If you're looking for something special to do with Dad, check out these great options.  

Autos to automatons

What dad doesn’t love classic cars? Head to MOTAT for Wild Wheels, a fun family day out featuring car clubs from across Auckland.

Mechanically-minded men will also be fascinated by the Da Vinci Machines exhibition.

While you’re there: Stroll through Western Springs Park and observe the birdlife – if you’re lucky, spring hatchlings will be about!

Foodie fun

If you’re planning on making a celebratory breakfast or lunch, be sure to stock up on ingredients the day before at a farmers’ market, like these ones in Takanini and Parnell.

Or you could treat Dad to something really decadent – theChocolate and Coffee Show at The Cloud brings together the finest of these two vices New Zealand has to offer. 

While you’re there: Soak up the sun at the end of Queen’s Wharf, or head along to Wynyard Quarter and the Silo Park markets.

For the history buffs

A trip to Auckland Museum is great family fun – but with dads in mind, you could check out the Home Front exhibition, which brings to the surface some of the less-considered perspectives of the First World War.

You can also take a look at the Treaty of Waitangi exhibit to find out more about a document that continues to shape our country.

While you’re there: Visit the Wintergardens for some heart-warming floral spring cheer.

Unleash Dad’s artistic side

Catch the last day of an exhibition of John Pusateri’s hyper-realistic paintings, or check out the work of Berlin-based Japanese artistYukihiro Taguchi.

Or, if Dad’s more in the market to buy, he’ll be thrilled for the chance to visit The Great Art Sale in Takapuna.

While you’re there: Blow out the cobwebs with a walk along Takapuna or Milford Beach.

For the musos

Witness the spectacle of the Auckland Town Hall organ in action, or if Dad’s got a bit of a romantic side, you can’t go past the classics ofEngelbert Humperdinck.

While you’re there: The CBD has plenty of spots to spend an hour or two – Auckland Art Gallery, Auckland Central Library and Myers Park are all a stone’s throw away.

More than words

Here’s a more creative way to say “I love you, Dad” – bring him along to Pizza & Poetry on Father's Day.

Also out west, you can take in a performance of Sham, which is part of the Going West Books and Writers Festival.