friday & Saturday nights (R16) – Doors from 8pm, last entry 9pm. Allow 90 minutes for the full fright-fest.
Good to know: Wear comfy shoes; make it a group night.
Hunua Regional Park: Waterfalls, Walks & Native Forest
Just an hour southeast of Auckland, Hunua Regional Park is a natural paradise perfect for day trips and outdoor adventures. Home to the majestic Hunua Falls, this expansive park features lush native bush, scenic streams, waterfalls and panoramic views. Choose from a variety of walking tracks for all fitness levels – from the easy Hunua Falls Lookout Walk to the more challenging Cossey-Massey Loop. It’s an ideal spot for family picnics, birdwatching or simply escaping into nature. Explore Auckland’s largest area of native forest and immerse yourself in the beauty of this iconic regional park.
Safety note: Tracks can be muddy after rain; check current track info.
Allow: 2–4 hours.
Glenbrook Vintage Railway: Steam Train Rides & Heritage Journeys
Step back in time with a nostalgic 15 km return journey through the picturesque rural Franklin countryside aboard a lovingly restored vintage steam train. Departing from Glenbrook Station, this one-hour round trip includes a stop at Pukeoware Depot, where passengers can view locomotives and rolling stock under restoration. You can also hop off at Victoria Avenue in Waiuku, explore the historic township, and catch a later train back. Operating on selected dates from late October to early June, the railway also hosts special events like Christmas Lights – Train at Night, A Day Out With Thomas, and even First Class High Tea journeys on select days. Glenbrook also offers single-day steam trips and multi-day heritage rail tours across the North Island.
Insider tip: Book special events early—they sell out.
Castaways Resort Activities: Thrills on the Cliff Tops
Just 50 minutes from Auckland’s CBD, Castaways Resort at Karioitahi Beach offers adrenaline-filled fun with a stunning coastal backdrop. Open to both guests and the public, you can get your heart racing with archery, clay target shooting, blo-karting on black sand, 4WD adventures, or a surf session. Perfect for groups, getaways or a solo thrill — this is action with a view.
Best for: Group experiences; combine with a Waiuku dinner.
Miranda Hot Springs: Soak, Splash & Unwind
Escape to Miranda Hot Springs, just an hour southeast of Auckland, and enjoy a day of relaxation in thermally heated fresh mineral water. Set on 2 acres of picturesque grounds, this long-standing retreat offers something for everyone with three pools: a large thermal pool (36–38°C), a cooler children’s pool, and an adults-only sauna pool (around 40–41°C), plus four private spa pools for a more secluded soak. Families will love the jumping pillow, playground, games room, and on-site BBQs. Whether you’re passing through or planning a relaxing day out, Miranda Hot Springs is a refreshing stop along the Seabird Coast.
Good to know: Bring towels and flip-flops; check maintenance closures.
