If you're at a loss for what to do during the school holidays, look no further. Auckland is a great place to be, rain or shine, during the holidays.
Here are our top picks for free or low-cost family outings:
MOTAT
Check out MOTAT's hands-on combination of heritage trains, trams and planes. These school holidays children can test their treasure hunting and clue-busting skills on four different treasure trails. Each trail has a different theme and is a bit tougher than the last.
Weber Bros Circus
Weber Bros Circus is showcasing its latest production - Adrenaline - in Orewa, north Auckland. Adrenaline is full of the most exhilarating and sensational acts from all over the world.
Offering a night of escapism and positivity, the show blends stunning cirque artistry and acrobatics on the ground and in the air with hilarious slapstick comedy, mysterious illusion and extreme stunts including FMX jumps beneath the Big Top circus tent, the splitting Globe of Death (a spherical cage in which four riders encircle each other and perform precarious tricks) and one of the world's only surviving Human Cannonball acts, fired right over the heads of the audience.
Two hours of edge-of-your-seat entertainment.
Tickets are available online through ITICKET or Via the Phone 027 2 CIRCUS More information can be found on the website.
Maritime Museum
Trace the country's maritime history at the New Zealand Maritime Museum, then head to Wynyard Quarter for a meal overlooking the water. The kids will love the maritime-themed playspace, while Silo Park is home to regular kids' events, plus markets, live music.
Stardome
Take a trip into space at Stardome Observatory & Planetarium, one of Auckland's most popular and best-loved attractions.
SkyCity
Kids go free these school holidays at SkyCity Auckland. View the city from 220m above street level and spot key landmarks including the Harbour Bridge, Mt Eden and Rangitoto (one kid free with a paying adult).
Royal Easter Show
The Royal Easter Show coincides with the school holidays and boasts a line-up of entertainment, circus acts, carnival rides, sideshows, exhibits and the A&P Show that has been around for more than 175 years. Check out the website for more information.
Auckland coast
Explore the coast. Make a day of it and conquer the Waikowhai or North Shore walkways, or walk from Beachlands to Maraetai, or around the Awhitu Peninsula.
Libraries
Auckland libraries offer fun activities for all kids. Check out what your local library has lined up for the Easter break.
Volcanoes
Explore a volcano - Auckland has 48 volcanoes and some are a reasonably easy climb.
La Vie Dans Une Marionette
This one is a kids show presented by Auckland Live from award-winning mime trio White Face Crew. It tells the story of a young pianist who longs for a friend and finds one in a puppet.
Dance O Mat
All school holidays long (including over Easter) Aotea Square will be home to a large dance mat, encouraging people of all ages and skill sets to jump on the mat and have a dance!
Family-friendly movies
If the weather truly packs it in, there are some great options for the kids at the movies these school holidays. You can enjoy the flick yourself, or just take the sneaky opportunity for a two-hour nap.
Our picks are Missing Link and Lego Movie 2.
Newshub.
