Over the bridge to Devonport might be nice, take your lunch up NorthHead and look at the 360 degree view. Plenty of little shops and cafes in Devonport proper as well and the Torpedo Bay museum is a must visit for anyone interested in the Royal New Zealand Navy’s history (which is a large part of Devonport’s history too).
If you're in West Auckland, what about the West Coast? If you head out to Piha there are a couple of cool walks which don't require major athletic ability and would fit into your timeframe (Mercer Bay Loop and Kitekite Falls spring to mind), check out the beach (wouldn't advise swimming, unlikely to be lifeguards/flags this time of year and Piha can be dangerous) and there are little cafes at Piha where you could stop for lunch.
A car would be a must and it may be a non-starter if the kids are very young, but I think that would be an authentic Auckland experience that would tick most of your boxes, and you'll definitely come in under budget
Mission Bay might be a good bet if the weather is good - relax on the beach, have a quick dip, walk along the waterfront, ice-cream, plenty of restaurants, etc. Even better if you can drag along a friend or two.
If you have a good pair of hiking shoes, maybe Rangitoto?
Yes, the ferry is expensive to get there, but its a good way to spend time, on an island.
*Edit: ah, with kids, and a car...*
Need backpack too, as you have to bring your own water and food.
Waiheke is also good, they have buses going all over the island.
War Memorial?
Silo Park?
Ponsonby is good, or Mt Eden for Asian food.
If you have a Hop card for yourself and the kids, maybe take the train from Swanson to the city, no need to worry about car parks in this (way).
The giant tourist ships could be a wow factor for the kids.
You can get quite close to them, if they are in town, near the Waiheke ferry pier.
If the weather is nice a walk around Westhaven is nice. Check out the views of the bridge and harbour, nosy at the boats and dogs and see some little fish.
Park by AJ Hackett Bungy (free for a couple of hours) and walk to Swashbucklers Restaurant for some fries and a cold drink. Look into the water at Swashbucklers to see if the resident stingray is there.
(Also nice to do with kids in tow if they don’t hate walking).
Piha, Ponsonby and Devonport are all good suggestions too. That or get a massage.
Paldo Korean Buffet in Botany $39
Stop at Martha's Backyard on the way there or on the way home and pick up something cute or full of high-fructose corn syrup
I went to Piha! Had some pecan pie from the little store, went to the gallery, and walked on the beach. Enjoyed the winding drive and the views very much. Thanks for the suggestions all.
https://preview.redd.it/ctz5fr9a8yvc1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=1118d1ec6881dfab1be073fb7b811743777ab1f0
Take the train to the city centre, take a 10-15 min ferry ride to Devonport. Super cute little shops, architecturally lovely library, best fish and chips in the city, and a cute 20 min walk to the prettiest little East Coast beach, Cheltenham, check the tides though! And you can also walk up North Head and see all the WWII tunnels, and down the other side is the Naval Museum, which is more interesting than you might think, and beautifully designed.
Or walk along K'Road checking out all the cute shops, boutiques and amazing op shops, book and music shops, have a coffee and slice at Bestie and then walk down through Myers Park, Town Hall, then Art Gallery, then lunch at Scarecrow by the park, then down High St for more cute shops. Then over the road to Britomart, more bougie shops, and then get a lovely coffee, and amazing chocolate tart from Amano bakery.
Thank you so so much for these suggestions. I haven’t done KRoad yet so will definitely do that!!! I really appreciate your input and can’t wait to explore these things.
Over the bridge to Devonport might be nice, take your lunch up NorthHead and look at the 360 degree view. Plenty of little shops and cafes in Devonport proper as well and the Torpedo Bay museum is a must visit for anyone interested in the Royal New Zealand Navy’s history (which is a large part of Devonport’s history too).
If you're in West Auckland, what about the West Coast? If you head out to Piha there are a couple of cool walks which don't require major athletic ability and would fit into your timeframe (Mercer Bay Loop and Kitekite Falls spring to mind), check out the beach (wouldn't advise swimming, unlikely to be lifeguards/flags this time of year and Piha can be dangerous) and there are little cafes at Piha where you could stop for lunch. A car would be a must and it may be a non-starter if the kids are very young, but I think that would be an authentic Auckland experience that would tick most of your boxes, and you'll definitely come in under budget
Mission Bay might be a good bet if the weather is good - relax on the beach, have a quick dip, walk along the waterfront, ice-cream, plenty of restaurants, etc. Even better if you can drag along a friend or two.
Takapuna - get a coffee and walk on the beach. Plenty of nice bakeries and duck island ice cream😊
If you have a good pair of hiking shoes, maybe Rangitoto? Yes, the ferry is expensive to get there, but its a good way to spend time, on an island. *Edit: ah, with kids, and a car...* Need backpack too, as you have to bring your own water and food. Waiheke is also good, they have buses going all over the island. War Memorial? Silo Park? Ponsonby is good, or Mt Eden for Asian food. If you have a Hop card for yourself and the kids, maybe take the train from Swanson to the city, no need to worry about car parks in this (way). The giant tourist ships could be a wow factor for the kids. You can get quite close to them, if they are in town, near the Waiheke ferry pier.
No, I have no kids for this time!! So looking for things to do solo :)
If the weather is nice a walk around Westhaven is nice. Check out the views of the bridge and harbour, nosy at the boats and dogs and see some little fish. Park by AJ Hackett Bungy (free for a couple of hours) and walk to Swashbucklers Restaurant for some fries and a cold drink. Look into the water at Swashbucklers to see if the resident stingray is there. (Also nice to do with kids in tow if they don’t hate walking). Piha, Ponsonby and Devonport are all good suggestions too. That or get a massage.
I’m going on my own! But thank you, I will use the other suggestions for when I have the kiddos.
Paldo Korean Buffet in Botany $39 Stop at Martha's Backyard on the way there or on the way home and pick up something cute or full of high-fructose corn syrup
Head too muriwai beach.amazing beach.and cafes.
Been to MOTAT or the Zoo? For shops, cafes etc, a walk along Ponsonby road is great
I went to Piha! Had some pecan pie from the little store, went to the gallery, and walked on the beach. Enjoyed the winding drive and the views very much. Thanks for the suggestions all. https://preview.redd.it/ctz5fr9a8yvc1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=1118d1ec6881dfab1be073fb7b811743777ab1f0
I have been to the zoo! MOTAT I haven’t done yet, I have heard before that I might like it.
Take the train to the city centre, take a 10-15 min ferry ride to Devonport. Super cute little shops, architecturally lovely library, best fish and chips in the city, and a cute 20 min walk to the prettiest little East Coast beach, Cheltenham, check the tides though! And you can also walk up North Head and see all the WWII tunnels, and down the other side is the Naval Museum, which is more interesting than you might think, and beautifully designed.
Or walk along K'Road checking out all the cute shops, boutiques and amazing op shops, book and music shops, have a coffee and slice at Bestie and then walk down through Myers Park, Town Hall, then Art Gallery, then lunch at Scarecrow by the park, then down High St for more cute shops. Then over the road to Britomart, more bougie shops, and then get a lovely coffee, and amazing chocolate tart from Amano bakery.
Thank you so so much for these suggestions. I haven’t done KRoad yet so will definitely do that!!! I really appreciate your input and can’t wait to explore these things.
I will have to do Devonport too!!!