Winter is here but that doesn’t mean you have to let the cold-weather blues get you down. Here are 13 things you can do in Auckland no matter how grim it is outside.
1. Plan an art gallery road trip
Auckland Art Gallery is just one of many amazing places to see art around the region. There’s also Fresh Gallery Ōtara, Te Uru Waitākere Contemporary Gallery in Titirangi, Māngere Arts Centre – Ngā Tohu o Uenuku, Depot Artspace in Devonport, Mairangi Arts Centre, Studio One Toi Tū in Ponsonby, Nathan Homestead in Manurewa, Uxbridge Arts Centre in Howick and many more! See how many you can visit in a day (or a week).
2. Swim when you’re winning
Auckland Council runs pools and leisure centres across the region. They’re perfect for beginners, as well as serious swimmers, and they’re a great place to take the tamariki (kids) on a rainy day. Find out more at Auckland Council Pools and Leisure.
3. Win free stuff!
Check out our competitions and giveaways page and you might get lucky. We have free tickets to shows, plays, musicals, concerts, sports matches and more.
4. Voyage over the oceans (well, sort of)
Visit the New Zealand Maritime Museum – Hui Te Ananui a Tangaroa to find out how the first Pacific voyagers navigated to Aotearoa, meet some modern maritime heroes, and discover New Zealand’s seagoing history.
5. Explore our heritage collections
The Sir George Grey Collection at Auckland Central Library includes rare books, medieval manuscripts and other treasures such as a Roman Missal from 15th Century Besançon and Shakespeare's First Folio.
6. Mātakitakitia ngā whetū – Gaze at the stars
Head to Stardome Observatory at One Tree Hill Domain to tour the universe in a planetarium show or pick a clear night to stargaze with an astronomer. There’s also a great gallery space with some astronomically good exhibitions.
7. Visit the museum
Auckland Museum is perfect for a winter’s afternoon. While you’re there, wander over to the …
8. Wintergardens ...
... and get a taste of the tropics in these magnificent climate-controlled gardens.
9. Stay in bed and read a book
It might be chilly outside but who needs Netflix when you can read or listen to thousands of eBooks and eAudioBooks for free with your Auckland Libraries membership? If you’re not a member, joining the library is free and easy.
10. Learn something new
Access to Lynda tutorials and training guides is free with Auckland Libraries. There are courses on everything from photography and design to business and IT
11. Follow us on social media
Sign up to get the latest news and events with our email newsletter, and follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter to stay up to date with what's happening around our beautiful city.
12. Enjoy the classics
The Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra is Auckland’s full-time professional orchestra, and holds concerts throughout the year.
13. Mosey on down to MOTAT
The Museum of Transport and Technology uses New Zealand’s heritage, Kiwi ingenuity and technology to educate and inspire the innovators of tomorrow.
Even more things to do
There are hundreds of events happening across Auckland every week. Head to OurAuckland to find out more, and to keep up with the latest news and important information from Auckland Council.
