Auckland Art Gallery have really upped their game in the last decade. The new building is stunning, a work of art itself. The New Zealand section is beautifully curated, with the pieces tastefully presented, with lots of space and well-balanced in each room. Very easy wandering.They are getting in more exciting exhibitions, like the recent success Who Shot Rock ‘n’ Roll, which is one of the best photographic exhibitions I have been to anywhere in the world. The centrepiece to the gallery is the Breathing Flowers, which I love. It is a huge hanging installation piece of inflated flowers, which move or ‘breathe’ as you watch them. It is quite captivating and will only be up until 3rd September this year. Have a look and see what’s on…

I really love the fact that Auckland’s Museum is actually good! Sounds harsh, but a lot of cities have very dull museums! I love the Maori and Pacifica section, so interesting. The marae is great. The giant waka is so cool! Loads of great stuff to look at and it’s free for Aucklanders - just bring a library card or a bill as proof!

One of the best zoos in the world that I have been to. Huge open spaces for the animals, really natural habitats for them to hang out in. A lot of animals mixed in together, rather than always having one animal in each area. No tiny viewing cages/windows where the animals don’t have much space. Such a great zoo. One of my fave places in Auckland!

One of the pricier options, but such a good one too!! And how many places can you get a really good look at lots of exotic creatures while staying warm and dry inside?! The penguin train is the best! The tunnels to walk through the aquarium give you such an amzing perspecitve on some really exotic and exciting things, including huge mantarays, sharks and more!

Tucked away out of the centre of town, a lot of Aucklanders have never been here, but it’s really great! Lots of incredible plants to look at and cool facts. Some amazing smelling flowers and a warm and vibrant and healthy environment to wander through.

What kid (or grown up, for that matter) hasn't dreamed of flying? At MOTAT’s latest School Holiday Experience - Defying Gravity - you can learn all about this most wondrous of processes, including creating your very own flying machine! You'll also learn how a parachute and rocket works and obtain your very own MOTAT Aeronaut Licence.

The kids will love the spine tingling tales about triumphs and tragedies from the deep on Voyager’s ‘Dangerous Trail’. Head along with the family and be guided through stories of dramatic shipwrecks and give you invaluable tips on survival at sea. It’s a Trail that will ignite your imagination - not only will you be identifying the potential dangers of the sea but you will also be learning how to avoid or survive them!

These school holidays, Butterfly Creek presents Dino Days - featuring different dinosaur themed activities every day, including giveaways, colouring in, quizzes and a dino dig. A fantastic family outing, don't forget to check out the other animals too!

If your kids are into gore, guts and ghouls, give them a good old scare at the Spooky School Holiday Scares. They'll be treated (or terrified) to a tour of the famous Spookers Haunted House with an in-character Spookers actor who will adjust the level of scares to suit the age of the victims, I mean kids. Restricted to kids eight years and older, and parents are welcome to come too.

It's a Winter Wonderland at the Sky Tower these school holidays! Go along with the kids - there's a treasure hunt, arts & crafts station and the kids can design their own mitten or 3D snowflake. Free hot chocolate and cookies for the kids to keep them going, too.

The perfect neighbourhood cafe, small and perfectly formed. The owners have changed but the quality seemed to have stayed.

the cakes of course! in my eternal quest for the ultimate afghan this is a serious contender! A a real quiet hidden hideaway from the world to collect your thoughts on all things cake like.

The cakes, they are luscious and huge, what's not to love!!?? The coffee is great and the outside tables are perfect for dog lovers...

The cakes are international standard plus they always have free tastings which is right up my alley!!

The food the food the food. Where else can you indulge and feel virtuous at the same time??!!

I love going back in time with each visit to MOTAT. It’s the perfect place to take the family for both fun and learning. From groping your way through textile tunnels to chugging along the tram track in a vintage carriage, there is something for everyone. I always come away having learnt something new!

What is not to love about the Zoo? Even those of us who would prefer the animals lived in their natural environment, we have to admit the Auckland Zoo has created enclosures as similar as possible to their natural home, and provide for all their needs. Watch the elephants bathing, talk to the parrots, hug a lion. No, don’t do that one. Educate the family on the vast array of God’s creatures and have a picnic amongst the wildlife.

It is quite a surreal experience to be surrounded by hundreds of butterflies, flying around and even landing on you! The rainbow-coloured array of these beautiful winged creatures is just serene. But it’s not just about butterflies. There are other critters you can pat and feed, and even an alligator to hold! Well worth a visit with all the family.

This is a fascinating place to take the kids. With a petting zoo of farm animals to pat, feed and ride, a train and a mini rollercoaster to enjoy, and gold to be panned for, there is still enough time to spend admiring the incredible array of crystals in the shop - after a visit underground down the elevator! A wonderful combination of fun and learning!

Not just all about war - although there is something humbling about looking at uniforms worn by people who fought and died for our country - the Museum houses a fascinating display of relics and pieces of history drawn together to teach us about life. Visit the 1800’s on the top floor. Count how many bugs are in the critter display. Learn about volcanoes and hold on to your seat in the earthquake room!