Top 5 Family-Friendly Summer Adventure Destinations in Auckland

For the longest time, I have been thinking of making a list of the top ten family-friendly summer adventure destinations in Auckland. I am thinking of destinations that would release all pent-up energy of our kids from just sitting in front of the TV the whole year or just playing good old computer games. My ultimate list would make any kid sore-happy, sweaty-excited, and too tired for dinner after all the action and extreme fun. Some selections are not for the light-hearted but it does not mean that it will not be guaranteed fun!

And, here are my top 5:

1. Extreme Indoor Karting – give your kids the chance to compare the exhilaration of real racing! Extreme Indoor Karts is a two level indoor go kart track! The track features a combination of a sweeping banked curve, steep downhill and underpass with a wide track for plenty of racing room and the go karts are powered by 6 hp engines. Food and drinks are available from vending machines should your kids be hungry after all the exhilaration! Casual clothing and closed-in shoes must be worn for safety.

2. Fergs Kayaks – Give your arms the good exercise by hiring kayaks at Ferg’s Kayaks to take you to your new adventure.  Located in Okahu Bay,  experience the joy of kayaking and exploration of our coastline in Auckland’s Waitemata Harbour. This is suitable for the whole family but children must be accompanied by an adult unless they are 16 years old and over. Grab your friends and enjoy the unique experience of cruising around by your own power. No bookings required.

3. Puhoi River Canoe Hire –  If you are more interested in exploring Puhoi River, then you can paddle along the river through Puhoi River Canoe Hire. They offer a safe, leisurely unguided paddle along the Puhoi River which meanders 8km from the Bohemian village of Puhoi through to scenic Wenderholm Regional Park.  Superior kayaks, buoyancy aids, paddling instruction, local river knowledge, maps  are all supplied and a courtesy coach will accompany you from Wenderholm to Puhoi. The best thing is that, they have kayaks or canoes to suit the whole family and they cater to almost all ages and fitness levels.

4. AJ Hackett Auckland Bungy – Some people find some thrill jumping off bridges, and some people just do it with AJ Hackett!! This is an adventure that I am sure you will not go holding hands with your kids. If they are 10 years old and over, weighs 35 kilograms or more and be at least 115 centimetres tall with a gargantuan courage to jump off Harbour Bridge; then, this is the adventure you do not want to miss with your kids(or you can opt to just watch the kids! lol)

5. Fergs Inline Skates Hire – If you want to keep your feet on the ground and explore the scenic waterfront, then hire inline skates at Fergs Kayaks (apparently, they also rent out kayaks and climbing gear!) You can watch the boats on the harbour and glide past the parks and people. They only stock top quality Salomon and K2 skates, so you get the best.

Well, what are you waiting for? Check out their websites by clicking on the links. Have fun this summer and bond with your kids! We all need the sweat, a bit of sun, and a break from the black box we call entertainment!

Sources are Kids Friendly Travel and Kidzgo.

Photo credits to Cristeen Quezon, Mads Boedker and _gem_ .