Family Activities for the School Holidays

School Holidays

Stuck for something to do this School Holidays? Why not explore some of the country’s most popular family activities.

With the school holidays just around the corner, now is the perfect time for families to start planning unforgettable adventures to keep the dreaded school holidays fun and exciting.

All Blacks Experience

The All Blacks Experience is a must-visit, especially for families during the school holidays. The fully immersive tour uses cutting-edge technology to bring New Zealand’s rich rugby heritage to life. Journey through New Zealand’s legendary rugby teams, from the All Blacks and Black Ferns to the Sevens squads and Māori All Blacks.

Over the 45-minute guided experience, kids and adults alike can explore seven interactive zones, learning about over 120 years of rugby history, hearing from the sport’s legends, testing their own rugby skills, and facing the mighty haka.

Located in the SkyCity entertainment precinct in Auckland’s CBD, it’s a perfect school holiday adventure for rugby fans of all ages, combining fun, learning, and a celebration of Kiwi culture.

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Agrodome

Agrodome is a must-visit farming show and tour attraction just 10 minutes from Rotorua’s city centre, ideal for families with young kids! The farm at Agrodome is home to hundreds of furry and feathery friends, including 26 different breeds of sheep and ten breeds of cattle, plus alpacas, horses, goat, deer, donkeys and more.

The farming show at Agrodome is fun and interactive for everyone. Visitors will learn about New Zealand farming while watching and participating in various activities, including sheep-shearing, cow-milking, stock auction, baby animal feeding, and dog demonstrations – the full Kiwi farming experience.

For the farm tour, visitors can climb aboard the comfortable, all-weather trailer as knowledgeable guides take them on a journey around the farm, where they’ll learn about and have a chance to hand-feed some of the animals – great for an outdoor activity that is still suitable for even the rainiest of days.

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School Holidays Competition Alert: Share a photo of your visit on social media or leave a Google review to enter a competition where you could win the cost of your family pass back.

National Kiwi Hatchery

Launched in 2008, the National Kiwi Hatchery is a family-friendly hub for kiwi conservation – perfect for a school holiday outing. 

Over the years, the Hatchery has become the largest and most successful kiwi hatching facility globally, successfully incubating and hatching brown kiwi eggs from around the North Island. 

Its work has helped the North Island population of the brown Kiwi considerably, and The National Kiwi Hatchery has also provided an ideal facility for continuing research into kiwi eggs and chicks.

Kids and families who visit the hatchery can go ‘behind the glass’ for an up-close look at kiwi eggs, the hatching process, and adorable newly hatched chicks – and with hatching season upon us, there is no better time to see the furry little ones up close.

It’s an unforgettable way to connect with nature and contribute to a good cause with 100 percent of ticket sales directly support the kiwi repopulation programme. Perfect for sparking curiosity and creating special memories.

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Shotover Jet

Shotover Jet is a thrilling family-friendly adventure, perfect for school holiday excitement. Known as the world’s most exciting jet boat ride, Shotover Jet has been a leader in commercial jet boating for over 50 years, providing an iconic Kiwi experience to visitors from across the globe.

The ride through the breathtaking Shotover River Canyons offers a unique blend of natural beauty and high-speed excitement—an unforgettable experience for kids and parents alike.

Proudly owned by Ngāi Tahu, Shotover Jet’s deep connection to the Kimiākau (Shotover River) stretches back centuries, and it’s the only jet boat ride that takes you right into the heart of the canyon. Perfect for a school holiday adventure that’s packed with action.

School Holidays Exclusive Deal: Book a Family Pass this school holidays and receive a $25 Canyon Brewing Restaurant Voucher.

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Dark Sky Project

The Dark Sky Project offers a captivating indoor experience that is perfect for kids and families, especially as a great wet-weather activity during the school holidays. The Dark Sky Experience is an interactive, educational journey through the wonders of our Southern Skies, all within the comfort of an indoor setting at Lake Tekapo.

Kids will love the hands-on exhibits and exciting visuals that bring the stars and constellations to life. Expert Ngāi Tahu Tourism guides share fascinating stories and the science behind stargazing, making it a fun and enriching experience for young minds. The Virtual Stargazing Experience is another great indoor option, where kids can explore the universe without stepping outside.

It’s an unforgettable family-friendly adventure, where kids can learn and have fun, all while staying warm and cosy.

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Hukafalls Jet

Hukafalls Jet, perfect for a thrilling school holiday adventure, began its journey in 1990 with just one boat and a driver, originally operating from a small shed along the Waikato River. Fast forward to today, and it’s one of the top tourism attractions in Taupō and a leading jet boat experience in New Zealand’s North Island.

Now located next to Huka Prawn Park, Hukafalls Jet offers an adrenaline-pumping 30-minute ride that blends speed, natural beauty, and unforgettable fun along the Waikato River, finishing with an up-close view of the spectacular Huka Falls. Ideal for kids and families looking for excitement in the central North Island these school holidays.

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