It’s time to plan your school holiday fun
Discover the best school holiday activities in New Zealand for kids and families, with fun ideas, events, and experiences to keep everyone entertained.
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The Classic Kiwi Family Holiday Bucket List
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What’s on these school holidays?
There’s so much fun to be had these school holidays – check out what’s on offer.
(Refer to venue websites for terms and conditions)
Aim for the stars this summer!
This summer, enjoy astronomy shows, stargazing, telescopes, and school holiday fun at Te Whatu Stardome, Auckland’s planetarium.
School holiday daytime planetarium shows are just $12! Plus there’s water bottle rocket launching running at 11am, 12.30pm, 2pm, and 3.30pm (weather dependent). For younger viewers, weekend morning shows are just 30 minutes long (tickets $10/$8). Choose from a range of fascinating and entertaining shows or explore the cosmos year-round with a Stardome annual pass.
NZ animated series BIGSIES AND LITTLES is a winner for kids!
Bigsies and Littles is a tender, funny, animated series about friendship, curiosity, and the small lessons that make a big life. The series is made entirely in Aotearoa, for Kiwi kids and their parents to enjoy together.
Set in a picturesque New Zealand bay, best friends Big Blue and Little Blue explore everyday wonders with warmth, humour and song. From trying to bring the tide back in so they can swim to never wanting to whistle like the other birds – the stories are both hilarious and relatable to tamariki, while being told with some seriously beautiful animation.
Each episode also features a song, all available on Spotify and other music streaming platforms, which are destined to turn into New Zealand family favourites.
School’s out, climbing is in!
Join A Northern Rocks school holiday program to keep the kids active, engaged, having fun, and learning new skills. Full day programs are lead by experienced coaches and offer fun climbing games, body movement and literacy, the essential skills of bouldering, yoga, team building activities and of course, loads of fun!
$99 per person
Sibling discount: $89 per person for 2+ children in the same family
Flexible drop off / pick up times on request
Summer is here at BOUNCE – let’s celebrate!
Bounce into the ultimate school holiday fun with epic activities for every age. From high-energy play to unforgettable hangouts with friends, BOUNCE is the perfect way to kick off summer adventures.
Three venues across Auckland: Avondale, North Shore and Takanini
Party, play, and plan your best summer yet – book your spot today!
Fun-filled school holiday fun at Thrillzone
Your kids will have the time of their life at Thrillzone’s new School Holiday Programme! Perfect for keeping kids entertained and engaged with thrilling activities all day long. Book half or full days to suit your needs. Activities include:
🔫 Tactical Laser Tag
🏚️ Escape Games (Indoor, Outdoor and Virtual Reality)
🎮 State-of-the-art Virtual Reality Experiences
🏎️ Race Car Simulators
🥳 and more!
Holiday fun that rocks!
Head to Northern Rocks and climb in your own time, anytime – no need to book, just turn up! First time climbers get 2 free weeks of climbing after their first paid visit – great for the school holidays! It’s great fun for the whole family. Stay for a few hours or all day!
Enjoy refreshments and snacks or bring your lunch. Book a coach for an hour to get the most from your visit.
Spotlight on …
Paradice Ice Skating
What’s on screen these school holidays?
What’s on the small home screen and the big movie screen? Whether you’re relaxing at home or heading out to the cinema, there are some great new movies and TV shows out.
In cinemas from 18 December 2025
Streaming on Neon from 15 December 2025
In cinemas from 26 December 2025
Streaming on Disney+ from 10 December 2025
School holiday fun at home
Crafts, baking, games, and more … make the most of the holidays to enjoy some fun activities.
Support local
Support Kiwi businesses these school holidays
Local businesses need our support, so these school holidays we’re encouraging everyone to get out and back Kiwis. See some of our favourite family activities and school holiday programmes below, plus search for options in your area in our wider directory.
