Eight ways to make the school holidays magical for the whole family!

School holiday activities for the whole whānau

Last Updated : 02 Oct 2024
Unbelievable – October School Holiday Programme at Auckland Council Libraries
School Holiday Programme at Auckland Council Libraries

School holidays are just around the corner, and with them come a vast array of options to keep the whānau entertained for the duration of the break. 

From outdoor adventures to exploring your local maunga; indoor fun with roller skating to rock climbing, and even hydro sliding - there’s something for everyone. Have a look at the list below to get yourself inspired and ready for an active holiday with your tamariki – brought to you by Auckland Council. 

1. Check out the Auckland Heritage Festival

Explore Pacific ties at the Auckland Heritage Festival, which runs from 28 September to 13 October, with the theme of Moana Oceania - over130 free or low-cost events! Returning for its 20th year, the two-week festival includes talks, walks, exhibitions, performances, and workshops right across Tāmaki Makaurau - explore and commemorate the region’s Pacific history and heritage with friends and whānau.  

Visit Auckland Heritage Festival for the full programme.  

Event highlights include: 

Exploring the King of Tonga’s Trees at Atalanga 

Learn about the unique history and value of some of Auckland's finest trees in their historic settings on The Tree Council's guided walking tour of Atalanga, the King of Tonga’s Auckland Residence in Epsom.  

Tongan Indigenous Knowledge Showcase 

Our elderly Tongans possess a wealth of Tongan indigenous knowledge, and Fe'unukoula - Academy of Tongan Arts, Dance and Culture - would like to honour the uniqueness of these skills and knowledge in the Heritage Festival. Fe'unukoula Director Losalia Pusiaki Fifita leads a showcase explaining different types of attire worn by Tongan people. Visit our Tongan village and join in to learn about the skills of making table mats, wall hangings, laundry baskets, beautiful and colourful leis, the art of mat weaving and sinnet braiding, Tongan dancing and lots more. 

Guided Pasifika Heritage Walk of Ponsonby 

Take a stroll with charismatic Samoan street historian Reverend Mua Strickson-Pua along Ponsonby Road and discover the Pacific urban history and stories of Ponsonby. Hear about Pacific urban migration, dawn raids on overstayers, the Springbok Tour protest, the Polynesian Panthers, and much more. 

Tuia Mātauranga: The Ocean That Binds Us Together 

Uncover the rich voyaging traditions and cultures of Moana Oceania - the Pacific Ocean. Embark on a journey with storytellers Sonny Natanielu and Tony Marsters as they take you through the extraordinary achievements of the Pacific voyagers, highlighting their mātauranga, innovation and navigation prowess across the vast Pacific Ocean. Immerse yourself in the Tuia exhibition, delving into the tapestry of our migration history and settlement, prompting reflection on Aotearoa today and our collective aspirations for the future. 

Fakafetuiaga 

Reminisce and celebrate our beautiful Niue! Niue celebrates its 50th anniversary of self-governing, highlighting its relationship with Aotearoa. The island is commonly referred to as ‘The Rock’ of Polynesia, and it was European sailor Captain Cook who coined the famous phrase ‘Savage Islands’. Through historical imagery, we explore the timeless stories of Niue, the memories and identity that grounds our Niuean communities here in Aotearoa and abroad. 

Sustainable Conservation of Pacific Art and Heritage 

The team at Studio Izzo talk about their experiences working with Pacific artists on their artworks and more. As part of its everyday activities, Studio Izzo receives many items including those from public art galleries and communities. The talk explores some of these items, their meanings, and sustainable conservation methods for Pacific treasures. You are welcome to bring your own objects to discuss – the team is keen for questions about your treasures! 

2. Tūpuna Maunga – explore your maunga

Join a guided hīkoi on one of your local maunga. Choose from three specially selected sites to gather, honour, and learn about the rich cultural heritage of the Tūpuna Maunga (ancestral mountains) of Tāmaki Makaurau. This culturally enriching experience is open to everyone—register now through our Love Your Maunga Facebook page to secure your spot! 

Te Pane o Mataoho / Te Ara Pueru / Māngere Mountain  

  • Friday, 4 October and Friday, 11 October, 9.30 am - 11.30 am  
  • Hosted by Māngere Mountain Education Centre 

Maungauika / North Head  

  • Friday, 4 October, 9.30 am - 11.30 am 
  • Hosted by Explore Tāmaki  

Maungarei / Mount Wellington  

  • Friday, 11 October, 9.30 am - 11.30 am 
  • Hosted by Explore Tāmaki 

3. Head to your local library

Our libraries are always buzzing with activity, but even more so during school holidays! For a list of what’s on at your local library, check out the Auckland Council Libraries school holiday event listings. You can also visit your local libraries Facebook page for more info. 

A few examples of the types of activities you can expect include author readings, art events, even live performances: 

Author Readings: 

Whangaparāoa Library

  • Tuesday 1 October, 10.30am
  •  Nicky Gumbrell will be in to read her adorable book “Mr. Bingley is Different” and she will be bringing some very special guests... the REAL DOGS who inspired the book, Mr Bingley and Manny! 

PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT THERE WILL BE DOGS IN ATTENDANCE. 

Titirangi Library 

  • Friday 4 October, 10.30am – 11.30am 
  • ‘The Squeakling’ Storytime with local illustrator, Ronja Schipper and author, Kristin Kelly. Join us for the launch of ‘The Squeakling’! Illustrator, Ronja Schipper, and author, Kristin Kelly will have a special reading of their new book followed by an opportunity to ask questions and learn about their creative processes. Suitable for the whole whanau! 

Art events: 

Northcote Library 

Pakuranga Library 

Live Performances: 

Warkworth Library 

Blockhouse Bay Library 

4. Learn to swim

Dive right in for some swimming lessons at select swim schools – for adults and kids alike! Our Pool and Leisure teams are offering intensive swim lesson blocks that you can book for one or two weeks, with a lesson each day. By attending daily and building on the progress from the previous session, you'll be able to boost your confidence and improve your swimming skills significantly.  

Swim lessons available over school holidays at: 

  • Albany Stadium Pool 

  • WestWave Pools and Leisure 

  • Takapuna Pools and Leisure 

  • Tepid Baths 

  • Manurewa Pools and Leisure 

  • Glenfield Pools and Leisure 

5. More indoor fun

Become a gymnast with Tristar Gymnastics! Their holiday programme has something on offer every weekday, including tumbling, rhythmic, tramp or parkour to ensure an action-packed holiday break.

Other fun activities to try during the break include: 

6. Discover the great outdoors

Whakanewha Forest Path

Whakanewha Forest Path

Tāmaki Makaurau has a great variety of parks and reserves right across the region – that's 28 regional parks, to be exact! For those keen on an outdoor adventure walk over the school holidays, here’s a few to choose from: 

Whakanewha Forest Path  (80 mins) 

Enjoy unique forests, a stunning beach, native bird song and scenic views on your next Waiheke trip.  

Mahurangi West– Cudlip Point Path (90 mins) 

A great stop if you’re exploring North Auckland. You’ll find sheltered bays, native bush, open pasture and historic sites.  

Auckland Botanic Gardens (90 mins)  

A must do any day in South Auckland and it’s dog friendly! Also onsite is the newly installed Climate Action Trail which highlights 10 stops around the Botanic Gardens, which are packed with fun for tamariki and adults alike, showing how we can all be climate superheroes and live lightly on our planet. 

Ōmana Perimeter Walk (60 mins) 

An ideal family park in East Auckland, with a shelly beach, shady pōhutukawa and outstanding views.  

Montana Trail – Cascade Kauri  (4.5 hours return loop) 

Head west for this walk and back in time, through some of the Waitakere ranges' oldest and most precious stands of kauri.

7. Book an Auckland Council holiday park

Consider an affordable holiday escape with the whānau, right here in Tāmaki Makaurau. Bookings are available at any one of Auckland Council’s three holiday parks: Ōrewa Beach Holiday Park, Martins Bay Holiday Park and Whangateau Holiday Park – and for a lot less than a trip to Fiji! 

All Auckland Council holiday parks have a wide range of accommodation options and facilities to suit your needs. There’s also plenty of extra in and around each holiday park to keep everyone entertained for the duration of your stay. 

8. Add some sparkle with Vector Lights

Vector Lights

Light up your weekends with Vector Lights Celebrating Auckland. Enjoy a stunning light and sound show celebrating Tāmaki Makaurau every Friday and Saturday night from 8pm until midnight, playing every 15 minutes.  

Get your friends and whānau together, head to one of the prime viewing spots and listen live at vector.co.nz/lights. Some of the best places to see the shows are: 

  • Westhaven Marina 

  • Silo Park 

  • The end of Halsey Wharf (just out from the Viaduct Events Centre) 

  • The end of Princes Wharf (outside the Hilton Auckland hotel) 

  • The end of Queens Wharf (in front of The Cloud and The Lighthouse) 

  • Little Shoal Bay 

  • Hinemoa Park next to the Birkenhead Ferry Terminal 

  • Maungawhau Mt Eden 

  • Bayswater Marina 

  • Takurunga Mt Victoria 

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