Auckland on the North Island is the largest city in New Zealand, with a population of around 1.7 million. The city has cool spots and interesting activities that suit teens and the whole family. Whether you’re into city vibes or nature wonders, Auckland, New Zealand, will surprise you.
Table Of Contents
Know before you go. Our top Auckland travel tips Where to stay in Auckland with teenagers Auckland apartment alternatives for your stay Getting to Auckland How to get around Auckland Weather in Auckland Auckland for international visitors Where can I go in Auckland if my teenager is ill? Things to do in Auckland with teenagers Auckland Museum Visit a farm near Auckland Go Ice Skating Auckland Sealife Kelly Tarlton's Aquarium Climb a volcano Rainbows End Theme Park Find a Kiwi at Auckland Zoo Auckland Adventure Park Go snowboarding and skiing in Auckland Mini Golf Laser Tag fun for teens Fly over Auckland Indoor Batting Cage Session at the Fieldhouse – Baseball, Softball, or Cricket Delta Force Paintball Indoor Rock Climbing Family fun adventures in Auckland – Segway Tour Auckland Hop on hop off the bus Auckland Sky Tower Vector Wero Whitewater Park The All Blacks Experience Tour Eden Park, the home of NZ Rugby Things to do in Auckland with teenage girls – High Tea Go on a food tour. New Zealand Maritime Museum Experience Virtual Reality Games Take a Ferry to the North Shore Stand-up paddle boarding The most Instagrammable shots in Auckland Find Street Art in Auckland Bowling in with teenagers Axe Throwing for Young Adults Go bike riding in Auckland. Family holidays in Auckland – Going to the cinema Escape rooms in Auckland for teens Shopping in Auckland with teens Free things to do in Auckland with teens Annual events in Auckland that teens will love Day trips from Auckland with teens Hobbiton Waitomo Glow Worm caves Rotorua Best places to eat in Auckland for teens Street food in Auckland Frequently asked questions about Auckland. What is the legal drinking age for teenagers in New Zealand? How do I call the police in New Zealand Can I drink tap water in Auckland? Do I need to tip in New Zealand? What type of power sockets are used in New Zealand? Where are the best places to stay in Auckland for teenagers Travel accessories for teenagers More travel inspiration for family holidays Author bio:
Know before you go. Our top Auckland travel tips
Travelling to Auckland with teens can be such an enriching experience for the whole family, with New Zealand at the top of many bucket list destinations. Did you know that there are 50 volcanoes dotted around the city? Do not worry, they are not active.
Knowing travel tips and information about your destination is crucial, as it can greatly enhance your family’s holiday experience. This information on the best places to stay, how to get around the city, which currency to use, and more is extremely important.
Our know-before-you-go tips allow you to plan your Auckland itinerary effectively, ensuring a smoother and more enjoyable trip to New Zealand with teens.
Where to stay in Auckland with teenagers
Great vacations with teens start with some excellent vacation planning. When planning a trip to New Zealand with teens, you’ll never be short of options for your family’s accommodation in Auckland.
You can find a range of hotels, apartments, and hostels for families on holiday. You will be sure to find something to fit singles, couples, families, and groups on every budget on your family trip to Auckland, New Zealand.
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Hotel Name
Hotel Facilities
Review Rating
Cordis, Auckland – Luxury
Offers spacious family rooms with city views. Featuring a rooftop pool, fitness center, and a variety of dining options
9.0
VR Queen Street Hotel & Suites – Mid Range
Offers family suites with separate bedrooms and living areas. features a fitness center and on-site restaurant
7.4
Auckland City Hotel – Budget Option
Provides family rooms with comfortable bedding arrangements. Features a restaurant and fitness center.
.
8.1
Hotel DeBrett – Boutique
Situated in Auckland’s lively High Street. Offers unique family suites with character and charm
9.4
SkyCity Hotel – Mid Range
Provides spacious family rooms and suites. Connected to the SkyCity Auckland entertainment complex
9.4
Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour – Luxury
Offers spacious family rooms and suites with stunning waterfront views. Features an outdoor heated pool, fitness center, and a chic restaurant
.
9.0
Novotel Auckland Airport
Located right at Auckland Airport. Ideal for families arriving or departing on flights.
8.5
If you’re not keen on any of our picks below or have specific needs for your teen travel holidays, we recommend using Trivago and Trip Advisor to find the best prices in Auckland for your family vacation to New Zealand.
Auckland apartment alternatives for your stay
If you prefer a home away from home-style accommodation for your holiday with teenagers in Auckland, choosing an apartment is the best option for your family vacation. Auckland offers numerous options suitable for singles, families, and those on a budget. You can explore listings on VRBO or Stayz to find tourist-class apartments in cities worldwide.
Getting to Auckland
Auckland is renowned as one of the top family destinations on the North Island of New Zealand, making it perfect for travelling with teenagers. The city is well-connected by highways, long-distance buses, trains, and planes, ensuring exceptional accessibility for families.
This ease of transportation makes the city one of the most convenient family travel destinations in New Zealand. For many international visitors, New Zealand will require long-haul travel.
You can fly into Auckland Airport, located 21 kilometres south of Auckland’s city centre. Auckland is a hub for Air New Zealand, Jetstar, and Virgin Australia. You can book an airport transfer straight to your hotel door.
If your flights have a long stopover or want to relax before your trip, you should consider getting a lounge pass with Priority Pass. Priority Pass has access to airport lounges all over the world. Search now for your lounge pass.
You can catch a train to Auckland on the Northern Explorer train service, which runs between Wellington and Auckland.
Your main option is interCity, New Zealand’s largest public bus network. Buses stop in every town, and there are frequent departures from even the smallest cities to Auckland.
If you want to follow your schedule and take trips outside the city, car hire is an excellent option for teens in New Zealand. It allows you to stop and start wherever you like, and cars can be rented from airports and dealerships in major cities nationwide. Pick up your rental car at Auckland Airport; we use Enterprise in Auckland.
Considering a cross-country trip? An RV is an excellent choice for travelling around New Zealand with teens.
How to get around Auckland
Auckland offers an efficient public transport network.
The Auckland Transport (AT) system includes buses, trains, and ferries, making navigating the city and surrounding areas easy. The AT HOP card allows seamless travel across all modes of transport, providing convenient access to major attractions and suburbs.
Weather in Auckland
Auckland, New Zealand, experiences a mild maritime climate with distinct seasons. Summers, from December to February, are warm, with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F), requiring light clothing and sun protection.
Autumn, from March to May, is mild, with average temperatures between 17°C and 23°C (63°F to 73°F), making light layers advisable.
Winters, from June to August, are cool with temperatures between 12°C and 16°C (54°F to 61°F) and occasional rain , demanding warm coats and waterproof gear .
Springs, from September to November, are mild, ranging from 14°C to 20°C (57°F to 68°F), necessitating layered clothing and light rain jackets.
Comfortable walking shoes are essential year-round for enjoying Auckland’s outdoor activities, and a reusable water bottle is handy in all seasons.
Auckland for international visitors
International travel to New Zealand requires a bit more thought. You must buy a travel insurance policy for your trip to Auckland. Medical care is not cheap; if you want good-quality care, it will cost you a fortune if you don’t have travel insurance.
The official currency of New Zealand is the NZ Dollar. If you use your bank account from home, you will be stung with high transaction fees, while your mobile phone calls will all be charged at an international rate. These are just some of the things you need to think about on a vacation with teens .
For international travellers, securing travel insurance is a must. Get a quote through Insurance Masters and avoid going home with a hefty bill for medical expenses.
Do you need a visa to visit Auckland? New Zealand may require you to have a visa or an ETA (electronic travel authorisation) to enter the country. You can check and buy these documents at iVisa.
Load a Revolut Travel Money card with New Zealand dollars for your visit and save on transaction fees.
Make phone calls with an international SIM card that you can buy before leaving home or buy a voucher for a virtual e-sim for your mobile phone.
A 4G pocket Wi-Fi modem is essential for accessing the internet. You can rent a pocket modem that you can pick up at the airport or your hotel; alternatively, you can buy a pocket modem that you can use on all future trips with your phone, tablet, or computer.
Make sure you grab a VPN for your family travels in New Zealand. VPN Proxy Master has plans available from one month to one year to help keep your data safe from hackers and malware while travelling.
Where can I go in Auckland if my teenager is ill?
If your teenager falls ill in Auckland, head to Auckland City Hospital, a major public hospital in the central city. It offers emergency services and a range of medical specialties. Ensure your travel insurance policy contains an emergency number you can call for advice.
Things to do in Auckland with teenagers
Travelling with teenagers can be a unique and rewarding experience. Given that teenagers often have their interests and preferences regarding travel, planning a vacation that caters to their needs becomes crucial.
In this article, you will discover numerous options for engaging in teen activities, ensuring families with teens have an enjoyable and entertaining vacation.
Auckland Museum
The Auckland Museum is located on the CBD’s edge and easily accessible by foot or Uber. Upon entering, we were greeted by two huge dinosaur skeletons before purchasing our tickets.
The Museum of Auckland has several galleries over 32 floors that will interest families visiting the city. A large museum section is dedicated to Maori culture and its history in the Auckland area. It is great for teens to learn about the local cultures while on vacation in Auckland.
At the Auckland Museum, you’ll encounter long boats, weapons, statues, totems, and even a full reconstruction of a Maori Hotunui—a meeting house where tribes convene to discuss problems, war, and village life.
Teens can also explore galleries dedicated to the dinosaur kingdom, volcanoes, and New Zealand’s participation in wars.
The Museum is also home to the Auckland War Memorial Museum
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Visit a farm near Auckland
Kiwi Valley Farm Park in Henderson Valley promises a delightful rural family experience with activities like pony rides, maze exploration, and tractor rides offering stunning views. You can meet nursery animals and take a farm tour. Teenagers who live in cities will get a real experience on the farm by meeting amazing animals.
The farm operates Wednesday through Sunday, with additional days during school holidays. Located in West Auckland, it is just 20 kilometres from the city.
Go Ice Skating
The weather in Auckland can be fickle at best. Ice skating can be a great family option for indoor fun.
Paradice Ice Skating has free public skating sessions where you can hire some skates and get on the ice. If you want, you can even take a lesson or two to get you started.
Auckland Sealife Kelly Tarlton’s Aquarium
Another city, another Sea Life aquarium for you to visit. This aquarium in Auckland has over 30 exhibitions for you to see and learn from. The highlight is the largest display of sub-antarctic penguin colonies in the world at any aquarium.
Like all good aquariums, you can have several additional experiences, such as the Penguin Passport. This takes you onto the ice with these playful penguins. Sea Life Auckland is a must for teens who love underwater animals.
Climb a volcano
Mount Eden is just a stone’s throw away from Auckland’s city centre. It’s so close that you can walk there.
Mount Eden is popular with locals and visitors
I am saying that once you arrive, you have to climb this volcano as well. Once you reach the top, you will find stunning 360-degree views of New Zealand’s biggest city.
A boardwalk around the crater, complete with a viewing platform, allows you to walk around the entirety of the rim with plenty of places to stop and take in views from all angles.
Rainbows End Theme Park
Rainbow’s End, New Zealand’s largest theme park, is a perfect destination in Auckland with kids. Located in Manukau, Auckland, it offers a fun-filled experience for all age groups, featuring over 20 rides and various activities.
Rainbow’s End offers diverse rides and attractions for all ages, including The Invader, Power Surge, and Stratosfear. Fun activities await you at one of the best family attractions in Auckland. The theme park is in Manukau, a short drive from central Auckland.
Find a Kiwi at Auckland Zoo
Like most family attractions in Auckland, the Zoo is close to the centre. If you are looking to see the national symbol of New Zealand, the zoo is the best option to see a Kiwi.
Auckland attractions for teenagers include spotting a Kiwi.
There is a special enclosure at the Auckland Zoo where you can attend a talk on these animals with a zookeeper daily at 1:15 pm and 4 pm (as of November 2023) and see them in special enclosures.
The Kiwi is a nocturnal animal, so the special dark enclosure is the only place to see them during the day. They are hard to spot, but if you attend the zookeeper talk, they also feed the Kiwis, so you are certain to see one.
There’s lots to see and do all year round at Auckland Zoo, including keeper talks, behind-the-scenes experiences, safari nights , junior keeper holiday experiences, and more.
Auckland Adventure Park
It’s time to get your thrill on at Auckland Adventure Park. This place has several thrilling options, such as zip-lining, vertical bungee, downhill luge , 4D cinema, and even a play zone for kids younger than 12. The 260-metre-long Zip Line and the 600-metre Luge Track are highlights for teens at Adventure Park .
Make sure you get Travel Insurance that covers adventure activities
Go snowboarding and skiing in Auckland
Enjoy hitting the slopes at New Zealand’s exclusive indoor snow resort.
Fun activities in Auckland for teens
Enjoy all-weather fun, and New Zealand is known for its fickle weather on the 200-metre slope with jumps, rails, and jib features suitable for all experience levels and available year-round.
This family-friendly experience, located just 30 minutes from Auckland, offers an ideal environment for learning or enjoying the snow sports skills you already have. Book a session that includes equipment and a lift pass.
Mini Golf
Mini golf is a classic family-friendly activity that has brought joy to people of all ages for generations.
Family-friendly Auckland Mini Golf
It provides a fun and engaging way to spend time outdoors and can be a fantastic bonding experience for families and teenagers on vacation.
Mini golf courses often feature creative and challenging holes that require skill and strategy, making it an entertaining and rewarding activity for everyone involved. Mini golf must be popular in Auckland, as there are several options, including Holy Moly, Around the World 18 Hole Mini Golf , and Treasure Island Adventure Golf.
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Laser Tag fun for teens
Laser tag is an exciting game that teenagers love. It’s high-energy, requiring strategy and teamwork. The technology involved adds to the fun and provides a safe, social environment where teens can compete with friends and family. Auckland has a few different options, such as Thrill Zone and Laser Force.
Fly over Auckland
Take a scenic helicopter flight over Auckland , taking in the beautiful views of Auckland City, Auckland Harbour Bridge, Mt Eden, and Rangitoto Island.
Auckland adventure for teens up high in the sky
This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Going up high on a panoramic helicopter flight can be one of the most exciting things to do in Auckland with teens.
Indoor Batting Cage Session at the Fieldhouse – Baseball, Softball, or Cricket
If you love swinging the bat, this promises to be fun. Cricket is one of the most popular sports in New Zealand and is played in selected countries worldwide. If you’re from a non-cricket-playing country, this is the perfect place to get a taste of cricket as you face up to the bowling machine. Book your session today.
Delta Force Paintball
Paintball is a fast-paced game that involves running around, shooting opponents with paintballs, and trying to avoid being hit.
Most courses have abandoned huts, vehicles, and other obstacles littered across the course. Just out of Auckland at Woodhill Forest, teenagers can try paintballing on five courses at Delta Force Paintball, including Tomb Raider and Resident Evil.
Indoor Rock Climbing
Indoor rock climbing offers a great alternative for those who want to enjoy the sport but don’t have easy access to outdoor climbing areas or want something safer.
Add indoor rock climbing to any Auckland with teens’ itinerary
Indoor rock climbing facilities can be found in most major cities, and many of them offer classes to teach beginners the basics of wall climbing, as well as free climbing for more advanced participants.
Indoor rock climbing is a great way to get fit and have fun at the same time. In Auckland, you have options, including Clip and Climb and Vertical Adventures.
Family fun adventures in Auckland – Segway Tour
Nothing is more fun than zipping around a city on a Segway, capturing every thrilling moment with an action camera strapped to your helmet. For teens, this has to be one of the best things to do in Auckland.
A teenage girl waiting for her Segway tour to start
A Segway Tour is a great opportunity to have fun and learn about the city , all while recording incredible memories with your action camera.
Prepare to make unforgettable v i deos and capture the laughter and joy as you and your family explore the city together!
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Auckland Hop on hop off the bus
A Hop-On Hop-Off bus tour offers an excellent way to provide you with an overview of the city, especially in a bustling destination like Auckland.
Auckland educational experiences for teens, visit the museum
The carefully curated bus route takes you to all the top attractions, allowing you to experience everything from the Auckland Museum to Sky City.
It’s a fantastic opportunity to capture stunning photos with your family, and the convenience of the tour bus allows you to get out and visit all the top tourist spots in Auckland.
Considering sun protection when sitting outside during the journey is essential so you don’t get burned. In our opinion, these tours are perfect for families, especially if you also have younger children.
Auckland Sky Tower
Visible from all over the city, the Auckland Sky Tower soars straight from the ground. You can access the highest viewing platform in New Zealand, offering panoramic 360˚ views up to 80 kilometres in every direction.
The Sky Tower is the highlight of Auckland’s skyline
For thrill-seekers, the Sky Tower in downtown Auckland offers a sky jump and a skywalk. The jump looked stunning as you fell 192 metres straight down. The tower lights up at night with a great view from Bar Albert at the Voco Hotel.
Vector Wero Whitewater Park
Vector Wero Whitewater Park in Auckland offers a range of water activities, including whitewater rafting, kayaking, and paddleboarding, suitable for both recreational and advanced levels, making it perfect for a family fun day.
The park features the Tamariki River recreational course for beginners, the adrenaline-pumping River Rush advanced course, a 9,000 sqm man-made lake for paddleboarding and kayaking, and the thrilling 4.5-metre Pump Waterfall.
The All Blacks Experience
If there is one thing New Zealanders are good at and are proud of, is Rugby. The All Blacks national team is known worldwide as much for its pre-game Hakka as it is for its on-field play.
Get your Rugby on in Auckland
You can immerse yourself in All Blacks at the All Blacks Experience, which can be found at Sky City Casino. Walk through the history, learn about the game and partake in some interactive displays, such as trying your hand at tossing the ball.
Tour Eden Park, the home of NZ Rugby
Why not take a stadium tour if you enjoyed the All Blacks Experience?
The home of New Zealand Rugby
Explore the iconic Eden Park stadium on a 90-minute behind-the-scenes guided tour. See the tour players’ tunnel, coaches’ box, changing rooms, and walk out onto the field.
Things to do in Auckland with teenage girls – High Tea
High tea started as a quintessentially British thing. This afternoon tea tradition involves savoury sandwiches, cakes, pastries, and, of course, tea. It’s a cherished ritual for mothers and daughters that often brings them closer together.
Enjoy high tea in Auckland for mums and daughters
If you’re looking for mother-daughter activities in Auckland, you should experience high tea firsthand. There are plenty of places to go in Auckland. But be warned—it can be quite addictive! Once you’ve tried those delicious treats, you’ll likely want to indulge again and again.
You will find the best high tea and afternoon teas in Auckland at the Hotel Britomart, Park Hyatt Auckland, and Cordis in the Chandelier Lounge.
Go on a food tour.
Embark on a food adventure with your teenagers and discover the flavours of New Zealand through a food tour. These food experiences teach your teens about local foods and offer a gateway to culture.
From savouring local delicacies to learning traditional cooking techniques on your vacation, teenagers’ food tours can ignite a lifelong passion in teens for cooking and eating global cuisines. Some of the best food tours in Auckland are The Flavours of City Food Walk and the Auckland Food Walking Tour .
New Zealand Maritime Museum
New Zealand has a long history associated with boats; its first settlers from Polynesia sailed to New Zealand between 1250 and 1300.
Visit the Maritime Museum near Auckland Harbour
The museum is located on the Auckland waterfront; you can’t miss it, as a life-size Americas Cup yacht is outside. The New Zealand Maritime Museum’s collection spans subjects from Polynesian navigation to the America’s Cup.
The museum’s collection includes over 130 watercraft, ranging from surfboards to an 18-metre ketch-rigged scow named TED ASHBY. Displays showcasing Pacific voyaging, European arrival, and contemporary items such as canoes, yachts, waka, vessel parts, and steam engines are waiting to be seen.
Experience Virtual Reality Games
Go virtual reality at VR Voom, Auckland’s largest virtual reality theme park. VR Voom in Auckland offers immersive virtual reality experiences with cutting-edge technology.
They have motorbike racing, shooting games, and survival games. There’s even a section suitable for children under six years of age. Your next adventure in Auckland awaits at VR Voom.
Take a Ferry to the North Shore
The ferry terminal is conveniently located at the bottom of Queen St., and it takes you to places such as Bookme Coromandel Peninsula – Great Barrier Island” target=”_blank” rel=”noreferrer noopener nofollow”>Waiheke Island and Devenport.
Auckland outdoor activities for families
Devenport is a good place for a family picnic and a visit to the Navy Museum.
On Waiheke Island , adventure awaits on a family day out as you can hire bikes, enjoy ziplining, go horseback riding, see farm animals, and more. You will certainly have a
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