Auckland is a fantastic city for the boozers among us. From bars, clubs and plenty of events– we’ve got it all. But what if you actually don’t fancy a drink for a change? From immersive museums to family-friendly activities, we’ve rounded up 20 of the best alcohol-free things to do in Auckland.
1. Play at Game Over
Spend a day playing arcade games, zoom across the track on go-karts and enjoy a range of other thrilling activities at this indoor entertainment venue. Certainly, one of the best things to do without alcohol. Read further about Game Over Auckland here.
📍35 Arrenway Drive, Albany, Auckland 0632, New Zealand
2. Get educated at Auckland’s museums
As one of the best things to do in Auckland, there’s a host of lovely museums to explore across the city. Highlights include the likes of Auckland War Museum for history geeks, the Museum of Transport and Technology for fans of technology and New Zealand Maritime Museum, to name a few.
📍Various Locations
3. Blow off steam with axes
Sweet Axe Throwing is a fantastic experience you need not a drop of alcohol for. Pay for a private lane and practice axe throwing with a date or a group of friends. Certainly, the place to provoke endless laughter and interesting conversations.
📍110 Nelson Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
4. Explore the bush
Auckland boasts a selection of sacred native forests that are therapeutic to explore. For example, the Waitakere Ranges on the West coast offers rugged black beaches, pristine coastline and native wildlife all in one. Certainly, one of the best things to do on a good day in Auckland.
5. Find your escape
Certainly, escape rooms like the award-winning Escapade offer a variety of games to excite you and your friends. Zero alcohol needed!
📍 Level 1/23 Victoria Street East, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
6. Visit Matakana Farmers Market
As one of the best day trip destinations, you can’t miss a stop at the farmers market. Opened every Saturday all year, delight in plenty of bakery goods, organic vegetables, fruits and live music. Additionally, there’s a cosy cinema and other restaurants nearby if you get bored.
📍2 Matakana Valley Road, Matakana 0985, New Zealand
7. Climb Mount Eden
Whether you’re an Aucklander or a tourist, climbing Auckland’s highest extinct volcano Mt Eden never gets old. The climb is an easy 2km walk to the summit, which takes around one hour to complete. At the highest point, you’ll be treated to spectacular 360-degree views, overlooking Auckland. Wander through the Mount Eden community on the way back down, which boasts plenty of local galleries, delicious eateries and an opportunity to learn about Māori history.
8. Go karting
Karting is a great alcohol-free activity. It provides top-notch entertainment, especially for groups and you can poke fun at friends who come paddy last in the race. Why not try KartSport Auckland for some outdoor thrills.
📍 124 Patiki Road, Avondale, Auckland 1026, New Zealand
9. Enjoy Waiheke Island
If you’re feeling extra adventurous, take the ferry to Waiheke Island. Get lost among the spectacular beaches, impressive vineyards, glorious coastlines and native wildlife. Additionally, dine at one of the most romantic dining spots in Auckland.
10. Attempt Auckland Bridge Bungee Jump
This is both a good thing to do alone and date idea in Auckland. Thrill seekers will love this adrenaline pumping activity under Auckland Harbour Bridge.
📍105 Curran Street, Westhaven Reserve, Herne Bay, Auckland 1011, New Zealand
11. Go on an ig-worthy food hunt
Grab your foodie friends, and head on a hunt for the most gram-worthy meals in Auckland. Lucky for you, we’ve already listed the most Instagrammable food dishes in Auckland. Certainly, one of the best things to do without alcohol in Auckland.
📍 Various Locations
12. Play a game of quirky golf
Holey Moley Golf Club is a unique chain offering an entertaining and multi-sensory mini golf experience paired with bizarre mocktails and tasty food. Plus, there are plenty of picture-perfect moments in this house of fun. For bookings, visit the Holey Moley website.
📍 204 Quay Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
13. Explore Auckland Art Gallery
Art enthusiasts can admire new exhibitions without a drop of alcohol. Plus, most exhibitions are free to see. Check out what’s on via the Auckland Art Gallery website.
📍 Auckland Art Gallery, Wellesley Street East, Auckland CBD, New Zealand
14. Enjoy a host of watersports
Vector Wero Whitewater Park is perfect for people of all ages who want to enjoy watersports. Think rafting, kayaking, paddle boarding, and plenty more lake activities. Indeed, one of the best things to do without alcohol in Auckland.
📍 770 Great South Road, Wiri, Auckland 2104, New Zealand
15. Visit Auckland Zoo
Animal lovers will enjoy a day at the zoo, which hosts 144 different species, and over 1400 animals, with the biggest diversity of wildlife in New Zealand. Book your tickets via the Auckland Zoo website.
📍 Motions Rd, Auckland 1022, New Zealand
16. Kayak to Rangitoto Island
This is one of the best date ideas in Auckland. Take a 6 hour kayaking sunset tour to explore the wonderful Rangitoto Island. Even beginners will be able for the one hour of paddling to get to the island, followed by a hike to the volcano summit. Indeed, it makes an epic activity without alcohol.
17. Eat at an Instagrammable café
Since we live in a world where everyone is obsessed with picture-perfect memories, why not visit an insta-worthy eatery in Auckland? See our list of the best instagrammable cafes here.
📍Various Locations
18. Order a shared platter
Why not get a group of friends together and host a games night with a delicious shared platter? Lukcily, we’ve already listed the best shared platters to order in Auckland.
📍 Various Locations
19. Relax in a boutique cinema
Elevate your screen experience by lying back in luxurious chairs, stuffing your face with popcorn and snacks, and catching up on some Hollywood cinema movie action. For example, The Vic in Devonport or Silky Otter Cinemas are stunning spaces to catch a new blockbuster.
📍 Various Locations
20. Go stargazing
Stardome Observatory is a 360-degree indoor planetarium which was founded in 1967 in the One Tree Hill domain. It’s a superb place to get cosy with a date or friend, experience the magic of hyper-realistic and fully immersive showcases, while diving into endless conversations. (temporarily closed for building repairs)
📍670 Manukau Road, Epsom, Auckland 1345, New Zealand