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

13 - 17 April: School Holidays at the Museum: Pick & Mix! - Te Whare Taonga o Waikato Museum & Gallery
This school holiday programme is a five-day sampler of fun for ages 8 – 14. With something different each day, tamariki will explore film, science, craft, nature, and more. More information

07 - 18 April: Treasure Hunt in the Gardens - Hamilton Gardens
Head to Hamilton Gardens and take part in the Garden Hunt - a self-guided adventure through the free-entry areas, designed for families to explore, discover, and play at their own pace. Complete the hunt and you’ll be in to win, with a prize drawn at the end of April. More information

03 - 19 April: Kids Go Free These School Holidays - Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari
Kids (up to 16 years) go free into the Southern Enclosure during the school holidays with a paying adult. Explore te ngahere (the forest) with your visitor guide map, activity sheets for the kids, and keep an eye out for all the interesting information boards and interactive activities along the way including wētā hotels. More information

03 - 19 April: Busit Free Family Adventure Pass
Getting out and about these school holidays is even easier with the Busit Free Family Adventure Pass. From 3-19 April, up to two adults and four children can travel free on regional buses (excluding Hamilton’s green urban buses), making it simple to explore more of the Waikato together. More information

04 - 19 April: School Holiday Special - Restaurant on Alma, Novotel Hamilton Tainui
Treat the family to something fun (and delicious) these school holidays, with a special offer running from 4–19 April. It’s the perfect excuse to get out, indulge a little, and enjoy some quality time together. More information

14 April: Sunny Side Up Children’s Film Festival - Te Whare Taonga o Waikato Museum & Gallery
Enjoy award-winning animated short films, interactive games, and prizes in a lively 90-minute session designed for tamariki aged 5–12 and their whaanau. More information

02-19 April: 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 12 inch gourmet pizzas and a large bowl of fries to share for $125. More information

02-19 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

07-19 April: Epic School Holiday Combo - Centre Place Hamilton
Get your game face on these school holidays and dive into some seriously fun action. The Epic School Holiday Combo Paks are back—packed with great value and plenty of ways to keep everyone entertained. If you’re looking for an easy win these holidays, this is itMore information

04 April: Circus in the Centre - Garden Place Hamilton
Step right into the fun with these free, family-friendly circus sessions in Garden Place. Drop in and have a go at juggling, hula hooping and more, with experienced tutors on hand to guide you. Perfect for all ages, it’s an easy way to play, learn something new, and enjoy time together outdoors. More information

18 April: Mini Escape Room Tournament - Escapist Hamilton
Put your puzzle-solving skills to the test at Escapist’s Mini Escape Room Tournament—fast-paced, high-energy fun where teams race against the clock to crack clues and beat the competition. Perfect for friends, families or a bit of friendly rivalry, it’s a unique way to challenge your mind and see who comes out on top. More information

13 - 17 April: 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 magnets, sculpting clay, print making, collage, water colour and so much more. More information

11 - 26 April: Pick Your Own Flowers at Tomtit Farm
Pick Your Own Flowers at Tomtit Farm is a relaxed, family-friendly experience where you can wander the gardens and pick your own seasonal blooms straight from the field. We’re open every Saturday and Sunday from 9–12 pm, and Wednesdays 4-7pm with buckets, snips, and guidance provided. More information

08 - 26 April: GLOtron! - Centre Place, Hamilton
GLOtron! is a magical maze of glow-in-the-dark storyscapes, which create an utterly original world for all ages to explore. It invites families to wander through its mysterious interactive stories and discover multi-sensory Glow-tastic creatures and characters. More information

20% off Jet boat rides on selected dates - 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

02-19 April: April Deal - Riverside Adventures
Make the most of the school holidays with 15% off all new Bike Hire + Shuttle combo bookings this April. It’s the perfect way to get out on the trails with friends or family, no planning needed, just ride, explore and enjoy the journey. More information

17 April: K-Pop Live - BNZ Theatre
Get ready for a high-energy K-Pop experience packed with colour, movement and all your favourite hits. K-Pop Live brings the stage to life with dynamic choreography, live vocals and iconic tracks from artists like BTS, Blackpink and Stray Kids—all in one fun-filled, feel-good show. Directed by renowned choreographer Rina Chae, this vibrant performance is a must-see for music lovers and fans of all ages. More information

02-19 April: $10 Movie ticket - Lido Cinema, Hamilton
Make movie time easy these school holidays with family films at Lido Cinema for just $10. It’s the perfect low-cost outing—grab some popcorn, settle in, and enjoy a big screen experience the whole family will love. More information

03-19 April: School Holiday Special - Fun Zone, Hamilton
Level up your school holiday fun at Fun Zone with this epic arcade deal. Grab 6000 credits plus VIP perks, including 10% off games, for just $75, and dive into hours of non-stop action, challenges and rewardsMore information

04 - 19 April: School Holiday Special - Maakona, ibis Hamilton Tainui
Start the day right with a family-friendly buffet breakfast these school holidays. With kids aged 6–16 dining for just $12 and little ones under 5 eating free, it’s an easy (and delicious) way to bring everyone together around the table. More information

07-17 April: School Holiday Programme - Matamata-Piako District Libraries
Keep curious minds busy these school holidays with a hands-on STEM programme at your local library. From physics and motion to creative engineering challenges, each session is designed to spark learning through fun. More information

07-17 April: Free School Holiday Events - Waikato District Library
Lots of fun to be had at your local library this school holidays. More information

02-19 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 doughnuts & ice cream. Here in the heart of Te Awamutu. More information

02-19 April: 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

06-19 April: Marvelous Magic at Chartwell these School Holidays - Chartwell Shopping Centre
Experience high-energy, laugh-out-loud magic the whole family will love - and even learn a trick to perform at home. More information

03 - 19 April: School Holiday Thrills - Hampton Downs
Race into the school holidays with high-speed fun on the track. Score Go Kart rides for just $44 with promo code Holiday44, then keep the good times going with Mini Golf for only $10 when you add it on. With plenty of days to play, it’s the perfect way to pack more action, laughs and memories into your holiday plans. More information

11 April: Andre Vegas Family Fun Magic & Illusion Show - Riverlea Theatre, Hamilton
A fast paced and action packed show including, Magic, Doves, Rabbits and a Chihuahua, Comedy and audience participation, plus music and spectacular Illusions. A show for all ages, from pre- schoolers to Grandparents. More information

10 April: Family Fun Night - Perry Aquatic Centre, Cambridge
Come down to the Perry Aquatic Centre in Cambridge and enjoy 2 hours of Family Fun this Friday, with the use of the pools and inflatable for just $7 per person. More information

Top Activities

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 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 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 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 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 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.
Peter Auzinger
from
$35
Raglan

Green Wave Raglan

With three world-class point breaks and a user-friendly beach break, Raglan is New Zealand's premier surf town. The surf breaks cater to all ability levels ranging from first-timers to the world's best. Led by local surf pro Zennor Wernham, the team at Green Wave runs daily lessons at Ngarunui Beach. We are fortunate to have the most experienced surf team in Raglan, and we are proud to have a 100% successful stand-up rate on our surf lessons. Top-Rated Surf and Stay Options Available. Free Photos Included. Free Pick Ups/Drop Offs in Raglan. Stand Up or Money Back Guarantee.
James Coote
Free
Cambridge

The Cambridge Distillery Company

Visit the micro-distillery located at 92 Alpha Street, Cambridge to sample the array of award-winning spirits and liqueurs. We also offer private tours by appointment which offer the chance meet the distillers for an in-depth guide to the distilling process, cocktail making and complimentary tasting of our range of gins all whilst enjoying a grazing platter of local produce. Please email to arrange a booking.
Raglan Rock
from
$99
Raglan

Raglan Rock, Real Rock Climbing Experience

Test your personal limits as you top rope climb the ancient fossil limestone cliffs of Stone Valley. With spectacular views of the countryside, boulder valleys, and the extinct volcanoe of Mt Pirongia, it’s a high energy adventure. Your fully qualified and experienced guide will teach you the safest form of climbing there is and impart knowledge, such as rock identification, belaying, equipment selection and equipment checking. Not only are our guides excellent climbing instructors, but they are a dab hand of getting those awesome insta shots whilst you’re scaling the face, of all which you will receive for free. All equipment, photos and instruction is provided with free pick up and drop off available from Raglan.