There’s no need to hibernate this winter when Tāmaki Makaurau is brimming with out-of-this-world fun for tamariki over the winter school holidays. From cosy indoor adventures like creative Matariki-inspired crafts to star-worthy daytrips and outdoor excursions, there’s a whole range of activities waiting to be explored right across the region.
Here are 10 stellar ways to keep young explorers and the wider whānau entertained over the winter school break:
1. Dive right into the fun at your local pool and leisure centre
For affordable, safe and action-packed school holiday programmes for kids aged 5-13, check out your local Auckland Council Pool and Leisure Centre. Expect a mix of fun and variety from cool excursions like movie days and ice skating, to sporty showdowns including gymnastics and ball games of all sorts. There’s also plenty of cosy creativity with crafty sessions, pyjama days and much more.
2. Discover something new at your local library
Auckland Council Libraries are always buzzing with fun things to do, but during winter school holidays, even more so. Libraries across the region are hosting a range of free activities from Matariki-inspired creations to Wriggle and Rhyme sessions for the younger families, clay art and other crafty classes, even a robotics workshop! If you’re looking for something unique and whimsical, check out the Sleepover for Toys at the Helensville and Birkenhead libraries or for the older whānau members and music fans, check out the latest exhibition Encore! at Central City Library and take a stroll down the memory lane of Auckland’s greatest gigs yet.
3. Get hands-on at Auckland Botanic Gardens
Budding gardeners and curious minds will revel at Auckland Botanic Gardens over the school break, with hands-on activities like crafty creations, mapping the Matariki stars and learning how to protect backyard birdsong. You can even plant the seeds for your own veggie garden for a truly down-to-earth way to connect with the season. Visitors are encouraged to bring a picnic and make the most of the beautiful trails throughout the park with friends and whānau.
4. Explore the outdoors with fun workshops, scenic day walks or adventurous overnighters
Step outside with Out and About Auckland, which offers free, whānau friendly activities in parks and open spaces, with upcoming events like Dragon Beats & Silent Disco Matariki, Circus in Winter & Parkour and Nature Play & Community Fitness, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. For more outdoor fun, visit Art in the Park in West Auckland, join a tree planting day, or ranger guided walk at a park near you.
Consider a visit to any one of our 29 stunning regional parks, for fresh air, scenic walks and plenty of room for tamariki to roam and explore. It’s a great way to reconnect with nature and enjoy the quieter beauty of the season. How about making the adventure an overnighter? Auckland Council Holiday Parks at Whangateau, Martins Bay and Ōrewa Beach offer a special winter deal – stay three nights, pay for two, with kids staying free on campsites. This cosy home-away-from-home experience is one the whole whānau can enjoy, where relaxation, convenience and comfort are guaranteed.
5. Take a walk on the wild side at Auckland Museum
Explore the natural science galleries where surprise encounters with larger-than-life wildlife enthusiasts await! Or visit Wildlife Photographer of the Year and get inspired for the Museum’s own photography competition that encourages tamariki to capture the wildlife in their own backyard. From fascinating exhibitions to engaging displays, there’s plenty to keep curious minds orbiting for hours.
6. Catch a show in Tāmaki Makaurau!
Photo credit: Peter Wallis.
Tune into the excitement with Auckland Live's line-up of entertainment over the school holiday break. Check out the action at the Bruce Mason Centre with Dog Man: the Musical, based on the worldwide bestselling series from Dav Pilkey (Dog Man, Captain Underpants, Cat Kid Comic Club) on from Tuesday 14 July – Saturday 18 July, for ages 6+. Or get ready for a wickedly fun night at the theatre with Auckland Performing Arts Academy and their hilariously spooky musical comedy The Addams Family from Friday 10 – Saturday 11 July, bringing everyone’s favourite kooky clan to gloriously ghoulish life on stage.
Pop down to The Civic for K-Pop Icons Friday 17 July! Get ready to sing, dance, and party like never before with the K-POP ICONS – the ultimate live concert starring the UK’s first virtual K-Pop band and a sensational live dance crew delivering a world-exclusive experience, celebrating Korea’s global music phenomenon.
7. Catch the sparkle of Vector Lights
Join a special event at Silo Park on Saturday 4 July, 4-8pm as the iconic Vector Lights on the Auckland Harbour Bridge illuminate for Matariki Festival 2026. Enjoy an evening of music, storytelling and family friendly activities, all set against the waterfront at Matariki Taimoana. This special light and sound show, created by Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, will continue from 04-19 July and will run every 15 minutes from 6pm until midnight. Listen to the soundtrack live at vector.co.nz/lights. Vector Lights is part of a smart energy partnership between Vector, Auckland Council and NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi
8. Get curious at MOTAT
Discover how lenses and optics shape the way we see everything around us. Make your own 3D glasses, draw an anaglyph image, and see the world of MOTAT in 3D. For Matariki, visit Wishing Star Ki a Hiwa Rā! to make a digital wish for the New Year to Hiwa-i-te-rangi (the star of wishes and aspirations) and see the beautiful artwork of Huriana Kopeke-Te Aho (Tūhoe/Ngāti Porou/Rongowhakaata/Te Āti Haunui-a-Pāpārangi/Ngāti Kahungungu). See the Matariki star cluster up close via virtual reality, design your own whetū (star) to take home and follow the Matariki stamp trail.
9. Set sail with the stars at the NZ Maritime Museum
Celebrate Matariki at the New Zealand Maritime Museum these school holidays with a month of activities inspired by Waitā, the Matariki star connected to the ocean. Highlights include Matariki Herenga Waka, where tamariki become apprentice wayfinders, building a cardboard waka and exploring the stars of Matariki through traditional navigation. Families can also enjoy making Matariki Memory Stone Make Days, create woven stars at Kaui Whetū Make Days, or join in for a fun and interactive waiata session. Events take place throughout July and are free, with the exception of the school holiday programme, which costs $5 per child.
10. Get crafty at Auckland Art Gallery
Take part in Matariki-inspired crafts for tamariki. Explore and learn about Reuben Paterson’s waka sculpture Guide Kaiārahi, or make a shimmering waka lantern to light up your home this winter. Explore crystals, like the ones that make up Guide Kaiārahi – find rainbows in the light they reflect and decorate a star with colours of the rainbow. Make a wish on your star for the new year. Experience Artland: An Installation by Do Ho Suh and children before it closes on 19 July.
11. Walk among pre-historic giants at the Auckland Zoo
Encounter awe-inspiring pre-historic giants on the Dinosaur Discovery Track (day and night!) for an immersive educational experience where you can take part in fossil digs, chat to dinosaur experts and tag along for fascinating dinosaur keeper talks. Celebrate Matariki and enjoy oven-steamed hāngi food from Te Puna café and pick up a Mānawatia, a Matariki take-home activity booklet. And don’t miss out on Kashin’s Jungle Adventure by ASB (10-19 July, 9:30am-4:30pm in The Domes).
With so many stellar options across Tāmaki Makaurau, these winter school holidays are set to keep tamariki and the wider whānau shining bright all winter long.