Fun activities for smart kids in New Zealand

"You can visit the Stardome Observatory day or night, rain or shine to experience the wraparound sky and special effects of a planetarium. Each clear evening you may also see planets, double stars, glowing gas nebulae, or lunar craters through their amazing telescopes. "

"Auckland War Memorial Museum is my top pick for kids on a rainy day, with loads of parking, a cafe with decent coffee and endless exhibitions to explore. Weird & Wonderful is a favourite in our family, with new oddities to discover on every visit. And for most of us - it’s free!"

"In our family visits to Auckland Zoo are a big deal and happen on a very regular basis. It is definitely one of our happy places on a sunny winter’s afternoon, when you are highly likely to see more than a few animals soaking up the warm rays along with the visitors. Check their website for animal encounter times when you can pop in and see your favourite friends up close and personal, you might even get to feed them if you’re lucky!"

"Manukau City's public art gallery, Te Tuhi Centre for the Arts, is a huge space that includes multiple shows and a great café. It plays host to changing exhibitions, classes, school holiday programmes and more."

"MOTAT is one of my favourite places to take kids, and the fact that their trams take you around the periphery of the Zoo and Western Springs Lakeside makes it even better. A sunny day can be spent without needing to jump in the car, and the buzz of a tram ride never seems to grow old."