Looking for school holiday activities – look no further. YAY, it’s school holidays! A full two weeks off school to sleep in, kick back and do whatever we want and have fun and… oh wait, we’re the adults here. Yikes. Okay, if you’re wondering what the heck you should do with your little people these holidays, we’ve got you sorted.
Whether you’re keen to make a last minute trip away, a day excursion, something to go and do to kill a few hours – or a fun activity to do at home, whether you’ve got some money to through around or are looking for a free activity, we’ve got plenty of ideas for you!
Note: We handpick everything we recommend. We may receive revenue for sharing this content or when you shop through our links
What’s On:
Create a Masterpiece…
Auckland Art Gallery, FREE
If you’re looking for something fun, creative and FREE to do these school holidays, this is a perfect option. Whānau drop-ins at Auckland Gallery are family-focused art-making workshops that encourage families to get creative together. They’re held from 11am – 3pm every day of the school holidays. It’s also good to remember this one for outside of school holiday time, because they’re also held every weekend during that time! Perfect for a rainy day activity.
In July, the workshops available is ‘Catch a Rainbow, Make a Wish’. The glass crystals on Reuben Paterson’s Guide Kaiārahi were chosen because they catch and bend light. The crystals throw beautiful rainbows of colour and light in different directions. Explore the play crystals provided. Can you see a rainbow? Decorate the star Hiwa-i-te-rangi, the wishing star of the Matariki cluster, with the colours of the rainbow. Make a wish for the new year on your star.
Take the kids to a fun musical!
Dog Man The Musical, Bruce Mason Theatre, tickets from $39.76 each
Based on the worldwide bestselling series from Dav Pilkey (Dog Man, Captain Underpants, Cat Kid Comic Club), Dog Man: The Musical is coming to the Bruce Mason Centre in time for the July school holidays!
Best buddies George and Harold have been creating comics for years, but now that they’re in year 5, they figure it’s time to level up and write a musical based on their favourite character, Dog Man – the crime-biting sensation who is part dog, part man, and ALL HERO!
How hard could it be?
Find out in this epic musical for ages 6+, featuring the hilarity and heart of Dav Pilkey’s beloved characters.
Be an All Black for an afternoon…
The All Blacks Experience, SkyCity Auckland. Adults $59, Children $30, Under five free
The All Blacks Experience is a must-visit, especially for families during the school holidays. The fully immersive tour uses cutting-edge technology to bring New Zealand’s rich rugby heritage to life. Journey through New Zealand’s legendary rugby teams, from the All Blacks and Black Ferns to the Sevens squads and Māori All Blacks.
Over the 45-minute guided experience, kids and adults alike can explore seven interactive zones, learning about over 120 years of rugby history, hearing from the sport’s legends, testing their own rugby skills, and facing the mighty haka.
Located in the SkyCity entertainment precinct in Auckland’s CBD, it’s a perfect school holiday adventure for rugby fans of all ages, combining fun, learning, and a celebration of Kiwi culture!
Be Surrounded By Bubbles..
The Bubble Spectacular, Wellington’s St James Theatre July 4, Auckland’s Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre July 14, Christchurch’s James Hay Theatre July 19, tickets from $35.58
Enter the bubbly-brilliant world of Dr Hubble, as he presents The Bubble Spectacular – a fun-filled, out of this world, bubble-riffic show!
Expect to be amazed as the ultimate master of bubbles, Dr Hubble, creates little bubbles, BIG bubbles, volcano bubbles, tornado bubbles, square bubbles and with a bit of his bubbly-magic, you might even end up inside a bubble! This poppin’ bubble party, filled with laughter, audience participation and even a little burst of fiery bubbles, kids and their grown-ups will be left awe-struck as bubbles fly around the auditorium and take forms you’ve never seen before!
All of this and of course, the world’s BIGGEST bubble party! Get ready to pop, bounce, and boogie in a bubbly blast of fun!
Meet the Dinos, after Dark!
Dinosaur Nights & Lights, Auckland Zoo, $19
If you headed along last time they were in town, you’ll no doubt be excited to hear that the animatronic dinosaurs are back at Auckland Zoo – this time with a brand new assortment of dinos.
You can pay them a visit as part of your general admission to the zoo (there’s no extra charge!) – or, during school holidays there are special night events at an added cost.
Auckland Zoo brings you Dinosaur Nights & Lights – luminescent evenings on the Dinosaur Discovery Track, running every night from Friday 3 to Saturday 18 July (5:30pm – 8:30pm) throughout the school holidays. This exciting and unique night-time Zoo offering is an opportunity to experience the Track’s stunning animatronic dinosaurs in a whole new light (literally!) and enjoy kai and connecting with your whānau and friends as you do.
Bring your own kai or choose something delicious from the Zoo’s great food outlet Korimako Café, it will have plenty of hot food and drink options. Along with the artfully luminated dinosaurs by the lighting experts at Kenderdine Entertainment Lighting, there is a ‘Silent Dino Disco’ at our Dinosaur Tent for those wanting to get their dino groove on!
Disney On Ice presents Magic In The Stars
Auckland’s Spark Arena, August 6-9, tickets start at $35.74
Yes, it’s just out of school holidays – but I’m adding it in here because it’s a good time to get organised and get tickets to Disney on Ice! One of my favourite new annual traditions is taking the kids along to see the spectacle that is Disney On Ice. It’s like being transported to Disneyland for a couple of hours (without the price tag), mixed in with the wonder of a broadway show. Yes, yes, this show is aimed at the little ones, but like all things Disney, this is one the whole family can truly enjoy. There’s fireworks, acrobatics (that can rival Cirque du Soleil, singing, dancing and a bit of that Disney magic – all on ice. I definitely think it’s worth the ticket price – but, my advice would be to pick your kids up some glow sticks and Disney merchandise from The Warehouse before you go. The prices on the merchandise at the stadium are truly eye watering! The shows aren’t until August, but tickets are on sale now.
Take the Kids to Kelly Tarlton’s – For Half Price!
Kelly Tarlton’s, Kids $36 – or half price ($18) if you book in advance
Often the key to having a great school holidays is a little preparation – and that’s definitely true if you’ve been thinking of visiting Kelly Tarlton’s. If you book at least a day ahead during school holidays (anytime until August 3, actually) you can get kids’ tickets for half price – just follow this link.
There’s heaps to see at Kelly Tarlton’s – from colourful fish species, seahorses and spiny sea dragons, through to magnificent sharks and stingrays. You’ll also find turtles (there’s a rescue program!), King and Gentoo penguins in the Antarctic Ice Adventures section and mesmerising jellyfish. There’s awesome exhibits, an indoor playground, an art aquarium and loads more – perfect for kids of all ages!
Listen to Tales from the Sea… for free!
Auckland Maritime Museum, Free!
Every weekday during the school holidays, the Maritime museum is running a kids programme – Matariki Herenga Waka – from 10am – 2.30pm. It costs $5 a session, and bookings are advised. Join the team for a hands-on adventure where tamariki become apprentice wayfinders! Build a cardboard waka, then set off on a journey through the museum to discover the nine stars of Matariki, learning knowledge and navigation along the way, and explore what the stars can teach us about food, weather, family, and the sea.
Every Sunday in July from 10am – 2pm kids can also join in on an arts and crafts session, creating their own memory stone in honour of someone special for Matariki. Kōhatu (stones) are lasting and strong – just like the memories we carry of the people we love. Take your stone home or add it to our growing taonga chest, filled with memories shared during Matariki at the Maritime Museum.
Be Dazzled By Some B-Ball Skills…
Harlem Globetrotters, Christchurch’s Wolfbrook Arena July 14, Wellington’s TSB Arena July 16 and Auckland’s Spark Arena July 18, tickets from $36 (kids tickets).
This is a once-in-a-century celebration of 100 Years of Jaw-Dropping “No Way!” moves, 100 Years of “Wow!” and 100 Years Heart-Pounding Thrills! The Harlem Globetrotters comes to New Zealand with their most legendary tour ever.
From gravity-defying dunks to game-changing tricks, experience the team that redefined basketball!
This is history you can feel and a celebration of 100 years of over-the-top FUN with all-new surprises like the Golden Basketball by Spalding(R). Experience a fan celebration from the moment you arrive with epic new pre-game magic, unforgettable post-game interactions, and the most fan-fueled experience in sports.
Go Behind the Scenes…
Weta Workshop Unleashed, Auckland CBD, kids $26, adults $50.
Step into a fantastical film effects workshop and explore the worlds of horror, sci-fi and fantasy in-the-making, with the Weta Workshop Unleashed experience!
The 90-minute guided experience in Auckland’s CBD includes monsters, giants and robots (oh my!), interactive gizmos, discombobulating displays and eye-popping practical effects as you discover how the crew designs, builds and bring their creations to life.
Take them to a magical live dance show…
Ballet of Lights: Sleeping Beauty in a Sparkling Show, Saturday 18 July 4pm or 6pm, from $43
Step into a world where light and dance intertwine in this breathtaking retelling of Sleeping Beauty. As dancers glide across the stage, their illuminated costumes create a dazzling display of colour and light, making every twirl and leap feel otherworldly. This isn’t just a ballet show—it’s a magical experience that brings a beloved classic to life in a way you’ve never seen before. You can also bring some of the magic home – children’s sparkling lights tutus (for children aged 6-10) are available for $52!
Take the little ones on a farming adventure…
Agrodome, Rotorua. Adults (16+) $59, Kids $30, 2 and under, free
Agrodome is a must-visit farming show and tour attraction just 10 minutes from Rotorua’s city centre, ideal for families with young kids! The farm at Agrodome is home to hundreds of furry and feathery friends, including 26 different breeds of sheep and ten breeds of cattle, plus alpacas, horses, goat, deer, donkeys and more.
Embrace the cold…
Paradice Botany and Albany, $170 for a five-day school holiday programme
Embrace the cold, and enrol your little one in a school holiday programme at Paradice. For kids aged six and above, of any skill level, it runs weekly from 9am to 12pm with expert coaching, fun games and skill-building activities. It’s available for a four-day programme July 6-9 or a five day programme week two, July 13-17.
Pat a Dinosaur…
Butterfly Creek, Auckland (Adults $33, Kids $16.50)
This picture pretty much sold me on another trip to Butterfly Creek. Besides their regular every day activities (animal encounters with butterflies, eels, otters, cotton top tamarins, crocodiles, meerkats and tarantula), over the school holidays there’s dino-themed fun with roaming dinosaur entertainers, face-painting, and arts and crafts on selected days.
Meet a Kiwi…
National Kiwi Hatchery, Rotorua. Adults $59, Child $30, Under five free
Launched in 2008, the National Kiwi Hatchery is a family-friendly hub for kiwi conservation – perfect for a school holiday outing.
Over the years, the Hatchery has become the largest and most successful kiwi hatching facility globally, successfully incubating and hatching brown kiwi eggs from around the North Island.
Its work has helped the North Island population of the brown Kiwi considerably, and The National Kiwi Hatchery has also provided an ideal facility for continuing research into kiwi eggs and chicks.
Kids and families who visit the hatchery can go ‘behind the glass’ for an up-close look at kiwi eggs, the hatching process, and adorable newly hatched chicks – and with hatching season upon us, there is no better time to see the furry little ones up close!
It’s an unforgettable way to connect with nature and contribute to a good cause with 100% of ticket sales directly support the kiwi repopulation programme! Perfect for sparking curiosity and creating special memories.
Explore a Farm…
Kiwi Valley, Henderson Valley, Family Pass of 4 $59, Adults $19, Children (5-14) $16, Preschoolers (18 months – 4 years) $13, infants free
One of our favourite family hang out spots is Kiwi Valley, in the heart of Henderson Valley. There’s a great path that takes you around the farm, where you can hand feed so many animals, from sheep and cows, to goats, llamas and alpacas. There’s a fab little tractor ride up the hill (with a great view back across the city) to see pigs, horses and donkeys (little ones in particular love this part). Plus, kids can go for a horse ride, play in the giant sandpit or playground – or, pet animals in the shed, like baby rabbits, guinea pigs or rats. Highly recommended! Also, if you live handily, they do an annual pass, which is great value.
Head to the Movies…
As always, there is a slew of new family-friendly movies hitting the cinemas, just in time to save your sanity during the holidays. This time round, highlights include
- Toy Story 5 Out Now – Rated G. Dwayne Johnson stars in this live-action version of Disney’s 2016 animated film of the same name, where he voiced Māui the demigod.
- Moana (2026) Out July 8 – Rated PG. Woody, Buzz, Jessie and the gang cross paths with their most threatening foe yet – a smart tablet – in the fifth film in Pixar’s Oscar-winning franchise.
- Minions & Monsters Out Now – Rated PG. The third Minions movie—and the seventh in the Despicable Me series—sees the babbling yellow knuckleheads as a dominant force in Hollywood. When their next movie requires otherworldly creatures, the minions join a cutesy Cthulhu on a quest to find (and cast) monsters for their next motion picture.
- The Sheep Detectives Out Now – Rated PG. In this light-hearted whodunnit, a flock of sheep investigate the suspicious death of their beloved shepherd. The film follows George Hardy (Hugh Jackman), a shepherd who loves his sheep and raises them only for their wool. Every night he reads aloud a murder mystery, pretending his sheep can understand, never suspecting that not only can they understand but they argue for hours afterwards about whodunnit. When George is found dead under mysterious circumstances, the sheep realise at once that it was a murder and think they know everything about how to go about solving it. The local cop Tim Derry (Nicholas Braun), on the other hand, has never solved a serious crime in his life, so the sheep conclude they will have to solve it themselves, even if it means leaving their meadow for the first time and facing the fact that the human world isn’t as simple as it appears in books.
- Cats in the Museum 2: Treasures of Egypt Out Now – Rated PG. Maurice and the cats, Vincent and Cleopatra, will travel from St. Petersburg to Egypt, where they will make new friends, visit the pyramids and open secret dungeons in search of the Genie, who grants one wish once every thousand years.
What to Do At Home:
Make a non-Newtonian fluid (it’s educational and ridiculously fun – and cheap!)
I try to always have cornflour in the cupboard, because then, I ALWAYS have something to entertain the kids. Because, all you need is cornflour and water to create the best slime, or rather, a non-Newtonian fluid. Is it a liquid? Is it a solid? It’s the weirdest, most wonderful concoction. It’s also a great little educational piece about non-Newtonian liquids – you can read more here, or check out this wonderful vid:
Make a craft kit:
It seems that any time you leave the house with a kid in tow, it ends up costing an arm and a leg? To keep costs down overall, I find it’s well worth spending a small amount to stock up on craft supplies, colouring books and board games to have on hand (especially if there’s not going to be a lot of sunshine happening). I’ve made a craft drawer – here’s a link to everything that’s in mine. Even just having some coloured paper on hand can give you a quick respite. On Youtube you’ll find a zillion different craft projects – these paper ones are some of my faves:
Do a jigsaw puzzle challenge
If you’re looking for an activity that’s going to last more than seven minutes, here’s a goodie. You can either as a family take on the challenge of leisurely completing a jigsaw puzzle. Or, you can turn it into a competitive sport. How quickly can you do a jigsaw puzzle? Grab a timer. Can you do it in a day? Two hours? One? Jigsaws are surprisingly cheap these days – The Warehouse actually has heaps to choose from, like this one, that is only $10 and has 1,000 pieces!
Sunny Day? Grab some chalk?
One of our favourite things to do is grab a box of chalk and set up camp on our driveway (it’s all very visible and safe, don’t worry!). We started small, but now end up building intricate little townships with roads and shops and houses and hospitals – then we grab all the car toys and drive around town. Every time we’re outside now, we end up with kids of all ages (from 2 to 14!) coming out of their houses or stopping by to add to our town.
Have a home movie night…
Pop some microwave popcorn on, get your kids to build a movie fort, close the curtains and have a cosy afternoon or evening watching a movie at home.
Stream it (If you have a subscription!) or rent it:
- The Super Mario Galaxy Movie Available to rent on Apple TV Store, Prime Video Store or Neon Rentals – Rated PG. Illumination and Nintendo follow up their 2023 box office smash The Super Mario Bros. Movie with this intergalactic sequel, taking elements from the beloved Wii games.
- Hoppers Available on Disney + – Rated PG. In this Pixar animated film, an animal lover seizes an opportunity to use technology that places her consciousness into a robotic beaver, uncovering mysteries within the animal world. Stars Jon Hamm, Bobby Moynihan, and Piper Curda.
- The Magic Faraway Tree Available to rent on Apple TV Store, Prime Video Store or Neon Rentals – Rated G. Family fantasy adventure based on Enid Blyton’s beloved British children’s novel. Andrew Garfield and Claire Foy play parents who relocate their family to the countryside. Once there, the children discover a magical tree with eccentric residents and are transported to fantastical lands. These adventures will rekindle their family bond.
- GOAT Available to rent on Apple TV Store, Prime Video Store or Neon Rentals – Rated PG. A goat wants to be the G.O.A.T. in this family basketball feature from Sony Pictures Animation. The story follows Will, a small goat with big dreams who gets a once-in-a-lifetime shot to join the pros and play roarball–a high-intensity, co-ed, full-contact sport dominated by the fastest, fiercest animals in the world. Will’s new teammates aren’t thrilled about having a little goat on their roster, but Will is determined to revolutionize the sport and prove once and for all that “smalls can ball!”
Stream it (for Free!)
TVNZ+ has heaps of kids movies at the mo, that you can watch for free! Our picks are:
Spy Kids: All the Time in the World, The NeverEnding Story, Asterix: The Secret of the Magic Potion, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. Fantastic Mr Fox, Annie, Divergent, Alvin & the Chipmunks, Legends of the Guardians,
Take a Road Trip with the Kids:
Got a few days off? Keen to have a little getaway? Here are a few road trip ideas that are very kid friendly!
Make the most of Rydges Kids Eat For Free Deal! Here’s Great Family Holiday Itineraries in Auckland and Wellington
Earlier in the year we tried out Rydges Kids Stay and Eat for Free deal – basically, with a paying adult, your kids stay for free, get breakfast free and then if you dine in the restaurant for lunch or dinner, their meals are free. It honestly made for such a fun weekend for us in the heart of Auckland City. I created the perfect itinerary here for you and your family – but the deal is available throughout NZ! Here’s the perfect way to spend a night in Wellington too!
Have a Pool Holiday (Any Time of Year!) in Rotorua
If you’d love to take the kids on a tropical Fijian or Raro island getaway for the holidays, but the fact that everything costs an arm and a leg right now, is putting it well out of reach… well, we have good news, there’s a spot in Rotorua (yes, Rotorua), where you can live out your pool holiday dreams with the family. And, besides taking dips and drinking cocktails – there’s so much to do in Rotorua! We’ve got all the best tips here.
Reel in a trout in Turangi:
If you’ve got a budding fisherman or fisherwoman in the family, why not head to the Tongariro Trout Centre in Turangi. There’s lovely walks meandering around the river, plus a native aquarium and Rainbow Trout Hatchery, but the real (or reel?) star of the show is the kid’s fly fishing area. For $45 kids aged 5-18 get a licence and all the gear, then go out with an instructor who helps them land their own trout. By the time you’ve made it back to the entrance – especially if you take a look in the museum – the trout will have been filleted, smoked (in manuka honey and brown sugar) and ready to be eaten on site, or taken away. If you’re looking for a place to stay in Tūrangi, we can recommend the Tūrangi Trout Lodge – there’s a river right out front to put your new-found fishing skills to the test!
Take the Kids to Mount Maunganui
There is PLENTY to do in the Mount for families – it’s one of the best spots in NZ for it. So where to go? Where to eat? What to try? We’ve got all our top recommendations here, including a rental property we found on Booking.com that’s perfect for big families (and actually affordable!)
Is it Fiji?
If you’re ready to confuse people and have them asking ‘oh wait, did you go to Fiji for the school holidays?’ when they see your holiday snaps, then we have just the destination for you. We hunted down some secret hidden treasure spots in the far north where the beaches boast white sand and crystal clear waters! For some of the best kept secret beaches in Northland, we’ve got the list of must-sees here!
Head Overseas!
Okay, look yes, unless you have deep pockets and a totally flexible schedule, yes, you have likely left it too late to head overseas for these holidays. BUT, maybe these school holidays have made you think heck yes, we need to book in a family holiday? If so, here are our top picks for family holidays abroad!
Take the Kids to… Hollywood!
If you’ve taken the leap and booked tickets to LA for your family, here’s a perfect A-list itinerary for your trip! Or, if you’re California dreaming about your next big trip – this story also includes the best times to visit, plus loads of tricks and tips for beating that exchange rate.
Take the kids to… Fiji! A Three-Star Family-Friendly Fiji Resort at a Five Star Location.
Yip, if you’re looking for a jaw-dropping location with pristine white sand, crystal clear waters on a remote island – but also want the kids to be able to come and have a ball, without re-mortgaging your house, Plantation Island in Fiji should be your go-to!
Take the kids to… Hawaii!
Hawaii is an absolute dream location for families. The flight is actually pretty easy (IF the kids sleep) – it’s an overnight 8-hour flight, and once you’re there it’s only a teeny time difference. It’s warm, no matter what time of year you go, the beaches are great and it’s really set up for families. Honolulu on the main island of Oahu is a go-to for most families – but, can I suggest you get a car and venture slightly further up the coast to Oahu’s North Shore. It’s…. INCREDIBLE.
Take the Kids to… Disneyland!
It’s the ultimate family bucketlist holiday experience and I highly, highly recommend it. Here’s where to stay and what to do in Disneyland, and surrounding Anaheim. If you want to be super organised (which you really should when heading to Disneyland), here’s 10 Golden Rules for visiting the park.
Have a Disneyland Experience… at Sea
Honestly, a Disney Cruise was one of THE most fun things I’ve ever done with my family and I would highly recommend it.
While there are currently no Disney Cruises coming into NZ any time soon, the Disney Adventure is currently based in Singapore. There’s lots of three or four night cruises available for both this year (even this month!) as well as 2027.
If you’d like to read about what it’s like onboard, be sure to check out my review here.
Note: We handpick everything we recommend. We may receive revenue for sharing this content or when you shop through our links
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