Family Day Out in Auckland: The Ultimate Guide to Unforgettable Family Adventures
Auckland’s best family-friendly activities, top attractions, hidden gems — and the city’s most iconic family sightseeing tour aboard a classic 1960s London Double-Decker Bus.
Planning the perfect family day out in Auckland doesn’t need to be stressful, expensive, or complicated. In fact, Auckland is one of the easiest cities in New Zealand to explore with kids — thanks to world-class attractions, beautiful waterfronts, green spaces, museums, beaches, and interactive experiences. Whether your family loves wildlife, history, food, playgrounds, culture, or just a sunny day out by the sea, the city is packed with things to do.
And right at the centre of it all is one of Auckland’s most unique family experiences: the Vintage Views Double Decker Discovery Tour — a 90-minute sightseeing adventure aboard Dorothy, our lovingly restored, open-air (top-deck) 1960s London Routemaster bus. The perfect way for families to see the city from up high, laugh together, learn something new, and make memories that last.
Below is your complete guide to planning a family day out in Auckland, including the very best attractions, neighbourhoods, parks, beaches, and activities — plus where our tour fits in to make your day effortless.
Start Your Family Adventure in Style: The Double Decker Discovery Tour
The best family sightseeing tour in Auckland — fun, affordable, iconic.
Auckland has many tours, but only one offers top-deck views, a heritage London bus, and a route covering all the city’s best family locations, including:
Auckland Museum
Auckland Art Gallery
Parnell village
Mission Bay
Ponsonby
K Road
Auckland Harbour Bridge
From kids who love big vehicles to grandparents who appreciate a nostalgic throwback, everyone loves the Double Decker Discovery Tour. It’s designed to suit all ages, with light commentary, fun facts, easy photo stops, and a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere.
Why families love it
All ages welcome — toddlers to teens to grandparents
Open-air upper deck with unbeatable panoramic views
Affordable pricing — adults $49, kids $19, under 2 free
Short, fun, and easy — a perfect 90-minute sightseeing loop
Departs from the CBD — no long walks or transfers
Perfect add-on to a full day exploring other attractions nearby
Booking your tour first sets a fun tone for the whole day — and helps everyone learn the layout of the city so the rest of your day flows better.
Book now: www.VintageViews.co.nz
Top Family Activities in Auckland
Auckland is one of the most family-friendly cities in the Southern Hemisphere. Below are the top attractions, organised by theme, all easily paired with the Double Decker Discovery Tour.
1. Wildlife and Nature Experiences
SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton’s Aquarium
Auckland’s iconic aquarium on Tamaki Drive is a must-do for families. From penguin encounters to underwater tunnels, it brings marine life up close in a way kids absolutely love.
Website: https://www.kellytarltons.co.nz/
Perfect pairing: Take our Double Decker Discovery Tour in the morning, then head to Kelly Tarlton’s for your afternoon. The bus passes through Mission Bay and the waterfront — making it easy to plan.
Auckland Zoo
Located in Western Springs, the zoo is one of New Zealand’s crown jewels, recently upgraded with immersive habitats and learning zones. A full half-day of fun, food, and animal encounters.
Website: https://www.aucklandzoo.co.nz/
Auckland Botanic Gardens
Free, spacious, and great for a relaxed picnic. The Children’s Garden is interactive, educational, and perfect for curious young explorers.
2. Museums, Galleries & Learning Experiences
Auckland War Memorial Museum
One of the world’s best city museums for families. With dinosaurs, volcano simulations, Māori cultural galleries, kids’ activity rooms, and more, this is a full family day on its own.
Website: https://www.aucklandmuseum.com/
Our tour passes through the Auckland Domain, with beautiful views of the museum and parklands.
Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki
Free entry for New Zealand residents. Great children’s activity programmes, workshops, and exhibitions for creative young minds.
Website: https://www.aucklandartgallery.com/
MOTAT – Museum of Transport & Technology
Interactive science, engineering, aircraft, trains, trams — a family favourite. Perfect for kids who love buttons, experiments, and hands-on learning.
Website: https://www.motat.nz/
Stardome Observatory & Planetarium
Space science shows, educational programmes, and evening stargazing. A clear favourite for families with astronomy-obsessed kids.
3. Beaches, Parks & Outdoor Adventures
Mission Bay
Safe swimming, playgrounds, ice cream shops, giant lawns, and beautiful views of Rangitoto. Our Double Decker Discovery Tour drives right past Mission Bay, giving families an unforgettable coastal perspective.
Wynyard Quarter & Silo Park
Interactive fountains, playgrounds, seafood restaurants, ice cream, and stunning harbour views. A perfect spot to relax after your bus tour.
Auckland Domain
Playgrounds, walking tracks, duck ponds, open spaces for picnics, and access to the museum. A classic family destination.
Western Springs Park
Next to the Zoo and MOTAT. Lakeside paths, birds, playgrounds — great for younger kids.
4. Adventure & High-Energy Activities
Sky Tower
Auckland’s landmark with panoramic views, interactive displays, and family-friendly dining.
Website: https://skycityauckland.co.nz/sky-tower/
Odyssey Sensory Maze
Lights, sound, illusions, tactile environments — a fun CBD attraction for older kids and teens.
Website: https://odysseysensorymaze.co.nz/
Auckland Adventure Park
Located on the North Shore with luge rides, zip lines, and downhill go-karts. Great for active families.
5. Family-Friendly Food Stops Along Our Tour Route
A family day out is nothing without good food. Our bus route naturally passes some of Auckland’s best family dining areas:
Mission Bay
Burgers
Pizza
Ice cream
Fish and chips
Beachfront cafés
Ponsonby
Trendy but welcoming eateries
Kid-friendly menus
Great brunch and dinner options
Parnell
Bakeries
Gelato
Cafés
Lovely village atmosphere
CBD / Viaduct / Commercial Bay
Quick food, sit-down meals, sushi, dumplings, bakeries — something for every age and budget.
How to Structure the Perfect Family Day Out in Auckland
Here are three family-friendly itineraries using the Double Decker Discovery Tour as your anchor point.
Option 1: Classic Family Day
Morning: Double Decker Discovery Tour
Lunch: Mission Bay
Afternoon: Kelly Tarlton’s or the Auckland Museum
Dinner: Viaduct Harbour
Perfect for families looking for an easy, relaxed day with iconic sights.
Option 2: Educational & Cultural Day
Morning: Auckland Museum
Midday: Picnic in the Domain
Afternoon: Double Decker Discovery Tour
Late Afternoon: Wynyard Quarter playground
Great for school-aged children, curious learners, and multigenerational groups.
Option 3: Big Adventure Day
Morning: Double Decker Discovery Tour
Lunch: Ponsonby
Afternoon: Sky Tower or Odyssey Sensory Maze
Late Afternoon: Silo Park
Ideal for older kids and teens who want a mix of sightseeing and thrill.
Why the Double Decker Discovery Tour Belongs in Every Family Plan
It’s budget-friendly.
Compared to multiple attraction tickets, our tour is an affordable way to give the whole family a premium experience.
It’s stress-free.
No traffic, no parking, no navigating — just sit back and enjoy.
It’s memorable.
Kids love sitting up high, waving to people below, and feeling the wind on the open top deck.
It’s genuinely unique.
No one forgets riding on a real London Routemaster in Auckland.
It ties the whole day together.
After the tour, you’ll know exactly where you want to explore next.
Plan Your Family Day Out With Vintage Views
Double Decker Discovery Tour
📍 Departs: Central Auckland
🕒 90 minutes
💵 Adults $49 | Children $19 | Under 2 free
🌐 Book now: www.VintageViews.co.nz
You can build an entire family adventure around our tour — museums, beaches, playgrounds, gelato, wildlife, views, and more.
For families visiting Auckland or locals looking for something fresh, this is the perfect way to experience the city together.