The New Zealand city of Auckland embraces the great outdoors. Even with winter winds blowing, you can enjoy island hopping, sailing in the harbor, and exploring volcanic craters.
But if you’d prefer to shield yourself from the cold, the city has plenty of indoor attractions to keep you warm and entertained.
Enjoy all that winter has to offer without the chill at Kelly Tarlton’s Antarctic Encounter and Underwater World. This interactive attraction encourages visitors to step inside a Snowcat and walk around a life-sized replica of the Antarctic hut built by British explorer Robert Scott. The highlight for kids is the colony of penguins, who live in freshly created snow. There’s also the giant aquarium, with its piranhas, whaler sharks, and sea horses.
We know that Sky City serves up great buffet meals at its Observatory restaurant, but you’ll find much more in this iconic building than delicious food. In fine weather you can enjoy the full splendor of this looming tower on the Sky Walk. If walking on this narrow ledge 192 meters above the ground isn’t exciting enough for you, then consider bungee jumping from it! For a different kind of thrill, step inside and enjoy a flutter at the casino tables or slot machines.
Sky City casino in Auckland, New Zealand
Museums are always a great option for escaping wintery weather, and Auckland Museum is New Zealand’s oldest and the city’s largest. Its first floor showcases artifacts of the native Maoris and people of the Pacific. The second level has a natural history theme, with child discovery centers and an interactive volcano exhibition. The final floor tells the stories of New Zealand’s war history. It houses an armory of weapons and warplanes from the Boer War to contemporary conflicts.
Auckland doesn’t slow down once winter hits as so many tourist towns around the world do, but if you need respite from the city’s chill there are plenty of indoor attractions to keep you amused.
