Five Places to Visit with The Kids in West Auckland

Reasons to Book With DriveNow

Depending on how extensively you’ve travelled in Auckland, you may have heard mixed stories about the city’s famous ‘Westies’. Generally, they’re a friendly bunch, and the Western suburbs offer some of Auckland’s top family destinations.

Auckland Zoo and the Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT) are both only a short drive from central Auckland and are within walking distance of each other, which makes them perfect attractions to visit with your car rental. There are plenty more places to list but here are our selected five places to take the kids to your Auckland car rental from DriveNow in Auckland.

Auckland Zoo

Let’s face it – who doesn’t love a good day at the zoo? Auckland Zoo is one of the city’s most family-friendly attractions and offers a vast range of animals, both large and small.

Take a gander at the impressive African beasts in the lion and rhino enclosures, before taking in the blissful songs of the birds at the sanctuary. There are also a variety of unique experiences throughout the week, such as the opportunity to hand-feed the magnificent giraffes, so keep an eye out on the day’s schedule when you visit!

Giraffe at Auckland Zoo. Photo by Flikr

Kiwi Valley Farm Park

Another excellent place to get up close and personal with the animals is Kiwi Valley Farm Park. Experience a slice of rural New Zealand just 13km (8.1 miles) west of Auckland CBD. If your kids love farmyard animals, they will love meeting the donkeys, goats, alpacas and more!

There’s plenty to keep a young family entertained, get lost in the maze and discover the hidden caves. Or, enjoy a tractor ride or a ride on a horse or pony around the countryside setting.

MOTAT

After you’ve admired the animals at the zoo, it’s time to cross the road and head to MOTAT. The museum is Auckland’s hub for all things transport and technology – you can take a look at some impressive trains and explore the history of innovations such as the telephone. There is something for all ages, and if you’re brave enough, check out the earthquake simulator!

A short tram ride to the nearby aviation hall is the perfect way to cap the day.

MOTAT, Auckland. Photo by Stuff.co.nz

Woodhill Forest Tree Adventures

Hidden in the beautiful Woodhill Forest, an adventure for the whole family awaits in the treetops. Only a short drive from Auckland City Centre, 39km (24 miles), Tree Adventures is an unforgettable outdoor adventure that you’ll want to take in your car hire in Auckland.

With a series of fun and challenging adventures to suit novices or adrenaline junkies, there’s something for everyone from the age of five and above. Choose from 10 courses ranging from beginners to advanced. Or, even try the flying fox ride which gives you an exhilarating journey back to the ground.

Hit the Beach

Auckland’s west coast or the Wild West as it is commonly referred to is full of rugged natural beauty, a must-see when you rent a car in Auckland.

With plenty of beaches in just under an hour’s drive from the city centre, it’s a great drive before the kids start screaming ‘are we there yet?’. If you’re a family of surfers, you’ll be overjoyed with some of the region’s best waves. Or, prefer being on land, take a relaxing walk along the beach before stopping for a family picnic.