Winter doesnโt mean the fun has to stopโin fact, Auckland has plenty of cool (and cosy) ways to keep the whole whฤnau entertained these school holidays. Whether youโre staying with us at Edit Hotels or just looking for fresh ideas, weโve rounded up our favourite family-friendly activities to keep the kids busy and the adults sane.
Hereโs your Edit-approved hit list of things to do these school holidays in Auckland:
Explore the Wintergardens at Auckland Domain
Perfect for a crisp winterโs day, the Wintergardens feel like a hidden wonderland in the heart of the city. The Victorian-style glasshouses are filled with tropical and seasonal flowers, warm air, and plenty of photo ops. It’s peaceful, beautiful, and surprisingly fun for kids to explore.
๐ Auckland Domain โ 10 mins from Edit Auckland
๐ธ Free
Get Hands-On at MOTAT
The Museum of Transport and Technology is always a winner during the holidays. With interactive exhibits, vintage planes and trains, and special winter programming, itโs a fun way to sneak a little learning into your holiday.
Pro tip: grab a hot chocolate at the cafรฉ before hopping aboard the vintage tram!
๐ Western Springs
๐ธ Kids under 5 free, family passes available
Ice Skating at Paradice Avondale or Botany
Whatโs winter without a bit of ice? Paradice Ice Skating is a hit with kids of all ages. Whether theyโre wobbly beginners or mini pros, itโs all about the laughs (and the occasional fall). For something extra, check if their themed disco nights are on during your stay!
๐ Avondale or Botany Downs
๐ธ Entry + skate hire from $20
Kelly Tarltonโs SEA LIFE Aquarium
Dive into an underwater world without getting wet. From penguins and sharks to giant turtles and glowing jellyfish, Kelly Tarltonโs is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Bonus: itโs indoors and warmโgreat for rainy days.
๐ Orakei โ 15 mins from Edit Auckland
๐ธ Discounts often available online
Wฤtฤ Workshop Unleashed
A must for older kids and movie buffs! Wฤtฤ Workshop Unleashed is part film set, part behind-the-scenes magic, with monsters, miniatures and special effects galore. Itโs creative, slightly spooky (in a fun way), and completely unique to Auckland.
๐ Federal Street โ walking distance from Edit Auckland
๐ธ Book aheadโtours fill fast
Rainy Day Bonus: Indoor Playgrounds & Trampoline Parks
Need to burn off energy indoors? Aucklandโs got you. Try Jump Trampoline Park in Avondale or Chipmunks indoor playgrounds for younger kids. Ideal when the weather says โno thanksโ but the kids say โgo go go!โ