9 Best Things to Do in Auckland in Winter

Auckland in winter (June to August) is a time of cooler temperatures, misty mornings, and a mix of sunny and rainy days. While winter in Auckland doesn’t bring snow, it does offer a cozy, quieter side of the city, making it a great time to explore with fewer crowds and enjoy some unique experiences. There are numerous things one can indulge in while having a peaceful time. During winter, Auckland’s charm is delightful. In Auckland, one can enjoy plenty of exciting events such as sports, festivals, concerts, and many other events. 

Auckland in Winter - How Is It?

Temperature: Winter temperatures in Auckland range between 8°C (46°F) and 15°C (59°F). While it rarely dips below freezing, the cool breezes, especially near the coast, make it feel crisp.
Rainfall: Winter is one of the wetter seasons in Auckland, so occasional showers are common. Rainfall can make the city feel lush and green, especially in the parks and reserves, though it’s always wise to carry a light rain jacket or umbrella.
Sunshine: Auckland still sees a decent amount of sunshine during winter, with some clear, bright days ideal for outdoor activities. Winter’s clear skies can make for beautiful views over the city and surrounding islands.

Things to Do in Auckland in Winter

1. Butterfly Creek

Nestled close to Auckland Airport, Butterfly Creek is a year-round family favorite. This tropical-themed park is home to an impressive butterfly house, complete with hundreds of exotic butterflies fluttering around, giving a summer vibe even in winter. The experience expands with animal encounters, a dinosaur kingdom, and a reptile exhibit. Kids and adults alike enjoy the crocodile encounter, farm animals, and an interactive train ride.. 

Opening Hours: Monday-Tuesday: Closed, Wednesday-Friday: 9:30 AM - 4:00 PM, Saturday-Sunday: 9:30 AM- 5:00 PM
Entry Ticket Starting Cost: Adults- NZD 29, Children- (3-15) NZD 16

2. Snowplanet 

Snowplanet is the place to visit if you are feeling adventurous and have an adrenaline rush going inside you. Including snowboarding, plenty of other snow sports activities can be enjoyed in the most thrilling way. Being the only indoor snow resort tourists can find all over New Zealand, Snowplanet boasts a lot in terms of facilities available. A giant snowball with 50 cm of real powder snow is the main attraction, along with a learner area, three lifts, a terrain park for snowboarders, a rink for ice skating, and lots more. Snowboarding also tends to be a fun activity to do with your family, as other sports, like paragliding, are not possible during winter. 

Opening hours: Monday - Sunday:10:00 AM - 10:00 PM, Friday: 10:00 AM - 12:00 AM
Entry Ticket Starting Cost: Snow passes start at NZD 39 for adults, NZD 29 for children. Rental equipment is additional.

3. Waiheke Horse Worx 

Waiheke Island, a ferry ride from Auckland, is renowned for its vineyards and scenic beauty. Waiheke Horse Worx offers guided horse-riding tours through vineyard trails, coastal paths, and hilltops. Winter makes for an ideal time to explore Waiheke’s misty hillsides and quieter beaches on horseback. There’s also the option to ride along the beach or enjoy sunset trails, providing an idyllic setting for animal lovers and those seeking a peaceful winter escape.

Tip: Winter rains can make some trails slippery, so wear appropriate footwear. Dress warmly, and consider combining the ride with a wine-tasting experience at one of the island’s wineries.

5. New Zealand Boutique Wine Festival 

New Zealand Boutique Festival is held every year and is the perfect place to visit if you are a wine connoisseur. More than 300 different varieties of wine are displayed at the festival and a unique cellar door experience is also provided by the authorities for all those who love wine. Apart from sampling several regional wines, visitors can also experience the pairing of different food items with different wines. 

Tip: Keep an eye on the festival’s website for ticket releases, as spaces are often limited due to the boutique nature of the event.

6. Rainbow’s End 

Auckland’s premier theme park, Rainbow’s End, is a fantastic family activity during winter. With a range of rides, from thrilling roller coasters to gentle kids’ attractions, the park offers fun for all ages. In winter, the crowds thin out, allowing more time to enjoy rides with shorter queues. Most of the parks are outdoors, but they also have indoor activities, such as the 7D theater, perfect for colder days. Check the website for any maintenance closures on rides during the off-peak season.

Opening Hours: Monday & Friday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM (closed Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday), Saturday and Sunday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Starting Entry Ticket Cost: Adults NZD 69.99, Children (under 14) NZD 59.99

7. SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton's Aquarium

Kelly Tarlton’s Sea Life Aquarium offers an indoor underwater adventure perfect for winter days. Explore the Antarctic Encounter and Penguin Discovery, where you can get close to penguins in a sub-Antarctic environment. The aquarium also features a shark tunnel and live feeding shows, adding an educational experience to your visit.

Location: Orakei
Opening Hours: 9:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Starting Ticket price: Adult: NZD 45, Child: NZD 32

8. Domain Wintergardens 

Situated in the Auckland Domain, Domain WIntergardens is a unique and special place to visit especially when you are in the city. The garden is filled with numerous varieties of plants and flowers and space extends to as far as your eye can see. New Zealand historic places have designated the Wintergardens as category 1 historic sites. On top of the tropical gardens, the domain also boasts a glass house that visitors love to explore. 

It is located at Wintergarden Road, Parnell, Auckland 1010 and can be visited between 9 am in the morning till 4:30 pm in the evening.  

9. Hiking 

‘The Lord of the Rings’ made the amazing scenery of New Zealand even more famous. One can easily enjoy the bountiful natural beauty of the country by going on hikes and walks in Auckland. There are numerous trails that can be visited by tourists and each trail has its own uniqueness.

Have we missed out on any of your favourite activities to do in Auckland in Winter? Comment below to let us know!