In Auckland this Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day? Check out the best attractions that will stay open. Photo / Getty Images
In Auckland this Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day? Check out the best attractions that will stay open. Photo / Getty Images
In Auckland over the holidays? Check out these attractions open on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day in Auckland.
In the following weeks, many Kiwis will pack up their cars and leave the city for beaches, baches, campsites and holiday parks. But what about those who stay in Auckland?
Whether you’re in the city as a visiting traveller or a local who can’t go far because of work, family commitments or by choice, here are the best attractions and activities to enjoy from Christmas Eve to Boxing Day.
Auckland institution Kelly Tarlton’s is open right through December, from 9.30am to 5pm, with the last entry at 4pm. Perfect for kids and families whether it’s far too hot outside or moody weather, you can spend hours watching sharks, tropical fish and penguins at 30 live animal exhibits, including the iconic underwater tunnel.
One-month-old Baby Gentoo penguins at Kelly Tarlton's. Photo / NZME
Cinemas, various locations
If you’re in the mood for a movie, you can catch one on Christmas Day and the surrounding days at select cinemas. Event Cinemas is open on Christmas Eve and Boxing Day but closed on Christmas Day. For those desperate for a movie on December 25, you can visit select Hoyts Cinemas, which will screen on Christmas Day.
If you want to get out and explore, what better day than Christmas to ferry across to Waiheke and spend a sunny afternoon at a vineyard? Ferries will be running to and from the picturesque island from the 24th till the 26th, Mudbrick and Cable Bay are open on Christmas Day, Tantalus Estate is open on Christmas Eve and Man O War is open on Boxing Day. We’d recommend booking in advance to make sure you get a seat at the various cellar doors and restaurants.
Check out Waiheke's Man O War vineyard. Photo / ATEED
Snowplanet and Megazone, Albany
Beat the heat and sharpen up your carving skills ahead of next winter with a trip to Snowplanet, which is open on Christmas Eve and on Christmas Day from 10am till 5pm, then 10am till 10pm on Boxing Day. Just a short drive from Auckland City, you can even follow it up with a visit to Megazone right next door for a nostalgic match of laser tag.
Open on Christmas Eve and Boxing Day
Rainbow’s End, Manukau
Love a thrill? Head to Auckland’s top theme park which has more than 20 rides and attractions from the beloved log flume or dodgems to the fearfall. The park is open from 10am till 4pm on December 24 and 10am till 5pm on Boxing Day.
Rainbows End. Photo / NZME
Auckland Museum, Parnell
The museum is typically a stop for tourists or school groups but Christmas Eve and Boxing Day are the perfect times to give this city gem a visit. Alongside the classic exhibits like the Pacific Masterpieces section or the Weird & Wonderful Discovery Centre, there are exciting temporary exhibits like Our Game, which celebrates the history of netball over the past 100 years in Aotearoa, or Mana: Protest in Print, about a groundbreaking newspaper that starred Māori and Pacific voices in the 1970s.
Auckland Zoo, Western Springs
A trip to the zoo is perfect during these stunning summer days, so gather up the family and spend Christmas Eve or Boxing Day among the lions and cheetahs or otters and alligators. If you want to make it even more special, get closer to wildlife and book a Zoo Experience with the zoo keepers. The zoo is open from 9.30am till 5.30pm every day aside from Christmas Day when it’s closed.
The giraffe experience at Auckland Zoo. Photo / Auckland Zoo
Auckland Art Gallery, Auckland City Centre
The cool, quiet gallery is the perfect way to escape the heat and hustle of the city. Even better, it’s open every day aside from Christmas Day, from 10am till 5pm. From international works to local creations, check out temporary exhibits such as the stunning Ngā Taonga Tūturu: Treasured Māori Portraits or Modern Women: Flight of Time which spotlights the role women artists have had in the development of Aotearoa’s modern art scene.
Parnell Baths, Parnell
If you’re dying for a dip during the summer, pay a Christmas visit to these historical saltwater pools which are open on Christmas Eve and Boxing Day from 6am till 8pm. With a children’s area and slides for the kids and an adult spa and sunloungers for the grown-ups, it’s a great way to spend a few sunny hours.
Auckland Botanic Gardens, Manurewa
For a romantic stroll amongst gorgeous flora, check out Auckland’s Botanic Gardens. The 64ha garden boasts tons of trails you can wander along while exploring more than 9000 plants from around the world. The Visitor Centre and Cafe Miko are both closed on Christmas Day (December 25), but the gardens remain open to visitors from 6.30am to 8pm in summer.
Puhinui Stream Forest Trail is found at the end of the Auckland Botanic Gardens. Photo / Outdoor Kid
Maritime Museum, Auckland City Centre
Surrounded by water, Aotearoa (and Auckland specifically) has a long and fascinating maritime history. What better way to learn about it than with a visit to the Maritime Museum’s interactive exhibits and historic displays? Located in the viaduct, among lots of top-notch eateries, the museum is open every day aside from Christmas Day from 10am till 5pm, with final entry at 4pm.
Motat, Western Springs, Central Auckland
New Zealand’s largest transport and technology museum is packed with educational and entertaining experiences, no matter your age. From vintage vehicles and old aircraft to the fancy new Te Puawānanga Science and Technology Centre, there’s something for everyone. Motat is open every day other than Christmas Day from 10am till 4pm, with the last entry at 3.30pm.
Motat's new science and technology centre, Te Puawānanga is fun for all ages. Photo / Motat
