School Holiday Events:

• Waikato Museum:
  • Art Smart - school holidays April 2022.
  • Exscite - interactive science fun
  • Our Moon: Then, Now & Beyond
• Bowl and Social: Family package (one game of bowling each, two 33cm gourmet pizzas and a large bowl of fries) from only $80. Book here
• School holiday fun at the Zoo: All the extra full and excitement runs right through the school holiday. More information.
• Hamilton Gardens: AR egg hunt 14 April - 1 May. More information.
• Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari: Kids Go Free from 15 April - 1 May. Book your adult and up to three kids can go free to explore Te Tui a Taane our southern enclosure. More information
• Free Movie in Garden Place: Night at the Museum - 30 April at 6.30 pm. More information
• Confinement Escape Rooms:
  • Woodlands Wanderer - School Holidays Fun 26-28 April
  • Scavenger Hunt Missions
• Lilliputt Fun Zone:
  • Escape Room + Laser Tag promo for only $34.50 pp
  • Escape Room + Mini gold promo from $38.50 pp
  • Escape Room + Virtual Reality promo for only 41 pp Book here
• Escape HQ: 25% Off These School Holidays. Book online using the code HOLS25 www.escapehq.co.nz
• Hamilton City Libraries School holiday programme: Learn more about activity-based programmes with different themes open to all school aged kids here
• BBQ's & More: Kids Burger Battle Royal competition on 23 April. More information here
• The Pottery Studio: Playful and Fun School Holiday programme for kids. Check timetable here. More information here
• Mexico: Kids eat free on Sundays. More information here
• Velodrome: School Holiday – Learn to Ride Track Cycling sessions. More information here
• The Base Shopping Centre: Go Bananas is the pear-fect way to entertain the kids these holidays! Go Bananas is the pear-fect way to entertain the kids these holidays! More information here

Free Attractions

From meandering through stunning gardens to discovering picturesque waterfalls and climbing to mountaintop views - there are plenty of free attractions to enjoy in the Mighty Waikato.

• Waiorongomai Valley: Step back into gold mining history as you explore the Waiorongomai Valley in Te Aroha
• Wairere Falls: Walk the Wairere Falls track near Matamata for stunning views of the falls and out over the region
• Otorohanga Kiwiana Walk: Pick up a quiz sheet from the Otorohanga i-SITE and look for clues on the Ed Hillary walkways
• Hamilton Gardens: Download and follow the Hamilton Gardens Children's Discovery Trail activity sheet
• Mangaokewa Scenic Reserve: Explore the attractive bush walk to the Cascade Waterfalls
• Hamilton Lake Domain: Stroll around the lake and let the kids loose on the playground
• Hakarimata Walkway: Visit ancient Kauri trees, tackle the summit stairs or try the family friendly rail trail track
• Gallagher Bike Skills Park: Helps your children to learn essential bike skills in a safe environment
• Mokena Geyser: Watch the world's only naturally hot soda water geyser erupt every 40 minutes in Te Aroha - while you are there check out the free foot pools in the domain
• Cycle Trails: From the banks of the Waikato River to the ancient Pureora Forest, there are many cycle trails to enjoy. Download our Waikato cycle trails guide for families here
• Plus much more

Things to see and do

From underground adventure and Middle-earth movie magic to wildlife encounters and inn-city fun - there are plenty of great activities to enjoy this autumn.

Indoor Activities:

• Bowl & Social at SkyCity Hamilton: Check out SkyCity Hamilton's Bowl & Social for ten pin bowling, great food and timezone games.
• Waikato Museum: With top art, history and interactive kids exhibitions the Waikato Museum is a perfect indoor activity for the entire family.

Outdoor Activities:

• Waitomo Glowworm Caves: Visit the world famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves and gaze in awe at the galaxy of glowworms. 
• Hobbiton Movie Set: Discover movie magic with a guided tour through the permanent set as seen in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit film trilogies.
• Hamilton Gardens: Explore the award-winning Hamilton Gardens and discover different civilisations and historically important garden styles from the farthest reaches of the world.
• Waitomo Adventures: Get your adrenaline pumping with a zipline, abseil or black water rafting trip with Waitomo Adventures, or try their family friendly tour, the Troll Cave.
• Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari: Discover walks through native forest for close encounters with birdlife and reptiles.
• Hamilton Zoo: Home to over 600 native and exotic animals and set amidst 25ha of lush and tranquil surroundings, Hamilton Zoo is the destination for a memorable day out.
• Hampton Downs: Challenge friends and family to a few laps of go-karting at Hampton Downs and get the blood pumping with a V8 Muscle Car or Supercar experience.
• Raglan Surf School: Learn to surf on Raglan's world-famous left-hand surf breaks.
• Go Skydive: Get your adrenaline pumping with a skydive from up to 13,000ft, providing stunning views of the Waikato region below.
• Raglan Rock: Climb, abseil, jump off waterfalls, day or night, surround yourself with glowworms, go caving underground or explore some of Raglan's local climbing areas.
• CaveWorld: Escape the crowds and enjoy a magical Waitomo glowworm cave experience.
• The Sculpture Park at Waitakaruru Arboretum: Take a walk along the beautiful 2km art-in-nature trail and discover more than 100 sculptures and rare trees along the way. 
• Cornerstone Alpaca Stud: Experience the ultimate alpaca experience with one of Cornerstone Alpaca Farm Tours, where you can meet and feed beautiful alpacas.
• Zealong Tea Estate: Treat yourself to a high tea overlooking the stunning tea plantation.
• Plus much more.