Enjoy free whānau events with Out and About in north Auckland

Last Updated : 02 Dec 2024
Young Girl On The Inflatable Balance Beam

Summer just got a whole lot more exiting with a range of FREE whānau friendly events and activities taking place in north Auckland.

The Out & About Auckland programme is generously funded by local boards, offering a range of free activities and events in parks, open spaces, and community hubs across the region.

The activities take place in a variety of local settings - whether it's along scenic walking paths, at popular parks riding around the neighbourhood, or by the water - there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

This supports:

  • More Aucklanders living healthy, active lives through play, active recreation and sport

  • More Aucklanders connecting to nature

  • More Aucklanders connecting to our unique Māori identity.

Schedules for 2024-2025 can be found here but for up-to-date information and any changes to last minute schedules, follow the Out and About Auckland – Tamaki Makaurau Facebook.

Upper Harbour Local Board

The board committed a total of $80,000 allocated to support a wide range of activities for the Upper Harbour community spread over parks, open spaces and community hubs.

These include a giant mud kitchen, ActivAsian Cultural Play, Wild Streets festival of play, Wild Families nature network, girls skate clinic, mixed skate class, Circus in the park, kayaking, junk play, On Ya Wheels treasure hunt, Kiwi Bubble Soccer, nurture in nature, Hungerball and a pop- up obstacle course.

“It's so important for families and friends to get together and enjoy outdoor play and recreational activities. This programme offers many free events across Upper Harbour and is a great way to try something new while exploring the parks and facilities on offer,” says board chair Anna Atkinson.

Rodney Local Board

The board has allocated $50,000 to support various activities, including Ako Hoe Waka (paddling in a waka), kayaking, the Girls NZ skate clinic, the popular Hungerball, adventurous nature play, Kiwi Bubble Soccer, junk play, pop up obstacle course, stand up paddle boarding, Circus in the park, pop up play, a kite day, and Wild Streets festival of play.

“The local board is proud to fund the programme for the first time after many requests from the Rodney community for free events that encourage play, active recreation and sport in parks and public spaces. The programme helps families come together and builds connections and belonging which is especially important in new areas like Milldale,” says board chair Brent Bailey.

Hibiscus and Bays Local Board

With a total funding of $40,000 through their Customer and Community Services programme, the community has access to a wide range of exciting and active events to stay physically fit and engaged in the Hibiscus and Bays.

These include flying fun in the park – kite day, ActivAsian Cultural Play, nuture in nature, a pop-up obstacle course, girls skate clinic, wacky wheels, Hungerball, the On Ya Wheels treasure hunt, junk play, yoga (Stanmore Bay), Kiwi Bubble Soccer, Circus in the park, the Wild Streets festival of play, kayaking, stand up paddle boarding and Ako Hoe Waka (paddling in a waka).

Board chair Alexis Poppelbaum says, “This is part of the local board’s commitment to ensuring that parks, beaches and open spaces support a wide variety of recreational activities. There’s something for everyone and they’re all FREE, so get along and enjoy with family and friends.”

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