{"id":43497,"date":"2025-09-15T14:19:50","date_gmt":"2025-09-15T02:19:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bachcare.co.nz\/blog\/?p=43497"},"modified":"2026-02-26T13:06:25","modified_gmt":"2026-02-26T00:06:25","slug":"best-things-to-do-in-auckland-with-kids-during-school-holidays","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bachcare.co.nz\/blog\/best-things-to-do-in-auckland-with-kids-during-school-holidays\/","title":{"rendered":"Best things to do in Auckland with kids during school holidays"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Parents, we\u2019ve got you. Before the house is filled with impending cries of \u2018I\u2019m bored\u2019, let\u2019s head those off with a little planning. With the two-week school holiday period looming, we\u2019ve curated a list of some of our favourite activities in (and around) Auckland that are sure to keep the kids entertained and the parents blissfully happy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sculptureum<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n
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\"Sculptureum\"
Photo: Miles Holden<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

It\u2019s an experience like no other. Unlock imagination and fuel creativity at this world-class attraction just an hour\u2019s drive from Auckland. Step into the enchanting world of Sculptureum<\/a>, which boasts more than 800 artworks displayed throughout six galleries and three sculpture parks (the Pink Snail Garden is a guaranteed favourite with the kids). The vibrant array of wonderful artworks will keep the young ones amused for a good couple of hours before you wrap up the day with a fantastic meal at Rotko restaurant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Goat Island Marine Reserve\/Te H\u0101were-a-Maki <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n
\n
\"Goat
Photo: Camilla Rutherford<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Introduce your kids to an underwater wonderland with a trip to Goat Island<\/a>, New Zealand\u2019s first-ever marine reserve. A short drive away from Auckland, it\u2019s a popular day trip among Aucklanders and a firm family favourite. Discover the marvels of marine life: swim among fish or snorkel in crystal-clear waters, but if you prefer to stay dry, there are glass-bottom boat rides and clear kayak hires. The Goat Island Marine Discovery Centre onsite offers a wealth of information for kids and adults alike, with interactive exhibits and displays showcasing the diverse marine ecosystem of the reserve. So, pack your gear (or hire from the island) and head off to an aquatic adventure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

W\u0113t\u0101 Workshop Unleashed<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n
\n
\"Weta<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

If you don\u2019t feel like driving too far, then make your way to Auckland CBD. W\u0113t\u0101 Unleashed<\/a>, located in SkyCity, will take you on a wildly immersive experience. The 90-minute journey through the world of moviemaking is centred on three film concepts: a nail-bitting horror, a fantasy epic, and a mind-bending sci-fi. Meet hyper-realistic giants, a galactic robot, and resident creatures as you make your way through make-believe film sets. And if you\u2019re left wanting for more, sign up for one of the creative workshops<\/a> designed to ignite your imagination. Bonus: You can validate your car parking ticket and enjoy free parking at SkyCity<\/a> from 1 September to 31 October 2024. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hobbiton<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n
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\"Hobbiton\"
Photo: Matt Crawford<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Experience first-hand the magic of the Middle-Earth movies. Whether your kid is a Lord of the Rings Fan<\/em> or not, the Hobbiton Movie Set Tour<\/a> has plenty to keep them entertained all day long. Step into the enchanting village of Hobbiton and experience the magic of the movies. While the two-and-half-hour movie tour is the most popular, there\u2019s also the longer (4.5 hours) Behind-the-Scenes Tour, the Evening Banquet Tour, and (our personal favourite), the Second Breakfast Tour.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Waitomo Caves<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n
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\"Waitomo
Photo: Corin Walker Bain<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

This one is bound to be popular among kids. The Waitomo Caves<\/a> are a world-renowned New Zealand destination and rightly so. Famous for their mesmerising glow worms and stunning stalactites and stalagmites, a trip to Waitomo feels like a gateway to another world. Choose from three glow worm caves or if you\u2019re up for a little more adventure, opt for the black water rafting experience and head 80 metres below the ground to explore an underground river. There are plenty of activities to choose from suited for all age groups, plus accommodation options if you\u2019re looking to extend your stay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Butterfly Creek<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n
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\"Butterfly<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Butterfly Creek<\/a>\u2014where there\u2019s more than just butterflies. Get up close with cheeky monkeys, otters, and meerkats, travel back in time to meet the dinosaurs, or enter mythical lands to encounter unicorns and dragons. Plus, of course, butterflies, with special activities focussed on butterfly conservation where kids can take part by writing their own pledge on a paper flower, decorating it, and adding it to the Conservation Garden. And if your kids love animals, they can choose to spend a day with keepers and animals where they will learn what it is like to be a zookeeper. There are two programmes<\/a>\u2014Junior Keeper Rookie (aged 7\u201311) and Junior Keeper Explorers (aged 11\u201314)\u2014with both available only during school holidays.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Enjoy a staycation<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n
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\"School<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Sometimes, a bit of change in scenery is the perfect way to spend some quality time together and make cherished memories. A staycation also encourages a simpler lifestyle: think board games in the afternoon, picnics on the beach, exploring local delights, and stargazing. If you\u2019re looking for some inspo, don\u2019t forget to check out these accommodation deals<\/a> with up to 20% discount* on nightly rates.        <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Discover events<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Local
Photo: Olivia Oliver Design | Unsplash\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Auckland is full of exciting events, activities and things to do with kids \u2014 and you don\u2019t always need a full day to have fun. Plan shorter outings that still pack a punch, from Twilight Tuesdays<\/em> at Auckland Museum to interactive workshops and seasonal events. For up-to-date ideas on what\u2019s on for families, check out https:\/\/www.aucklandforkids.co.nz\/whats-on\/<\/a><\/strong> \u2014 there\u2019s always something happening to keep the kids entertained.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Parents, we\u2019ve got you. Before the house is filled with impending cries of \u2018I\u2019m bored\u2019, let\u2019s head those off with a little planning. With the two-week school holiday period looming, we\u2019ve curated a list of some of our favourite activities in (and around) Auckland that are sure to keep the kids entertained and the parents […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":134,"featured_media":43518,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"none","_seopress_titles_title":"Best things to do in Auckland with kids during school holidays | Bachcare Blog","_seopress_titles_desc":"Looking for fun family activities during school holidays? Discover the best things to do in Auckland with kids that are sure to keep them entertained.","_seopress_robots_index":"","inline_featured_image":false,"content-type":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[258],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-43497","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-school-holidays"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bachcare.co.nz\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/43497","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bachcare.co.nz\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bachcare.co.nz\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bachcare.co.nz\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/134"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bachcare.co.nz\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=43497"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/www.bachcare.co.nz\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/43497\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":51099,"href":"https:\/\/www.bachcare.co.nz\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/43497\/revisions\/51099"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bachcare.co.nz\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/43518"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bachcare.co.nz\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=43497"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bachcare.co.nz\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=43497"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bachcare.co.nz\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=43497"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}