Hi guys,
What are you all doing with the families over the long break?
We have a 10-day holiday from 18-28 April and are having trouble finding good stuff to do in Auckland or near regions.
Please share family friendly trip or activities that are pocket friendly.
Have seen some deals on BookMe, gosh everything is so expensive.
*grand parents visiting too, so hiking or long walking trips might be difficult.
Thanks in advance
Heads up that Costco is closed Friday and Sunday of Easter weekend and may have some reduced hours on Monday. Otherwise, join the chaos and line up for free samples!
Auckland Museum in the domain and NZ Maritime Museum by the wharf offer free entry for Aucklanders (just need you utilities bill as proof of residence). Both places seem to have some child centered activities with egg hunts etc. Would be helpful especially given the weather predictions. MOTAT has some Easter stuff going on. Sorry, my list is the usual spots, nothing too fancy.
Also, worth checking out the shows at planetarium. For those who trip on Pink Floyd, there is a Dark Side of the moon show on. Kids may not sit through it.
We've also got the 10 days off over the school holidays. My plan is also to do free/budget activities (where budget = cheaper than a holiday program daily cost).
Auckland Museum (free)
Maritime Museum (free)
Howick Historical Village ($40 2A2C)
Devonport & North Head (free)
MOTAT ($45 2A4C)
Viaduct art trail walk (free)
Auckland Art Gallery (free)
Botanic Gardens (free)
Eden Garden ($12 adults, free children)
And then various "outings" e.g. Costco, Bunnings, Mitre10. We live a thrilling life.
We need to get Cheapies shirts for occasions like this! Might see you around… 😅
How old are the kids
3, 6, 10 & 11
Plenty of free/cheap family friendly activities here.
https://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/events/
Motat mates pass for one year - $95 (2A4C) - Every now and then they have something going on for kids and equally interesting for adults as well. It gives 20% discounts for Zoo and Stardome.
Local bunnings usually have some kids diy on weekends and school holidays.
AucklandforKids is a great website for finding some budget friendly activities.
Arataki visitor center has some exhibits and great views
Westfieldmalls sometimes has some activities for kids and Newmarket mall has Lego station.
Wynyard Quarter/Silo Park/Auckland night markets
TT tables are available in some libraries and Newmarket station where people can use it for free. Can check with respective libraries for their time slots. Seekapong app might have more details if you're interested.
North:
Warkworth Honey Centre
Matakana Markets
Waiwera beach: look for hot water, nice for walks even if you don't find any
Mount Victoria / North Head - walks and WWII artefacts
Chelsea Sugar factory tour (from $10/child)
West:
Walk around Costco checking out free samples, $2.99 hot dogs (membership reqd)
Bethell's Beach: picnic, swim and boogie board down the sand dunes
Whatipu caves walk
Don't know much about central or south sorry.