Auckland is heaven for outdoor enthusiasts with its range of parks, harbourside precincts, offshore islands and adventure attractions. The sprawling city has become a popular destination for family holidays, often hosting school holiday events and theatre shows for kids. Averaging about seven hours of sunshine per day in summer, Auckland was made for getting out and about with the kids.
With more than 400 million annual visitors to HotelsCombined, we’ve ditched the hotel pool to discover the best outdoor activities for kids in Auckland. From Sprawling parklands to adventure courses and stargazing, these activities offer both fun and learning. We’ve also made your holiday planning easier by hand-selecting the best hotels nearby.
Why You Should Stay near Onepoto Domain
Positioned slightly back from Shoal Bay, Onepoto Domain is a hotspot for families who love to cycle together. The reserve has numerous cycling trails, including a learn-to-ride track for the little ones. Along with boardwalks past local foliage, the reserve has playgrounds, toilets and barbecues for a leisurely picnic.
Tips for Visiting Onepoto Domain
- Onepoto Domain is busy on weekends, which can be intimidating for unconfident cyclists.
- You can sail little RC sailing boats on the pond.
- Visit the nearby Northcote Central for picnic supplies.
Top Hotels near Onepoto Domain
Ocean Inn Motel
Within a five-minute drive from Onepoto Domain and the Northcote Central shopping plaza, Ocean Inn Motel is a budget-friendly option for families seeking modern comforts and space. The 1 Bed Family Unit caters to five guests with its queen-size bed, single and bunk bed. It also has electric blankets and full cooking facilities, including a fridge and stovetop.
All of the rooms at Ocean Inn Motel come with Sky TV and complimentary Wi-Fi, while the on-site breakfast can be purchased for a small fee. Alternatively, you can duck across to the Simply Fresh supermarket for local produce or visit one of the restaurants around Northcote Central, such as Dumpling Ace or Realfresh Seafood.
Other Nearby Attractions
- Stancich Reserve (70 metres)
- YMCA North Shore Recreation Centre (750 metres)
- Takapuna Golf Course (1 kilometre)
Star Rating: 4*
Price: USD 70 – USD 103
Guest Rating: 7.5
Address: 27 Ocean View Road, Hillcrest, Auckland, New Zealand
Poenamo Hotel
The affordable Poenamo Hotel is ideally located within a clump of fast-food outlets and local restaurants. Considered a “lifestyle” hotel, it features high-speed Wi-Fi in every room and has a quiet courtyard with a sun-drenched pool. You can also visit The Backyard Bar & Restaurant for quality local eats and a laid-back atmosphere.
The cosy rooms include a five-person Family Suite with one queen-size bed and three single beds, along with a meal table and lounge seating. The suite also comes with a full kitchen equipped with a dishwasher, stovetop and fridge/freezer. Families of three can stay in the Poolside Kitchen Studio, which has a king-size bed, a single bed and kitchen.
Other Nearby Attractions
- YMCA North Shore Recreation Centre (350 metres)
- Kitewao Reserve (850 metres)
- Heavens Playground (650 metres)
Star Rating: 4*
Price: USD 61 – USD 165
Guest Rating: 7.2
Address: 31 Northcote Road, Takapuna, Hillcrest, Auckland, New Zealand
Hotel Location
Why You Should Stay near Parnell Baths
This enormous public swimming pool has been welcoming families for more than 100 years. The 60-metre saltwater pool is the main draw of Parnell Baths, which also has family and adults-only spa pools, an interactive aquatic playground and a toddlers’ pool. There’s a swim school for beginners, an on-site cafe, birthday party facilities and a retailer selling swimming clothes and accessories.
Tips for Visiting Parnell Baths
- Wander down Parnell Road after your swim to find various enticing restaurants, including Woodpecker Hill and Gion Japanese.
- Escape the crowds at lunch with a picnic on the grass at Point Park.
- Visit the on-site Beagle Café for snacks and drinks.
Top Hotels near Parnell Baths
Quality Hotel Parnell
About one kilometre from Parnell Baths, Quality Hotel Parnell offers peaceful rooms with modern furnishings and comfortable bedding. Most of the rooms have city or harbour vistas, including the four-person Premium Balcony with two double beds and a lounge and dining area.
You can also stay in the Two Bedroom Balcony Full Facilities if you want the extra space, with two bedrooms, a kitchen, laundry and living area. On-site dining centres around the chilled-out Gladstones Café Restaurant, which serves a range of steaks, pasta, desserts and salads. Just around the corner from the hotel is the Parnell Road restaurant and cafe strip.
Other Nearby Attractions
- Dove Myer Robinson Park (650 metres)
- Auckland War Memorial Museum (1.4 kilometres)
- Parnell Gallery (950 metres)
Star Rating: 4.5*
Price: USD 123 – USD 215
Guest Rating: 8.8
Address: 10-20 Gladstone Road, Parnell, Auckland, New Zealand
Copthorne Hotel Auckland City
Copthorne Hotel Auckland City is a short walk from the Auckland Strand train station and the city centre. It’s home to Jimmy Cook’s Kiwi Kitchen and Bar, where you can indulge in locally-sourced ingredients crafted into fresh sandwiches, gourmet burgers and hearty mains. Guests can also enjoy dedicated room service or kick back with wine or beer in the lounge.
Families can enjoy extra space by booking a Superior Room with a double bed and one with two twin beds for the kids. These also have private balconies, coffee and tea facilities and fridges. You can upgrade to enjoy harbour vistas or splurge on the Junior Suite, which has a separate lounge and panoramic city views.
Other Nearby Attractions
- Spark Arena (450 metres)
- Auckland Domain (1.4 kilometres)
- Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki (950 metres)
Star Rating: 4*
Price: USD 151 – USD 255
Guest Rating: 7.5
Address: 150 Anzac Avenue, Auckland CBD, Auckland, New Zealand
Hotel Location
Why You Should Stay near Butterfly Creek
Excitement, adventure and animals await at Butterfly Creek, where you can wander through a butterfly house, watch crocodile feedings, hand-feed goats and sheep and observe rare kiwi birds. Kids will also love walking among more than 60 animatronic dinosaurs, watching informative keeper talks and seeing the creations of some of the world’s most famed mythical beings, including unicorns and a kraken.
Tips for Visiting Butterfly Creek
- Check the schedule for feeding times so you don’t miss the eel, otter, crocodile or butterfly encounters.
- Visit the on-site shop for souvenirs or order homemade food for lunch from the cafe.
- Located next to Auckland Airport, Butterfly Creek is a great last-minute attraction before departing.
Top Hotels near Butterfly Creek
Ibis Budget Auckland Airport
Looking for budget-friendly accommodation near Auckland Airport? Check into Ibis Budget Auckland Airport, where you can find excellent value for money by staying in the Budget Room with 1 Queen Bed and letting the kids have their own space in the Budget Room with 2 Single Beds.
Alternatively, book the Family Room, which has a double bed and a bunk bed. All the rooms come with flat-screen TVs, air conditioning and Wi-Fi. Don’t forget to start your day with the tasty hotel breakfast or to check out what snacks are available from the vending machines. The hotel also organises airport shuttles for a small fee.
Other Nearby Attractions
- Rocket Ropes (650 metres)
- Treasure Island Adventure Mini Golf (1 kilometre)
- Runway Mountain Bike Park (450 metres)
Star Rating: 3*
Price: USD 105 – USD 144
Guest Rating: 7.3
Address: 2 John Goulter Drive, Auckland Airport, Manukau, Auckland Region, North Island, Auckland, New Zealand
Novotel Auckland Airport
The 4-star Novotel Auckland Airport pampers you with a range of unexpected services, such as babysitting, a knowledgeable concierge, a porter and online check-in. Along with a fitness centre and airport shuttles, the hotel features room service and the 24-hour The Square, where you can enjoy a sit-down breakfast, dinner and drinks.
Families will appreciate the space and comfort in the Superior 2 Double Beds, which has complimentary Wi-Fi, an LCD TV, iPod docking station and mini bar. If parents want their own space, they can book the Superior Room King-Size Bed, which also has lounge seating, a work desk and water views.
Other Nearby Attractions
- JK’s World of Golf (2.2 kilometres)
- Rocket Ropes (1.1 kilometres)
- Runway Mountain Bike Park (1.6 kilometres)
Star Rating: 4*
Price: USD 204 – USD 422
Guest Rating: 9
Address: Ray Emery Drive, Auckland Airport, Manukau, Auckland Region, North Island, Auckland, New Zealand
Hotel Location
Why You Should Stay near Rainbow’s End
Rainbow’s End is a beloved theme park dating back to 1982. Since opening, it has entertained families with its thrill rides, including the Fearfall drop ride, Corkscrew Coaster and spinning Invader. Little ones can enjoy the Bumper Boats, Family Karts and the carnival games at Sideshow Alley. The award-winning theme park also has the splash-tastic Log Flume and 1950s-themed dodgem cars.
Tips for Visiting Rainbow’s End
- Children eight years old or younger can enjoy specifically-designed rides and play areas in Kidz Kingdom.
- Book the full party catering for your child’s birthday, including a cake and loot bags.
- Head across the road to Westfield Manukau City for food court dining and the latest Hollywood movies.
Top Hotels near Rainbow’s End
MCentral Apartments Manukau
Looking for self-contained accommodation in Auckland? Booking one of the two-bedroom apartments at MCentral Apartments Manukau gives you a full kitchen, laundry facilities, separate lounge and city views. Larger groups or multiple families can stay in the Four Bedroom Executive apartment.
These modern and stylish apartments are fitted out with Smart LCD TVs, complimentary Wi-Fi and high-quality furnishings. Some of the neighbouring cafes and restaurants also offer charge-back services to guests. Just across the road, you’ll find Rainbow’s End and Westfield Manukau City.
Other Nearby Attractions
- Vector Wero Whitewater Park (2 kilometres)
- Wiri Stream Reserve (1.1 kilometres)
- GravityNZ Manukau Trampoline Park (450 metres)
Star Rating: 4*
Price: USD 88 – USD 3,563
Guest Rating: 7.2
Address: 17 Putney Way, Manukau Central, Auckland, New Zealand
Rayland Motel
Families holidaying on a budget can stay close to Rainbow’s End and the Manukau train station while enjoying affordable and cosy accommodation at Rayland Motel. The Studio Unit can accommodate three guests and has a kitchenette and meal table, while the two-level Family Suite has three beds for four guests.
The Family Deluxe, meanwhile, sleeps six people comfortably in two bedrooms and has a kitchenette, living room and balcony. You’ll find a range of dining options directly outside the motel, including family-friendly buffets at Valentines Manukau, skewered meats at Town Grill and pizza at Milanos Manukau.
Other Nearby Attractions
- Vector Wero Whitewater Park (1.3 kilometres)
- Westfield Manukau City (500 metres)
- Wiri Stream Reserve (1.3 kilometres)
Star Rating: 4*
Price: USD 69 – USD 144
Guest Rating: 6
Address: 12 Lakewood Court, Manukau Central, Auckland, New Zealand
Hotel Location
Why You Should Stay near Treasure Island Adventure Mini Golf
The largest adventure golf course in Australasia, Treasure Island Adventure Mini Golf is located next to Auckland Airport, making it perfect for a quick game during a stop-over or before your flight. It features two challenging 18-hole courses, including one with a pirate ship and another with a cave. You can book out a function room for birthday parties or take advantage of the on-site barbecue facilities.
Tips for Visiting Treasure Island Adventure Mini Golf
- Combine Treasure Island Adventure Mini Golf with the neighbouring Butterfly Creek wildlife centre or Rocket Ropes high-ropes courses.
- Visit at night for an evening round of mini-golf.
- The Captain’s course is the easiest, while Blackbeard’s course poses more challenges.
Top Hotels near Treasure Island Adventure Mini Golf
Jet Park Hotel Auckland Airport
Say “kia ora” to comfort and luxury at the 4.5-star Jet Park Hotel Auckland Airport. The friendly Kiwi hospitality extends to the award-winning restaurant, Te Maroro, where you can indulge in local and international cuisine and local beer and wine. The hotel offers valued convenience in the form of complimentary Wi-Fi, 10-day free parking and complimentary airport shuttles.
Four guests can stay comfortably in the Superior Twin Room, which has two queen-size beds, a work desk, mini bar and LCD TV. If you’ve got a larger tribe, book the six-person Family Suite, which has a separate bedroom for parents, a spacious living room and a “toy box” for the kids.
Other Nearby Attractions
- JK’s World of Golf (2.7 kilometres)
- Butterfly Creek (3.6 kilometres)
- House Park (600 metres)
Star Rating: 4.5*
Price: USD 129 – USD 359
Guest Rating: 8.7
Address: 63 Westney Road, Mangere, Auckland, New Zealand
Sudima Auckland Airport
The best option for families at Sudima Auckland Airport hotel is the Superior Room, which has two double beds, a work desk, complimentary Wi-Fi, mini fridge and tea and coffee facilities. Parents seeking their own space can also book the Executive Room with a king-size bed or The Executive Suite with a separate lounge room.
Along with airport transfers and wake-up calls, the hotel offers room service and a coin-operated laundry. Active travellers will appreciate the on-site gym and heated indoor swimming pool, while those looking to indulge can treat themselves to top-shelf New Zealand wine and gourmet meals at the award-winning Visaya restaurant.
Other Nearby Attractions
- JK’s World of Golf (1.8 kilometres)
- Rocket Ropes (2.6 kilometres)
- Butterfly Creek (2.8 kilometres)
Star Rating: 4.5*
Price: USD 150 – USD 255
Guest Rating: 8.6
Address: 18 Airpark Drive, Mangere, Auckland, New Zealand
Hotel Location
Why You Should Stay near Stardome Observatory & Planetarium
Located on the southern end of Cornwall Park, Stardome Observatory & Planetarium is perfect for kids interested in space and science. Visit at night to partake in the courtyard telescope viewing, during which you can gaze up at the stars with the guidance of staff. The planetarium puts on informative shows and also has an interactive space gallery with educational exhibits.
Tips for Visiting Stardome Observatory & Planetarium
- Combine Stardome with a stroll and picnic in Cornwall Park, where you can visit the One Tree Hill monument.
- Check the What’s On calendar for upcoming shows and events.
- Visit One Tree Grill afterwards for creative New Zealand cuisine.
Top Hotels near Stardome Observatory & Planetarium
Knights Inn Auckland
Stay in comfort at Knights Inn Auckland, which offers excellent value for money with its refurbished rooms featuring kitchenettes, tea and coffee facilities, LCD TVs and unlimited Wi-Fi. The Executive Twin Unit has one king-size bed and one single bed in an open-plan room, while the Executive King Spa has a king-size bed, a double sofa bed and a spa bath.
Knights Inn Auckland has a fun medieval-style facade and is surrounded by a Lido Cinema and restaurants, such as KK Malaysian Cuisine and Genghis Khan Mongolian Barbeque Restaurant. It’s also a short drive from Cornwall Park and Stardome Observatory & Planetarium.
Other Nearby Attractions
- Alexandra Park (100 metres)
- Logan Campbell Centre (550 metres)
- Horticulture Garden (1.1 kilometres)
Star Rating: 4.5*
Price: USD 115 – USD 315
Guest Rating: 8.9
Address: 234 Greenlane Road West (Corner of Greenlane & Manukau Roads), Epsom, Auckland, New Zealand
Cornwall Park Motor Inn
As the name suggests, Cornwall Park Motor Inn is situated on the north-western edge of Cornwall Park. All the rooms come with brand-new pocket spring mattresses and have 50-plus TV channels as part of the SKY package. It’s also known as the closest motor inn to the world-famous Cirque De Soleil.
Accommodation for families includes the One Bedroom Apartment, which has a queen-size bed in the bedroom and a double sofa bed in the living room. It also boasts a full kitchen and a deep bath. Larger families can opt for the Two Bedroom Apartment, which can accommodate up to six guests.
Other Nearby Attractions
- ASB Showgrounds (1.3 kilometres)
- Mount Saint John (1 kilometre)
- Alexandra Park (220 metres)
Star Rating: 4*
Price: USD 189 – USD 380
Guest Rating: 8.7
Address: 40 Matsugawa, Naha, Japan
Hotel Location
Family Fun in the Sun Around Auckland
Auckland’s family-friendly attractions are as alluring as its hotels, motels and resorts, all of which have suitable rooms and suites for families of varying sizes. These luxury and budget-friendly accommodations typically have on-site restaurants and are ideally located near many of the city’s top attractions and public transport options.
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Where do you want to take your family in Auckland? Let us know in the comments below.
