The school holidays have arrived! If you’re after some ideas for fun days out and some wet weather options, we’ve got our top picks for Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.  

Auckland  

Here are 5 things happening or to do in Auckland these school holidays: 

• Check out Arborialis Luminarium – for something different and pretty cool, take the kids to this light and colour show on at Aotea square in the CBD. Kids can wander and explore the colourful world which has many different twists and turns. If you still want more art, take the kids to the Auckland Art gallery which is only a short walk away from Aotea Square and free for Aucklanders.  

Best carparks: Greys Avenue, Saint Matthews, Wakefield Street 

• Head to the movies - for a rainy-day activity, take the kids to the movies! We’d recommend heading to Takapuna Beachside Cinemas. Here you can enjoy a movie, popcorn and the best thing is comfy sofa style seating for that homely feel but on the big screen! If the weather then clears up head to the beach to burn off some energy and check out the amazing playgrounds, near the beach.   

Best carparks: Takapuna Police, Car park by the Sea, The Hustmere Road carpark  

• Story time at Maritime Museum- one for little ones every Friday at 10:30 the Maritime Museum hosts story time perfect for little ones up to the age of 6. The stories are all based around the sea with interactive songs and dance. We’d recommend arriving early and getting a coffee and treat from the café, with free fluffies for little ones with any coffee purchased. During the April school holidays you can also enjoy The Star of the Sea which is an interactive play about friendships under the sea, the play is on from the 15th April – 26th April and is only $5 per child, making it a great cheap day out. You could then walk up to Movenpick for an extra treat.  

Best carparks: Princes Wharf, Viaduct Carpark.    

• Nature Play at Myers Park – a FREE event on Saturday the 20th April from 9am, to get kids in and amongst nature! The event will offer play based, sensory experiences, crafts and nature educational for little ones from 0 – 12 years old.  

Best carpark: Greys Avenue, Saint Matthews, 405 Queen Street 

• Weta Workshop unleashed - For older kids, head to Sky City where they can create their own characters at the Weta Workshop! Kids can craft, colour and name their creations! There’s also lots of restaurants and cafes in and around Sky City, our favourite is Federal Street Deli.  

Best carpark: Finance Centre, Elliott Street 

Wellington  

For Wellington, there are events and great rainy-day activities, here are our top 5: 

• Madagascar: The Musical – one of the ultimate feel good kids movie is coming to St James Theatre over the school holidays from the 16th to the 18th April. The show is perfect for all ages with infectious music, dancing and comedy to appeal to all ages. For more information and tickets, click here.   

Best carpark 25a Taranaki Street, 34 Ghuznee Street, 26 Marion Street.  

• Bowlarama and Bumperarama – for something fun and to burn lots of energy take the kids ten pin bowling and bumper car racing at Bowlarama in Newtown.  

Best carpark: The Hall Street carpark, The Hall Avenue carpark.  

• Visit Space Place to learn about planets, constellations, and galaxies far far away. This fun and educational museum has activities to keep kids entertained for hours with telescope viewings, hands on exhibits, interactive galleries and a planetarium show to watch the stars! Best of all you can extend the day out by taking the cable car up to the observatory.  

Best carpark: Skyline 

• Join Circus Hub’s school holiday programme – For lots of fun and laughter sign the kids up at Circus Hub, here they can learn circus skills for a day from juggling, balancing and tumbling.  

Best parking: The Hall Street carpark, The Hall Avenue carpark 

• Go rock climbing – head to Fergs in central Wellington for a morning of rock climbing or test out their new boulder wall for experienced climbers.   

Best parking: Queens Wharf, VSPC, HSBC Tower  

Christchurch  

In Christchurch kids can get involved in the theatre and explore lots in and around the city:  

• Holidays at the Art Centre. The Arts Centre has lots of fun school holidays activities for little ones including circus workshops, painting activities, fudge making, crafts and many more. For a full list of the activities and events click here. 

Best carpark: 56 Worcester Boulevard, 63 Worcester Boulevard 

• Take the kids to the Theatre to see Cinderella at the Canterbury Children’s Theatre. A classic tale with a magical outcome, Cinderella is great for all ages.  

Best carpark: The Beckenham Baptist Church (ParkMate only)  

• Head to The Margaret Mahy Playground - here the kids will be entertained for hours with water play, the flying fox, slides and the spider web! There’s even coffee options close by for parents.  

Best carpark: 294 Madras Street, 182-196 Armagh Street 

• Christchurch Botanical Gardens - for a sunny day activity head to the botanical gardens, this is the perfect inner-city sanctuary to explore the many plants, visit the magnetic observatory exhibition, paly t the playground and enjoy a picnic in one of the many beautiful spots.  

Best parking: Tu Waka Waipapa, 63 Worcester Boulevard, The West End carpark  

• Issac Theatre Royal school holiday drama workshops – for older kids age 7 above who want to learn  more about the arts and drama, sign them up to a school holiday workshop over the April holidays. The workshops will include the opportunity to learn and develop skills in musical theatre and dance all through fun games to develop their acting abilities.  

Best carpark: 105 Worcester Boulevard, 50 Cathedral Street, 160 Gloucester Street.   

 If you are heading out and about over the school holidays don’t forget our friends at ParkMate have a fabulous casual parking offer to enjoy 30% off during the school holidays between 11am – 12pm, Monday-Sunday. Just enter the promo code SCHOOL into your ParkMate app.  

T&c’S apply - School Holidays (parkmate.co.nz)