It’s time to plan your family holiday fun
The autumn school holidays are the perfect time to make some wonderful family memories. Whether you’re 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.
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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)
Join the mission to protect our turtles!
Location: 23 Tamaki Drive, Orakei, Auckland, 1071
When: 12-27 April 2025, 9.30am to 5pm
What: These April school holidays, join SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton’s turtle rescue team! Grab your official patrol booklet at admissions and assist with preparation to release your turtle back into the ocean. Visit the weighing, feeding, hydration, X-Ray and first swim challenges boards along your journey through the aquarium and complete your answers in your booklet. Once you have completed the activity trail, visit the gift shop to be awarded your certificate!
Calling all miners these school holidays!
Location: Sky Tower, Victoria Street West, Auckland CBD
When: Daily from 12 to 27 April
What: Venture up the Sky Tower for some pixelated family fun ⛏️
Hunt the Diamond Ores, chill out at the Level 53 Game Zone and let imaginations run wild at the Ground Floor Building Block Overworld!
Enjoy $12 all-day parking when visiting Sky Tower during the school holidays.
Hit the slopes for the school holidays!
Location: Snowplanet, 91 Small Road, Silverdale, Auckland
When: 14-18 April or 21-25 April, 9-11am or 2-4pm
What: Snowplanet’s 5-day April School Holiday Programs offer the perfect opportunity for your child to learn the fundamentals of skiing or snowboarding! With expert instruction from the friendly Ski & Board School team, they’ll develop new skills, build confidence on the snow, and make lasting friendships. Children will be grouped by age, skill level, and their choice of skiing or snowboarding, ensuring a fun and supportive learning environment.
Experience the wonder of the Lost Dogs’ Disco!
Location: Aotea Square, 291-297 Queen Street, Auckland
When: 4 – 25 April 2025, 24/7
Cost: Free
What: Bring the whānau to Aotea Square and explore the enchanting world of the Lost Dogs’ Disco!
Presented by Auckland Live, this is a FREE vibrant, immersive installation by ENESS, Australia’s multi-award-winning art and technology studio, that’s fun for all ages. Opens Friday 4th April for three weeks only. Come on down – dogs on leashes are welcome!
Let the kids run wild with fun these school holidays!
Location: Auckland, Bay of Plenty, Waikato, Wellington
When: 14 to 27 April 2025
What: Star Group are bringing the best kids’ activities to your local these school holidays while you sit back and relax.
✔️ Kids Day Out offers a range of activities from balloon animals to adorable animal encounters. It’s free to join in!
✔️ $20 kids pizza classes let the bambinos take charge in the kitchen with their very own pizza-making station!
✔️ Win bragging rights by taking part in family quiz nights.
✔️ The Star Social school holiday colouring competition is back.
Each venue has a different lineup of activities, so be sure to check what’s happening near you!
Make magical memories these school holidays at Rainbow’s End!
Location: 2 Clist Crescent, Manukau City Centre, Auckland 2104
When: School Holidays – 10am to 5pm, 12-27 April 2025
Cost: All school holiday activities are included in general admission.
What: Enjoy all your favourite rides plus family-friendly fun with a mobile farmyard, face painting, and an epic treasure hunt with awesome prizes! Rainbow’s End is open every day these school holidays – plus select nights for Twilight and Night Rides! Book your tickets now for the ultimate family day out.
Dinosaurs have moved in at Auckland Zoo
Location: Motions Road, Western Springs, Auckland, 1022
When: Until 31 October, daily from 10am
What: Travel back in time on the Auckland Zoo Dinosaur Discovery Track to experience some awe-inspiring creatures that lived up to 250 million years ago, and learn about their connections with animals cared for at the Zoo today. The replica dinosaurs move and roar (some even spit water!). Entry is free with your Zoo ticket or Auckland Zoo Membership.
Special Dinosaur Pass Membership offer! Available for purchase until 30 June 2025, a Dinosaur Pass membership gives you unlimited entry to the entire Zoo, including the Dinosaur Discovery Track for six months from date of purchase.
International Antarctic Centre
Location: 38 Orchard Road, Christchurch
When: 9am to 4.30pm, 7 days a week
Cost: Grab an annual family membership for 12 months of fun! From $224
What: Visit this incredible, award-winning attraction to experience the mystery and excitement of Antarctica!
Visitors can brave an Antarctic storm in the Storm Dome, embark on an all-terrain adventure with the Hägglund Field Trip, and enjoy immersive films in the HD and 4D theatres. The centre also features a Penguin Rescue facility, providing insights into the care of Little Blue Penguins, and a Husky Zone, where guests can interact with huskies.
Wellington Museum
Location: 3 Jervois Quay, Queens Wharf, Wellington
When: 10am to 5pm, 7 days a week
Cost: NZ residents get free entry
What: Make discoveries about Wellington’s people, art, and environment through toi and taonga from the museum collection and tamariki activities.
In the historic 1892 Bond Store, delve into Wellington’s maritime heritage, experience the poignant Wahine Theatre recounting the 1968 disaster, and explore ‘Te Whanganui-a-Tara,’ an exhibition showcasing the city’s cultural landscape through art and taonga. The top floor, known as “The Attic”, presents an eclectic mix of the city’s peculiar stories. Plus much more!
Explore Hamilton Gardens
Location: Hungerford Crescent, Cobham Drive, SH1c, Hamilton
When: From 10am, 7 days a week
What: Embark on an enchanting journey through the Enclosed Gardens with a kid’s activity sheet. Discover the wonder of the gardens, tackling fun tasks and uncovering hidden gems along the way. Upon completion, adventurers will gain their official Garden Bud (ages 3-6 years) or Garden Ranger (ages 6-10 years) badge.
What’s on screen 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.
In cinemas now
In cinemas 3 April 2025
Streaming now on Netflix
In cinemas from 10 April 2025
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.
