Joanna James
With a myriad of tourist draws, Auckland has established itself as a major tourist destination. If you are a family touring Auckland, you will find a range of kid-friendly attractions.
The aquarium was quite the innovative idea when it was opened in 1985; the conveyor walk belts in use at Sea Life Kelly Tarlton's Aquarium weren't a familiar contraption at the time. At present, this is the only Aquarium that shelters sub-Antarctic penguins, and as it happens, this is also New Zealand's only turtle rescue centre. The place displays many exhibits that are entertaining to kids as well. You can get to the aquarium by the Penguin Shuttle or the Shark Bus from Britomart Transport Centre. These buses aren't big enough to carry a lot of people, so make sure you get to the meeting spot a bit early.
A visit to Auckland War Memorial Museum is a must if you want the tour to be a bit educational. This is one of the first museums in Auckland; the exhibits displayed at the museum unfold the history of New Zealand. The museum also houses the country's heritage libraries.
Sprawling over an area of 8,000 square meters, Snowplanet Ski Rope is found in Auckland's outer suburbs. The place offers a range of winter activities including snow tubing, skiing and snowboarding. Parents who don't wish to join in the snow activities can pop into the on-site restaurant and enjoy some refreshment while keeping an eye on the kids. The place gets a bit crowded, so make a prior booking if you don't want to be turned away at the entrance.
A visit to Butterfly Creek falls among the things to do in Auckland city with kids, and it brings you and your kids a diverse experience. The place has three sections: the zoo, the butterfly house and the Dinosaur Kingdom. The Dinosaur Kingdom will keep hold of your kids' attention throughout your time there, and the butterfly house is where you see hundreds of tropical butterflies flying around.
Since it was opened in 1922, Auckland Zoo has received nearly 28 million visitors from around the globe. The zoo is a non-profit organisation that focuses on conserving wildlife. There are over 1,400 animal species taking shelter at the zoo; giraffes, elephants, rhinos red pandas, exotic bird species and fish species are among them.
The tallest freestanding structure in the Southern Hemisphere, SKYCITY Auckland has a height of 328 meters. The Sky Deck is the highest observation deck in the tower, and it brings you the best views of the city.
Spanning over 156 acres, Auckland Botanic Gardens allows your kids the opportunity to intermingle with nature. The garden offers tailored tours for kids, especially if it is a school holiday. You should get a kids' discovery activity sheet printed before visiting the garden, it will give you a sense of what the day is going to be like, and you will be able to navigate your way better.
Choosing accommodation can be a little tricky when travelling with kids. Auckland, however, eases the minds of parents by offering the likes of Avani Metropolis Auckland Residences.
Auckland touts an array of eateries that offer European fusions including Italian fares. You can easily find a place to eat where your kids can try something novel for their meals.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
