Jordan McCraeForget those cringeworthy icebreaker games, Auckland has cooler ways to bring your team together. Whether you’re a crew of seasoned adventurers or office escapees, these team-building activities promise a boost in morale (and maybe a few good laughs).
So, ditch the spreadsheets and the endless email chains – it’s time for some real bonding! This city offers a thrilling mix of challenges, from escape rooms that test your brainpower to outdoor adventures that push your limits.
Get ready to problem-solve, collaborate, and maybe even discover a hidden talent or two (we’re looking at you, Karen from accounting).
Raft the rapids at Vector Wero Whitewater Park
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Location: 770 Great South Road, Wiri, Auckland 2104, New Zealand
Contact: +64 9 913 5251
Opening hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM
The park offers two artificial whitewater courses that cater to all levels of bravery and skill. Imagine navigating the rapids together, paddling in sync (or trying to!), and coming out the other side as a cohesive and triumphant unit.
And after the rapids? The Sunset Bar awaits! It’s the perfect way to round off an action-packed day and reflect on new skills learned, fears overcome, and the bonds strengthened between team members.
Explore canyons and natural waterfalls with AWOL Adventures
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Location: 23 Seaview Road, Piha 0772, New Zealand
Contact: +64 9 834 0501
Opening hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 7:00 AM to 8:30 PM
Canyoning is an adrenaline-filled adventure that forces you to trust your coworkers, literally. You’ll navigate slippery rocks, plunge into crystal-clear pools, and discover a stunning side of Auckland that most people never see.
It’s the ultimate test of communication and problem-solving under pressure. Plus, exploring the Piha Canyon with AWOL Adventures means you get experienced guides and top-of-the-line gear, ensuring your adventure is as safe as it is thrilling.
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Location: Woodhill Forest 0842, New Zealand
Contact: +64 800 827 926
Opening hours:
- Saturday to Sunday – 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Think of that classic trust fall exercise, but amped up with the thrill of being suspended high above a gorgeous forest. That’s the kind of team building you’ll experience with a day out at Tree Adventures.
Picture relying on your work buddies to guide you across a swaying bridge, or cheering them on as they tackle that seriously high climbing wall. There’s nothing like a shared dose of adrenaline to break down barriers!
Plus, with ten different courses, there’s a challenge for everyone. It’s the perfect way to celebrate your team’s diverse strengths and see how well you can conquer challenges together.
Solve puzzles together in Escape Masters’ themed rooms
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Location: Level 11/300 Queen Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
Contact: +64 9 869 2058
Opening hours:
- Sunday to Thursday – 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Friday to Saturday – 10:00 AM to 11:30 PM
Escape Masters offers a thrilling (and way less cringe-worthy) way to build your team. Here, you and your co-workers are locked in a themed room for one hour to crack codes, uncover hidden clues, and escape before time runs out.
This place forces you to see your teammates’ strengths in a whole new light. Plus, with a bunch of different rooms, like the quirky ‘Alice in Wonderland’ or the mysterious ‘Secrets of the Pharaoh’, you can pick an adventure that gets your team’s creative juices flowing.
It’s a high-pressure, fast-paced environment that reveals how well your team collaborates and communicates, and just might even bring out the competitive spirit you didn’t know you had.
Play a round of golf at Maungakiekie Golf Club
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Location: 5 Anita Avenue, Mount Roskill, Auckland 1041, New Zealand
Contact: +64 9 621 0090
Golf might seem like a solo sport, but it’s a fantastic team-building experience in disguise. The leisurely pace offers tons of time to chat and connect with your colleagues away from the office rush. You might even discover that your boss has a killer short game!
Plus, the stunning views at Maungakiekie, overlooking the Waitakere Ranges and Manukau Harbour, provide the perfect backdrop for relaxing and building those work relationships.
And hey, even if your golf swing isn’t exactly pro-level, the shared frustration (and inevitable laughs) of chasing a lost ball or two is sure to bring your team closer together.
Engage in archery combat at Auckland Archery Club
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Location: One Tree Hill, Auckland 1051, New Zealand
Contact: [email protected]
Opening hours:
- Saturday to Sunday – 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
It’s not every day you get to channel your inner Robin Hood or Katniss Everdeen, especially with your coworkers or friends as allies (or friendly foes) in a safely controlled combat scenario.
But here’s the clincher: archery combat here is inclusive. No prior experience? No problem. Whether you’re an archery aficionado or a complete novice, the activity is designed to ensure everyone can participate, learn, and most importantly, have a blast.
Besides, with Auckland Archery Club’s experienced instructors, you’ll learn the basics in no time, meaning even your most uncoordinated colleague can feel the rush of hitting the bullseye (or at least get a good laugh trying!).
Climb together at Clip ‘n Climb
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Location: Capitol Cinema 610 Dominion Road, Mount Eden, Auckland 1041, New Zealand
Contact: +64 9 630 6040
Opening hours:
- Thursday to Friday – 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM
- Saturday to Sunday – 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
At Clip ‘n Climb, you’re swapping boring meeting rooms for crazy-fun climbing walls with all sorts of challenges – think wacky shapes, vertical drops, and even a giant ‘Leap of Faith.”
Forget awkward eye contact, this is about cheering on your teammate as they conquer a tricky climb, or working together to strategize your way up a challenging wall. Also, their colorful arena and automatic belay system create a fun and safe environment for everyone to push their limits.
Race go-karts at Game Over Auckland
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Location: 35 Arrenway Drive, Albany, Auckland 0632, New Zealand
Contact: +64 508 426 368
Opening hours:
- Monday to Wednesday – 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM
- Thursday to Friday – 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM
- Saturday to Sunday – 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Game Over Auckland offers an electrifying experience that’s designed to push you and your team to the limits, all while ensuring a safe and controlled environment. This means you can channel your inner Lewis Hamilton or Danica Patrick without the fear of a real pit wall.
The beauty of go-karting here is its ability to level the playing field. It doesn’t matter if you’re the CEO or the intern — on the track, everyone’s in the same race, and it’s anyone’s game.
This is also your chance to let your team’s competitive spirit loose in a fun, light-hearted way, revealing hidden talents and creating a shared experience that’ll have you buzzing back in the office.
Survive the zombie apocalypse at Spookers Haunted Attraction
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Location: 833 Kingseat Road, Kingseat 2580, New Zealand
Contact: +64 9 291 9002
Opening hours:
- Friday – 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM
- Saturday – 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM
At Spookers Haunted Attraction is a team-building experience like no other. Here, you’ll navigate haunted houses, dodge terrifying creatures, and rely on your team to make it out alive (well, sort of).
The adrenaline rush bonds you together like nothing else, as you discover who’s the calm problem-solver, who has a surprising scream, and who tackles fear with a mischievous grin.
Plus, Spookers’ seriously spooky atmosphere, filled with special effects, and live actors, ensures you’ll be laughing (and maybe screaming a little) long after you escape. It’s a team-building adventure with a horror-movie twist that’ll make those workplace challenges seem like a walk in the park.
Hold a mindfulness retreat at Kawai Purapura Retreat Centre
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Location: 14 Mills Lane, Albany, Auckland 0632, New Zealand
Contact: +64 9 415 9468
Opening hours:
- Friday to Sunday – 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Sometimes, the best team-building focuses on slowing down and recharging. Kawai Purapura Retreat Centre offers a tranquil escape from the usual work buzz. Here, you’ll start your day with yoga and meditation classes, fuel up with vegetarian food, and enjoy quiet time for reflection.
Kawai Purapura Retreat Centre’s peaceful environment encourages open communication, reduces stress, and fosters a sense of calm – all of which create a more focused, collaborative work environment.
Plus, the chance to step outside the usual routine can spark new ideas and perspectives that wouldn’t happen in the confines of a conference room.
Compete in laser tag battles at Laserforce Auckland
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Location: 21b Link Drive, Wairau Valley, Wairau Park 0627, New Zealand
Contact: +64 9 444 1011
Opening hours:
- Tuesday – 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Wednesday to Monday – 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Think team-building is all about trust falls and awkward role-plays? Think again! Laserforce Auckland offers a team-building adventure that’s way more fun and way less cringe-worthy.
Picture this: you’re decked out in high-tech gear, creeping through a futuristic arena, lasers blazing as you hunt down your coworkers (in the most playful way possible). It’s the perfect mix of strategic thinking, adrenaline-pumping action, and a healthy dose of friendly rivalry.
Plus, the diverse game modes here cater to various team-building objectives. Whether it’s capturing the flag or team deathmatch, each game mode offers unique lessons in teamwork and leadership.
Play video games at GameOn Arcade Auckland
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Location: 291-297 Queen Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
Contact: +64 9 336 1489
Opening hours:
- Sunday to Monday – 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Tuesday to Thursday – 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM
- Friday to Saturday – 10:00 AM to 12:00 AM
- Wednesday to Monday – 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Forget those stiff presentations – GameOn Arcade Auckland brings a playful twist to team building. You’ll get the chance to finally beat that one co-worker at Pac-Man or team up to conquer a retro-style side-scroller.
GameOn’s massive selection of games and simulators has a challenge for everyone, whether you’re an arcade whiz or an absolute newbie. It’s about letting loose, tapping into your playful side, and building stronger bonds through shared laughter.
