Have you been wondering about the best indoor activities in Auckland? I’ve got you covered!
Whether you’re visiting the City of Sails for the first time or a local looking for something to do on a rainy day, there are plenty of indoor activities in Auckland to keep you entertained. From museums to art galleries, escape rooms to indoor climbing, there’s something for everyone.
I’ve lived in Auckland (Tāmaki Makaurau) for 20 years, and you could say the city is our playground. Not only do we have our ‘go-to’ places for indoor entertainment, but we are constantly on the lookout for new experiences in our home city.
We spend a lot of time exploring all the fun things to see and do in Auckland (it’s a tough job but someone must do it), including the best indoor activities.
Sure, Auckland gets its fair share of rainy days, but it also gets stellar summers. Sometimes you need inspiration for rainy day entertainment and other times you might just need a break from the sun. Either way, you’ll find a variety of options for any time of the year, rain or shine.
From Auckland’s highlights to lesser-known gems, I’ve done the leg work so you don’t have to.
In this post, I’ve put together a comprehensive list of the top indoor activities in Auckland to help you plan an enjoyable stay in New Zealand’s largest city, whether you have one day in Auckland or visit often.
Best Indoor Activities in Auckland
We recommend booking ahead wherever possible, especially during peak season (December to February) and during school holidays. If you’re visiting Auckland for the weekend, attractions are generally less crowded in the mornings.
Museums and Galleries
If you are looking for indoor activities in Auckland that offer a cultural experience, museums and galleries are a great option. Here are the top museums that we feature in our 3-Day Auckland itinerary.
1. Auckland Museum
The Auckland War Memorial Museum, also known as the Tāmaki Paenga Hira or Auckland Museum is a must-visit attraction for anyone interested in the history and culture of New Zealand.
The museum is housed in a stunning neoclassical building on top of Observatory Hill. Inside you’ll find an extensive collection of artifacts and exhibits that cover everything from Māori culture to the country’s involvement in World War I and II over three floors of galleries.
I highly recommend attending the Māori Cultural Performance. They take place twice daily at 11:15am and 1.45pm and tell the story of Aotearoa through Māori song, the poi dance and the spine-tingling haka. Tickets cost extra but it’s easily one of the best things to do in Auckland.
The museum also offers guided tours and interactive displays plus a range of events and activities throughout the year, including talks, workshops, and exhibitions. You can check their website to see what’s on.
Tickets: $32 per adult / $16 per child (Free for NZ residents)
Opening Hours: 10am to 5pm (Mon-Fri) / to 8:30pm Tues; 9am to 5pm (Sat, Sun)
Location: Auckland Domain, Parnell, Auckland 1010
2. New Zealand Maritime Museum
The New Zealand Maritime Museum is a fascinating attraction near Auckland’s waterfront that explores the country’s maritime history. It has a collection of over 100 boats and ships, as well as exhibits that cover everything from early Polynesian voyagers to modern-day yachting.
Best of all, you can take a boat ride around the Waitematā Harbour on one of their heritage vessels, including a ketch-rigged scow called Ted Ashby or a 110-year-old motor launch called the Nautilus.
This activity takes you outdoors but both offer different but equally exciting experiences that last about an hour. The scow is larger, and you can help hoist the sails if you wish. Whereas the Nautilis is smaller, holding only 6 passengers, for a more intimate experience. This little boat only sails on Mondays, so we recommend booking ahead.
For a gold coin, you can hop on New Zealand’s oldest operating steam-powered tug, the SS Puke, for a short trip around the harbour.
Tickets: $20 per adult (free for Auckland residents) / $10 per child 5-14 years for entry to the museum (sailings cost extra but include entry to the museum)
Opening Hours: 10am to 5pm daily
Location: Viaduct (Cnr Quay & Hobson Street), Auckland 1140
3. Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki
The Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki has an impressive collection of over 16,000 works of art, including paintings, sculptures, and photographs.
The museum is centrally located and housed in a beautiful Chateau-style building from the 19th century. Plan to spend at least a few hours exploring the four floors of exhibitions showcasing local and international art, as well as Māori portraits dating back to the 10th century.
When you’re ready for a break, the on-site café has decent coffee and a selection of baked goods and hot meals. The gallery also hosts regular exhibitions and events, so be sure to check their website for the latest offerings.
There used to be an entry fee for international visitors, but the museum is currently free for both New Zealand residents and international visitors, making it one of the best free things to do in Auckland.
Opening Hours: 10am to 5pm daily
Location: Wellesley Street East, Auckland CBD 1010
4. Museum of Transport and Technology
MOTAT, or the Museum of Transport and Technology, is an impressive and much-loved museum among locals and visitors alike. It’s the kind of museum that caters for all ages and one of the top activities for kids in Auckland.
It offers a unique insight into New Zealand’s transport and technology history, showcasing a range of exhibits and collections that include planes, trains, automobiles, and the evolution of things like the telephone, the camera and the computer.
There are indoor and outdoor exhibits across two spacious locations with a tram linking the sites. So even when it’s busy, it doesn’t tend to feel overly crowded. They have umbrellas for you to borrow to walk between the sites on rainy days and the kids love riding the tram.
You’ll be given a map of the site with numbers marking each section that correlate to the numbers painted on the outsides of the buildings. There are lots of interactive displays for kids (and adults!) and even a play space for toddlers. After you’ve finished the main site, hop on the tram to their aviation warehouse across the road.
Plan to spend about half a day to explore all the exhibits and activities. We did the whole thing in about 2 and a half hours, but we skimmed over some sections.
They host events throughout the year so be sure to check their website to see what’s on at the time you’ll be visiting.
Tickets: $19 per adult / $10 per child
Opening Hours: 10am to 4pm daily
Location: 805 Great North Road, Western Springs, Auckland 1022
Adventure and Sports
Looking for some adrenaline-pumping indoor activities in Auckland? We’ve got some exciting options for you. Who knew there were so many action-packed indoor activities in the City of Sails!
5. Hit the Slopes at Snowplanet
Yep, you heard right! Auckland has its very own indoor snow park. Open all year, regardless of the season or weather, the park offers skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing for all skill levels. You can even book in for a lesson.
It’s a pretty huge space, with a variety of runs and terrain parks. A great place to practice your skills or try something new.
They have everything you need to make a day of it from equipment and clothing that you can rent for the day to two fully licensed restaurants. If you have a group of 6 or more check out the Swiss Fondue experience in The Chalet restaurant. OMG yum!
Cost: Head to their website for all the pricing options.
Opening Hours: 10am to 10pm daily, open till midnight on Friday
Location: 91 Small Road, Silverdale 0932
6. Get lost in the Odyssey Sensory Maze
The Odyssey Sensory Maze is an immersive experience that challenges your senses and problem-solving skills.
You’ll navigate through a series of rooms filled with puzzles, illusions, and obstacles while being distracted by crazy lighting effects, weird sounds and strange sensations. It’s a wacky experience and good fun, even for adults.
Cost/Opening Hours: Re-opening early 2024 – check website for details!
Location: 297 Queen Street, Auckland CBD
7. Challenge Yourself with Rock Climbing
Strap in and climb to new heights at one of Auckland’s indoor rock-climbing gyms. With options for beginners and experienced climbers, you can test your strength and agility while staying dry indoors. We like these three, each offering something a little different.
Extreme Edge
Extreme Edge, located in the suburb of Panmure, is the largest indoor climbing center and the best one in my experience. It’s housed in an old aircraft hangar and four stories high so it’s a decent challenge even if you have some experience climbing.
For adults, it has over 200 routes plus a bouldering section that will keep you busy for hours, and there’s a special climbing area for kids complete with themed climbing walls.
Cost: From $27 per adult + $5 harness rental
Opening Hours: 10am to 10pm (Mon-Fri); 9am to 9pm (Sat, Sun)
Location: 32 Morrin Road, Panmure, Auckland 1072
Vertical Adventures
Vertical Adventures is another popular climbing center that has a good variety for both kids and adults. There are even challenges for serious climbers including top ropes and overhanging walls.
The bouldering area is perfect for those who prefer to stay closer to the ground. For kids, they have over 30 themed walls, fun activities and competitions.
Cost: From $25 per adult
Opening Hours: 10am to 10pm (Mon-Fri); 9am to 9pm (Sat, Sun)
Location: 5A Waikaukau Road, Glen Eden, Auckland
Clip ‘N Climb
A great option for those looking for a laid-back and entertaining climbing experience.
This new concept in leisure rock climbing combines climbing walls with theme park adventures that is suitable for all ages and abilities. They have 37 walls set up as challenges that are as visually appealing as they are challenging.
It’s a fun time as long as you’re not looking for a serious climb.
Cost: From $18.50 per adult weekdays / $25 weekends
Opening Hours: 10am to 57pm (Tues-Fri); 10am to 5pm (Sat, Sun); Closed Monday
Location: 59 Corinthian Drive, Albany, North Shore, Auckland
8. Bounce Your Way to A Trampoline Park
Jump your way to fun at one of Auckland’s trampoline parks. With wall-to-wall trampolines, dodgeball courts, and foam pits, these parks offer a great workout and a fun experience for all ages, especially the kids.
There are quite a few trampoline parks in Auckland to choose from, thanks to how popular they’ve become over recent years. Here are two we really like:
Gravity NZ
Gravity NZ has two locations, Mt Wellington and Manukau. The park offers a range of trampolines, including dodgeball courts, basketball hoops, and foam pits.
Plus, they have a cool Ninja Course with multiple obstacles that will test your strength and skills. Ninja Warrior here we come!
Cost: From $19 for 1 hour
Opening Hours: 10am to 7pm daily; late nights until 9pm (Thurs, Fri)
Locations: 5 Ronwood Ave, Manukau & 77B Morrin Rd, Mt Wellington
JUMP Trampoline Park
JUMP Trampoline Park has three locations to choose from – Avondale, Takanini and the North Shore. They have a huge facility with trampolines, foam pits, trapeze and monkey bars, dodgeball, basketball and a performance wall. You can pack in some serious fun in an hour-long session.
Cost: From $19.50 per adult (online) / $11 per child for 1 hour
Opening Hours: 10am to 6pm (Sun-Thurs); 10am to 8pm (Fri, Sat)
Locations: 6 Jomac Place, Avondale / 48 Arrenway Drive, Rosedale / 212 Great South Rd, Takanini
9. Bounce, Slide, Play at Inflatable World
As you may have guessed, Inflatable World is an indoor playground filled with giant inflatables that you can bounce around on.
It’s set in a warehouse with a huge collection of inflatables. Sessions run for 2 hours and you’ll have unlimited access to all the inflatable activities during your session with supervisors nearby to ensure everything runs smoothly.
It’s an incredible set-up for the kids, but adults are also encouraged to get in and have fun. Once you try it there’s no denying this is one of the best indoor activities in Auckland for the kids and the young at heart.
Cost: From $16 / $8 under 5 years
Opening Hours: Check website for current operating hours
Location: 33 Rossmay Terrace, Kingsland / 22 Corinthian Drive, Albany
10. Skate Over to Paradice
Paradice is a popular indoor ice-skating rink with locations in Avondale and Botany.
The rink is open to the public for skating sessions, which last for around two hours. They have everything you need including skates to rent or you can bring your own. They even provide classes if you’re just starting out.
There’s also a range of other activities on site including laser tag, mini-golf, and arcade games. The laser tag arena is especially popular. Their multi-roomed arena complete with lighting effects and a thrilling soundtrack is pretty full on.
Cost: From $21 per adult including skate hire / $16 with own skates
Opening Hours: Check website for sessions times at each location
Locations:150 Lansford Cresent, Avondale & 490 Ti Rakau Drive, Botany
11. Experience The Thrill of Go Karting
Experience the thrill of speed at one of Auckland’s indoor go-karting tracks. With options for adults and kids, you can race against your friends or family members in a safe and controlled environment.
Game Over
Game Over is one of the most popular go karting centers in Auckland with speeds of up to 64 mph. Their 200m track is suitable for drivers of all levels.
Plus, they have a separate junior racing track and karts for ages 7-12. For safety reasons, there are minimum height guidelines so just be sure to check them first.
Blastacars
Blastacars is a unique spin on traditional go karts. These hand-crafted karts are designed to drift and slide on purpose-built indoor tracks. Steering is surprisingly easy, and they have different kart speeds to suit all levels. It certainly adds to the excitement levels once you get the hang of it.
Not sure about the whole sideways thing? Sessions start from as little as 10 minutes so you can test it out first. Check their website for a full list of session times and pricing options.
Location: 82 The Concourse, Henderson, Auckland 0610
Bonus, they have a range of other activities including indoor mini golf, laser tag and a recently upgraded arcade all under one roof.
Location: 35 Arrenway Drive, Albany, Auckland 0632
Extreme Indoor Karts
Extreme Indoor Karts is the go-to for a more intense go-karting experience. These high-speed karts can reach speeds of up to 70 km/h, making for an exciting and adrenaline-pumping activity.
It’s also the only two-level track in New Zealand and includes long straight paths combined with tight hairpin turns to challenge your ability – and your nerves!
Location: New location coming soon! Keep an eye on their website for details.
Indoor Entertainment Centers
Auckland has several indoor entertainment centers offering a range of activities that are fun for the whole family, even adults. Here are our top spots for a selection of fun indoor activities under one roof.
12. Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq
Archie Brothers is a one-stop entertainment destination that caters to visitors of all ages.
The center is themed around an old-school circus, with bright colors, circus-themed decor, and neon lights. Activities include bowling lanes, an arcade, virtual reality rides, and dodgems (bumper cars).
There’s also a licensed bar on-site, serving a range of cocktails, and craft beer, plus a food menu that includes burgers, pizzas, and desserts. It’s fresh and upbeat and in a location we really like.
Opening Hours: 10am to 10pm (Sun-Thurs); 10am to 12am (Fri, Sat)
Location: 309 Broadway, Newmarket, Auckland 1023
13. Sky World
Skyworld is in the heart of the city and spread across nine floors, making it one of the largest indoor entertainment centers in Auckland. Unfortunately it’s become tired over the years and is in need of a makeover.
I’ve included it here because of the convenient location. The bowling alley, IMAX cinemas and arcade are still open offering a fun time for kids indoors. Hopefully it gets the makeover it deserves though, to bring it back to its former glory.
Opening Hours: 9am to 10pm (Sun-Thurs); 9am to 11pm (Fri, Sat)
Location: 291-297 Queen Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010
Pricing varies based on the activities you choose so be sure to check websites for current deals and bundle offers.
Auckland Food and Drink
There are some amazing foods to try in New Zealand and you’ll find a good selection of them right here in Auckland.
Auckland is home to a huge selection of charming cafes, world-class restaurants and vibrant bars to enjoy a delicious meal or a fun night out. To help you narrow down the choice, here are some of our top picks that we enjoy regularly.
15. Awesome Cafes in Auckland
There’s no shortage of cafes in Auckland, perfect for a quick bite or a leisurely brunch. Some of the must-visit cafes include Little & Friday, The Shelf, and Dear Jervois.
These cafes offer a wide range of delicious food options, from classic eggs benedict to vegan tofu bowls. Don’t forget to try out the coffee – Aucklanders are known for their love of good coffee!
For a sweet treat, head to Cereal Killa Cafe on Dominion Road for a Killashake. Their colorful milkshakes are sugary works of art that will satisfy any sweet tooth!
16. Best Bars in Auckland
If you’re in the mood for a night out, Auckland has a great selection of bars to choose from.
For a trendy and chic atmosphere, head to The Caretaker, an underground cocktail bar with a New York vibe, The Churchill for a luxury rooftop experience or Somm Wine Bar for a chance to try some of New Zealand’s best wines with an urban cellar door experience.
For a more laid-back vibe, try out Dr Rudi’s and HQ in the Viaduct or Good George on the North Wharf. Each offers an extensive beer and drinks menu with good old Kiwi hospitality.
If cocktails are your beverage of choice, check out Panacea Cocktail Kitchen tucked away on O’Connell Street. They specialize in small-batch cocktails, and with an ever-changing menu, so there is always something new to try. Parasol & Swing is another great option, known for their bespoke cocktails with views over the Viaduct.
Craft Beer enthusiasts may want to check out the Shakespeare Brewery & Hotel, New Zealand’s first brew pub with an ‘old pub’ feel. Or Brothers Brewery hidden away in an old leatherworking factory in the suburb of Mt Eden for a laid-back, retro vibe. Brew On Quay is another good option with a huge selection of beer from New Zealand and around the world.
17. Top Auckland Restaurants to Try
Auckland’s food scene is diverse and exciting, with a range of restaurants offering cuisine from all over the world. There are so many options it’s almost impossible to choose. So, to help you out, here are some of our favorite eateries in Auckland.
For a fine dining experience, book a table at The Grove or try the tasting menu at SIDART. Both offer an exceptional dining experience with contemporary New Zealand cuisine and wine pairings in an upscale yet comfortable atmosphere.
If you’re in the mood for something more casual, head to Burger Burger for arguably Auckland’s best burgers or White & Wong’s for ‘east meets west’ cuisine with an eclectic menu of bright, bold and super fresh dishes to share.
We also like Depot Eatery by award winning chef Al Brown. The dishes are made for sharing in a lively atmosphere with great service. They don’t take bookings though, it’s all about good fun and no fuss.
For a quick bite head to Commercial Bay (where Burger Burger is located). Level 2 consists of an upscale food court with a range of local and international cuisines. Try Kai Eatery for Taiwanese Street Food (OMG the fried chicken Bao Bun!) or South American Oven for delicious empanadas.
Roti Bros has incredible savoury pies with a twist (think butter chicken in a roti pastry) or Wise Boys Burgers and Tart Bakery for tasty vegan options.
Auckland also has a great selection of seafood restaurants. For succulent steaks and a selection of local oysters located on the waterfront head to Oyster & Chop. Or try Shucker Brothers for a raw bar and dishes focusing on fresh local seafood that are made for sharing.
For an upscale seafood experience, FISH Restaurant in the Hilton Hotel offers delicious seafood with incredible sea views.
18. Cat Cafe
For a unique experience, check out Auckland’s original cat cafe, Purrs and Beans. Enjoy a cup of coffee or tea while playing with some adorable rescue cats in what is essentially a giant living room set up for the cats and with the comfort of the humans in mind.
They also run special events such as Mewvie (Movie) Night and Board Games Night. Check out their website for the latest.
The cafe also serves delicious baked goods, and all profits go towards helping the cats find forever homes. This was my first ever cat cafe experience and if you like cats, it’s as good as it sounds.
It’s worth noting that as part of their welfare plan, there is a minimum age requirement of 10+ years. Entry is for set times and they only allow a certain number of people per session. This makes it more enjoyable for you and the cats, but we highly recommend booking ahead so you don’t miss out.
Cost: $16.50 per person (General Entry)
Opening Hours: Check website for available booking times
Location: 188 Hinemoa Street, Birkenhead, Auckland 0626
Movies, Games & Golf
Auckland has some fun and unique options when it comes to indoor entertainment. Here are some great ways to spend an entertaining day indoors.
20. Go to the Cinema
Auckland has a range of cinemas catering to different tastes and preferences. From state-of-the-art technology to cozy and intimate, here are our top choices of cinemas in Auckland.
EVENT Cinemas Queen Street
This cinema is located in the heart of Auckland’s CBD and is one of the most popular cinemas in the city. It has 12 screens, including a VMAX screen, which offers superior sound quality and a massive screen.
The cinema also has a licensed bar, a candy bar, and a Gold Class lounge. Gold Glass tickets are in a smaller theatre with food and drinks served right to your spacious recliner seat. Like first class seats on an airplane, once you experience Gold Glass it’s hard to go back to ‘economy’.
Location: Level 3, Metro Building, 291/297 Queen Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010
Academy Cinemas
A charming independent cinema located in an underground venue in the central city. It has four screens and is known for its commitment to showcasing independent and art-house films as well as carefully selected commercial releases.
The cinema offers a cozy and intimate setting, perfect for those seeking a more niche movie experience. Plus, their iconic $5 Wednesday deal is easy on the budget.
Location: 4 Lorne Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010
EVENTBOUTIQUE Newmarket
New Zealand’s ‘most Instagrammable’ cinema. This unique and premium cinema experience offers next-level movie-going experiences with state-of-the-art technology, stylish design, gourmet food and drinks and plenty of personal space.
The boutique space is an entirely new concept for the cinema chain in New Zealand and includes two themed cinemas – The Library with plush armchairs, ottomans, side tables, bookshelves, rugs, and warm lighting, creating a cozy and intimate atmosphere. And The Gallery – a stylish cinema space with luxurious designer seating, a contemporary design and private bar.
Location: Westfield Newmarket, Level 4/309 Broadway, Newmarket, Auckland 1023
21. Board Game Cafes
These unique cafes are filled with a range of board games, card games, and other tabletop games that visitors can play with friends and family while enjoying food and drinks. Here are two we really like.
Cakes n Ladders
Cakes n Ladders is Auckland’s premier board gaming cafe located on Symonds Street. For $3.00 an hour per person, you’ll have access to their wide selection of board games. Enjoy playing the classics like Monopoly or modern games like Settlers of Catan, in a cozy atmosphere.
There are a lot of games, so we like how they’ve compiled a list of all their games that you can filter by number of players, time it takes to play and complexity, plus their own rating out of 10 to help you choose.
The cafe serves a variety of baked goodies plus non-alcoholic hot and cold drinks. They even host special events and competitions if you’re feeling a competitive streak.
Cost: $3 per person per hour plus food and drinks
Opening Hours: 1pm to 10pm (Wed-Fri); 10am to 10pm (Sat, Sun); Closed (Mon, Tues)
Location: 173 Symonds Street, Auckland 1011
Dice & Fork
A board game cafe with cocktails! This bar and eatery is conveniently located next to Victoria Park in Auckland’s CBD. They have a library of 140 board games that are free to play when you purchase food and/or drink, including an awesome selection of signature cocktails, craft beer and wine.
The menu has a variety of comfort food, including burgers, bites and desserts! It’s an ideal choice for a low-key date night or a fun night out with friends.
Check out their events calendar for Quiz nights and special events.
Cost: Free use of games with purchase of food and drinks
Opening Hours: Open late every day except Monday. Closed weekdays between 3pm and 5pm.
Location: 210 Victoria Street West, Freemans Bay, Auckland 1010
22. Escape Room Challenge
Escape rooms are an ideal activity for small groups. It’s a fun way to spend an hour challenging your problem-solving skills and working together to solve puzzles, find clues and escape the room.
The rooms come in a range of themes including horror, adventure, mystery, and fantasy, and a range of puzzle types such as riddles, logic and physical challenges. Each has a unique storyline and set of puzzles to solve within a set time, usually 45 minutes to 1 hour.
Most rooms take groups of two to eight people, and they come in a range of difficulty levels, from beginner to advanced so you can choose a room that suits your group’s skill level and experience.
When we have a larger group, we like to split into two groups, each taking a different escape room to see which group can finish first. The last group to finish buys the next round!
Three we really like are Escapade NZ (Victoria Street), Escape Masters (Queen Street), and Great Escape (Lorne Street), all based in the city center. Price is based on the number of players you have so it’s best to check their websites. Basically, the more people the less you pay per person.
23. Indoor Mini Golf
Auckland has several indoor mini-golf options with a range of courses, themes, and obstacles, fun for all ages. Here are our top three venues for mini golf.
Glowputt Mini Golf
Located in the suburb of Takapuna on Auckland’s North Shore, this amazing and offbeat 16-hole mini golf course consists of buildings, foliage and pathways illuminated with glowing technicolour for a unique glow-in-the-dark mini golf experience.
Cost: $15 per adult / $11 per child (12 and under)
Opening Hours: Check website for current opening times. Varies during the week + extended hours during school holidays.
Location: 28 Barrys Point Road, Takapuna 0622
Putters Paradise
Auckland’s newest 13-hole indoor miniature golf course filled with crazy, unique and quirky holes. Tee off at Slap Shots ice rink, putt your way into space at Golfers of the Galaxy or try to get a hole-in-one while enjoying a cold one at the bach.
Suitable for all ages from newbies to mini golf pros. They have a licensed bar for pre and post drinks and snacks which can be taken on the course as well.
Cost: From $15 per adult plus food and drink
Opening Hours: 10am to 5pm (Mon,Tue); 10am to 10pm (Tue-Sat); 10am to 4:30pm (Sun)
Location: 490 Ti Rakau Drive, Golflands, Auckland 2013 (Botany)
Holey Moley
A mini-golf bar located in Auckland’s Viaduct that is popular with the big kids. They have a range of grown-up themes, including the Game of Thrones and the Simpsons courses. Choose from 9, 18 or 27 holes.
Save on drinks during happy hour, 4-7pm Mon to Wed. Minors can join until 7pm, but after that it’s adults only.
Cost: Starting from $18 per adult for 9 holes
Opening Hours: 12pm to 10pm (Mon-Thurs); 12pm to 1am (Fri, Sat); 11am to 10pm (Sun)
Location: 204 Quay Street, Viaduct Auckland 1010
Unique Indoor Attractions
Auckland has some weird and wonderful attractions for you the check out. Here are some of our favorites.
24. Skytower
The Sky Tower is an iconic landmark in Auckland. Standing at 328 meters (1,076 feet), it is the tallest freestanding structure in the Southern Hemisphere. The tower is part of the SkyCity entertainment complex, which includes a casino, two hotels, bars, restaurants, and a theatre. There is so much to do within the complex, you can easily spend a whole day here.
Head up the tower to enjoy 360-degree views of the city and its surroundings, including the Hauraki Gulf, Rangitoto Island, and the Waitakere Ranges from the observation decks.
Enjoy a drink at the cafe or check out the new SkySlide – a virtual reality experience where you’ll soar and slide down glass tubes that weave their way around the Sky Tower.
If you’re looking for a thrill, the Sky Tower offers two adrenaline-pumping experiences. The SkyWalk is a guided walk around the outside of the tower’s pergola, 192 meters (630 feet) above ground, while the SkyJump is a 192-meter (630 feet) controlled descent from the tower’s platform.
Technically these will both take you outside, but you probably won’t be focusing on the weather!
If you prefer to keep your feet on the ground, see what’s on at the SkyCity Theatre. This 700-seat theatre is host to many great shows, plays and comedy gigs.
Tickets: From $37 per adult / $18 per child (check out the combo tickets and family packs)
Opening Hours: 9.30am to 8pm (Mon-Thurs); 9:30 to 8:30pm (Fri-Sun)
Location: Victoria Street West, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010
25. Weta Workshop Unleashed
The Weta Workshop Unleashed is a multi-award winning fully immersive and interactive experience that showcases the world of horror, fantasy, and sci-fi.
This 90-minute tour takes you into a whacky world of movie-making where you can explore the make-believe film sets and learn about the conceptual and theatrical design that goes into creating movie magic. The experience features weird and wonderful environments, interactive experiences, massive miniatures, and monsters-in-the-making.
Located in the Skycity complex, it’s a surreal experience and amazing to see the calibre of technology and creativity that goes on behind the scenes to make a great film.
Tickets: Starting from $59 per adult / $35 per child, when purchased online.
Opening Hours: 10am to 6pm daily (except Christmas Day). Times may change across the year, check before visiting.
Location: Level 5, 88 Federal St, Auckland (opposite the Sky Tower)
26. The All Blacks Experience
The All Blacks Experience is a fully guided, state-of-the-art, interactive showcase of New Zealand’s national rugby teams, including the famous All Blacks.
Learn about the players, coaches, and teams that have made rugby such an important part of New Zealand’s culture.
The experience features interactive exhibits, including a haka experience, where visitors can learn the famous Māori war cry and a virtual reality experience that puts visitors on the field with the All Blacks.
Plan 1.5 hours for your visit and be sure to check in 10 minutes prior to your tour’s departure time.
Tickets: From $59 per adult / $30 per child
Opening Hours: 9:30am to 5pm daily
Location: Level 4/88 Federal Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010
Pro Tip: If you plan on heading up the Sky Tower, grab an All Blacks Experience + Sky Tower combo ticket to save 20%.
27. Sea Life Kelly Tarlton’s
Kelly Tarlton’s SEA LIFE Aquarium is home to a wide variety of sea life including penguins, sharks, rays, and tropical fish.
You can explore the aquarium’s many exhibits, including the Antarctic Encounter, the Shark Tunnel, and the Seahorse Kingdom. The aquarium also offers a range of interactive experiences, including behind-the-scenes tours, snorkelling with sharks, and penguin encounters.
Throughout the day, visitors can attend talks and feedings by the aquarium’s expert staff. These talks provide insight into the animals and their habitats and are a great way to learn more about marine life.
You’ll need to arrive at the time you booked but can stay as long as you like (within opening hours of course).
Tickets: From $36 per adult / $25.60 per child
Opening Hours: 9:30am to 5pm daily (last entry is 4pm)
Location: 23 Tamaki Drive, Orakei, Auckland NZ 1071
Final Thoughts: Auckland Indoor Activities
As you can see there’s a wide range of indoor activities in Auckland to keep you entertained. Whether you’re visiting New Zealand for the first time or a local looking for some fresh inspiration, we hope this list helps you plan an exciting trip to Tāmaki Makaurau. Be sure to check out our top Auckland tours when you’re ready to venture outside. We’re excited for you to experience the city we call home and hope you enjoy it as much as we do. Ngā mihi nui!
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE
Heather is a travel enthusiast living in New Zealand with her family. She writes about living in and enjoying travel to New Zealand.