I can sniff out a bargain anywhere. I was good at it pre-kids but since their arrival en masse I’ve really honed my bargain sniffing skills. Who has the money to pay for everything x 4? Errrr we don’t. And even if you do so what. There are so many fun things that can be done for free that you are actually missing out if you scoot off and pay to do something every single time you go out.

Auckland is one of my favourite places for free stuff to do as there is a plethora of choices. I don’t have room for a plethora here so you’re going to have to settle for my 5 fave’s. Oh and psssst: I’m assuming you already know you can go to the beach for free so that’s why I haven’t got that obvious choice on my lovely little list. But do it. Go there. It’s lots of fun. And so are these 5 free things to do in Auckland!

1. Climb a volcano

Ummm what kid wouldn’t love this?! Granted they may be a little disappointed if it isn’t breathing fire once you get up there but if you do some prep work beforehand then the kidlets won’t be disappointed. Climbing a dormant volcano is still super exciting so sell it that way! Auckland has a number of great choices ranging from easy to more difficult. You can check them out here. Mount Eden is a great option because it wont cost you much to get there from your Auckland hotel and it’ll give you a stunning view over the city and harbour.

2. Visit the Auckland Museum

There are lots of amazing outdoor activities in Auckland but sometimes it does rain so I wanted to pop a couple of fun indoor ones in for you too. This museum is awesome. There is a dedicated kids area as well as interactive exhibitions with exploding volcanoes. Woah! If museums are your thing then you can also check out the Art Gallery with its dedicated kids club and Voyager – the maritime museum (free to residents only).

3. Spend the day down at Wynyard Quarter

If you’ve ever wondered why Auckland is called the City of Sails then you need to get down to Wynyard Quarter where it all becomes very clear. Boats, boats everywhere! There’s a massive fish market down there too so you can go and get some delicious fish and chippies for lunch. Take them to the park where the kids can play in the maritime themed play space. Everyone’s a winner!

4. Sand boarding/sliding at Te Henga (Bethell’s Beach) sand dunes

Did you ever do this as a kid either on sand dunes or down a grassy slope? All you need is a cardboard box and you are off! It is so much fun. I don’t know many kids that wouldn’t like this. Might give mum a few grey hairs though! Even if you don’t want to go sand boarding the place is still well worth checking out. The scenery is nothing short of stunning.

5. Visit Stardome Observatory Planetarium

If you have kids that like stars and planets then this is going to be a fun choice for your family. It is FREE for entry into the foyer displays and all the general exhibitions. You only need to pay if you are going to do one of the extras (a show or a telescope viewing for example). Stardome is located at One Tree Hill, a 182 metre volcanic peak, so you can combine a bit of volcano clim