From indoor pools and mini-golf bars to baked cheese and boozy ice cream - there's plenty to eat, see, do and drink in the city centre that won't break the bank! See our list of thought starters below.

comvita tasting

Take part in a Honey Tasting Session at Comvita Wellness Lab | $20 per person 

Sit back and relax in the Wellness Lab's state of the art 180 degree theatre for a unique 45-minute sampling journey of three types of Comvita honey. 

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Learn more about Aotearoa's voyaging history at the New Zealand Maritime Museum | Free for Auckland residents and $10 - $20 for visitors

Interactive and immersive, this museum is great for all ages! Try your hand at virtual yacht racing, marvel at traditional Polynesian vaka/outrigger design, hoist the sails, hear the cannon fire, test your sea legs and batten down the hatches in the rocking cabin. 

Tart Bakery

Treat yourself to a 100% plant-based donut from Tart Bakery | $3.50 - $5.90

If you're needing to satisfy a sweet tooth, take a trip to Tart Bakery, serving up a range of plant-based donuts as well as other delicious sweet treats! If the sun's out, head down to Te Wānanga and enjoy it by the water. 

Whitestone Cheesebar

Image credit: Anna Murphy 

Indulge in baked Camembert goodness at Whitestone Cheese Bar | $13.50

What's better than Camembert? Camembert baked with your choice of truffle honey or garlic and rosemary... a cheese lovers dream come true!

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Go for a walk around the Viaduct & Waterfront

A stroll along the water's edge is a great way to pass the time. There's so much to discover and something to keep everyone entertained, from some of New Zealand's finest classic yachts and wooden vessels to great eateries, beautiful views, play areas and more. While in the area, check out a new augmented reality experience on Queens Wharf.

Tepid Baths

Go for a swim at Tepid Baths | $1 - $6.60

This indoor pool complex houses two pools, a spa, and sauna facilities - perfect for a winter swim! 

Dice & Fork cafe

Get competitive at Dice & Fork | Games are free when you purchase food or drinks

With 140 games to choose from and a great menu of snacky bites, Dice & Fork could very well be the answer to your question ''what should we do today?''

Mighty Hotdog

Try a Korean-style deep-fried hotdog from Mighty Hotdog | $6.50 - $8

Mighty Hotdog, a 2021 iconic eats winner is serving up all kinds of deep-fried hotdogs, from mozerella and kumara to chocolate peanut filled hot dogs. You may think they sound bizarre - but don't knock them 'til you try them!

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Get a customised cocktail from Caretaker | $20

Step back in time at Caretaker, a gorgeous cocktail bar modelled off the classic cocktail lounges of New York. Chat with the bartender about your preferences or what you're in the mood for, and they'll whip you up your very own custom cocktail! 

Hawte Ice Creams

Try a boozy ice cream from Hawte Ice Cream | $6.50 - $18 

Yes, you read that right. Hawte Ice Creams are the first ice cream brand in New Zealand to offer a range of boozy ice creams - think mango and malibu, strawberry baileys or tipsy tiramisu. 

Holey Moley

Practice your putting skills at Holey Moley | $15 for unlimited mini golf on Mon and Tues, $20 Wed - Sun 

This golf club concept bar boasts an awesome multi-sensory labyrinth mini golf course, drool-worthy treats and Instagram-worthy backdrops - perfect for a unique, hilarious night out with friends. 

Last updated: 30 June 2022

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