Jordan McCraeLet’s be honest, Auckland summers can be brutal. Between the relentless sun and humidity that makes you feel like a melting popsicle, sometimes you just need an escape. So, forget “hot girl summer” – this year, it’s all about “soaked and satisfied summer” at Auckland’s best waterparks.
Grab your swimsuit (and maybe a waterproof case for those epic wipeout photos) and get ready to make a splash. We’re showing you which waterparks in Auckland will give you the ultimate escape from the summer heat!
Vector Wero Whitewater Park
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Location: 770 Great South Road, Wiri, Auckland 2104, New Zealand
Contact: +64 9 913 5251
Admission cost: Free to enter
Opening hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM
What sets Vector Wero Whitewater Park apart? Well, it’s the sheer variety of experiences on offer. Whether you’re in it for the adrenaline rush of navigating the Grade 3 to 4 rapids or taking your first timid paddle in a kayak, this place has you covered.
And for those of you who think you’ve seen it all, have you ever surfed on a man-made river wave? Thought not. It’s the aquatic equivalent of finding a unicorn!
Potters Park
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Location: 173 Balmoral Road, Mount Eden, Auckland 1024, New Zealand
Contact: +64 9 301 0101
Admission cost: Free
Opening hours: Open 24 hours
Potters Park is home to Auckland’s first-ever splash pad – think water jets, tipping buckets, and a whole lot of refreshing fun. Perfect for kiddos (and adults who want to feel like kids again!).
It’s not just about getting wet though, as this park has a fantastic playground, accessible toilets, and plenty of space for picnics and playtime. Want to get those legs moving? Try the cycling track that’s perfect for beginners or take a scenic stroll around the park.
Accessibility is another feather in its cap. Located conveniently in the center of Auckland, it’s a breeze to get to – making it an easy choice for a spontaneous day out.
Parakai Springs
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Location: 150 Parkhurst Road, Parakai 0830, New Zealand
Contact: +64 9 420 8998
Admission cost:
- Babies – $4
- Toddlers (2 to 4 years old) – $10 per person
- Child (5 to 15 years old) – $18 per person
- Adult (16 years and older) – $18 per person
Opening hours:
- Sunday to Thursday – 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM
- Friday to Saturday – 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Forget crowded waterparks filled with the same old slides – Parakai Springs offers a warm and welcoming splash of something different. This Auckland gem taps into naturally heated geothermal waters, so even on a cooler day, you’ll be basking in the cozy pools.
Plus, they’ve got a huge outdoor pool that’s perfect for lounging, and if you’re after an adrenaline hit, you can’t miss their two iconic hydro-slides! Need a moment of pure relaxation? Their indoor pool is always heated to a blissful 40°C.
Now, if those aren’t enough – this place also offers private spas for when you want to truly unwind and plenty of grassy areas for picnics. There are also gas BBQs for hire!
Waterworld Aquapark
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Location: 106 Tamaki Drive, Mission Bay, Auckland 1071, New Zealand
Contact: +64 27 529 5408
Admission cost:
- Online booking – $22 per person
- Walk-ins – $25 per person
Opening hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM
This floating waterpark is the perfect way to channel your inner child, with giant slides, trampolines, and obstacle courses all bobbing on the water. Here, you can race your friends down the slippery slopes or test your balance as you try to conquer the inflatable mountains.
And let’s not forget the wave pool – a crowd favorite. Whether you want to body surf, float on a tube, or just let the waves carry you gently, the wave pool offers a beach-like experience that’s truly hard to beat.
Best part? This waterpark changes locations throughout the summer, so you can catch it on stunning Auckland beaches like Hamilton’s Bay Reserve or even the vibrant waterfront at Milford Reserve.
Auckland Adventure Park
– Media from @TopviewNz
Location: 2104 East Coast Road, Stillwater 0932, New Zealand
Contact: +64 9 426 5555
Admission cost:
- Adult pass (15 years and older) – $49 per person
- Adventurer pass (9 to 14 years old) – $38 per person
Opening hours:
- Wednesday to Friday – 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
- Saturday to Sunday – 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
This place is all about unique and thrill-a-minute experiences. Here, you’ll soar through the air on the reverse bungy, tackle the adrenaline-pumping luge, or get lost in a mind-bending 4D cinema adventure.
For the younger crowd, there’s an undercover play area overflowing with amusement rides and a giant soft playground to burn off endless energy.
And if you happen to visit during those sizzling summer months, brace yourself for the Big Slip. It’s a massive waterslide that delivers a refreshing dose of good times. So, if you’re ready to ditch the ordinary and embrace a park packed with thrills, this is your spot!
