Things to Do in Auckland Rain or Shine

Family Activities for Your New Zealand Trip

For those unfamiliar with the land of the long white cloud -- New Zealand -- the truth is it rains. A lot.

But Auckland is a gem of a city with heaps of attractions for adults and kids alike -- even when it rains.

Visit the Auckland Zoo

Imaginatively landscaped and packed with modern, progressive exhibits, Auckland Zoo is located just west of downtown. There are a number of animal encounters throughout the day which provide a good structure around which to plan your visit.

The Zoo also offers help-the-keeper experiences with its "Zoom Tours," as well as "Safari Nights" which include a safari night walk, BBQ and sleepover at the Zoo's old elephant house.

For an amphibious experience, head to Kelly Tarlton's Antarctic Underwater World. Perhaps the most imaginative use of a former municipal sewer yet discovered, Kelly Tarlton's is built underneath Auckland's waterfront on Tamaki Drive. Star attractions include a snow cat encounter with a colony of Antarctic penguins, viewing sharks from a diver's perspective on a moving walkway that winds its way along perspex tunnels across the bottom on a 2 million litre tank, and the opportunity to feed giant stingrays.

Explore New Zealand's Maori Culture

Sitting proudly on top of the Domain, Auckland's central parkland area, the Auckland museum has impressive collections of cultural, natural and human artefacts from across New Zealand and the South Pacific.

The Stevenson discovery centre offers a hands-on gallery which will entrance old and young alike. The Maori performance of traditional song and dance is also a must-see, being the only daily, authentic Maori cultural experience in Auckland.

More soberly, the top floor of the museum houses Auckland's war memorial, including two galleries of remembrance for fallen ANZACs (Australian and New Zealand Army Corps members). Having fed your cultural soul, more traditional nourishment can be found at the inviting Cafe Columbus in the museum's central atrium.

Things to Do in Downtown Auckland

Viaduct Harbour is a residential and commercial precinct that offers a vibrant selection of bars and restaurants along the city's waterfront. It is also home to a number of hotels and serviced apartments, offering convenient and centrally located accommodation options.

For mainstream retail therapy, head to Queen Street in the heart of downtown Auckland, or explore the more quirky nearby suburbs of Parnell and Ponsonby. Just off Queen Street is the Auckland Sky Tower, the tallest man-made building in New Zealand, offering panoramic 360-degree views of the city from its highest viewing platform.

For those with a more adventurous streak, the Sky Tower offers a 192-metre base-jump experience down a fixed wire, or try the Sky Walk, which circumnavigates the top of the tower along an open platform with walkers attached to an overhead cable by harness.

Experience New Zealand Wilderness

If coastal rainforest and spectacular volcanic beaches appeal, head to Waitakere Ranges, a breathtaking wilderness area and regional park just 30 minutes from downtown Auckland. Stretching from the bohemian suburb of Titirangi to the wild west coast, the Waitakere Ranges offer kilometres of hiking paths (or "tramping") and access to a plethora of outdoor activities. Or just relax on spectacular Piha beach, the backdrop to Jane Campion's "The Piano".