{"id":49029,"date":"2025-06-26T09:25:08","date_gmt":"2025-06-25T21:25:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bachcare.co.nz\/blog\/?p=49029"},"modified":"2025-06-26T09:26:54","modified_gmt":"2025-06-25T21:26:54","slug":"where-to-go-with-kids-this-winter-school-break-sorted","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bachcare.co.nz\/blog\/where-to-go-with-kids-this-winter-school-break-sorted\/","title":{"rendered":"Where to Go With Kids This Winter: School Break Sorted"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>The winter school holidays are here, and with them comes the age-old question: <em>how do we keep the kids entertained for two whole weeks?<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The good news? Aotearoa is full of incredible places and activities designed to make winter break feel more like a holiday and less like a mission. Whether you&#8217;re looking for a family getaway or a fun day trip close to home, this guide has ideas for everyone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>From snow days to indoor play, here\u2019s your go-to winter school holiday guide \u2014 with a few handy links to help you find the perfect place to stay along the way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Auckland &amp; Surrounds: Big City  Fun, Rain or Shine<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bachcare.co.nz\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/23\/2025\/06\/Cardrona-7.png\" alt=\"Kids in Museum \" class=\"wp-image-49040\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.bachcare.co.nz\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/23\/2025\/06\/Cardrona-7.png 800w, https:\/\/www.bachcare.co.nz\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/23\/2025\/06\/Cardrona-7-300x225.png 300w, https:\/\/www.bachcare.co.nz\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/23\/2025\/06\/Cardrona-7-768x576.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Credit: Camilla Rutherford<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Whether you&#8217;re staying local or visiting from out of town, Auckland offers a mix of indoor escapes and fresh-air fun for the whole family.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Auckland Things to Do:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Kelly Tarlton\u2019s SEA LIFE Aquarium<\/strong> \u2013 Great for rainy days, with sharks, penguins, and interactive exhibits.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Auckland Zoo<\/strong> \u2013 Many animals love the cooler weather, and the new South East Asia Jungle Track is worth exploring.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Snowplanet (Silverdale)<\/strong> \u2013 Real snow, skiing, snowboarding, and tubing all year round.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><strong>Auckland Museum<\/strong> \u2013 <\/strong>Winter holiday programmes, cultural performances, and hands-on exhibitions.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Keen for a short winter day trip? Here are a few easy escapes from the city:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Matakana<\/strong> \u2013 Just 45 minutes north of Auckland, this charming village offers boutique shops, a weekend market, and family-friendly spots like Sculptureum and the Matakana Cinema.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Waiheke Island<\/strong> \u2013 Hop on the ferry and enjoy coastal walks, vineyards with winter menus, and laid-back island vibes \u2013 all just 40 minutes from downtown.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Ambury Regional Park<\/strong> \u2013 An easy family outing with friendly farm animals, walking tracks, and wide-open space, just 20 minutes from the city.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Read more about fun things to do in Auckland <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bachcare.co.nz\/blog\/best-things-to-do-in-auckland-with-kids-during-school-holidays\/\">here<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Want somewhere close to unwind after all that fun? Discover our holiday homes <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bachcare.co.nz\/search.html?country=north-island&amp;region=auckland&amp;location=&amp;num_sleeps=1&amp;num_pets=-1&amp;startlabel=&amp;start=&amp;periodStart=&amp;periodEnd=&amp;duration=2&amp;fuzziness=3&amp;sort=&amp;show=&amp;page=&amp;cardstyle=&amp;pets=&amp;referrer=landing\">here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Rotorua &amp; Taup\u014d: Nature, Culture and Geothermal Goodness <\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bachcare.co.nz\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/23\/2025\/06\/Cardrona.png\" alt=\"Redwood Treewalk Rotorua\" class=\"wp-image-49034\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.bachcare.co.nz\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/23\/2025\/06\/Cardrona.png 800w, https:\/\/www.bachcare.co.nz\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/23\/2025\/06\/Cardrona-300x225.png 300w, https:\/\/www.bachcare.co.nz\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/23\/2025\/06\/Cardrona-768x576.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Credit &#8211; Redwoods Treewalk<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Perfect for a winter getaway, this central North Island duo combines adventure and relaxation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Rotorua Things to Do:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Redwoods Treewalk<\/strong> \u2013 Beautiful by day, magical by night with the twilight lantern trail.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Polynesian Spa<\/strong> \u2013 Choose the family pools or treat yourself to the adult retreat.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>3D Trick Art Gallery<\/strong> \u2013 Great indoor option with interactive photo fun.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Read more about the top things to do in Rotorua <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bachcare.co.nz\/blog\/things-to-do-in-rotorua\/\">here<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Taup\u014d Things to Do:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Huka Falls Walkway<\/strong> \u2013 An easy trail with a big reward.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Taup\u014d DeBretts Hot Springs<\/strong> \u2013 Family slides, warm pools, and a play area.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Lava Glass Gallery &amp; Sculpture Garden<\/strong> \u2013 Beautiful art and a caf\u00e9 for warming up.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Want to explore more experiences in Taup\u014d? Read more <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bachcare.co.nz\/blog\/things-to-do-in-taupo\/\">here<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Stay Inspos: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bachcare.co.nz\/search.html?country=north-island&amp;region=rotorua&amp;location=&amp;num_sleeps=1&amp;num_pets=-1&amp;startlabel=&amp;start=&amp;periodStart=&amp;periodEnd=&amp;duration=2&amp;fuzziness=3&amp;sort=&amp;show=&amp;page=&amp;cardstyle=&amp;pets=&amp;referrer=landing\">Rotorua<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bachcare.co.nz\/search.html?country=north-island&amp;region=lake-taupo&amp;location=&amp;num_sleeps=1&amp;num_pets=-1&amp;startlabel=&amp;start=&amp;periodStart=&amp;periodEnd=&amp;duration=2&amp;fuzziness=3&amp;sort=&amp;show=&amp;page=&amp;cardstyle=&amp;pets=&amp;referrer=landing\">Taup\u014d homes<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Wellington: Creative, Cool, and Covered When It Rains<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Wellington knows how to do winter well &#8211; with indoor attractions, great food and plenty of personality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Wellington Things to do:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Wellington Cable Car &amp; Botanic Gardens<\/strong> \u2013 A classic combo, even in winter.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Space Place<\/strong> \u2013 Stargazing indoors with hands-on learning.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Zealandia<\/strong> \u2013 A stunning eco-sanctuary with walking tracks and rare bird sightings.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Read more about the top things to do in Wellington <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bachcare.co.nz\/blog\/things-to-do-in-wellington\/\">here<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Looking for a place to relax after exploring the capital? Find Wellington stays <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bachcare.co.nz\/search.html?country=north-island&amp;region=wellington-wairarapa&amp;location=&amp;num_sleeps=1&amp;num_pets=-1&amp;startlabel=&amp;start=&amp;periodStart=&amp;periodEnd=&amp;duration=2&amp;fuzziness=3&amp;sort=&amp;show=&amp;page=&amp;cardstyle=&amp;pets=&amp;referrer=landing\">here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Queenstown &amp; W\u0101naka: The Ultimate Winter Escape<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bachcare.co.nz\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/23\/2025\/06\/Cardrona-8.png\" alt=\"Kids skiing\" class=\"wp-image-49041\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.bachcare.co.nz\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/23\/2025\/06\/Cardrona-8.png 800w, https:\/\/www.bachcare.co.nz\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/23\/2025\/06\/Cardrona-8-300x225.png 300w, https:\/\/www.bachcare.co.nz\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/23\/2025\/06\/Cardrona-8-768x576.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>When you think of winter holidays in New Zealand, Queenstown and W\u0101naka top the list &#8211; and for good reason. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Queenstown Highlights:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Skyline Gondola &amp; Luge<\/strong> \u2013 Spectacular views and a bit of adrenaline for the kids.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Coronet Peak Night Skiing<\/strong> \u2013 A bucket-list winter activity.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Queenstown Ice Arena<\/strong> \u2013 Ice skating, bumper cars, and hot chocolate breaks.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Check out our South Island skiing guide for some insider tips <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bachcare.co.nz\/blog\/the-ultimate-guide-to-skiing-in-the-south-island-of-new-zealand\/\">here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">W\u0101naka Highlights:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>W\u0101naka Lavender Farm<\/strong> \u2013 Meet the friendly animals, sip on lavender hot chocolate, and enjoy the peaceful grounds \u2013 even in the cooler months.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Lake W\u0101naka Cruise &amp; Mou Waho Island Walk<\/strong> \u2013 A stunning boat ride paired with an easy guided nature walk on an island-within-a-lake. A mix of adventure and serenity.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Puzzling World<\/strong> \u2013 Illusions, a massive outdoor maze, and brain teasers that\u2019ll stump the whole family. Perfect for curious minds on chilly days.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Mount Iron Track<\/strong> \u2013 A family-friendly loop with panoramic views over W\u0101naka. Bundle up and walk it in the morning for golden light and fewer crowds.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Discover cozy family-friendly stays in W\u0101naka and Queenstown <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bachcare.co.nz\/search.html?country=south-island&amp;region=queenstown-wanaka&amp;location=&amp;num_sleeps=1&amp;num_pets=-1&amp;startlabel=&amp;start=&amp;periodStart=&amp;periodEnd=&amp;duration=2&amp;fuzziness=3&amp;sort=&amp;show=&amp;page=&amp;cardstyle=&amp;pets=&amp;referrer=landing\">here.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Christchurch &amp; Canterbury: City Comforts with Alpine Options<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bachcare.co.nz\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/23\/2025\/06\/Ski-NZ.png\" alt=\"Mt Hutt Ski\" class=\"wp-image-49036\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.bachcare.co.nz\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/23\/2025\/06\/Ski-NZ.png 800w, https:\/\/www.bachcare.co.nz\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/23\/2025\/06\/Ski-NZ-300x225.png 300w, https:\/\/www.bachcare.co.nz\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/23\/2025\/06\/Ski-NZ-768x576.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Credit: Miles Holden <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>A mix of urban discovery and mountain adventure, Canterbury is a great base for winter fun.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Things to Do:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Cooler days are made for exploring Dunedin&#8217;s unique mix of history, wildlife and nature. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Mt Hutt Ski Area<\/strong> \u2013 One of NZ\u2019s top ski fields, just 90 minutes from Christchurch. Great beginner slopes, kids\u2019 ski school, and gear rentals.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools &amp; Spa<\/strong> \u2013 Warm up in alpine hot pools surrounded by snow-capped mountains. Waterslides = instant kid approval.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Peel Forest Park &amp; Rakaia Gorge<\/strong> \u2013 Beautiful day trip destinations for winter walks, river views, and short family-friendly trails.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Explore family homes in Canterbury <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bachcare.co.nz\/search.html?polygon=&amp;location=&amp;locationType=&amp;ac_typed_query=Can&amp;ac_selected_type=location-region&amp;location_hash=&amp;ac_id=location_region_canterbury_510&amp;landing_page_search=&amp;fts_search_type=&amp;region=canterbury&amp;location_completion=Canterbury&amp;autocomplete-filter-type%5B%5D=regions&amp;autocomplete-filter-type%5B%5D=places&amp;locationdist=10&amp;num_sleeps=1&amp;num_pets=-1&amp;startlabel=&amp;start=&amp;periodStart=&amp;periodEnd=&amp;duration=2&amp;fuzziness=3&amp;sort=&amp;show=&amp;page=&amp;cardstyle=&amp;pets=&amp;referrer=landing\">here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Dunedin &amp; Otago: Culture, Castles, and Coastal Walks<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bachcare.co.nz\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/23\/2025\/06\/Mt-Hutt.png\" alt=\"Dunedin Penguin Place\" class=\"wp-image-49035\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.bachcare.co.nz\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/23\/2025\/06\/Mt-Hutt.png 800w, https:\/\/www.bachcare.co.nz\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/23\/2025\/06\/Mt-Hutt-300x225.png 300w, https:\/\/www.bachcare.co.nz\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/23\/2025\/06\/Mt-Hutt-768x576.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Credit: Penguin Place<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Things to Do:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Royal Albatross Centre<\/strong> \u2013 See the only mainland nesting site of royal albatross in the world. Winter is peak viewing season.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Tunnel Beach Walkway<\/strong> \u2013 Short, dramatic, and worth the effort. Wear good shoes \u2013 it\u2019s wild and windy<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Toit\u016b Settlers Museum<\/strong> \u2013 A mix of storytelling, tech, and interactive exhibitions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Penguin Place<\/strong> \u2013 Learn about conservation and see yellow-eyed penguins in their natural habitat (book ahead \u2013 tours fill fast).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Find your home base in Otago <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bachcare.co.nz\/search.html?country=south-island&amp;region=otago&amp;location=&amp;num_sleeps=1&amp;num_pets=-1&amp;startlabel=&amp;start=&amp;periodStart=&amp;periodEnd=&amp;duration=2&amp;fuzziness=3&amp;sort=&amp;show=&amp;page=&amp;cardstyle=&amp;pets=&amp;referrer=landing\">here<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Winter School Holiday Survival Checklist:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Layered clothing and waterproofs<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Snacks (always)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A plan B for rainy days<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Somewhere cozy to come home to (we have got you!)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Make This Winter One to Remember<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>From snowy slopes to steamy hot pools, New Zealand is full of family-friendly winter adventures \u2013 you just need the right mix of indoor escapes and outdoor energy burners. Whether you&#8217;re in need of a proper break or just a few days to reset, there\u2019s a corner of Aotearoa ready for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Need a base for your winter adventures? Explore our range of family-ready holiday homes across New Zealand and make these holidays your easiest (and warmest) ones yet. Click <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bachcare.co.nz\/?utm_source=organic&amp;utm_medium=gmb&amp;utm_campaign=local_seo\">here<\/a> to book your holiday home.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The winter school holidays are here, and with them comes the age-old question: how do we keep the kids entertained for two whole weeks? The good news? Aotearoa is full of incredible places and activities designed to make winter break feel more like a holiday and less like a mission. Whether you&#8217;re looking for a [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":134,"featured_media":49039,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"none","_seopress_titles_title":"Where to Go With Kids This Winter: School Break Sorted | Bachcare","_seopress_titles_desc":"Make winter school holidays a breeze with kid-friendly travel ideas, fun activities, and top  spots perfect for a family getaway.","_seopress_robots_index":"","inline_featured_image":false,"content-type":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[271],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-49029","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-winter"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bachcare.co.nz\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/49029","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=49029"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/www.bachcare.co.nz\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/49029\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":49044,"href":"https:\/\/www.bachcare.co.nz\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/49029\/revisions\/49044"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bachcare.co.nz\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/49039"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bachcare.co.nz\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=49029"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bachcare.co.nz\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=49029"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bachcare.co.nz\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=49029"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}