Shake off the winter blues with activities the whole family can enjoy. Photo / Getty Images
We’re not going to dress it up for you - winter is, more often than not, a downer. Add to that the school holidays and you’ve got yourself the perfect recipe for cabin fever.
When it comes to the months between June and August, you’ll find we’ve traded in dinner dates, cocktails and nights on the town for takeout, tea time and evenings spent huddled in front of the heater with a hefty dose of comfort food and Love Island at the ready.
But pushing you out of your comfort zone and off the couch is New Zealand Herald’s wonderful array of things to do in Auckland this winter, ranging from child-friendly holidays fun, to adult-appropriate.
Whether the anxiety of the kiddies’ winter holiday rosters is starting to take its toll or you’re perhaps looking for something to glaze the gloom of the chilly season, Auckland is the epicentral hub of possibility when it comes to ways to pass the time.
Take a leaf out of our well-researched book and explore the city this winter.
1. Peppa Pig’s Aquarium Adventure at Kelly Tarlton’s Aquarium
This July, Peppa Pig is bringing muddy puddle madness to Auckland’s aquarium. With informative challenges, interactive spaces and a whole lot of fun to be had, cross a day off the holiday calendar to learn about the ocean with the most iconic pig in town.
2. Disney on Ice presents 100 Years of Wonder
All your favourite Disney characters are taking to the ice this winter at Spark Arena. From August 4 to August 7, treat your kids to world-class skating, high-flying acrobatics and a little bit of magic to spruce up the gloomy season.
3. Weta Workshop Unleashed
For movie buffs and future filmmakers alike, Weta Workshop Unleashed is an immersive experience for the whole family to enjoy. Taking you on a journey through a nail-biting horror, a fantasy epic, and a mind-bending sci-fi, you’ll learn about the wonderful world of filmmaking and have a few chuckles in between.
4. Make Days at Maritime Museum
For kids with a creative streak and fascination with the ocean, Maritime Museum is offering an interactive experience that even the parents can get stuck into. Master the art of miniatures and make a magical maritime diorama for an art (sea) day in the city.
5. All Blacks Experience at Sky City
Rugby rugrats can score this winter with Sky City’s All Blacks experience. Whether it’s learning how to be a future All Black or hearing stories about some of rugby’s most famous players, matches and moments on the field, ignite a passion for the sport and love of the game during these school holidays. Who knows, if you play your cards right, you might have a pal on the couch, on the stands or, even, on the field one day.
6. Cirque Du Soleil - Crystal
A little bit of wonder goes a long way when the weather isn’t behaving outside. Head to Spark Arena to watch elite skaters and acrobats take to the ice and defy gravity, science and all expectations for an outing that is sure to warrant an audible “wow”.
7. Krispy Kreme Doughnut Decorating experiences
Whether you’re an original glazed enthusiast or a sucker for a strawberry jam-filled treat, Krispy Kreme is making all your doughnut dreams come true this winter by hosting Doughnut Decorating experiences across Auckland stores. Equipped with 2x Original Glazed Doughnuts, lollies, coloured icing and a whole world of possibility, sprinkle a little bit of fun - and toppings of your choice - on a doughnut at your nearest Krispy Kreme corner.
8. Crushes Social Club: jewellery party
More wholesome than your nan wrapped up in a blankie with a cup of tea and a good tale, this class is for all of you Gen X, Y Zers looking to make some jewellery, make some friends and make some memories. And if beading isn’t your business, check out Crushes’ huge array of community events such as their knitting club, candle decorating workshop or plus size thrift crawl to learn some crafts and meet some Aucklanders.
9. ‘ROW’: an immersive holographic audio-visual installation
Be mesmerised, hypnotised and revitalised with a fresh immersive experience in central Auckland. Whether it be the makings of a cute date or a magical moment of self-discovery, the auditory and visual installation makes data interactive, floating graphics in the air with a little bit of wonder to match.
10. Paintvine
Grab your pals (and your paintbrushes) and channel your artistic flair with some pinot and painting at Paintvine. The coolest combo since whining and dining, wining and painting is a fun activity to keep things jolly during the winter months while enjoying a tipple of your go-to vino. What’s more, you’ll end up with a beautiful canvas hand painted by you - perfect for gifting and bragging in the same sentence.
11. $15 mini golf at Holey Moley on Mondays and Tuesdays
Roll into a new week with one hell of a swing and an ace up your sleeve with $15 unlimited golf on Mondays and Tuesdays at Holey Moley. The perfect par-tee to start the week off right, grab your buds, a beer and a whole lot of golf puns (see previous few sentences for reference) and head to the viaduct this winter.
12. Yoga and Art Immersion at Auckland Art Gallery
Master your yoga skills among the masterpieces of Auckland Gallery for a tranquil start to Sunday morning. A weekly Hatha yoga class for beginners and pros alike, there is no better place to stretch your body, mind and knowledge of the arts than at the heart of Auckland culture.
13. Occidental’s Mussel Mondays
Are your eyes bigger than your stomach? There‘s only one way to find out. Devour The Occidental’s iconic half-a-kilo mussel pot with a side of frites and mayo for only $13 on Mondays - or upgrade to a kilo for $18 to find out just how many mussels a man can manage (say that ten times without stuttering).
14. Oyster & Chop’s Happy Hour
It’s bluffy season, baby! Which can only mean chilly winter arvos spent slurping down some oysters on the balcony of Oyster & Chop. Oyster Happy Hour is from 3pm-6pm daily and features freshly-shucked oysters from the best in the business for only $2.
15. Sunday sharing roast: The Fox
Sometimes a Sunday roast is all you need to warm the soul and banish the winter blues. The best in town? Look no further than The Fox for a meal more English than the Queen parading around in a pair of wellies with a crumpet in one hand and decorum in the other. Expect a sharing platter of Yorkshire puds, crispy dripping potatoes, roast pumpkin, carrot, parsnip, minted peas and a roast straight out of your mum’s kitchen for only $69.95.
16. Auckland Night Markets
Experience the city via your taste buds with the travelling Auckland Night Markets. With a range of foods at a range of locations, it’s a new adventure every day of the week - with a new cuisine to try, taste and demolish.
17. Bivacco’s Aperitivo Hour Sunset Sessions
Fancy a fizz after a gruelling day of work? Turn up the vibes at Bivacco’s Aperitivo Hour Sunset Sessions. With a range of cocktails to cheers the winter weather away and free-roaming bites from 4pm-6pm on weekdays, there’s no better way to end a day in the city.
Megan Watts is a digital producer for New Zealand Herald’s Lifestyle and Entertainment section. Her passions include over-priced coffees, The Office puns and honest journalism.
Washington Post: Sweatpants? No. But elastic waistbands? Absolutely.