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
Indoor Fun
Explore a range of indoor activities in the Waikato region, from tenpin bowling and interactive exhibitions to escape rooms and much more.
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

22, 24, 26 & 29 September, 01 & 03 October: 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

20 September - 05 October: 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

20 September - 05 October: Bowl and Social - Family Package
Spend some family time on the lanes with a Bowl & Social family package for a family of 4. The Family Package includes one game of bowling each, two 33cm gourmet pizzas and a large bowl of fries to share for $125. More information

20 September - 04 October: School Holidays at Hamilton Zoo – Snap, Learn & Win!
Join Hamilton Zoo for two weeks of wild fun, learning and creativity - perfect for families, kids and curious minds of all ages. More information

20 September - 05 October: 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

20 September - 05 October: Art School Holiday Programme - Artspost Galleries and Shop

Keep the kids creative these upcoming school holidays with our WSA Art School -September School Holiday Programme. Experience making your own soft toy, printmaking with lego, illustrate some animals, play with clay more. More information

20 September - 05 October: 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

20% off Jet boat rides every Saturday - Camjet Cambridge.
Camjet is offering 20% off Jet boat rides on selected departures this  School Holidays. 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

20 September - 05 October: Free School Holiday Events - Waikato District Library
Lots of fun to be had at your local library this school holidays. More information

24 September: Circus of Illusion Magic Show - Clarence St Theatre
Coming to Hamilton in the September school holidays, New Zealand’s own ‘Circus of Illusion Magic Show’. 90 minutes of fast-paced family entertainment. More information

20 September - 05 October: Family-friendly activities - Riverside Adventures
Make the most of the school holidays with Riverside Adventures. From kayaking and SUP hire to scenic bike trails for all levels, there’s something for the whole family to enjoy. More information

20 September - 05 October: DIY School Holiday Sessions (in-store) - Hoops & Scoops.
Enjoy a delicious, fun-filled time with friends & family as you get creative decorating your own doughnuts & ice cream. Here in the heart of Te Awamutu. More information

20 September - 05 October: Free School Holiday Events at Hamilton City Libraries
There's lots of fun to be had at your local library this school holiday. More information

22 September - 03 October: Free Little Royals Mini Golf - Chartwell Shopping Centre
Chartwell’s Centre Court is turning into a 12-hole mini golf course, the perfect way for families to play, laugh, and spend time together. Bring the kids and enjoy a day of putting, friendly competition, and family fun, all completely free. 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 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!
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
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 Michael Jeans
from
$59.98
Cambridge

CAMJET Cambridge Jet Boat Tours

Unique opportunity to visit the Karapiro Dam and see some of the amazing native bush and bird life in the Cambridge River Gorge. Ideal for you and your whole family, anyone who likes adventure, fun, speed or scenery. Speeding up the Mighty Waikato in a 450 hp V8 Jet Boat is going to get the heart pumping, adrenaline flowing and the faces smiling. If you are a thrill seeking adrenaline junkie then this is for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a game of golf, followed by a browse round a picturesque town and a latte, or a visit to the close by Hobbiton movie set from the Lord of the Rings, then give the team at Camjet Cambridge Jet Boat Tours a call and we can have a quiet cruise up our beautiful river.
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 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 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 Des Frith
from
$140
Tamahere

Tieke Golf Estate

Designated as one of New Zealand’s Marquee golf courses by Golf New Zealand, Tieke Golf Estate opened to visitors in 2022 and has quickly become one of New Zealand's most sought-after golf experiences. Crafted out of sand from the original riverbed of New Zealand’s mightiest river, The Waikato River. Tieke uses the natural river sand, fine fescue turf, creeping bent grass putting surfaces, and a sensational design to provide a wonderful golfing experience for all levels of golfer. Tieke provides a special blend of links and private valley golf, leaving a feeling that you are the only golfers on the course. After your golf, relax at our renowned Tieke Café and Bar and enjoy the panoramic views of the golf course.
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.