The longest school term of the year has finished, and the time has come for a two-week break. However, there’s no need to panic – we’ve collated some Rotorua and Tauranga based ideas to keep your kids entertained these school holidays!
ROTORUA
Waimangu outdoor movie screening l Saturday, 24 April
Waimangu Volcanic Valley is hosting an outdoor movie night on Saturday, 24 April.
Choose between two movies: Pete’s Dragon at 5:45pm or Hunt for the Wilderpeople at 8pm.
Enjoy the family friendly movies on a giant outdoor movie screen, surrounded by the stunning geothermal wonders, native wildlife and atmospheric environment of Waimangu. Sounds like the perfect Saturday night!
Prices include entrance to Waimangu, admission to one outdoor movie screening, geothermal night walk and bus transport back to the visitor centre.
Adults $45, Children $15 or Family $100 (2 adults, 3 children)
For more details or to buy tickets, click here.
Rotorua Library
Rotorua Library has a range of activities to keep the kids entertained these school holidays! From 19-30 April some of the activities include Lego sessions, scratch art, coding sessions, paint a pot, making movie magic, busy board games and autumn bunting creation.
Some events may have a cost and require booking – learn more here.
The Arts Village
From 10am to 2pm on Saturday, 24 April and Saturday, 1 May, children of all ages are invited to The Arts Village for art activities led by talented local artist, Jane Rotherham.
It’s a free drop-in session, children may attend without booking but parents/guardians must accompany.
Where: Studio Two, The Arts Village
Activities: Painting, drawing, collage, movie poster, photo-stand-in, and rock painting
Check out the event page on Facebook here.
Polynesian Spa
Polynesian Spa has extended their opening hours over the school holidays – open from 1 April to 2 May, Monday to Sunday. The family pool has a large, supervised swimming pool with a shallow end and two Rachel Spring alkaline mineral hot pools for parents/caregivers to relax in with children in sight.
Velocity Valley
Looking for adventure? Velocity Valley has something for everyone! An action-packed day out with the kids could include jet boating, bungy jumping or ‘the swoop’, a giant 40 metre swing – not suitable for those with queezie tummies!
You can also make the most of their ‘Domestic Kiwi Special’ and save with a special kiwi rate for individual ride and bungy jumping. Learn more here.
TAURANGA
Rialto Cinemas
Rialto Cinemas has two awesome kids movie deals these school holidays! Family passes range from $30 – $40 including popcorn and a drink! Check it out here.
Children’s pottery workshops
These school holidays, the Ceramic Gallery is running beginner pottery workshops!
Dates and times:
28 April 10am – 12pm & 1pm – 3pm
22 & 29 April 10am – 12pm & 1pm – 3pm
Booking is required. Cost: Adults $30 per person. Children (ages 8 – 14 years) $25 per child.
For more details and to book, click here.
Tauranga Library School Holiday Programme
The Tauranga Library School Holiday Programme has a range of activities suitable for all ages!
From cupcake making, Lego building to all things arts and craft – check the programme out here.
Madagascar The Musical
The international stage is in New Zealand featuring an all-local professional cast, bringing the movie to life!
The musical is in Tauranga from Friday, 23 April until Sunday, 25 April. Check out the times and buy tickets here.
Art classes
Art classes at the Pop-Up Art Gallery are for children aged 8-14yrs and run from 10am -12 both weeks of the school holidays!
Classes cost $30 per child, per class. Each day has a different class. To check them out and book in, click here.
Dry Dock Café
The Dry Dock Café has a family Friday night for the kids!
Over the next two Fridays they will be open 5pm – 8pm for an Italian food night on 23 April and a Mexican food night on 30 April. Cost: $10 for under 12’s.