Homeschool Auckland
Homeschooling in Auckland
9 local places and programs we've checked for homeschool families in Auckland โ museums, libraries, nature programs, excursions and local groups. Programs, dates and prices change, so check each provider's site before you plan a visit.
New to homeschooling in Auckland? Start with our guide to the rules, browse the full New Zealand resource directory, or read about finding groups and co-ops.
Reading activities
- FreeAll ages
Auckland Libraries membership
Free library membership for Auckland residents, with membership types for kids and teens, online sign-up and access to eResources including learning databases. Libraries also run school holiday events and a summer reading programme for ages 5โ12.
Visit aucklandlibraries.govt.nz โ (opens in a new tab)
Science experiments
- PaidAll ages
Te Whatu Stardome Observatory and Planetarium
Planetarium shows and a free exhibition gallery in One Tree Hill Domain, plus education visits for preschool to secondary groups and school holiday sessions. Public planetarium shows do not run during weekday school hours, so groups should book ahead; check the site for current dates and prices.
Visit stardome.org.nz โ (opens in a new tab)
Arts and crafts
- FreeAges 3โ18
Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tฤmaki education programmes
Free educator-led and self-guided programmes from early childhood to tertiary, with primary sessions that pair time in the galleries with art-making in the studio. Programmes are booked by schools, so ask whether a home-education group can book.
Visit aucklandartgallery.com โ (opens in a new tab)
Educational excursions
- Free + paid optionsAges 5โ18
New Zealand Maritime Museum education programmes
Facilitated programmes, self-guided trails and on-water experiences at the museum on Auckland's waterfront, on topics such as Pacific voyaging, immigration, floating and sinking, and shipwrecks. Programmes are written for schools, so ask whether a home-education group can book; check the site for current dates and prices.
Visit maritimemuseum.co.nz โ (opens in a new tab) - PaidAges 4โ18
SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton's school visits
School visits to the aquarium at ลrฤkei, with options for self-directed visits, classroom sessions with a marine biologist and semi-guided tours. Visits are booked through the education team as school groups, so ask whether a home-education group can book; check the site for current prices.
Visit visitsealife.com โ (opens in a new tab) - PaidAges 5โ13
Howick Historical Village education programmes
Hands-on history programmes set in a recreated colonial village from the mid-1800s, run on weekdays during term with half-day and full-day options. Programmes have a minimum group size, so home-education families may need to combine; check the site for current dates and prices.
Visit fencible.org.nz โ (opens in a new tab)
Outdoor learning
- Free + paid optionsAges 5โ13
Auckland Botanic Gardens education
Curriculum-based garden sessions at the Manurewa gardens, such as plant life cycles, garden pests and harakeke weaving, plus self-guided visits. Sessions are priced per student and booked by schools, so ask whether a home-education group can book; check the site for current prices.
Visit aucklandbotanicgardens.co.nz โ (opens in a new tab) - Free + paid optionsAges 5โ18
Auckland Council Learning Through Experience programmes
Curriculum-based sessions run by Auckland Council at regional parks and the botanic gardens for Years 0โ13, covering native ecosystems, gardening and local history. Sessions are written for schools, so ask whether a home-education group can book; check the site for current prices.
Visit aucklandcouncil.govt.nz โ (opens in a new tab) - Free + paid optionsAges 5โ18
Arataki Visitor Centre school visits
Free self-guided visits to the Waitฤkere Ranges visitor centre for Years 1โ13, with live native invertebrate and gecko displays and nature trails. A guided programme on local histories, shared with mana whenua, is also offered for a fee; ask whether a home-education group can book.
Visit aucklandcouncil.govt.nz โ (opens in a new tab)
How homeschooling works in Auckland
Homeschooling is legal in New Zealand when your child holds an exemption from enrolment from the Ministry of Education.
Homeschooling in Auckland: common questions
Is homeschooling legal in Auckland?
Yes. Homeschooling is legal in New Zealand when your child holds an exemption from enrolment from the Ministry of Education.
Where can homeschoolers go for excursions in Auckland?
Options we've checked include New Zealand Maritime Museum education programmes, Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tฤmaki education programmes and Auckland Botanic Gardens education. Many programs are designed for school groups, so ask whether homeschool families or groups can book, and check current dates and prices.
Do libraries in Auckland help homeschoolers?
Libraries we've listed for Auckland include Auckland Libraries membership. Check each library's site for membership, programs and online learning resources that homeschool families can use.
Can I get homeschool tutoring in Auckland?
Many families use a tutor for a tricky subject, senior study or test preparation. Our homeschool tutoring guide explains when it helps and what to ask. Success Tutoring runs learning centres around New Zealand โ check successtutoring.com for a centre near Auckland.
Extra help in Auckland
If your child needs support in a particular subject, our homeschool tutoring guide explains when a tutor helps and what to ask before you sign up.