5 Weird Things To Do In Auckland, New Zealand

Everyone who knows Auckland knows about the Sky Tower. Many people adore Waiheke Island, while others relish the local parks and art galleries. If you’re wanting to add something unique and quirky to your New Zealand travel experience, here are nine gems you’ll find in the country’s largest city.

* Float your worries away

Spa pampering is great and all, but Float Culture takes zen to a whole new level. Spend an hour inside a futuristic pod that is designed to make you feel completely weightless. Water is set at skin temperature and consists of an extremely saturated Epsom salt solution. As you choose your favourite music to listen to, and block out all surrounding distractions, you’ll feel all your troubles literally floating away.

* Vegan high tea

Hectors Restaurant at the Heritage Hotel offers a new twist to high tea. After winning the crowds over with chef Jinu Abraham’s raw breakfasts, the restaurant decided to add vegan options to their high tea menu – think sultana scones, chia mousse, wholemeal sandwiches and mini falafels. Bookings are essential and need to made a day in advance.

* Volunteer in a pest-free island

Do some good and spend some time getting close to nature. The Department of Conservation hosts volunteer days on many of Auckland’s pest-free paradises. Tree planting in Motuora Island, helping with the upkeep of Tiritiri Matangi and becoming a camp host on Great Barrier Island are among the different opportunities to look out for.

* Become a zombie

BodyFX holds regular makeup workshops in Auckland and Wellington. The FX-Zombie school in particular will teach you, in a space of five hours, how to turn yourself into an absolutely terrifying zombie. A special FXpaste, latex, paints, clay, prosthetics among various other materials and techniques are used to teach people how to create the perfect look. There are non-zombie workshops too, including an introductory face-painting course, body art and an epic session on scars and wounds.

* Make your own Great Escape Building

Ideal for groups of 3-6 people, the Great Escape is another popular choice for team-building with a thrill factor. You and your friends will be given an hour to solve puzzles as you get yourselves out of a locked room. Creativity, collaboration and a hint of common sense will help you break free. There are four different rooms to choose from: Prison Break, the Psych Ward, Dreams of Alice and the World War II inspired Behind the Enemy Lines.