10 Must-Try Summer Activities

Make A Splash: Get wet and wild at Snow Planet in Silverdale all summer long.

There's nothing like a good ole' Kiwi summer right? That's why there's no better time than now to enjoy all the awesome summer activities Auckland has to offer. From Silverdale to Pokeno, the region is full of hot spots for cooling down, seeking thrills or just laying back and relaxing. Whether you want to slip 'n' slide down Snowplanet's summer waterslides attraction, climb to the top of Rangitoto Island or go snorkelling at Goat Island, we've rounded up 10 of the best summer activities for you and the family to enjoy during the sunny season. Have fun out there... love local! Brought to you by our local partner, Snowplanet

You might think this favourite Auckland adventure destination is all about snow but Snowplanet has a whole lotta summer activities happening with the arrival of their pop-up waterslide park. From Jan 14 to Feb 6, Snowplanet is hosting Wild Water Slides - a chance for families and big kids (like me) to get wet 'n' wild and fling themselves down a series of inflatable slides. All you need to do is turn up with your togs, towel and an awesome attitude! There's some really awesome slides for the little ones to get their confidence up or for Dad and the boys to tackle the big kahuna - the 300m Pepsi Max Super Slide.

When it's sweltering outside and the only thing you want to do is dive into crystal-clear water, Parnell Baths is the place to be. This Auckland gem has been keeping Kiwis cool for years because there's not too many places in the inner-city that you can enjoy an outdoor swim in delicious saltwater. I also love the fact that once you are in the pool, you can bask in the beautiful views across Judges Bay. I'm a bit of fish so I never like to get out but in the height of summer, there's no better place to escape to and read a book than on one of the Parnell Baths' legendary loungers.

Want to take the kids to an outdoor activity that builds their confidence and gets them working together as a team? Go no further than Rocket Ropes at Auckland Airport. This outdoor high ropes course is a gem of a family activity to try on a beautiful summer day.

Love this place, especially the weekend summer markets- Saturday/Sunday, 12pm-6pm. Digging through the piles of vintage clothing, accessories, and downright oddities is both fun and rewarding- there's everything from cheap art prints to sunglasses. The food stalls right next door are also irresistible and there are often free Swing dancing lessons in front of them, it's just all very cute.

I absolutely love Goat Island for a good day trip. The marine reserve is alive with fish! Tip: On a summers day the parking on the road can get very busy but if you drive to the main car park and turn left there is usually parks up in the hill car park.

If you want to get your teens into nature, try a day trip and climb the majestic volcano that is Rangitoto Island. This isn't an activity for toddlers with little legs (unless you plan to carry them up on your back!) but it's a must-do for anyone who lives in Auckland because it's such a unique way to see the city. Autumn is the perfect time to climb, and the only season in the year that I choose to make the trek, because otherwise it can be hot, thirsty and uncomfortable work if you are determined to get to the summit. Another great option is to charter a boat and take the kids out on the water to get up close and personal with one of Auckland's most iconic cones.

This cosy little beach has plenty to offer. Enjoy a picnic on the grass, swim in the bay, or walk out to Sugar Loaf Island when the tide is low and climb to the top. As kids we used to pretend we owned the island. The perfect place to take the family of all ages.

It is just the most stunning beach, like all of the wild west coast beaches. I love the fact you can walk along the shore line through sea spray forever.

A perfect Saturday morning for me is to wake up early and drive to the Matakana Markets, grab some coffee and wander around tasting and buying yummy treats and then driving through to Tawharanui beach. Perfection!

One of my favourite places to go that’s not too far from Auckland but pleasantly far enough that it feels like a holiday is Pakiri Beach. As well as the horse rides and surfing to occupy your time it is close enough to Leigh to grab coffee and pizza at the Sawmill, and if you come for a weekend then you can’t pass through the Matakana markets without making a stop.

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