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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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. 
Ruth Gilmour photographer
Free
Cambridge

Zen Medi-Spa & Wellness

As you arrive at our peaceful retreat on the edge of Cambridge, let the stresses of the world melt away. Feel the tension slip from your shoulders as you step into a serene haven of relaxation. Our skilled and attentive therapists are dedicated to providing you with exceptional care, ensuring your experience is nothing short of extraordinary. Featuring luxurious beauty therapy services, rejuvenating skin treatments, soothing massages, refreshing body treatments, advanced anti-aging treatments, spa packages, brows, waxing, nails, and more. Indulge yourself or a loved one with a memorable experience, featuring relaxing couples' treatments and group bookings - perfect for bridal parties, corporate retreats, or quality time with friends.
Thundercross
from
$249
Rangiriri

Thundercross Valley Dirt Bike Park

Thundercross Valley Dirt Bike Park provides a totally unique experience. You can book a lesson with an experienced coach & try out the delights of dirt biking in a safe and friendly environment. Set in 750 acres of stunning, rolling countryside, the Park is a popular destination for visitors from all around the world, including first-timers, advanced riders, adrenaline seekers and families alike. No licence or experience necessary. When hiring one of our bikes full protective gear provided, as well as available to hire when riding your own bike. We look forward to welcoming you at the Park soon.