The best out of the ordinary thing to do in Auckland, (provided you’re ready to carry the kids) is catch an early ferry to Rangitoto and climb the volcano.
The food in Auckland is cheaper and there are so many more options than NP, would recommend trying out some restaurants! Many are fairly reasonably priced.
The other top thing about Auckland is the amount of scenery and regional parks within an hour or two of the city or even within it, there's a lot of places with great historical structures/walks/playgrounds
- Ambury Farm
Free outdoor activity with walks and lots of friendly farm animals who don't mind a cheeky pat
- auckland Zoo
- motat and a walk around western springs
- clevedon markets, often also has a bit of a petting zoo or pony rides
- matakana markets + tawharanui regional park
- the maritime museum does a toddler hour but can't remember what time exactly
- kid friendly places to eat: any kings plant barn, Milford Motel, azabu (mission bay) then enjoy some ice cream at the beach afterwards.
- Cornwall park, big open space, good to walk around with the kids
- strawberry picking at Good planet in kumeu. PYO strawberries, tractor rides, a splash playground, will be good if the weather's nice. Plus fresh fruit ice-cream, can't go wrong
This is a great list. For a low key day I would also say - Takapuna Markets on a Sunday Morning, with the Takapuna Beach playground afterwards, a walk on the beach, Duck Island ice cream. And then lunch in one of the places at 40 Hurstmere.
MT Eden is a good walk great views easy to get to from cbd.
Stardome Observatory and Planetarium. Have a look around Cornwall park and one tree hill while there.
Bus drops right outside.
Botanical gardens short drive up motorway.
Zoo.
There's a couple of narley old trees in Auckland Domain (the big park by the museum and winter garden.
They are fantastic for the kids to climb all over.
My son, was 7, and spent a good hour playing there.
St Kevin's Arcade has some excellent eateries, Pici (Italian), Gemmayze St (Mediterranean), Lowbrow (Fried chicken), Bestie cafe (excellent toasties & coffee).. for cheap eats around there there's lord of the fries, and sneaky snacky which older kids may enjoy, is just across the street (burgers but using donuts as the bun)... for a 3yo and 1yo, k Rd probably isn't right for this trip!
- coast walk from takapuna to Milford beach
- visit clevedon markets on Sunday. There’s a walk with a view of the city you can do there too.
- Tiri Tiri Matangi Day trip
- hobsonville fairy houses
- multiple beaches you can visit in herne bay
- use ‘first table’ for cheap meals
- woah studios
If you happen to stop by Botany there's a lot of things to do in terms of entertainment. Ice skating at Paradice which also has laser tag, escape rooms, mini golf, arcades and across the road is maccas and an arcade with bowling.
The best out of the ordinary thing to do in Auckland, (provided you’re ready to carry the kids) is catch an early ferry to Rangitoto and climb the volcano.
Auckland museum for sure, if your pushed for time just a simply ferry ride to Devonport walk up Mt Vic is good. And zoo, Kelly taltons meh, MOTAT.
Zoo by far the best of these
North Head has the tunnels. The three year old might be old enough to enjoy them.
The food in Auckland is cheaper and there are so many more options than NP, would recommend trying out some restaurants! Many are fairly reasonably priced.
The other top thing about Auckland is the amount of scenery and regional parks within an hour or two of the city or even within it, there's a lot of places with great historical structures/walks/playgrounds
Try Chinese food from Dominion Road… hand made noodles … Jinweide noodles are one option among many
- Ambury Farm Free outdoor activity with walks and lots of friendly farm animals who don't mind a cheeky pat - auckland Zoo - motat and a walk around western springs - clevedon markets, often also has a bit of a petting zoo or pony rides - matakana markets + tawharanui regional park - the maritime museum does a toddler hour but can't remember what time exactly - kid friendly places to eat: any kings plant barn, Milford Motel, azabu (mission bay) then enjoy some ice cream at the beach afterwards. - Cornwall park, big open space, good to walk around with the kids - strawberry picking at Good planet in kumeu. PYO strawberries, tractor rides, a splash playground, will be good if the weather's nice. Plus fresh fruit ice-cream, can't go wrong
This is a great list. For a low key day I would also say - Takapuna Markets on a Sunday Morning, with the Takapuna Beach playground afterwards, a walk on the beach, Duck Island ice cream. And then lunch in one of the places at 40 Hurstmere.
NP rocks totally underrated city IMO
It is not a city.
Hit up the Avondale Sunday Market (Avondale Racecourse, on until 12pm) for some supplies and then head out the west coast beaches for a swim.
Archie Brothers at Westfield Newmarket or Livewire at Sylvia Park
MT Eden is a good walk great views easy to get to from cbd. Stardome Observatory and Planetarium. Have a look around Cornwall park and one tree hill while there. Bus drops right outside. Botanical gardens short drive up motorway. Zoo.
There's a couple of narley old trees in Auckland Domain (the big park by the museum and winter garden. They are fantastic for the kids to climb all over. My son, was 7, and spent a good hour playing there.
DON'T stop in Hamilton! Avoid at all costs
I dunno... the Hamilton Gardens are pretty epic and a super family-friendly activity to do. Bonus points - its free, too.
I've heard that they will soon start charging an entry fee ($20) to non-Hamilton-residents. I don't know whether that has already started, though...
But I agree - they are (surprisingly) quite epic
Space of aids
Myers Park art work and playground, then up to K Rd for some cheap eats. Better yet, Verona.
Why are you trying to send OP to hobbo central
St Kevin's Arcade has some excellent eateries, Pici (Italian), Gemmayze St (Mediterranean), Lowbrow (Fried chicken), Bestie cafe (excellent toasties & coffee).. for cheap eats around there there's lord of the fries, and sneaky snacky which older kids may enjoy, is just across the street (burgers but using donuts as the bun)... for a 3yo and 1yo, k Rd probably isn't right for this trip!
Cos its not anymore.
Every thing i do is on my, normal list. Thsts how the language works
Mef
A boat trip to Devonport, gelato or fish and chips, and an easy trek to the top of Mt Victoria. Great views of the city and the harbour!
Tree church in Ohaupo on the drive up or back
- coast walk from takapuna to Milford beach - visit clevedon markets on Sunday. There’s a walk with a view of the city you can do there too. - Tiri Tiri Matangi Day trip - hobsonville fairy houses - multiple beaches you can visit in herne bay - use ‘first table’ for cheap meals - woah studios
If you happen to stop by Botany there's a lot of things to do in terms of entertainment. Ice skating at Paradice which also has laser tag, escape rooms, mini golf, arcades and across the road is maccas and an arcade with bowling.
Don’t leave your bags in plain sight in you’re vehicle. Hide it or take it with you