It’s nearly school holiday time again! Keep the kids busy this time round by opening up a world of thrills and surprises the whole family can enjoy. New Zealand is packed with family-friendly activities, from zoos and wildlife experiences to zipline adventures, dinosaur exhibits, movie studio tours and more. Our guide to school holiday activities in New Zealand has you covered from north to south!
Auckland
Auckland is an ideal family destination filled with wildlife experiences, adventure parks and shows. The kids will love The Domes at Auckland Zoo, where they can step back into the zoo’s 100-year history through interactive exhibits. Don’t forget to say hello to the zoo’s two new Sumatran tigers! You can also meet marine life up close at SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton’s world-famous aquarium.
For a day packed with adventure, catch a ferry to nearby the beach of Waiheke Island. Situated at one of the island’s highest points on Trig Hill, EcoZip Adventures offers 360-degree views of Waiheke, the Hauraki Gulf and Auckland City. Auckland Adventure Park is another great place to take the kids, with rides, zip lines and a downhill luge nestled in Auckland’s rolling green hills.
Dive into nautical heritage at the New Zealand Maritime Museum. Find out what’s on and time your visit with one of the many educational sailboat cruises, collection exhibitions and interactive seafaring adventures. There’s also plenty to explore at the Auckland Museum. See two of the rarest T-Rex skeletons ever displayed, as well as a valuable collection of over 1000 Māori treasures (taonga).
Where to stay
Discover fun things for kids to do in Auckland by staying close to the action at Quality Hotel Lincoln Green – the beautiful west coast beaches are also only 30 minutes away.
Christchurch
Christchurch is the largest city on New Zealand’s South Island, and a gateway to nature and adventure. Visit the International Antarctic Centre and enjoy immersive experiences including a 4D theatre that simulates the conditions of Antarctica, and resident penguin encounters. You can meet more native New Zealand wildlife at the Willowbank Wildlife Reserve, home to a kiwi house and large forest parrots.
The Christchurch Adventure Park in nearby Port Hills promises an action-packed day of outdoor adventure, with walks, mountain biking trails and New Zealand’s longest and highest zipline. Kids will love the Canterbury Museum, an exciting hub of interactive exhibits, a Maori cultural exhibit and a natural history and a dinosaur section.
For some relaxing timeout visit the Christchurch Botanic Gardens and enjoy the walking paths and picnic areas. There’s also a children’s playground for the younger ones. Don’t forget there are also plenty of beaches to explore, including Sumner Beach, Scarborough Beach and Tumbledown Bay.
Where to stay
You’ll enjoy all the school holidays activities Christchurch has to offer at one of the city’s many comfortable and stylish accommodation options.
