It’s time to plan your family holiday fun
The end of the school year is here! The summer school holidays are the perfect time to make some wonderful family memories. Whether you are out and about exploring the motu, or planning a staycation, we have you covered!
Check out our great range of holiday activities and destinations – there’s something for every family.
What’s on screens these holidays
What’s on the small home screen, and the big movie screen? Whether you are heading out to the local movie theatre, or relaxing at home, there are some great new movies out.
Playing in a cinema near you now
In cinemas from Boxing Day
In cinemas from Boxing Day
Series streaming on Netflix from 28 December
Check out what’s on near you
There’s so much fun to be had these holidays – check out what’s on offer around the motu. (See company websites for T&Cs)
SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton’s Junior Penguin Keepers
Location: SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton’s, 23 Tamaki Drive, Orakei, Auckland
When: 16 December 2023 – 31 January 2024
Calling all Junior Penguin Keepers – school holidays are here! Learn the ins and outs of caring for the coolest creatures in town. Visit SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton’s from the 16th of December for an interactive experience at their penguin check-up area. Transform into a penguin keeper for the day and perform a routine check up on a penguin plushie and receive your Junior Penguin Keeper certificate.
Summer Holiday Experience at MOTAT
Location: MOTAT, 805 Great North Road & 98 Motions Road, Western Springs, Auckland
When: 3 -26 January 2024 | 10am – 4pm
Pull it together with the science of tension these summer holidays at MOTAT! Discover the technology behind tension with iconic Kiwi inventions like springfree trampolines, bungee jumping, poi and whai string games. Get the heart racing with activities like tug of war, slacklining and tetherball. Test your strength with an outdoor inflated bungee run course, or climb sky-high with a rock-climbing wall during LIVE DAY: Cycling.
Celebrate 100 years of Auckland Zoo
Location: Auckland Zoo, Motions Road, Western Springs, Auckland
When: 9.30am to 5.30pm daily.
Last entry at 4:30pm – Open every day except Christmas Day
By visiting Auckland Zoo, you make a real and tangible contribution to the zoo’s conservation work here and in the wild. Over the last 100 years since opening its doors to Tāmaki Makaurau, they have evolved to become an active conservation organisation and have welcomed over 28 million visitors to connect with nature, community, and wildlife. Join in the celebrations and give a gift to wildlife.
Discover plenty of family fun at Sylvia Park
Location: Sylvia Park Shopping Centre, 286 Mt Wellington Highway, Auckland
What: Find more family fun at Sylvia Park these school holidays and discover:
- Your next escape at Hoyts Cinema
- A whole new world with virtual reality at Live Wire
- Your softer side at Build-a-Bear
- Uncover your putt style at Lilliputt Minigolf
- Even more Flavours to savour
There’s plenty to keep everyone entertained at Sylvia Park – so make a day of it!
Gardens Magic is back!
Location: Botanic Gardens, 101 Glenmore Street, Kelburn, Wellington
What: Gardens Magic is back in January 2024 with a Concert Series, Light Display, Kids Garden Trail, and Kids Explorer Days.
- Enjoy a free, fun summer’s day out with the kids, exploring the Kids Garden Trail. Discover the flora and fauna of the gardens, plus hidden scenes, photo opportunities at each station, and an activity sheet to complete.
- Kids Explorer Days will run on three Wednesdays in January, in the Discovery Garden.
- The iconic Gardens Magic Concert Series will fill the summer nights with sounds of the capital’s talent. Concerts are on Tuesday-Sunday each week.
- After the sun sets, see the gardens transform with a magical light display.
Send the kids to Antarctica!
Location: International Antarctic Centre, 38 Orchard Road, Christchurch
What: Adventure, fun, excitement, and enlightenment – the International Antarctic Centre has it all these holidays. Enrol your child(ren) in an Antarctic Academy Programme to entertain and educate with three options available including penguins and huskies!
Discover the Little Blue Penguins, ride the Hägglund, find out how to survive in Antarctica, go exploring around the centre, play games and much more!
More school holiday fun
Crafts, baking, games, and more …
Make the most of the holidays to enjoy some fun activities.
Support local
Spend these school holidays supporting Kiwi businesses
Local businesses need our support, so these school holidays we’re encouraging our families and each other 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.