There is no shortage of fun things to see and do in The City of Sails. Auckland simply has everything – from endless swiming and surfing beaches, parks, picnic spots, playgrounds, flower gardens, to hiking trails and bike trails, and more. It is an absolute haven for outdoor lovers. But what if you’d rather spend your time indoors? Here are some of the most popular Auckland indoor activities to suit people of all ages and interests.
Best Free AUCKLAND Indoor Activities
You don’t need to spend a single cent to have fun in Auckland. And most importantly, you don’t even have to step outside, which is a great idea in the winter season when the rain can be too much to bear. Here are a couple of great places for fun Auckland indoor activities that are free.
Auckland Art Gallery
Strategically located right at the heart of the city, the Auckland Art Gallery is a family and kid-friendly space that provides free games to keep kids and kids-at-heart entertained. Housing more than 17,000 pieces in its collection, the gallery is the largest collection of artworks in the country.
From the entrance, guests are greeted by massive kauri tree columns, immediately making you feel like you are in a special place.
Exhibits include permanent and rotating collections from all ranges of art including Pacific art, historical Maori art, as well as contemporary works. Some of the featured works are by artists such as C.F. Goldie, Colin McCahon, Frances Hodgkins, Rita Angus, and more.
Auckland Central Library
If you are the kind of person who loves to cosy up with a good book in your hand, then there is no better place to be in Auckland than in the city’s Central Library.
This library does not only have great heritage of resources, but more importantly, has a strong focus on community. It hosts lots of activities and events for library-goers, such as author talks, concerts, heritage exhibits, school holiday programs, and kid’s story time.
The Wintergarden Complex
If it is too cold or wet to stroll around the Domain – Auckland’s biggest and New Zealand’s oldest park – you can always pop into the Wintergardens, located close by, not far from the War Memorial Museum. With two glasshouses full of exotic plant life you can be around nature without actually being outside, keep warm, and snap a cool photo or two. Fun fact: the complex was established after World War I and is a protected Heritage Site. Well worth a look after visiting the museum or on its own.
Opening Hours:
1 April – 31 October Monday to Sunday 9.00am-4:30pm
1 November – 31 March Monday to Saturday 9.00am-5:30pm, Sunday 9.00am-7:30pm
Side note: You can pretend to be in a music video by playing the song “Me in the Museum, You in the Wintergardens” by a NZ band Tiny Ruins when you’re there. You’re welcome!
Free Yoga and Meditation
If you’re up to a good stretch, you can find a few free yoga classes around Auckland. On Mondays theres a class in Sapphire Room in Ponsonby Central, on Sundays and Tuesdays you’ll find sessions in The Loft. The second place offers a $10 delicious vegan meals after the class. Bring your own mat and water to any class, or hire a mat for $5. Look for the details on their websites.
On Saturday mornings you can find a free mindful meditation practice in Ferndale House in Mt Albert. A koha (donation) is welcome, but the class is free.
Best auckland Indoor activities
This list goes from the more kids-friendly to more adult options for Auckland indoor activities.
New Zealand Maritime Museum
As a seafaring nation, New Zealand has a long history of sea voyage; from the time of the first Polynesian settlers, Europeans settlers, all the way to the sailing feats of sailors in The America’s Cup. And they are well documented in the New Zealand Maritime Museum.
This museum offers visitors a fun and educational tour about the country’s maritime history. It features amazing interactive displays for the whole family. Guests can design their own yacht, weather a storm, and unwind in a typical Kiwi holiday home. There are lots of special activities for the kids too, such as the adventure trails.
Note: this museum is free for Auckland residents with proof of address so rope in an Auckland friend to visit.
Mount Albert Aquatic Centre
If you are looking for a swim, then you can head to Mount Albert Aquatic Centre.
This aquatic centre features a 25-metre indoor pool, kids’ wave pool, hydroslide, and a splash pool. They also have sauna, spa, and team room for moms and dads, and a café to relax and unwind.
This centre also offers classes for swimmers of all skill levels and safety courses.
Rainbow’s End’s Rainbow Playlab & Kidz Kingdom
Rainbow’s End is Auckland’s best theme park and it delivers endless fun and adventure for the whole family, including an indoor fun space for when it is raining outside. Two of the best choices are the Rainbow Playlab and the Kidz Kingdom.
If you and your kids love video games, then the Rainbow Playlab’s state-of-the-art entertainment is for you. It features e-sports, virtual reality, virtual sword fighting, and an escape room. Entrance is free, while charges apply for each game.
Kidz Kingdom houses lots of fun and safe indoor rides for kids, even for 8 years old and below. Truly a great place for the whole family to have fun.
VR Voom
Can’t get enough of VR fun? Then check out the VR Voom.
This place offers high quality virtual reality games and equipment for an immersive and complete VR experience for kids of all ages.
You can choose from over 50 different options including 4D cinema, single and multiplayer games, free-roaming experiences, and of course, the good old “escape room VR”. Game genres range from player-vs-player shooter games, racing games, zombie survival, co-op, motion platforms, and more.
VR games are not suitable for people with certain medical conditions, pregnant, and children under 5 years old.
Thrillzone
For teens looking for some adrenaline-pumping fun, then Thrillzone is your one-stop destination. It features two of the best multiplayer VR experiences you can find in the world, the Omni VR and the Hologate VR.
There are also games for the rest of the family, including augmented reality games, next-level escape room, puzzle solving, and driving games that puts you side-by-side on a race car simulator. It is truly a great destination for anyone seeking the ultimate indoor fun.
Holey Moley Golf Club
If you are looking for some swing practice, you better check out the Holey Moley Golf Club. They have 9, 18, and 27-hole mini golf courses. Each course is decorated with pop culture icons and different themes.
It also has a bar that serves a vast selection of beers, wines, and spirits, as well as non-alcoholic beverages, food, and snacks. They also host social events, work celebrations, and kids’ parties.
Snowplanet
A huge indoor ski slope. Snow Planet is New Zealand’s only indoor snow facility.
If you don’t have the time or money to go skiing in the likes of Queenstown or perhaps it’s the wrong time of year, then this is the place for you. Snowboard, and ski hire available on the day. You can also take lessons if you are a beginner.
The Classic Comedy Club
New Zealand’s premier comedy club is located right in the heart of the city on Queen Street.
Shows run most of the week with amateur nights earlier in the week and pro nights Thursday Friday Saturday as a general rule. A plethora of quality NZ comedians frequent this place so you can’t go wrong.
To see whats on, jump to here:- http://www.comedy.co.nz/
Sky City Auckland
Want to try your luck on roulette or play some cards? Check out the Sky City Casino. Open 24 hours a day, this hotel and entertainment complex located at the Auckland business district is the only casino in the city.
It also houses over 20 bars and world-class restaurants that serve mouthwatering dishes from all over the world, along with a wide selection of drinks.
The main attraction, however, is the 328-metre tall Sky Tower that features a viewing floor of panoramic 360-degree view of the city. If dining with a view is what you are looking for, then there are three cafes and restaurants to choose from in the tower.
It’s absolutely one of the best places in the city to enjoy a meal with your special someone or family. There is also a gift shop that offers wide range of souvenirs and Kiwiana gifts, as well as official All Black merchandise.
Did I miss anything that should be on this list? Don’t forget to share your favourite Auckland indoor activities in the comments.
If, however the weather is sunny and you want a full list of things to do while in Auckland, outside activities included, take a look at my TOP 45 THINGS TO DO IN AUCKLAND – A LOCAL’S GUIDE