Things to do in Tāmaki Makaurau this summer

Summer is here and the good news is you don’t have to spend a lot of money to have a memorable time in Tāmaki Makaurau, with the stunning beaches, abundance of splash pads and pools, breathtaking walking trails to get your step count up, and plenty of creative and fun indoor things to do for that rainy summer's day.

Auckland Council’s got that summer bucket list sorted for you and your whānau:

Day trips to our regional parks

Ambury Regional Park

Summer is the perfect time to venture further afield and explore one of Auckland’s 28 regional parks boasting some of the best views in the region.

Along with walking the beautiful trails, here is a list of other fun activities to enjoy at our regional parks.

Playgrounds closer to home

David Lange Park

Need to let the kids get that energy out? Check out some of Auckland’s best playgrounds with something for everyone:

Potters Park on Auckland’s iconic Dominion Road, a three-hectare reserve with a playground, splash pad, basketball court and learn-to-ride track.

David Lange Park in Māngere has something for the toddlers to the teens with a fenced play area for the small ones, a giant tower and slides, trampolines and a double flying fox for the more adventurous.

Western Springs Lakeside Te Wai Ōrea Park is a beautiful ecology themed park where kids can enjoy the giant slides under the trees.

Parrs Park, is a destination park within Oratia, West Auckland, and it literally has it all; from basketball courts, a skate park, slides and an interactive sand and water play area, there’s no chance of boredom here.

Takapuna Beach Reserve, is arguably the playground with the best view, the kids can play while the parents relax on a lounger and soak up the view of stunning Rangitoto Island.

Read more about our upgraded South Auckland playgrounds, or some hidden parks in the Central Auckland area.

Playgrounds are fun and designed to challenge, keep kids safe with these helpful tips:

Supervise kids: Stay with your tamariki to keep them safe, watch them when you're sitting down and not playing together.
Use it right: Use equipment as intended and ensure your child plays to their ability.
Check surfaces: Playground equipment and surfacing get hot and can burn! Touch and test before using.
Be sunsmart: Dress appropriately, wear shoes, and remember your sunscreen, hat, and water bottle!
Beat the heat: Play during cooler parts of the day and stay out of the midday sun.

Beaches

Cheltenham Beach

We’ve got beaches for everyone here in Auckland! Sheltered beaches if you have little ones in tow, beaches for swimming at all tides for the spontaneous beach goer, and the best spots to hit if you want to venture out on the paddle board.

Splash pads and pools

It’s not an Aotearoa summer if waters not involved! Find a splash pad or a pool near you, or make your way to the famous Parnell Baths, where you can swim in New Zealand’s largest saltwater pool while overlooking the beautiful Judges Bay.

Explore our city centre

Galway Street

Auckland’s city centre is constantly evolving with new laneways, relaxing spaces and blossoming trees popping up each time you venture in. Discover the cycleways, art, restaurants, playgrounds and history that make our city centre so unique.

Two wheeled fun

For a fun activity for the young and young-at-heart, get on two wheels at the permanent bike pump tracks around Auckland at Grey Lynn Park, Waterview Reserve or Birkenhead War Memorial Park. Auckland is also home to hundreds of mountain bike trails.

If you prefer a smoother ride the whole family can enjoy then check out three of the best cycling paths in Auckland.

Indoor activities

When the rainy summer’s day arrives, there are plenty of delightful indoor activities around Tāmaki Makaurau for the whole family to participate in. Check out our list of indoor activities to keep kids smiling, rain or shine.