Last Updated on 2 years by AlexJames
If you’re looking for free things to do in Auckland, there are a few places you can check out with your family. There are various playgrounds, Smales Farm, and Off The Wall drawing classes to check out. You can also catch Maori cultural performances and watch classic cars. These free things to do in Auckland will help you get out of the city and enjoy yourself. So what are some of the top places to go for free in Auckland?
Smales Farm
The Smales Farm Business Park is one of the many free things to do in Auckland. Situated in South Auckland, this 670 acre park is a haven for nature lovers. Here you will find animals grazing on paddocks, including lambs and calves in spring. You can also visit the library and cafe, or sit by the lake and enjoy a coffee and a delicious meal.
To make your trip as convenient as possible, you can rent a bike at Smales Farm. There are bike racks in the buildings and cycle lockers on site. If you don’t want to bring your bike, you can also hire an E-moped from Kwikli, a New Zealand company offering zero emission scooters. Be sure to get your drivers’ licence before renting a bike or scooter.
Daldy Street playground
For a fun-filled day out with the kids, head to the Daldy Street playground in downtown Auckland. With a big bike track, a play area full of fun things to climb and slide down, and a duck pond, this playground is the perfect place to burn off some energy. A few benches and a picnic table provide ample shade for parents and guardians to relax as well.
The central city library hosts free activities on the weekends for children. A Sunday session for children aged five to 13 will include a lei-making workshop. Another free activity at the Central City library is a free visit to four different playgrounds – Daldy Street, Tui Glen Park, Olympic Park, and Snakes & Ladders Park. You can even go on a bike tour, which includes four free playgrounds!
Off The Wall drawing classes
In the morning, the Off The Wall drawing classes will get your creative juices flowing. You will learn the basics of sketching, and then practice your skills on a live model. The drawing classes are held in the city’s SO/Hotel, an ultra-modern, chic spot that offers free tours. You can even try paying it forward by inviting the homeless to eat for free. Afterwards, you can meet new people and share some of your favorite foods.
For those who aren’t good at drawing, the Off The Wall drawing classes at the Auckland Art Gallery are a great way to brush up on your skills. You can also sign up for a live drawing class at the gallery’s Creative Learning Centre. This is another fun and free activity you can do in Auckland. Just make sure to arrive at least an hour early to avoid missing out. However, if you miss out on a drawing class, you can always come back and learn to draw by yourself at the creative learning centre.
Maori cultural performances
To see Maori cultural performances, take a guided tour of the Auckland War Memorial Museum. The museum features a topographical recreation of the city and the stories of the ancestors of the Maori people. These free activities are sure to leave you enchanted. During the high season, you can even take a Maori cultural performance. The Maori performances take place every morning at 10:45am.
You can also visit the New Zealand Maritime Museum, which is located near the harbor and is suitable for all ages. The Auckland Museums are free for residents, but you must show proof of residency. Non-residents can enter for a nominal fee. The museums also offer free outdoor movies in the summertime. Another free thing to do in Auckland is to attend a Maori cultural performance. This unique show is well worth the visit!
Beaches
There are many free things to do in Auckland, New Zealand. If you’re a New Zealander, you can visit the Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki. It is New Zealand’s largest art museum, and its collection includes works from many European old masters as well as some by New Zealand artists. Other free things to do in Auckland include the Silo Cinema, which shows free movies throughout the summer. You can also take part in several free cultural activities in the area, including yoga and meditation classes.
There are many regular markets in the Auckland area, ranging from rural farmers’ markets to vibrant inner-city markets. Silo markets are a great place to buy local crafts, vintage clothing, and sample street food. Another option is the La Cigale French Market, which is held on Saturdays and Sunday mornings in Parnell. The event is free for local residents. A good way to enjoy the art of tea in Auckland is to go to the museum and learn a new language!
Native forest
The Waitakere Ranges are the gateway to some of the most beautiful native bush walks in New Zealand. The visitor centre in Arataki features an enormous pou carved from a kauri tree and figures of Maori ancestors. The exterior and interior of the building are adorned with whakairo. There’s plenty to learn about the unique flora and fauna of the native forest, and there’s even an activity for kids.
The 3.5-hour ferry ride from downtown Auckland to Manukau Heads Park takes you to the top of the mountain and a spectacular view of the city. Here, you can take part in kiwi night walks and hike through a natural forest. There are also plenty of free things to do in Auckland that won’t break the bank. If you’re looking for free things to do in Auckland, consider hiking through the forest, where you can enjoy stunning views of the city, the sea, and the harbour.
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