What’s on at your place these holidays
Spending time at home these holidays is on the agenda for a lot of families
If it feels as if holidays are more of the same this time around, we hear you. We have put together some ideas for you to help keep your kids occupied at home during these holidays.
Playhouse Ideas For Kids
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Top 10 Christmas Movies The Family Will Love
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Spring Activities To Get The Kids Outside
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Exploring Aotearoa
If you are able, it’s a great time to explore our own beautiful country and make the most of what we have on offer – which is a lot!
Made To Share Nature Experiences In Aotearoa
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Mini Itinerary: 4 Days On South Island’s West Coast
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Explore The World Without Leaving New Zealand
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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.
Before you go, be sure to check any Covid restrictions that may be in place at your destination of choice – and don’t forget to mask up and scan in!
A Boy Called Christmas
The origin story of Father Christmas re-imagined
Bring the whole family to this new festive film that re-imagines the origin story of Father Christmas. Based on the best-selling book, a boy name Nikolas sets out on an extraordinary adventure into the snowy north in search of his father, taking with him a headstrong reindeer called Blitzen and a loyal pet mouse.
Nikolas soon meets his destiny in this magical comic and endearing story.
Olaf Presents now streaming on Disney+
In cinemas from 18 November 2021
In a cinema near you from 31 December 2021
Now streaming on Netflix and Apple+
School holiday activities
Looking to make a saving on your school holiday fun? Check out some of our favourite family deals on activities and backyard breaks here.
See company websites for T&Cs
Put Kiwi kids’ energy to good use for FREE
Location: online at mindlabkids.com
Cost: Free
What: The Genesis School-gen programme and Mind Lab Kids have got together to offer kids all over New Zealand FREE access to fun, interactive activities that encourage creative thinking and learning while they’re at home. Kids can access a safe online space that has been developed by educators where they can create, innovate and share their creations and be in to win cool prizes!
Five Nights of Festive Fun at MOTAT’S drive in movies
Location: MOTAT, 805 Great North Rd, Western Springs, Auckland
When: 17 Dec – Die Hard (M), 18 Dec – Home Alone (PG), 22 Dec – Elf (PG), 23 Dec – How the Grinch Stole Christmas (PG), 24 Dec – The Polar Express (G)
Cost: $30 per car
What:
As a famous Grinch once said, “Maybe Christmas doesn’t come from a store. Maybe Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more”. So grab the Whānau and friends, load up the car with snacks and spend some quality time in front of NZ’s largest outdoor screen plus enjoy, food trucks, light displays and a special visit by Santa! Note this event will go ahead at Orange and Green in the Covid-19 Protection Framework
Launch Pad Trampoline Park – Christchurch
Location: 43 Langdons Road, Papanui, Christchurch
When: daily throughout the holidays
Cost: from $17
What: Launch Pad is Christchurch’s most newest trampoline park! Enjoy with friends, family, birthday parties, or other special occasions. From tiny tots to following your olympic dreams, Launch Pad is fun for everyone!
Fun and educational STEAM focused activities
Location: Tūranga and various Libraries around Christchurch
When: weekdays throughout the holidays
Cost: prices vary
What: Imagination Station Holiday Brick School and other great STEAM-based holiday activities for kids available in various Christchurch locations.
Top Queenstown picks
Queenstown’s fun and high-energy activity destination
Location: in the heart of Queenstown at 53 Shotover Street
When: Daily
What: Step into Thrillzone for an awesome range of exciting and adrenaline-fuelled indoor and outdoor attractions that cater to all ages. Enjoy the latest VR technology, a range of indoor action-packed gaming scenarios, DX Race Car Simulator, UV blacklight mini golf, 12D motion theatre and more!
We make people happy!
iFLY Indoor Skydiving Queenstown
Location: 27 Brecon Street, Queenstown (on the way to the Gondola)
When: all weather, 7 days a week, well into the evening
What: Watch your little ones build confidence and smile as they experience the ultimate feeling of flight with iFLY, Queenstown’s Superhero Flying Academy. Simulating the freefall of skydiving in our vertical wind tunnel, iFLY is fun and safe for anyone aged 5 – 105. #skydivingapprovedbymum.
Family Pack only $299 – Includes 8 flights shared with up to 4 people, on sale now!
Shotover Jet – NZ’s ultimate thrill ride!
Location: Shotover Jet Beach, Arthurs Point (just ten minutes from central Queenstown)
When: 7 days a week (weather permitting), with our jet boats operating hourly from 10am until 4pm
What: Experience fast wall-to-wall canyon action and exciting spins on the thrilling Shotover Jet boat ride in Queenstown! Make the most of the epic family pass offer these school holidays – just $299 for two adults and two children – and create family memories you’ll never forget.
Active indoor entertainment for everyone
Location: Basecamp Adventures Queenstown, 3/15 Red Oak Drive, Frankton
When: every day throughout the holidays
Cost: $15 preschoolers, $25 everyone else
What: Indoor climbing has never been easier or safer than at Clip ‘n Climb. There are lots of climbs to tackle and when you are done, the automatic belay devices lower you gently and safely to the ground – no previous climbing experience is necessary! Add to the fun by taking a Leap of Faith onto our flying trapeze or plunge down the Vertical Drop Slide.
A-maze-ing fun in Queenstown
Location: 57 Shotover Street in the heart of Queenstown
When: Holidays daily 10am to 9pm (10pm on Saturdays)
Cost: Kids under 15 just $22
What: Enjoy an adventure where all your senses are challenged with quirky physical obstacles, illusions, lighting effects, scents, sound effects and strange sensations. Have fun with your senses, explore the different spaces at your own pace, and prepare to be a-maze-d! Recommended for 8+ years.
Support local
Spend these school holidays supporting Kiwi companies
Local businesses need our support now more than ever, so these school holidays we’re encouraging our families and each other to get out and back Kiwi’s. See some of our favourite family activities and school holiday programmes below + search for options in your area in our wider directory.
