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 Spring! It's just magic!

Accommodation

From Out Of Town? From inner city hotels and motels to lodges and holiday parks, the region boasts a range of accommodation to suit all budgets and tastes.
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Hamilton Airport

From Out Of Town? With direct flights daily from Wellington, Christchurch and more, it's easy for the extended family to fly to the Waikato for a visit.
Hamilton Airport

Waikato Hot Deals

Grab a deal or discount on everything from activities & entertainment to accommodation and dining in the Waikato region.
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School Holiday Events

28 September - 13 October: Hamilton Gardens.
Embark on an enchanting journey through Hamilton Gardens these school holidays, with a new kid’s activity sheet. Discover the wonder of the Enclosed Gardens, tackling fun tasks and uncovering hidden gems along the way. Upon completion, adventurers will gain their official Garden Bud or Garden Ranger badge. More information

28 September - 13 October: Exscite - Waikato Museum
Exscite is a hands-on space where tamariki can play and learn through tactile and immersive surroundings. More information

28 September - 13 October: Kids Go Free - Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari
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

28 September - 13 October: Children $59 on The Limestone Express Holiday Special
Looking for a fun and exciting way to connect with your kids these school holidays? Join us on the Limestone Express, where you’ll paddle through an ancient seabed, exploring Raglan’s stunning natural wonders together. This unique guided kayak tour is a perfect chance for families to bond while discovering breathtaking pancake rock formations and learning about our vibrant cultural history and wildlife.
Our special school holiday deal makes it even easier to get outdoors—kids 16 and under can join the adventure for just $59 (reduced from $79), while adults paddle for $99. Give your children the gift of exploration, fresh air, and a sense of wonder as you enjoy this unforgettable experience in nature! More information

30 September - 11 October: Bricks4Kidz Hamilton
Looking for a creative and exciting way to keep your kids entertained these school holidays? Join us at Bricks4Kidz Hamilton for our Oct 2024 Holiday Program. More information

28 September - 13 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

28 September - 13 October: School Holiday Fun with Raftmaking Challenge - The Sculpture Park at Waitakaruru Arboretum
Visit the Park these October school holidays and take up the challenge. Work together to create a raft to float on the pond then take a photo and send in your entry to info@sculptiurepark.co.nz. More information

2 - 11 October: DIY October 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

30 September - 13 October: Camjet Kids Party Adventure - Camjet Cambridge.
CamJet is holding an Extreme Kids Party deal as a one-time-only offer during the school holidays. This is the way to tick adventure, excitement and adrenalin off the list all at once, at a great rate. The base cost of $220.00 includes 1x adult, 2x children and you can add extra children for $40.00 each. More information

30 September - 13 October: Go Kart Special - Hampton Downs
Go Kart track is open 7 days these School Holidays! Take on a kart circuit with these awesome weekday deals: 1 session for $45 - use code: HOLIDAY45. 2 sessions for $79 - use code: HOLIDAY79
Every Monday - Thursday these Holidays. Online bookings only. More information 

30 September - 13 October: 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

30 September - 13 October: Free School Holiday Events - Waikato District Library
Lots of fun to be had at your local library this Spring school holidays. More information

5 October: Garden Place Movie Night-Barbie -
Garden Place, Hamilton
Come and enjoy Barbie on the big screen in Garden Place these school holidays. Treats and Barbie photo box from 6.30pm. Movie starts at 7.30pm. More information

30 September - 13 October: School Holidays Special - Restaurant on Alma, Novotel Tainui Hamilton
Treat the family to a pizza night these school holidays: pizza, fries, sundaes & drinks for 4 for $65 (Ts&Cs apply). More information

4 - 6 October: Wendy - The Peter Pan Musical - Clarence St Theatre 
The National Youth Theatre brings you the Hamilton premiere of Wendy - The Peter Pan Musical at Clarence St Theatre 4-6 October. A reimagining of J.M. Barrie’s Peter Pan, this October hot off the heels of last year’s highly successful Disney’s The Little Mermaid JR. More information

28 September - 13 October: Breakfast Fun School Holiday Special - Maakona ibis Hamilton Tainui.
Treat the whole family to our delicious buffet breakfast these school holidays and let the kids go while with our interactive pancake-making station, complete with toppings galore. More information

28 September - 11 October: School Holiday Fun programme - Hamilton Pools - Waterworld and Gallagher Aquatic Centre
What better way to start the school holidays than with half price hydroslides at Waterworld and an inflatable race at Gallagher Aquatic Centre. More information

30 September - 11 October: School Holidays Fun - Hamilton City Libraries
Join us for fun activities including art classes, paper craft workshops, sustainable crafting, scratch coding, chess, Reading Buddies, Biketober events and Harry Potter craft workshops. More information

30 September - 13 October: $10 Movie Ticket - Lido Cinema Hamilton
Looking for something to do, enjoy a family trip to the cinema at a great price. $10 tickets - 4 great movies to choose from. More information

30 September - 13 October: School Holiday Fun - Confinement Hamilton
Confinement is open for extended hours during all school holidays, so join Confinement for an exciting indoor or outdoor adventure. Explore a variety of mind-bending games suitable for various ages and skill levels. More information

30 September - 3 October: School Holiday Programme - Waikato Society of Arts
Exciting school holiday programme for 12–17 year-olds these October holidays. More information

30 September - 13 October: School Holidays Cupcake classes where - Sweet Pea Parties
Book your kids in for some creative fun with our School Holidays Cupcake classes where they will get hands-on and creative decorating 6 delicious cupcakes with buttercream, fillings, sprinkles and lollies. More information

30 September - 13 October: 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

Top Activities

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 Joseph
from
$25
Port Waikato

Nikau Cave & Cafe

Nikau Cave is less than 90 minutes drive southwest of Auckland, has thousands of glowworms and amazing formations, but no crowds. The 90 minute tour is personal and unhurried. Located on a working farm, the cave is 1km long with a stream running through it and is in its natural state. Most of the cave is open and spacious, except for a 12m length which must be crawled through. We provide a helmet and flashlight. A moderate level of fitness is required and a change of clothes and shoes with good tread. Surrounded by a river, the café is designed to showcase the stunning landscape. The seasonally inspired menu offers a range of fresh and locally produced dishes and drinks. Bookings are essential for caving.
top pick Waikato Museum
Free
Hamilton

Waikato Museum

The main building of Waikato Museum is currently closed for construction work. Exscite is staying open.