What's open on New Year's Day in Auckland?

Good news for shopaholics who like to nurse a fuzzy head with a spot of retail therapy, Auckland malls are open today, albeit not all of them. Sylvia Park is open 9am–7pm; Westfield malls such as Albany and St Lukes are open 10am-6pm, as is Commercial Bay. If you were looking for a New Year’s Day bargain at Manawa Bay, you’ll have to wait until January 2 when it reopens from 10am. For smaller shops and independent stores, it’s best to ring ahead and check before you leave to avoid disappointment.

Restaurants and bars

Central Auckland is a safe bet for a good munch (or the hair of the dog if you’re game) on New Year’s Day but don’t forget it’ll be busy and you may want to book ahead. Commercial Bay’s popular hangouts – from the food court to the uber-fancy restaurants – are open between 7am and 11.30pm, depending on the establishment. Restaurants such as Ahi are open for dinner only from 5pm so we can’t stress enough the importance to ring and inquire. Places such as Amano in the CBD are also open, as are myriad bars in the Wynyard Quarter such as Wynyard Pavillion and Holey Moley in the Viaduct. However, not everywhere in the CBD is open for business so don’t get caught out. Eateries like Depot on Federal St are closed until January 3. For a safer bet, try hotel restaurants such as Advieh Restaurant and Bar at the Intercontinental, or for a drink with a view, the HI-SO Rooftop Bar is open from 3pm.

READ MORE: Viva’s Top 60 Auckland Restaurants Summer Hours & Closure Dates

Museums and art galleries

If the weather starts to look a little sketchy on the first day of the new year, Auckland Art Gallery is open every day except Christmas Day between 10am and 5pm. Auckland War Memorial Museum is also open from 9am until 5pm and the New Zealand Maritime Museum opens 10am–5pm, with final entry at 4pm. Further afield you’ll find Torpedo Bay Navy Museum in Devonport open 10am–5pm (complete with excellent cafe and playground) as well as Motat in Western Springs (10am–4pm). Places that are closed today include Howick Historical Village.

Family-friendly activities

You’ll need to keep the kids entertained today, regardless of how little sleep you’ve had. Fortunately, this won’t prove to be an additional headache in Auckland – plenty is open today. Popular swimming pools such as Albany Stadium Pool and Parnell Baths operate from 11am-7pm and 8am-8pm respectively. If your little ones are fond of a splash pad, head to Stanmore Bay Pool between 11am and 6.30pm or Lloyd Elsmore Park Pool and Leisure Centre in Pakuranga from 11am-6.45pm.

For New Year’s Day animal encounters, Auckland Zoo is open from 9.30am-5.30pm but Sea Life Kelly Tarlton’s is closed January 1 and 2. It will reopen on Friday, January 3.

Alternative ideas include the All Blacks Experience in central Auckland (open 9.30am-5pm) and Live Wire Sylvia Park and Super Park Birkenhead, which are open all day.