Even though the Stardome is now named after a benefactor (can't be helped I guess), it is still as…read morecool as it ever was. The staff don't mind if you just wander in and have a look around and the foyer alone has enough to amuse the kiddies for at least half an hour, probably longer. During the school holidays they run all kinds of fun stuff and if you haven't been before, it's unlike anything else you can do around the town. You absolutely have to be organised and book in advance and maybe the movie is a bit dated, but it's fascinating and presented in a way that makes astronomy accessible to everyone - even 3 year olds. There's an arty crafty session where the kids get to make their own (artistically questionable) souvenir but the highlight is that the film is shown Cinema 180 style on the ceiling. A bit hard on the neck but SO worth it. You can hire the Stardome for functions but when I looked into booking it for an event, I ran in to the problem of how to keep kids from playing unsupervised in the lobby so that's something to consider. I'm ashamed to say I have never been here in the evening and actually looked through that giant telescope at the night sky. I intend to do it every Winter but late nights out in Winter just don't seem to happen. This is the year.

We were thinking about what show we should pick and have chosen "The winter sky". It was just…read moreamazing, to see what stats and planets we can see with our naked eye from Auckland. At least in good weather. After the show we went outside to see the Saturn through telescopes. Not the Zeiss one, but smaller. I saw the Saturn through the telescope for the first time and it was the biggest happy moment I have had in years! You can actually see the planet and the rings! Super cool! We haven't had a chance to use the Zeiss telescope because of the weather, but we are definitely going to do this next time.

As a massive nerd, I have to say, I'm so happy this place exists…read more Cakes and Ladders is, as far as I know, Auckland's only board game cafe. They have an impressive stock of board and card games--for adults and for families--the nicest, friendliest staff you could ask for, and a comfy interior setup for your hours of board gaming pleasure. The coffee is pretty decent as well, although none of my friends nor I have tried the food menu just yet. Here's how it works: you walk in, you pick a table, and the staff start your timer. Then you can either pick a game or have one recommended to you based on pretty much whatever criteria you want, and if it's a new game to you, the (again, wonderfully friendly) staff explain the rules and setup to you. Then you play--for hours, if you want. At $2.50 an hour, it's a steal. (Also, they're currently awaiting their liquor license, so although there's no alcohol there yet, just you wait. Craft beers are on their way!) They close at 10pm, I believe, at least on the weekends, but once the booze arrives, I'm hoping they stay open a wee bit later. I'm definitely going back, often.

This place is awesome!!! Came with my husband and had a great time. They have so many games!!!…read morePerfect for groups and for just 2 people. They have a specific shelf full of games that require only 2 players. A great way to spend an afternoon or evening. Can get noisey but adds to the fun.

MY LIFE!!!!!! Drove…read morepast the newly "rejuvenated and revitalized" course the other day, and all that was going through my head was..."Why?" I was like...they've just gone and completely ruined it". Read that what had been done so far was only part 1, ( high hopes that part 2 was the animals, the Hippo in particular, getting put back in their rightful and honorable places...) NUP! Part 2 is going to be a food cart. So to the owners..Was it too hard to just replace the astro turf?; fix and repaint the animals,the mushrooms, and the buildings?; plant new plants?; put up a roof? Yeah the place was showing it's age, but revitalizing something, doesnt always mean that what your revitalizing has to be completely replaced. I haven't played it, I don't want to play it, and neither has my partner, because we both think that what you have replaced the old courses with, is nothing but rubbish. You've gone ruined what were 2 already awesome courses, and the animals just added to it. ( no other course in New Zealand, had a Gorilla standing over a cave on the 18th hole ). #Disappointed R.I.P Hippo, Gorilla, Giraffe, Zebra, T.Rex, and Brontosaurus. GONE BUT NEVER FORGOTTEN!!!!

Fun golf course and very enjoyable however customer service at the desk while I was there was very…read morerude and arrogant. Lady was very judgemental and always complaining, not a good way to greet paying customers. Won't be back to play if she is still there serving with her bad attitude and comments that should be kept to herself.

The food is good. The staff are nice. But there is bird poop all over the tables. I think that if…read moreyou would go take some anti-bacterial wipes

Howick Historical Village is a superb family day out. Think of it as education disguised as fun for…read morethe kids, and fun disguised as education for the adults. Go on a 'live day' when people are wandering around in full costume, going about their daily business of spinning, making charcoal, or generally being ye olde villagers. There's a toy shop, a sweet shop, a school, a church, a waterwheel, and more, as well as a traditional Maori hut and lots of little houses filled with beautiful quilts - all of which you're free to explore. Don't miss out on the tea and scones they serve in the cafe, they're scrumptious.

Please don't judge me for this review. My significant other is mad on Warhammer (for those of you…read morenot in the know this is a sorta strategic war game using models as board pieces). I for one had never heard of it until we started dating but as they say there is a niche for everything, and Games Workshop caters for one of these. The store itself purveys wares related to games, collectibles and models with a special focus on Warhammer 40 K. The guys who work here at super knowledgeable, friendly and always trying to get you involved in store events (I prefer to be a silent supporter who is 'allowed' to help paint the models every once in a while) What's cool about this place is how it functions as a social club, there are tutorials and workshops held often and people are encouraged to meet up with their mates and challenge each other on the terrain which is available in-store. Perhaps my favourite thing about Games Workshop though is that it's right next door to some of my favourite shops on queen street, so it is more than easy to do the whole extraction mission without my partner even noticing I have gone.

This place is a gem. I can't believe it's just open to the public. Anyone can access it and it's…read moreabsolutely free. The roses are gorgeous. There are small restaurants where you can order take away and eat here or at a nearby park. You can smell the roses as soon as you start walking in the garden. This place is quite a distance from central Auckland, but it's worth a stop!

A stunning open to the public park with over 5000 roses. We explored the gardens, then meandered…read morealong the paths to the overlook above the water. Gorgeous, with plenty of benches so you can sit and appreciate the peace and beautiful that's absolutely free. Long expanses of green space make it a perfect place for children!

I really like Monterey Art Gallery - it's so nice to see independent dealerships in suburbia. The…read moregallery is welcoming and very relaxed, so you can feel free to stare in the window, or wander in and browse. Monterey specialise in contemporary art by New Zealanders, which (in my uneducated opinion) ranges from pieces that would have wide appeal, to more abstract or unusual things. It;s mostly paintings but they also have other works, like sculpture and gorgeous wee ceramics. It's a really nice place to buy a special present, and they also have a small but very tasteful range of greeting cards.

From the owner: Monterey Art Gallery specialises in paintings, ceramics, glass, sculpture and jewellery by NZ…read moreArtists. We offer in home consultation service, loan of Artworks on Approval, and friendly customer service.. We will help you find that special piece.

Awesome team @ the CBD branch A++ would recommend highly special salute to Oshyun, who was…read morehelpful as cheers

In some ways Timezone have blurred the line between traditional arcade gaming and more of a…read morecarnival style of entertainment. Quiet a few of their games are more interactive than your button bashing joystick classics. Some being extremely physical. When you see somebody who is really good at the dance game you cannot help but stare, the combination of their lightning fast dance moves and the lights and sounds coming out of the game machine is really quite striking. In true carnival fashion, some of their games do not work through simulated graphics but are purely mechanical. There is a basketball game where you shoot hoops for prizes, and other kinds of strategy games which require real physical skill. I find that these more physically interactive games gives the place a a much more festive atmosphere. Go there if your're young or if you have young.

Great new live venue. Awesome staff who know their drinks. Has an outdoor area with views of the…read morecity. I had a fun night of live music and interesting folks, recommend to all.

Cool "underground" venue. Came here to see a great DnB DJ, which I enjoyed very much. The drink…read moreprices are reasonable, typical club prices. There is a lot of room. There is NO COAT CHECK, which was annoying, but at least no one stole my coat. Nice staff.