2021 is the year for exploring our own beautiful country and making the most of what we have on offer – which is a lot!
Whether you are heading away and exploring our lovely backyard or having a staycation, we have gathered together the best of what’s on, plus our favourite crafts and activities to keep the kids busy in-and-out of the house.
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What’s on 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 this summer.
In a cinema near you
In a cinema near you & on Disney+
Streaming on Disney+
In a cinema near you
Printables
Heading away these school holidays? Make the most of that roadie with these easy games that you can either print or download to your phone. All of these games have a Kiwi theme so they’re perfect for exploring our backyard.
School holiday activities
See company websites for T&Cs
Looking to make a saving on your school holiday fun? Check out some of our favourite family deals on activities and backyard breaks here.
The PJ Masks dive into SEA LIFE Kelly Tarltons!
Location: SEA LIFE Kelly Tarltons, 23 Tamaki Drive, Orakei, Auckland
When: 15 April to 10 May 2021
What: Be a hero these school holidays! The PJ Masks are diving into SEA LIFE Kelly Tarltons with a brand-new animal adventure ‘Stop the marine mayhem’ by defeating the night-time baddies & restoring the aquarium to its peaceful state.
Up for FUN!
Location: Skyline Rotorua
When: open daily including Easter
What: Famous for a reason, Skyline Rotorua is your ticket to an unforgettable holiday! Check out the incredible views from the Gondola, Ride the world-famous Luge day or night and Dine within the award winning Stratosfare Restaurant.
Peter Rabbit 2: The Runaway
Location: At a cinema near you
When: From 1 April 2021
What: The lovable rogue is back. Bea, Thomas, and the rabbits have created a makeshift family, but despite his best efforts, Peter can’t seem to shake his mischievous reputation. Adventuring out of the garden, Peter finds himself in a world where his mischief is appreciated, but when his family risks everything to come looking for him, Peter must figure out what kind of bunny he wants to be.
Looking for holiday ideas?
Location: You choose!
What: Want to find somewhere new to explore these holidays?
Try the handy New Finder game that helps you find NEW things to do around New Zealand.
Science Fiction Science Future
Location: MOTAT, 805 Great North Road, Western Springs, Auckland
When: 10am to 4pm daily until 9 May 2021
Cost: Included in MOTAT admission price, under 5’s free
What: Uncover the science and technology principles behind inventions and innovations we once thought were only possible in the realm of science fiction.
Spark 5G Race Zone Extended For School Holidays
Location: Wynyard Quarter inside the Emirates Team New Zealand Base.
When: 10am to 3pm. Open seven days a week until Sunday, 2 May
Cost: Free
What:Spark teamed up with Emirates Team New Zealand to create Spark 5G Race Zone, a free all-ages experience, showcasing the high-tech world of sailing and technology. With seven immersive zones, you can experience wind, visualised like you’ve never seen before or create your own high performance AC75 and put your design skills to the test.
The Sky-High World of Beatrix Potter
Location: Sky City Auckland in the heart of Auckland City
When: 10am – 5pm from 17 April to 2 May 2021
Cost: included in Sky Tower entry
What:Immerse yourself in the wonderful world of Beatrix Potter tales, at the Sky Tower. Explore and discover the fully interactive English garden of Mr. McGregor 186 metres up! Experience the classic tales of Jemima Puddle-Duck and friends, with live book readings daily and don’t miss the Beatrix Potter face painting and colouring-in!
The Coolest School Holiday Fun
Location: Snowplanet, 91 Small Road, Silverdale, Auckland
When: Morning and afternoon sessions, 19 to 23 April and 26 to 30 April 2021
Cost: $359 per program
What: Learn to ski, snowboard, or build on existing skills with Snowplanet’s very ‘cool’ week long school holiday program for ages 5-16 years. Daily two-hour lessons by the friendly Ski and Board School instructors are tailored to match your child’s age and skill level. Equipment, a snack and shared awards meal on Friday is included. Warm clothing available for hire.
Stay & Kids Go Free at SkyCity Hotel
Location: Sky Tower
When: April 2021
Cost: Sky Tower admission applies
What: Tell the kids you’re going on a ‘staycation’ because when you stay at SkyCity Hotels during April 2021 the kids stay free! Book the ‘Stay & Kids Go Free’ package and the kids also get free breakfast, a visit up Sky Tower and free ice-cream! (T’s & C’s apply)
Swing on in to Auckland Zoo
Location: Motions Road, Western Springs, Auckland
When: open daily 9.30am to 5.30pm (last entry 4.30pm), Motions Road, Western Springs, Auckland
Cost: High Canopy is included in standard Zoo entry
What: Auckland Zoo’s High Canopy is now open – a spectacular new habitat for siamangs and orangutans!
Spot the primates as they live the high life, swinging 25 metres off the ground. The new sky-high habitat lets them behave and move as they would in the wild.
Eco Craft Days!
Location: In the Highbury Centre (next to Paper Plus), Birkenhead, Auckland
When: 11am to 2pm: Tue 20th, Wed 21st, Thu 22nd, Tue 27th, Wed 28th, Thu 29th April
Cost: FREE
What: Join the fun on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays during the school holidays for FREE fun-filled days of eco crafts! Get creative and make exciting things like seed bombs and no-sew tote bags. PLUS on Tuesdays 11am-1pm there will be colourful face painting and Thursdays 11am-1pm there’s exciting balloon twisting!
Get Crafty With Robots These Holidays
Location: MOTAT, 805 Great North Road, Western Springs, Auckland
When: 10am to 4pm, 17 April to 2 May 2021
Cost: Included in MOTAT admission price, under 5’s free
What: MOTAT has exciting activities on all during the holidays including Rad Robots where kids can use a robot hand to complete tasks, construct an autonomous Scribblebot, and their own whimsical walking paper automaton. Also on until 9 May, the Science Fiction Science Future presents an interactive experience exploring robotics, invisibility, mind control, holograms, and augmented reality.
Thrilling fun for everyone
Location: Rainbows End, 2 Clist Crescent, Manukau, Auckland
When: Open daily
What: There’s only one place in New Zealand you can go for the most thrilling time for all ages – with over 20 rides and attractions, there’s something for everyone at Rainbows End. These holidays join us for daytime fun, or bring the family each Saturday to experience Rainbow’s End Night Ride where they can enjoy the thrill of their favourite rides from dusk to dark.
Whoa! Studios – live performances and urban playground
Location: 8 Henderson Valley Road, Henderson, Auckland
When: Wednesdays to Sunday 9am to 4m
Cost: prices vary
What: Family fun destination with state of the art film studio specialising in live action, puppetry and miniatures, an urban park and playground & a modern family eatery all rolled in to one exciting destination.
See ‘Seasons’ at the Circa Theatre
Location: Circa Theatre, Wellington
When: 19 to 24 April 20201
Cost: $10 per person / Under 2 years free
What: Capital E National Theatre for Children presents ‘Seasons’. Beautifully crafted ‘Seasons’ transports children through song, music, and puppetry into the four seasons – raumati, ngahuru, hōtoke and kōanga. Directed by Jacqueline Coats, the 2021 version will feature Peter Wilson’s story and music by Laughton Pattrick, with a new visually stimulating design.
Oodles of creative options these school holidays
Location: Play HQ, Capital E, 4 Queens Wharf, Wellington
When: 9.30am to 3.30pm. Monday to Saturday during the holidays
Cost: prices vary
What: These school holidays Capital E have a huge range of fun, creative events for children. From one day only classes to daily theatre, there is something for everyone.
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 have been developed by educators where they can create, innovate and share their creations and be in to win cool prizes!
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.
