Paint It Up: There's so many great places to get arts and crafty for kids during school holidays.
Family time is the best time and when school's out, there's lots of chance to spend quality time with the kids. But it's always good to have a few great ideas to occupy them during the school holidays. That's why we've found a few local favourites for the best kids activities in New Zealand for any age. Whether it's getting arts 'n' crafty and walking away with a creation or enjoying a rollercoaster ride at Rainbow's End, there's heaps of super-fun school holiday activities for both kids and to make adults feel like kids again.
Plus if you have a favourite school holiday idea or children's activity you love anywhere in New Zealand, why not share your recommendation for it on their Localist listing? High five for school holidays!
Paint The Earth, Albany
Just had the best morning with my 8-year old. So many options for painting, friendliest staff, lovely spot. We'll be back!
Rainbow's End, Auckland
Wowwwwww!!! So much adrenaline in one place!!!!! This day was amazing and the day was perfect..the castle for younger kids and the food is a great addition to a nice beautiful day..thanks a lot ☆☆☆☆☆
Te Papa Tongarewa - Museum Of New Zealand, Wellington
I mean, this wouldn’t be a Wellington list without Te Papa….Whether you’ve been living in the city for years, or if you’re just passing through, it's never not worth a visit, really. Highly educational I’m sure.
Hot Water Beach, Coromandel
Definitely a must-do New Zealand beach … in summer, floods of people come marching along armed with their spades, buckets, and togs. Pick out a good spot for yourself and get digging! You’ll soon be kicking back and relaxing in the incredible naturally heated water, while taking in beautiful views. Tip: BYO your digging gear, most of the local dairies and shops nearby sell spades etc so you can create a sand-spa masterpiece!
Matakana Cinema, Auckland
This quaint, groovy cinema is a great holiday activity. Taking the kids to the movies is an easy way to keep everyone entertained. If you happen to have a big group of kids or a birthday it might even be an option to rent out one of the theatres for a private screening - what a cool idea for an adults or even kid's birthday!
Woodhill Mountain Bike Park, Auckland
This is a great place for mountain bikers of all abilities. Only a 40 min drive from central Auckland, you can bring your own bike or hire one. They supply helmuts too. I love cycling through the forest and find it fun and relaxing. After a good hard ride I like to have a Jesters Pie from Pie van or a hot chocolate at the cafe. The staff here are really nice and helpful too. A great place for the whole family.
Hamilton Zoo, Hamilton
Zoos are great places for kids no matter what the season. My mates’ kids love a day trip to the zoo with their honorary aunt (me). Hamilton zoo is packed full of interactive displays for kids, and will keep them entertained for hours. Just make sure they have their gumboots and raincoats on, as it can be a bit wet over winter.
Summit Track, Mount Maunganui
This is by far one of my favourite things to do in Tauranga. No matter how bad my day has been, it’s impossible not to feel better after a walk abound Mauao (its Maori name). The view across the water is reviving and the track is a moderate 35 minute walk that gets your heart going if you walk fast enough (helps even more if you’re pushing a pram). It’s not uncommon to reward myself with an ice cream from Copenhagen Cones or gelato from Monte Gelato after the walk.
Trinity Valley, Tauranga
Whether you are a horse-loving beginner who wants to hire one or a dedicated equestrian with experience, Pete and Carla at Trinity Valley offer great opportunities for the young riding enthusiast with their multi-day holiday programmes. Novices can learn how to communicate in horse speak, take care of their horse, ride, play games and join in a mini show on the final day. Above all it’s packed full of love and fun and you are guaranteed to make new friends – both horse and human. More advanced riders can polish up their showjumping, horsemanship and western riding techniques.
Ngawha Hot Springs, Kaikohe
Everyone loves a good long soak in the Ngawha hot pools. It’s a sure crowd pleaser and easily slides under the $20 mark. Just make sure you wear your least favourite pair of togs as it’s pretty hard to get the sulphur smell out of them after!
Snowplanet, Auckland
September school holidays are an awesome time to give kids a winter wonderland experience. Going to the snow from Auckland can be expensive but that's why Snowplanet's school holiday programmes are cool as the pristine white snow that lines the bottom of this giant indoor slope, just north of Auckland. I love the fact that whether kids are 5 or 16 they can still be treated to a day on the slopes and learn to ski or snowboard. It's awesome for co-ordination and a great way to tucker 'em out!
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