School Holiday Fun

  1. Visitors
  2. Things to do
  3. Family Fun
  4. School Holidays
Discover something new and explore the hidden gems of the Waikato with your family this Autumn!
School Holiday Events
Best family-friendly activities in the Waikato
Make the most of family outings and holidays with the abundance of family-friendly activities in the Waikato, whether it’s urban adventures, the great outdoors with wildlife and nature to explore.
Best eateries for families in the Waikato
With play areas, colouring books, and other fun activities available, you’re sure to find a place that suits your family.
Free Activities & Attractions in the Waikato
The diverse Waikato region provides an abundance of free activities and attractions so you can experience the wonders and hidden gems of the region on any budget.
Waikato Hot Deals
Grab a deal or discount on everything from activities & entertainment to accommodation and dining in the Waikato region.
Top playgrounds in the Waikato
The Waikato region is home to many great playgrounds
Find more things to do in the Waikato
Waikato region has a range of activities and attractions to suit all ages and tastes - from surfing world-class breaks and crawling through caves to wine tasting and heritage trails.

School Holiday Events

12 - 27 April: Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari - April School Holidays
Come on a forest adventure with your whānau during the April School Holidays and kids go FREE into Te Tūī a Tāne, the Southern Enclosure at Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari. More information

15 - 24 April: Art Inspires School Holiday Programme - Te Whare Taonga o Waikato Museum & Gallery
Inspired by Te Whare Taonga o Waikato Museum & Gallery collections and current exhibitions, these hands-on sessions will expand your child’s knowledge of art and science through creative crafting techniques. More information

12 - 27 April: Kid's Activity Sheet - Hamilton Gardens
Embark on a magical adventure through the Enclosed Gardens with a kid’s activity sheet. Explore the beauty of the gardens, complete exciting tasks, and find hidden treasures along the way. Once finished, young explorers will earn their official Garden Bud or Garden Ranger badge. More information

12 - 27 April: Exscite - Te Whare Taonga o Waikato Museum & Gallery
Keep the kids engaged over the April school holidays with a range of exciting and fun art workshops for all ages. More information

14 - 24 April: Art School Holiday Programme - Artspost Galleries and Shop
Come on a hīkoi with your family, look for the spring flowers and new growth, enjoy being surrounded by spring birdsong, have a go at some of our kids activity sheets, or simply enjoy spending time in the forest together. More information

11 - 27 April: School Holidays Special - Thundercross Valley Dirt Bike Park
Book any two hire bikes or packages & receive a $100 discount; using the code SKLHOLS. More information

12 - 27 April: School Holiday Programme - The Pottery Studio Hamilton
Let the kids get their hands dirty (in a good way!) at our super fun and creative pottery workshops. They’ll play with clay, get messy, and shape their wild ideas into something cool and unique. More information

20% off Jet boat rides every Saturday - Camjet Cambridge.
Camjet is offering 20% off Jet boat rides every Saturday this April School Hoildays. Bring the kids along and have a good time on the Waikato river and view and learn about the Karapiro hydro power station with Camjet. Use promo code: LABOUR20 to get your discount. More information

14 - 27 April: Free School Holiday Events - Waikato District Library
Lots of fun to be had at your local library this Autumn school holidays. More information

14 - 27 April: School Holiday Programs - Cornerstone Alpaca Farm
Going to the farm is a cool experience for any student and by going to an Alpaca Farm, students can learn and experience a rare animal they may not be familiar with. More information

16 - 17 April: Little Red: The Musical - The Meteor
Looking for an unforgettable school holiday adventure? The premiere of ‘Little Red: The Musical’ – a brand-new, exciting twist on the classic fairytale. More information

15 - 24 April: DIY School Holiday Sessions (in-store) - Hoops & Scoops.
Enjoy a delicious, fun-filled time with friends & family as you get creative decorating your own donuts & ice cream. Here in the heart of Te Awamutu. More information

14 - 17 April: The Ultimate LEGO Minecraft Quest Holiday Programme - Bricks4Kidz Hamilton
Step into the world of Minecraft and become a master builder in this action-packed 3-day LEGO adventure! More information

Top Activities

top pick Natasha Halliday
from
$12
Hamilton

Hamilton Zoo

Featuring the largest free-flight aviary in New Zealand dedicated to native birds and plants, there’s always something new to explore. Connect with the animals up close and learn more about their counterparts in the wild and how you can make a difference to their survival. Hamilton zoo plays an important role in connecting people with nature and conservation, providing fun experiences that inform and educate visitors, and participate in breeding programmes for endangered species, as well as undertaking conservation and research projects and rehabilitation for our precious native animals.
top pick
from
$39
Cambridge

Riverside Adventures Bike Hire and Shuttle Service

You don't need to worry about transport or gear while you're here.

Whether you're on one of our tours or doing your own thing, our shuttle service is available to pick up and drop off any adventurers at any river trail or alternate point in our surrounding areas.

If you're after gear hire, we have you covered too! We've got regular bikes, e-bikes and accessories to really make a day of it.

Shuttle service
- Te Awa River Ride
- Hauraki Rail Trail
- The Timber Trail

Bike & e-Bike Hire
Available from our shop at the Velodrome in Cambridge
top pick Zealong Tea Estate
from
$25
Hamilton

Zealong Tea Estate - High Tea

Visit the Zealong Tea Room and indulge in our Signature High Tea, curated with a selection of hand-crafted gourmet sweets and savouries, or choose from our seasonal lunch menu. Enhance your experience with the perfect pairing of Zealong tea to - whether you prefer a refreshing green, a floral oolong, or a bold black, all our teas are 100% organically grown on-site and proudly made in New Zealand. All served with breathtaking views of the Estate’s rolling tea terraces and landscaped gardens. Make your visit even more memorable with a traditional tea tasting ceremony or a guided tour of our certified organic tea plantation.
top pick Te Whare Taonga o Waikato Museum & Gallery
Free
Hamilton

Te Whare Taonga o Waikato Museum & Gallery

Haere mai! Welcome to Te Whare Taonga o Waikato Museum & Gallery. Perched above the mighty Waikato River, this world-class museum and art gallery is the artistic and cultural heart of the Waikato. Visit us to experience visual stories and guided activities that bring our art, history, culture and science to life through an inspirational programme that aims to challenge and inspire you.
top pick Wahinemoe
from
$40
Raglan

Raglan Boat Charters - Sunset Cruise

Raglan Boat Charters is located at the Raglan Wharf on Whaingaroa Harbour, the West Coast of New Zealand's North Island, 40 kms from Hamilton and approx 150kms from Auckland, Tauranga and Rotorua. About our Cruises: Departing Raglan Wharf aboard the Wahinemoe to explore the charm of Whaingaroa Harbour – cruise past large conservation reserves, farmland and fishing villages. You will see marine wildlife and ancient limestone rock formations, and listen to fascinating tales about the history and culture of this very special area. Your friendly skipper and crew will take great care of you and make sure you have a magical experience. The sunset cruise is the best and its extremely rare on the west coast to find such an excellent viewpoint.
top pick Hobbiton Movie Set
from
$120
Matamata

Hobbiton™ Movie Set Tours

Experience Middle-earth with a visit to the Hobbiton Movie Set, featured in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit films. Your guided tour starts with a drive through our picturesque 1,250 acre sheep farm with spectacular views across to the Kaimai Ranges. Journey past the colourful Hobbit Hole™ doors that scatter the hillsides, including the iconic Bag End, home of Bilbo and Frodo Baggins, before arriving at Bagshot Row™ for a glimpse of the interior of a humble Hobbit’s home. Continue along the pathways past The Millhouse, across the double-arch stone bridge and into the world-famous Green Dragon™ Inn, where you will enjoy a complimentary, exclusive beverage Hobbit™ Southfarthing™ range to conclude your Middle-earth adventure.
top pick Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari
from
$15
Te Awamutu

Sanctuary Mountain Explorer Pass

Step through the pest-proof gate into another world, where an ancient forest tower majestically above well-maintained walking tracks and the air is filled with birdsong. Explore the Sanctuary at your own pace or with an experienced guide who will help you spot the wildlife, including kākā, takahē, tuatara, kiwi, tīeke and more. Relax in the clearing or take an optional walk up the 16-metre observation tower, offering a unique perspective from within the forest canopy. Sanctuary Mountain is located in the heart of the Waikato, and as a not-for-profit, every visit helps make our conservation efforts possible. So come and share the mauri and mana of Maungatautari. You will come away enriched and enlightened by this spectacular environment.
top pick Hamilton Waikato Tourism
from
$3
Gordonton

Woodlands Estate - Homestead, Gardens, Venue, Cafe

Welcoming Guests Through Our Doors Since 1872. Woodlands Estate was established as a 98,000-acre estate purchased from The Crown by The Piako Swamp Company for 2/6 (25 cents) an acre. The Homestead, restored to its former glory, was initially built as a Manager's residence between 1875 and 1881. It is primarily made of Kauri and still features some original weatherboards and roof iron. Woodlands Estate is looked after by a not-for-profit trust, with the gardens being well-maintained by the Waikato District Council. The overall historic and aesthetic value of the homestead and gardens has been maintained thanks to generous donations and voluntary time. The Trust extends its gratitude for the generous support of the community over the years.
top pick Hamilton Gardens
from
$20
Hamilton

Hamilton Gardens

From ancient Egypt to a 21-century Concept Garden. Admission to the enclosed gardens requires a paid entry fee for visitors who live outside of Hamilton, with children under 16 years of age free. Unlike any botanical garden, our unique attraction is rated among the top 3 things to do in New Zealand and is in the top 1% of attractions globally on TripAdvisor. Discover the magic of Hamilton Gardens with one of our tours. Whether you're a first-time explorer or a returning visitor, this immersive journey unveils fascinating tales, discovering the cultural significance woven into every petal and pathway.  Or opt for an Audio Guide to enjoy a narrated journey through the ages and across the continents, exploring at your own pace. 
top pick SkyCity Hamilton
Free
Hamilton

SkyCity Hamilton

SkyCity Hamilton is situated inside the former Chief Post Office, in a building designed to maximise a superb riverside location on the banks of the Waikato River. With a range of dining and entertainment outlets, including EATBurger - voted the Waikato's best burger and The Local Taphouse - the first Good George bar in the CBD, there is something for everyone at SkyCity Hamilton! Enjoy the excitement and atmosphere of the Main Gaming Floor with over 300 gaming machines and 23 table games (R20 to enter the casino) or strike up a little competition on level two with Hamilton's only bowling alley, Bowl and Social, a world-class venue offering non-stop fun and state of the art technology!