One of the coolest children's activities for little ones who love animals in Auckland by far. Butterfly Creek is home to one of the largest tropical butterfly houses in New Zealand and, whether you are young or old, it's a total must-see. There's also lots of other animals at Butterfly Creek, including life-sized dinosaurs.

I love the idea of paintball but to be honest, I'm a bit of a sissy, which is why I was super-stoked to discover that Lock N Load Paintball at Auckland Airport has a low-impact paintball option, perfect for kids (and big kids like me!). With a whole lot of different themed fields (my wishlist includes tackling the UFO landing and Wild West), this is a very cool spot to play paintball put together by industry professionals.

Want to take the kids to an outdoor activity that builds their confidence and gets them working together as a team? Go no further than Rocket Ropes at Auckland Airport. This outdoor high ropes course is a gem of a family activity to try on a beautiful summer day.

I love Phil Greig Strawberry Gardens in Kumeu because it's one of the only places in Auckland where you can pick your own strawberries. A truly Kiwi summer tradition, you can head out into their abundant strawberry patches from Boxing Day onwards. Because nothing tastes better than a sun-ripened, juicy strawberry straight off the vine.

I've lived in Auckland all my life and until today I never knew how cool this art installation at North Wharf truly is. It's all about showing Auckland's history, as well as being a spot where you can create art and sound by speaking into the installation. Look for the big, silver sculptures sticking out of the ground and then have a play. I hid in one and scared a friend as she walked past. Awesome fun!

Hire the function room and have access to a catering kitchen. Price includes a 50 minute planetarium show especially for the kids. It’s the perfect place to have an out of this world birthday for your little one! A cheaper alternative is to have an outdoor party and just go in for the show.

Been to the renovated Kid’s Kingdom recently for a friends’ birthday. Love the colourful canopy and the range of indoor and outdoor rides. Private themed rooms are also available for hire. Rated "the best party ever!" by an almost 5 year old.

Dropped by recently to do some shopping and loved the colourful party area. This would make a great birthday venue for boys and girls alike. They provide add-ons like party activities, snack packs, themed rooms etc so there is one to suit every budget.

Who doesn’t love an under the sea birthday bash?

Let the kids go wild in this indoor wonderland! Party packages have a ‘bring your own food’ option. Best thing is the adults can sit back and relax while still keeping a watchful eye on the kids.

Spectacular place for a night out with the kids playing mini putt golf, super bright neon style. The kids will be talking about this place for ages afterwards and they'll BEG you to please take them again :)

They've got Paradice Ice in the Aotea in winter now and it's a great day out for the whole family. Once you've learned to ice skate it's like riding a bike - you never forget how to glide over the ice and have so much fun

I love wandering through this place filled with so many memories from childhood spent close to the waters edge. The rocking ship's cabin really captivates what it must have felt like below decks and after the kids have had a good look throughout, you can have afternoon brunch in the cafe outside

The best place to spend a whole day with the kids, young and older riding the pirate ship and the log flume and best of all the roller coaster. Fun for the whole family

Perfect day out for the littles - they'll love to wander amongst all the little critters and the interactive farmyard is sure to delight them and for the more adventurous ... croc encounters - they will even let you feed the fish and some of the animals

Stopped here for a quick break while driving on Sat. We all filled up our cups to the brim with wonderful flavors and toppings. After everyone was finished we jumped back into the car feeling glamorous and refreshed.  I will definitely be back soon!

A little sweet and a little salty this is definitely better than any popcorn I've ever had. It even caters to special dietary needs!!! Gluten free, dairy free, egg free, preservative free, nut free and more! I'm definitively in love with Kettle Korn!

Group F are coming back to the domain for Auckland Arts festival! This is my favorite pyrotechnic team. I haven't seen them in years, but last time I saw them they were incredible! The sky comes alive and the fireworks tell you a store. Definitely worth going to, it will make one hell of a night!

We took a group of 10 people and had a blast!!! The staff were really friendly, and there were walls for both experienced and inexperienced climbers. I loved how there were some really different walls and the glow in the dark room was epic!  All up it was a great night, well priced and I will definitely be going back!

Theres heaps of stuff here like cool puzzles, neat books, and a heap of things for the kids, I always loved this place when I was a kid and love taking them there now :)

So much fun exploring all the tunnels in this amazing historic site. it's a unique New Zealand experience the whole family enjoyed.

This beautiful spot is always a hit even in winter. Our 8yo loves finding all the hidden tracks and can spend hours watching the birds and hunting for rabbits.

One of our favourite places in Auckland. Watching the animals works for the whole family. Always an in-depth discussion on which ones to see first!

Rain or shine, day or night the museum will always fascinate our family. Not only informative, it's a fun way to learn about New Zealand's past and the world around.

Great way to spend a wet afternoon... who doesn't love glow in the dark and mini golf? It's a fun way to get the kids out of the house!

Rug up warm and head out East to Paradice Ice for some romantic skating action. OK so maybe not romantic but definitely fun and a little out of the ordinary here in snow-free Auckland. Always a good way to start a date and then head out for hot chocolates at your favourite cafe afterwards to warm up again. Smooth.

OK so my idea of a casual date is heading to Video Ezy, cosying up on the couch and watching a French Film. This Video Ezy branch has an awesome selection of foreign film so make sure to check it out, I’d go with French if I were you, after all it is the language of love.

There is nothing more romantic then strolling through a park with your loved one and having a picnic under the trees. The Auckland Domain has lots of little hidden spots to make things a little more special. Also a good destination to wander through on a clear night in the summer.

Ok so take a drive up Mount Eden on a clear night and check out that view. I could sit here for hours with my lovely and talk about life and dream of adventures. Make sure you take up some dinner because you won’t want to leave if you get peckish.

Nothing like getting a little bit competitive on a casual date! The Ponsonby Pool Hall is always a good place to head to on a night out and is great for a date night. There is a bar, so you can improve your aim and get your chat on.

We went to Crystal Mountain specifically to see the animals. We pretty much had the park to ourselves - surprising for a Saturday - and happily wandered around, feeding and petting the llamas, deer, sheep etc. They were all were very happy to pose for photos with us, and we even got to see some newborn bunnies. If you’re even remotely an animal person this place is well worth a visit.

Who doesn’t love the zoo? It’s a great way to spend a day, and if you get your timing right you can have so many awesome experiences with the animals, like feeding the birds and the giraffes. Plus there’s going to be a new baby giraffe out and about soon. So cute and soooo awkward.

When the weather’s nice, a picnic at Western Springs is just the thing. Bring a ball, soak up the sun, and bring some extra bread to feed the ducks. Just watch out for the big geese! It’s the perfect place to chill out after a trip to MOTAT or the zoo.

On a nice summer day, catching the ferry over to Devonport is the best. I like to sit outside and feel the wind in my hair and take in just how beautiful Auckland is. Spend the afternoon having fish and chips by the water or exploring all of the adorable little shops before jumping back on the ferry and heading back to the city.

Wynyard Quarter is an absolutely lovely place to wander around and enjoy good weather. I love to sit on the steps leading down to the water and watch the bridge go up and down for the boats. Grab a gelato or a coffee and go for an explore!

Tried Coffee Coffee Buzz Buzz and my Son had Sweet Cookies and Cream with Chocolate Fudge Brownie and it was to die for!!!! Will definitely be back!

Has a great park for the kids, nice to stop off with a picnic dinner and then go for a walk along the beach.

Kids love playing lazer tag, dodgems, ten pin bowling and playing on the arcade games and beating each others scores.

Nothing like a good competitive game of Mini Golf with the kids and an ice-cream or drink under an umbrella to finish it off.

Great drive, beautiful scenery, take a picnic lunch or bakery food on the way oryou can get lunch there as there is a Cafe right by the beach.

great rides and kids will love it

great fun activities for kids

Innovative staff who are always looking for fun things to do for kids

Lots of entertainment and educational stuff for kids to learn

Great service and friendly staff

Watch the stars, be intrigued by how they got there.

We go here whenever we want to watch movies. So comfortable. If you want some cheaper tickets, buy them at Kingsford Superette, Raglan Road in Mangere. A: $11 & C: $8.

My children had hours of fun. By the time we left, they were so tired and ready for a quiet night in for a movie and popcorn etc.

Go and enjoy the water. I know it’s cold. But it’s a nice way to get to the islands.

I noticed it wasn’t on Localist, but it’s right in Sylvia Park, then when you’re finished, go and enjoy a meal.

Need a break from the throngs of people, traffic and noise? Head to the first floor of the Library to the kids section. Toys, books, small tables to keep them entertained all day. Drop down to Esquires cafe on the ground floor for a fluffy and sandwich.

If you live on the shore or feel like a drive, head to Paint the Earth in Albany. You can join in the fun too. Select a mug plate or something from their extensive range of ceramics to paint- Go crazy and let the inner Picasso come out. 5 days later your creation arrives at your door. Kilned and ready to gift or use.

Parnell Baby Boutique is new on the Auckland baby and kid scene. Opening their doors in July 2013 they have something for your little ones from all ages. 0 to big kid. Toys, clothes, collectables, gifts, small furniture and more.

Milk & cookies. Every kids favourite. Just up from Civic Theatre. All kinds of delicious cookies to wash down with a milk shake or hot chocolate.

A wonderland of endless things to do. 10 pin bowling, video games, dinosaurs, movies, junk food and tonnes more. There's so much going on here and always changing. Go on line and check what's on.

Good quality wraps for babies and lovely clothes for kids

Great shoes for young feet that help support development

Fantastic quality merino products for babies - love their wraps

Great toys

Highly trained staff and high quality products