Dinosaur Discovery Track
2025-04-02 - 2025-10-31 | Auckland Zoo Te Whare Kararehe o Tāmaki Makaurau, 99 Motions Road, Western Springs, Auckland, 1022, New Zealand
Travel back in time on our Dinosaur Discovery Track to experience some of the awe-inspiring creatures that lived up to 250 million years ago and learn about their connections with animals we care for here at the Zoo today and are helping to conserve in the wild.
This immersive educational experience in the Zoo’s former elephant habitat features 25 large-scale animatronic dinosaurs made by world-leading dinosaur creators, The Dinosaur Company.
These spectacular replicas move and roar (some even spit water!) and represent the rich diversity of life from our planet’s intriguing Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous periods of the Mesozoic Era between 252 – 66 million years ago!
“Although most dinosaurs went extinct the best part of 65 million years before the first humans evolved, they nevertheless have this incredible ability to intrigue and fascinate us about animals and epic wildlife. For many of us – including me – dinosaurs are a potent gateway drug that lead to a lifelong connection to nature and to conservation,” says Auckland Zoo director, Kevin Buley.
“Over the seven months that our Dinosaur Discovery Track is here, we hope that we inspire new audiences about not just extinct species, but to also get them excited and motivated about all those wildlife species that are still with us, and now desperately need all our help to stop them going the way of the dinosaurs and disappearing forever.”
Among the 19 dinosaur species you’ll encounter are the fabulously feathered Utahraptor (with babies) water loving Baryonyx, Tyrannosaurus (T-Rex) and rhinoceros-like Pachyrhinosaurus.
Interactive activities
As you explore the Track, you can try your hand as a palaeontologist and take part in fossil digs (this includes accessible height digs for wheelchair users) and via your phone, scan QR codes for dinosaur audio guides and augmented reality experiences.
There’ll also be Dinosaur Rangers roaming the Track to chat with, and free daily dinosaur keeper talks at 10.30am, 12.30pm and 2.45pm exploring dinosaur evolution, extinction, and how the dinosaurs’ legacy lives on!
Key info

Open Wednesday 2 April until Sunday 31 October 2025
Open daily from 10am – 5pm
Located in the former elephant habitat on the Africa Safari Track
Entry is free with an Auckland Zoo general admission ticket or an Auckland Zoo membership

Dinosaur membership
A Dinosaur Pass membership gives you unlimited entry to the entire Zoo including the Dinosaur Discovery Track for six months from date of purchase. Be in quick, unlike the tuatara, this pass will go extinct soon!
Available for purchase from 1 April till 30 June 2025.

Rhymetime at New Lynn War Memorial Library
2025-07-14 10:30 - 2025-12-08 11:00 (Pacific/Auckland) | New Lynn War Memorial Library, 3 Memorial Drive, New Lynn, Auckland, 0600, New Zealand
Bring along your tamariki & enjoy a morning of music, rhymes, dance and more.
This is a great event for ages 18 months to 3 years.

Dinosaur Discovery Track
2025-08-02 10:00 - 2025-10-31 16:00 | Auckland Zoo Te Whare Kararehe o Tāmaki Makaurau, 99 Motions Road, Western Springs, Auckland, 1022, New Zealand
Travel back in time on our Dinosaur Discovery Track to experience some of the awe-inspiring creatures that lived up to 250 million years ago and learn about their connections with animals we care for here at the Zoo today and are helping to conserve in the wild.
This immersive educational experience in the Zoo’s former elephant habitat features 25 large-scale animatronic dinosaurs made by world-leading dinosaur creators, The Dinosaur Company.
These spectacular replicas move and roar (some even spit water!) and represent the rich diversity of life from our planet’s intriguing Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous periods of the Mesozoic Era between 252 – 66 million years ago!
“Although most dinosaurs went extinct the best part of 65 million years before the first humans evolved, they nevertheless have this incredible ability to intrigue and fascinate us about animals and epic wildlife. For many of us – including me – dinosaurs are a potent gateway drug that lead to a lifelong connection to nature and to conservation,” says Auckland Zoo director, Kevin Buley.
“Over the seven months that our Dinosaur Discovery Track is here, we hope that we inspire new audiences about not just extinct species, but to also get them excited and motivated about all those wildlife species that are still with us, and now desperately need all our help to stop them going the way of the dinosaurs and disappearing forever.”
Among the 19 dinosaur species you’ll encounter are the fabulously feathered Utahraptor (with babies) water loving Baryonyx, Tyrannosaurus (T-Rex) and rhinoceros-like Pachyrhinosaurus.
Interactive activities
As you explore the Track, you can try your hand as a palaeontologist and take part in fossil digs (this includes accessible height digs for wheelchair users) and via your phone, scan QR codes for dinosaur audio guides and augmented reality experiences.
There’ll also be Dinosaur Rangers roaming the Track to chat with, and free daily dinosaur keeper talks at 10.30am, 12.30pm and 2.45pm exploring dinosaur evolution, extinction, and how the dinosaurs’ legacy lives on!
Key info

• Open Wednesday 2 April until Sunday 31 October 2025
• Open daily from 10am – 5pm
• Located in the former elephant habitat on the Africa Safari Track
• Entry is free with an Auckland Zoo general admission ticket or an Auckland Zoo membership

Dinosaur membership
A Dinosaur Pass membership gives you unlimited entry to the entire Zoo including the Dinosaur Discovery Track for six months from date of purchase. Be in quick, unlike the tuatara, this pass will go extinct soon!
Available for purchase from 1 April till 30 June 2025.

The First XV Collection - Now on permanent display at the All Blacks Experience
2025-09-19 10:00 - 2025-12-31 16:00 | All Blacks Experience, Level 4, 88 Federal Street, Sky City Precinct, Auckland CBD, New Zealand
Step into the legacy of New Zealand rugby through the First XV Jersey Collection – a powerful tribute to the players, moments, and stories that shaped our national identity.
This extraordinary collection features 15 iconic jerseys from over a century of New Zealand Rugby history – each one representing a defining moment in the black jersey’s journey. From the 1905 Originals to the 2015 World Cup champions, these jerseys tell stories of triumph, resilience, and cultural pride.
Free to view at The All Blacks Experience, SkyCity Precinct, Auckland

Bad Guys Breakout at the Sky Tower
2025-09-20 - 2025-10-05 | Sky Tower, Corner Victoria and Federal Streets, Auckland, Auckland, 1010, New Zealand
Join the Bad Guys crew and break into a school holiday adventure at the Sky Tower!
This September, the Bad Guys are striking the cinemas once again! To celebrate, the gang is teaming up with the Sky Tower to challenge kids with exciting missions that will test if they’ve got what it takes to join Team Bad. All the fun happening with breathtaking views of Auckland below!
Elevate family fun at the Sky Tower, where everyone can enjoy Bad Guys 2 missions and epic challenges!
Daily, from 9.30am
*Sky Tower admission fees apply. Bad Guys 2 will not be screened at the Sky Tower.

Spring Holiday Fun
2025-09-20 - 2025-10-05 | Butterfly Creek, 10 Tom Pearce drive, Auckland Airport, Auckland, 2022, New Zealand
Looking for an unforgettable family day out these school holidays?
Celebrate the arrival of Spring with an adventure at Butterfly Creek! Spring is the perfect time to get out and explore, and our park is full of exciting experiences for the whole family. Say hello to the newest arrivals in Buttermilk Farm — from cheeky baby goats to fluffy lambs and curious calves, they’re eager to make new friends.
Check out our hatching eggs display and enjoy the magic of chicks breaking free from their shells, and the gorgeous fluffy new arrivals.
Wander through the tropical butterfly house and be surrounded by butterflies as they flutter and fly around you.
With so many amazing animals, interactive encounters, and playgrounds for kids to play and explore, Butterfly Creek is the ultimate spring destination. Make the most of the school holidays and plan your family day out today.
Find out more: https://www.butterflycreek.co.nz/schoolholidays

School Holiday Fun | Heritage Festival
2025-09-20 10:00 - 2025-10-05 16:00 | Howick Historical Village, 75 Bells Road, Lloyd Elsmore Park, Pakuranga, Auckland, New Zealand
Test your skills, roll the dice and spin the wheel! Inspired by the 2025 Heritage Festival theme ‘Auckland at Play’, experience classic games, fun pastimes and old-fashioned entertainment such as marionette and stick puppet theatre.
Step back in time in hands-on demos and activities with costumed guides. Explore the historic buildings and heritage gardens and make a day of it!
Tuesday 23 and 30 September 10.30am-12.30pm – Cyanotype Printing
Wednesdays and Saturdays 10am-2pm – Pastimes & Parlour Games
Wednesdays 11am – Bread making
Thursdays 11am – Butter making
Fridays 11am – Puppet show & Puppet making workshop
Weekends 11am – Butter making
Sunday 28 September & Sunday 5 October 1:30pm – Puppet show & Puppet making workshop

Admission: adult $16, senior/student $14, child $8, child under 5 free.
Additional charges apply for some events. See the full listings for details.
Open Tues-Sun 10am-4pm. Last admission at 3pm.   No booking required.

Magical Mascots - Free September School Activity
2025-09-20 10:00 - 2025-10-05 17:00 | Torpedo Bay Navy Museum, 64 King Edward Parade Torpedo Bay,, Devonport, Auckland, 0624, New Zealand
This September School Holiday we’re all about mascots. Come and hunt the museum’s mascot Torpedo Ted who is hiding in the galleries. Find all the bears and go in the draw to win your very own Torpedo Ted!
Then, head along to our learning space Tūhura and invent your own magical mascot to draw and add to our display.
When: Saturday 20th September – Sunday 5th October
10am – 5pm daily
Cost: FREE
Suitable for children aged 3+
Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Holiday groups must book please email: info@navymuseum.co.nz

Design Your Own Ceramic Mug
2025-09-20 10:30 - 2025-10-05 14:30 | Artists’ Studios, The Arts Centre Te Matatiki Toi Ora, ,, Central City,, Christchurch, 8013, New Zealand
Join our Design Your Own Mug workshop—a hands-on ceramic painting experience perfect for creative kids and teens this school holiday!
Each participant (ages 9–16) will receive a bisque-fired ceramic mug, ready to decorate in their own unique style. To make it even more fun, they’ll choose from quirky handle designs like a croissant, donut, baguette, chocolate fish, and more!
Using a wide selection of underglaze colours, kids will learn how to bring their design to life with guidance and all materials provided. After the session, each mug will be professionally glazed and kiln-fired, making it food-safe, glossy, and ready to use or proudly display.
*For ages 9–16 only. Maximum of 2 participants per session.

This event is part of the September School Holiday Fun happening at The Arts Centre September 20 – October 5 2025

Boutique OSCAR Holiday Programme in Auckland
2025-09-22 09:00 - 2025-10-03 18:00 | Thrillzone, Level 1, 28 Hurstmere Road, Takapuna, Auckland, 0622, New Zealand
Looking for something special these school holidays? At Thrillzone Auckland, our OSCAR-approved Holiday Programme offers a boutique experience with small groups, ensuring every child (ages 7–13) gets the attention and fun they deserve.
From thrilling activities and escape adventures to creative team challenges, it’s the ultimate mix of learning, laughter, and action! With full-day and half-day options available, spaces fill fast.
Book now to secure your child’s spot in our boutique holiday programme!

September School Holidays | Ocean Odyssey: Cruising the Pacific
2025-09-22 10:00 - 2025-10-03 14:00 | NZ Maritime Museum, Corner of Quay and Hobson Street,, Auckland, 1140, New Zealand
All aboard for a school holiday adventure at the New Zealand Maritime Maritime Museum! Step back in time and explore the Pacific through fun, hands-on activities.
Craft a colourful garland lei, plot your course across Pacific islands, hunt for souvenirs, and discover the world of old-school cruise ship fun, right here on shore.
Perfect for ages 5–10.

One Day School - Circo Arts
2025-09-24 09:30 - 2025-10-01 15:30 | Altiora, 2 Worcester Boulevard,, Central, Christchurch, 8013, New Zealand
One Day School for ages 6-12 year olds at Altiora Performing Arts.
An alternative education programme based on Circo Arts and focusing on four main modalities:
*STRENGTH *FLEXIBILITY *CREATIVITY *PLAY
These will be explored as a framework for Hauora/Wellbeing.
Class Schedule:
9:30am – Welcome/Wellbeing Check ins
9:45am – Circus Arts physical training (acrobatics, aerials, equilibristics, juggling, clown etc…)
10:30am – break
10:45am – Exercises in creativity/production including Circus/Drama games
12:00pm – Lunch (Shared/BYO)
1:00pm – Explore the Arts Centre (museum, history, observatory, fudge cottage, foods, botanic gardens etc…)
3:00pm – Finish
Drop your kids off. Please bring lunches/drinks and physical education training clothes.
Recommended Ages 6 – 12 yrs
Pricing

Concession $65.00
Unemployed (+ fees)
Waged $85.00
Employed (+ fees)

Night at Auckland Museum Superstars
2025-09-24 18:30 - 2025-10-02 21:00 | Auckland Museum, Auckland Domain, Parnell, Auckland, 1010, New Zealand
WED 24 SEP (PUBLIC DRESS REHEARSAL)
THU 25, FRI 26, SAT 27, MON 29 SEP
WED 1, THU 2 OCT
6.30PM – 9PM, DOORS OPEN 5.30PM
EARLY BIRD TICKETS (UNTIL 23 SEP) $35
GENERAL TICKETS $40, DOOR SALES $45
DRESS REHEARSAL TICKETS $25
MEMBERS RECEIVE 10% DISCOUNT
Recommended age is 6-12. Ages 3 years and under are free.
Do your young ones dream of lighting up the stage or screen, leading a team to victory, or making a world-changing discovery? At Night at Auckland Museum: Superstars, they’ll discover what it takes to become a true living legend. This special family event transforms the Museum into an interactive hall of fame after dark, where your tamariki can explore the galleries, meet a dazzling cast of characters, and uncover their secrets.
Please bring a torch as they are not provided.

Paint & Sip Workshops
2025-09-27 - 2025-10-05 | Paint & Sip, 2 Worcester Boulevard,, Central, Christchurch, 8013, New Zealand
Join us at Paint & Sip these school holidays. We have everything at the studio, so just bring yourself and get ready to paint.
5 yrs+ (5-7yrs caregiver supervision required)
Workshops:
Sweet‘Art
Sunday 21 September | 2pm – 3.30pm
Tickets

Tie-dye Bags + Painting
Thursday 25 September | 2.30pm – 5pm
Tickets

Glow Paint
Saturday 27 September | 11am – 12.30pm
Tickets

Animal Wind-Ups + Painting
Wednesday 1 October | 1pm – 3.30pm
Tickets

Bee Happy
Thursday 2 October | 3.30pm – 5pm
Tickets

Under the Sea
Sunday 5 October | 2pm – 3.30pm
Tickets

This event is part of the September School Holiday Fun happening at The Arts Centre September 20 – October 5 2025

The Bubble Spectacular
2025-09-29 | Aotea Centre, 50 Mayoral Drive, Auckland Central, Auckland, 1010, New Zealand
The Bubble Spectacular – Starring Dr Hubble’s Bubbles!
Enter the bubbly-brilliant world of Dr Hubble, as he presents The Bubble Spectacular – a fun-filled, out of this world, bubble-riffic show!
Expect to be amazed as the ultimate master of bubbles, Dr Hubble, creates little bubbles, BIG bubbles, volcano bubbles, tornado bubbles, square bubbles and with a bit of his bubbly-magic, you might even end up inside a bubble!
This poppin’ bubble party, filled with laughter, audience participation and even a little burst of fiery bubbles, kids and their grown-ups will be left awe-struck as bubbles fly around the auditorium and take forms you’ve never seen before!
All of this and of course, the world’s BIGGEST bubble party! Get ready to pop, bounce, and boogie in a bubbly blast of fun!
The Bubble Spectacular is coming to Australia & New Zealand these school holidays!
Catch it, before it floats away! It’s unbubb-levable!
Book your tickets now and get ready for the ultimate bubble spectacular!

The Bubble Spectacular
2025-09-29 11:00 - 12:00 | Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre, Aotea Centre, Aotea Centre, 50 Mayoral Drive, Auckland Central, 1010, New Zealand

Cinderella
2025-09-29 13:15 - 2025-10-06 14:30 | Lumiere Cinemas, 26 Rolleston Avenue,, Central City, Christchurch, 8013, New Zealand
With a wicked stepmother (Eleanor Audley) and two jealous stepsisters (Rhoda Williams, Lucille Bliss) who keep her enslaved and in rags, Cinderella (Ilene Woods) stands no chance of attending the royal ball. When her fairy godmother (Verna Felton) appears and magically transforms her reality into a dream come true, Cinderella enchants the handsome Prince Charming at the ball, but must face the wrath of her enraged stepmother and sisters when the spell wears off at midnight.
Rated G

This event is part of the September School Holiday Fun happening at The Arts Centre September 20 – October 5 2025
Pricing

General Admission $12.50
