Rainbow’s End theme park features thrill rides, cinemas, children’s entertainment and classic amusement rides such as carousels and bumper cars.
The thrill rides generally attract the biggest crowds, so plan to get there early to avoid the lines for these rides. Experience the G forces as you strap into the spinning disc of The Invader, a roller coaster with 263 feet (80 meters) of track. Ride the Power Surge and find yourself strapped onto a chair at the end of a mechanical arm and spinning in every direction. Plummet 18 stories at 50 miles per hour (80 kilometers per hour) on the Fearfall. Loop the loop on the twists of the Corkscrew roller coaster, or jump onto the gold-mine-themed coaster, Gold Rush, for an underground adventure.
Families will enjoy dueling on the water in the Bumper Boats, and on the track with one- and two-seater go-karts. Kidz Kingdom is a section of the park designed with the little ones in mind. The slower rides and roaming costumed characters are great for children under eight.
There are two movie theaters at Rainbow’s End. A 3-D movie theater shows family-friendly films such as Happy Feet several times a day, while a second theater shows 12-minute films on a screen that curves 180-degrees so you feel like you’re part of the action.
Rainbow’s End is open every day of the year except Christmas Day. Rides run to a schedule on weekdays during school terms, when the park is generally quieter. Pick up a timetable at the main entrance or check online to find out what’s on. Some of the on-site cafés and restaurants are also closed during these times.
Purchase tickets as a single pass or as part of an Auckland Multipass, which includes entry to five of Auckland’s attractions.Rainbow’s End is located in Manukau, a 20-minute drive from central Auckland. Buses and trains run from central Auckland to Rainbow’s End, and those traveling with a car can park on-site for free. The 23-acre (9.3-hectare) theme park is busiest on school holidays.