School's Out, Auckland's In!
There's plenty of cool things to do in Auckland these school holidays! The region is packed full of activities to keep kids entertained and parents smiling!
Rain or shine, Auckland has activities that educate, entertain, stimulate and delight children and parents alike. Be a pirate for the day at Kelly Tarlton's, or marvel at the Maritime Museum, meet the animals at SheepWorld, Auckland Zoo or Butterfly Creek. Get involved in projects at MOTAT, Auckland Art Gallery, Auckland Museum or enjoy a day of thrills at Rainbow's End. Whatever you choose, it's sure to be fun!
Be a pirate for the day at Kelly Tarlton's
Head along to Kelly Tarlton's Antarctic Encounter and Underwater World for the day and meet a real life pirate, Captain Walker D. Plank, make pirate hats, listen to pirate stories and learn pirate songs. There will be a colouring competition and a treasure hunt with a reward at the end! For more information visit www.kellytarltons.co.nz.
Talk to the animals at SheepWorld
At SheepWorld, children can pet a number of friendly and inquisitive animals including sheep, llamas, goats, ponies, pigs, dogs and more. While the kids talk to the animals, parents can take time out with a coffee or snack in the Black Sheep Café. For more information visit www.sheepworld.co.nz.
Help save Kashin's friends at Auckland Zoo
Auckland Zoo's elephant Kashin, has a mammoth plan these school holidays to help save her friends in the wild, but she needs help! Children can help her by purchasing an 'ASB Kashin Dollar' and donating it to a conservation project of their choice. During the day, kids can complete activities, see daily shows, and have the chance to win giveaways, prizes and more! For more information visit www.aucklandzoo.co.nz.
Play away at Butterfly Creek!
Butterfly Creek offers endless fun for children. Play all day in the playground, meet the animals, ride the miniature train, discover over 700 free flying butterflies in the tropical butterfly house, and see tropical fish, birds and lizards! The bar and café onsite is the perfect place for parents to relax! For more information visit www.butterflycreek.co.nz.
Learn how to make robots at MOTAT
Families can enjoy a great day out at MOTAT. Children can learn how to build robots and see how these fun toys come to life! There's the option to build a lego robot that reacts to different environments as well as a working robotic hand! Fun can also be had with the flight simulator, MOTAT's own collection of robots, a robot quiz and more! For more information visit www.motat.org.nz.
Visit the imaginary land of Terabithia at Auckland Art Gallery
The Auckland Art Gallery features two paintings from the enchanting family movie, Bridge to Terabithia. Children and parents can discover the secrets of the paintings and make their own crowns and crafts. Kids will receive a free ticket to Bridge to Terabithia at any SKYCITY cinema if accompanied by an adult. For more information visit www.aucklandartgallery.co.nz.
Discover ancient Egypt at the Auckland Museum
There's lots going on at Auckland Museum over the school holidays. From day time activities to special night time events, there's something for everyone. With an ancient Egypt exhibition currently on display at the museum, families can enjoy Egyptian festivals, a making of a mummy show, a quiz tournament, an Egyptian night out and more! For more information visit www.aucklandmuseum.com.
Rainbow's End
Get caught up in the excitement of a runaway cart ride through an abandoned goldmine. Marvel at the wonders of the enchanted forest log flume and go for the thrills of New Zealand's only double-corkscrew roller coaster. Under ten-year-olds will love the dream castle, with special rides just for them, and their very own mini-coaster. For more information visit www.rainbowsend.co.nz.
Ahoy there shipmates at the NZ National Maritime Museum
During the school holidays, each Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, the Maritime Museum is set to be overrun by pirates! And to celebrate, kids can participate in several activities including printing a skull and crossbones bandana, walking the plank blindfolded, taking a walk with Pongo the Pirate, hearing pirate stories and reading a compass and treasure map to find some gold! For more information visit www.nzmaritime.org.
Even more school holiday ideas...
If you're still looking for holiday ideas, why not spend a day in the snow at Snowplanet where a holiday programme is available for kids? Or step back in time and learn about Howick's history at Howick Historical Village. Hours of fun is to be had go-carting or at Glenbrook Vintage Railway and kids can burn off energy in the treetops at Tree Adventures.
For further information on holiday ideas, accommodation or travel, phone Tourism Auckland on 0800 AUCKLAND or +64 9 367 6009. Alternatively email reservations@aucklandnz.com.