Rodney is full of great places to explore this summer from free community activities and youth programmes to creative arts, beautiful parks, and stunning beaches.
With its incredible coastline and scenic landscapes, and there’s plenty for everyone to see and do.
Rodney Local Board continues to back and invest in these programmes and spaces, making sure families have affordable, accessible ways to enjoy the summer.
1. Enjoy free outdoor fun with Out & About Auckland
All summer long, Out & About Auckland brings free games, pop-up events and giant challenges to parks and reserves across Rodney.
At Rautawhiri Reserve, families can join two fun-filled days. On 22 January 2026 from 10am to 12pm, the On Ya Wheels Treasure Hunt invites everyone to bring scooters, bikes, trikes or prams, follow a treasure map, complete challenges and collect their treasure at the end. A few days later, on 25 January from 2pm to 4pm, Circus in the Park lets people of all ages try juggling, balance skills and other circus fun with professional tutors from Circability.
For all events, and any updates, follow Out & About Auckland on Facebook.
2. Join the Rodney Youth Programme
The Rodney Youth Programme offers workshops, creative hangouts and recreation days for young people in the Rodney area, most of which are free or low-cost.
The programme gives 12–18-year-olds the chance to try fun, creative activities and connect with others, and is run by youth workers with support from the local board.
At A+ Music Studio in Wellsford, youth aged 13–23 can take part in Youth Summer Band Sessions from 21–31 January 2026. Participants learn to play in a band with professional tuition and finish with a community performance. Equipment is provided, and anyone interested can contact Martin at aplusmusictuition@windowslive.com.
Local rangatahi, aged between 13-18 years, can join the Adventure Kids Overnight Bush Skills Camp in Kaukapakapa on 28–29 March 2026. The camp is designed to teach bushcraft skills, leadership and confidence while spending time in nature. For more information, email muddykidsnz@gmail.com.
To find out about the youth programme, visit the Rodney Youth website.
3. Create and connect at Rodney’s Arts centres
The Art Centre Helensville and Kumeū Arts run exhibitions, classes, and workshops for all ages, giving people a place to be creative, try new skills, and meet others in the community.
Give it a go at Arts in Action, be inspired and explore different art stations with experienced tutors, at a free art festival for the whole family, at Kumeū Arts on Saturday 7 March at 11am-2pm.
To find out more, visit the Art Centre Helensville website and the Kumeū Arts website.
4. Explore Rodney’s parks and playgrounds
Rodney is home to over 330 parks across 1,300 hectares, each with its own special character and charm to explore.
Riverhead War Memorial Park has sports fields, shady picnic spots and a well-equipped playground. Shoesmith Reserve in Warkworth features open green fields and a colourful playground. Wellsford War Memorial Park and Huapai Domain offer spaces for play and relaxed family time.
Sun protection is essential when visiting parks and taking breaks in the shade during the hottest parts of the day.
With the many parks and playgrounds across Rodney, families can explore a different space almost every day. For details, visit the council website at Find a park or beach.
5. Discover Rodney’s coastal gems
Rodney’s coastline is a treasure trove in summer with scenic spots ideal for a family day out. There are spots for swimming, exploring rock pools, walking along the shore, or simply enjoying the natural beauty and fresh air.
Mathesons Bay near Leigh is peaceful and family-friendly, with calm water, rock pools and the home of Leigh Swimmers. Muriwai Beach is famous for its dramatic cliffs, surf and viewing platforms. Omaha Beach is perfect for long walks along the sand, swimming, paddleboarding, and splashing in the waves.
There are many beaches and coastal reserves across Rodney, many of which the local board helps maintain and monitor. For more coastal spots, visit the council website at Find a park or beach and for up-to-date water quality and swimming conditions, check the Safeswim website.
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