October School Holidays and the arrival of spring is the perfect time to venture into Auckland Zoo, immerse yourself in nature and spend quality time with your whanau!

These holidays, through Wildlife Wonders, the Zoo is proud to be supporting Mental Health Awareness Week, and its wonderful theme ‘Explore your way to wellbeing’ – Whāia te ara hauora, Whitiora.

On arrival, collect your Wildlife Wonders activity sheet to start exploring the Zoo and the ‘five ways of wellbeing’ stops. At each stop you can get active, learn, connect, or give (to yourself and others!) and also learn about how animals keep themselves well.

After your outdoor exploration, venture inside to The Domes. Here you can dance to your heart’s (and lungs!) content at the silent disco, build giant foam homes, enjoy cool craft activities, contribute to the community artwork wall and support a conservation project, or just chill out!

Make your mark on the world’s highest colouring wall!  In the October school holidays Sky Tower unveils its giant 6.5-metre-long colouring wall, 186 metres above the ground!

Complete with dinosaurs, animals, magical fairies, sports themes and even space aliens, this exciting new event is fun for the whole family.

Where else can you colour on the walls?
#colourinthesky

For more information and a special offer see: https://skycityauckland.co.nz/offers/school-holidays/colour-in-the-sky-ak/

Please be advised that the Sky Tower may be closed from time to time due to adverse weather conditions.

Auckland Live Kids presents Zoe and K-Pop Kids with Satellites and Rina Chae.

Boom, pop, clap and snap with Zoe and the K-Pop Kids.

In a little New Zealand town, Zoe dreams in K-pop colours. She’d do anything to dance for a crew, so when the opportunity to audition for one arises, she leaps at the chance. But does she have what it takes?

Zoe and the K-Pop Kids is an electric adventure about hard work and believing in your dreams, featuring contagious K-pop dance choreographed by international choreographer Rina Chae (AOA, Cosmic Girls, SF9 and Monsta X).

This captivating, interactive performance is suitable for children aged 4+.

There’s more to being a bird than flying!

Best-selling book Tu Meke Tūī! is brought to life for the very first time. Join two unlikely heroes, Tere the excitable tūī and Taitū the flightless tākahe, as they work together to outwit Stan, the sly stoat, who has a beady eye on our native birds for his dinner.

This beautiful story will teach young tamariki about friendship, courage and discovering that sometimes it’s our differences that make us truly special.

Recommended for children aged 3 to 8 years old.

Duration: Approx 50 mins.

Celebrate Auckland’s vibrant Indian culture at the annual Diwali Festival. Aotea Square will come to life with the sights, sounds and flavours of India.

The festival is free to attend and features a variety of dance and musical performances, Indian food stalls and art & craft displays celebrating Indian culture and Auckland’s diversity. It’s the perfect event to head along to with family and friends.

Auckland Live Kids presents Zoe and K-Pop Kids with Satellites and Rina Chae.

Boom, pop, clap and snap with Zoe and the K-Pop Kids.

In a little New Zealand town, Zoe dreams in K-pop colours. She’d do anything to dance for a crew, so when the opportunity to audition for one arises, she leaps at the chance. But does she have what it takes?

Zoe and the K-Pop Kids is an electric adventure about hard work and believing in your dreams, featuring contagious K-pop dance choreographed by international choreographer Rina Chae (AOA, Cosmic Girls, SF9 and Monsta X).

This captivating, interactive performance is suitable for children aged 4+.

There’s more to being a bird than flying!

Best-selling book Tu Meke Tūī! is brought to life for the very first time. Join two unlikely heroes, Tere the excitable tūī and Taitū the flightless tākahe, as they work together to outwit Stan, the sly stoat, who has a beady eye on our native birds for his dinner.

This beautiful story will teach young tamariki about friendship, courage and discovering that sometimes it’s our differences that make us truly special.

Recommended for children aged 3 to 8 years old.

Duration: Approx 50 mins.

Watch the Matakana Country Park Spring Show Jumping.

Pirates are coming to the October Auckland Mama Markets.

Shop for quality new products for Preschoolers, Toddlers, Babies and Mums and enjoy live music, coffee, activities and entertainment for the kids. 

There is a great mix of small NZ businesses selling the likes of handmade toys, gorgeous handmade summer clothing for preschoolers, toddlers and babies,  little shoes, Kokedama, nursery art, handmade jewellery, all the gear for teething babies and more.

There will be a roaming swashbuckling pirate throughout the morning, make your own Mini Kokedama workshops, a couple of short shows for kids and facepainting. Kids are welcome to come dressed up in their favourite costumes.

Keep the kids entertained these school holidays at Butterfly Creek.

Meet the cute spring animals in Buttermilk Farm & hang out in our tropical Butterfly House with 800 beautiful butterflies. Join in the  holiday activities of mask making, Princess Aria show and see the roaming dinosaur. (See the schedule below for when each activity is happening.)  Plus discover dragons, unicorns, magical mermaids &and more in the Mythic Creatures exhibit.

Butterfly Creek have a total of 15 encounters throughout the day, such as the Butterfly Encounter where you’ll get to see numerous colourful Butterflies being released into our tropical Butterfly House, and their very popular Croc Encounter where you’ll get to see NZ’s only salt water Crocodiles Scar & Goldie.

WEEK ONE SCHOOL HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES
Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday – Fun dinosaur or butterfly mask making
Saturday and Sunday – Roaming dinosaur
Daily – Daily animal encounters

WEEK TWO SCHOOL HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES
Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday – Fun dinosaur or butterfly mask making.
Thursday – Princess Aria storytime, interactive singing and dancing. 2 sessions at 11am and 12pm.
Saturday and Sunday – Roaming dinosaur
Daily – Daily animal encounters

Cruise aboard the William C Daldy steam tugboat during this year’s Auckland Heritage Festival supported by Ports of Auckland.

The Heritage Steam Tugboat Tours let visitors take a cruise back in time, touring Auckland’s busy port aboard the historic William C. Daldy steam tug – one of the port’s first tugboats, dating back to 1935.

These 90-minute, family-friendly tours provide a close-up view of our operations along with a detailed commentary on the maritime history of Auckland and the port. Tours include a special stop at the Auckland Harbour Bridge, where the William C. Daldy proved its might salvaging a piece of the bridge during its construction in 1958. Experience an all access journey, discover the inner workings of the steam tugboat by visiting the engine room, the heat of the boiler room and the wheelhouse up top.

Celebrate Onehunga’s rich heritage with a free horse and carriage ride along historic Onehunga Mall.

There’s free face painting and balloon twisting for the kids while you wait.

Meet outside the Onehunga Police station on Onehunga Mall on the day to book your timeslot.

It’s screamingly good fun for all ages these Spooky School Holidays at Rainbow’s End!

Spooky Fun for the Little Ones in Kidz Kingdom:

A tiny bit spooky and a whole lot of fun, Kidz Kingdom has plenty of spooky treats to keep the little ones laughing in-between rides.

Join Witchy-Poo the not so scary witch for story time. Or maybe your little one is a boss with The Floss, and would love to get their  groove on to some monster tunes at our Monster Mash Disco.  Afterwards they can visit the spooky friends on Candy Cane Lane and tell them their best joke, show them their best scary face, or give them your best witchy cackle in exchange for treats!

For older children Manic Manor: The Witches Lair Edition is back:

The Pop-up haunted walk through attraction, Manic Manor has been taken over by witches.  Manic Manor daytime walk through is a spookily fun thrill great for pre-teens and teens,  or if you’ve got teens who love an adrenaline hit, upgrade their day pass to include a Dark Rides Evening Event where Manic Manor turns into a  truly hair raising Halloween experience.

Carried Away: Bags Unpacked showcases over 150 individual bags from Auckland Museum’s collection, many on display for the first time.

Every bag has a history, a story to tell – from haute couture fashion to cultural traditions. Bags can convey social standing, practical needs or be a statement of art.

From curious creations such as an albatross foot purse and bear gut bag with fur trim, to taonga imbued with Māori and Pacific cultural values such as kete and bilum, the exhibition explores the stories associated with their creation and the people who used them.

Carried Away: Bags Unpacked exhibition is on until 1 December 2019 in the Special Exhibition Hall.

Dedicated to exposing discrimination in the art world, in politics and in the film and music industries, the Guerrilla Girls is an anonymous collective of feminist activist artists. Formed as a collective more than 30 years ago, the Guerrilla Girls’ gorilla-mask costumes, bold visual language and frank, humorous messages have rendered them iconic in the history of art and as part of wider social movements. Guerrilla Girls: Reinventing the ‘F’ Word – Feminism! follows the collective’s artistic practice from 1984 until 2016 and explores how they employ bold, fun and provocative poster art to criticise ongoing biases in art and society.

The exhibition is recommended for teenagers aged 13 years plus as there is some mature subject matter relating to oversexualisation of Hollywood and reproductive rights. 

The exhibition is open daily from 10am to 5pm until Tuesday 15 October 2019.

Image credits: Guerrilla Girls © George Lange 1990

Biketober celebrates the joy of cycling with activities for all ages, abilities and bike styles.

38 Hurstmere will be celebrating Biketober with bike displays, bike arts and crafts, a bike mechanic, and our fixit stand and pump.

You’ll also have the opportunity to meet other keen cyclists.  Come and celebrate cycling in our community!

Search the Navy Museum for objects, solve riddles and complete activities in a  trusty travel booklet. Use your newfound knowledge to create your very own travel plan of where you will want to visit and who you’ll meet on your journey. Then craft a paper fold-able camera to capture all your memories.

Suitable for children aged 3 years plus.

Parental supervision required.

Come and solve the MOTAT Mystery these school holidays.

The mysterious and valuable Golden MacGuffin has gone missing and MOTAT needs your help!  Your young detective will step into the shoes of a forensic investigator, and see if they can solve the MOTAT Mystery by investigating the crime scene and gathering clues to catch the culprit – and earn their MOTAT Detective Badge!

Recommended for ages 6 to 12 years.

MOTAT will also have all of its regular things to see and do as well: exhibitions, heritage tram rides, model railways and more.

Get the kids riding bikes this summer!

Learning to ride a two-wheeler is one of those big childhood milestones, and being part of that experience as a parent is a thrill.

If you are wondering how to get started, or experiencing a few bumps along the way then check out Auckland Transport’s free #Learn2Ride sessions.

Their team of qualified instructors work alongside parents to get kids riding. Whether starting on a balance bike or making the transition to pedals the team is here to help.

Sessions are weather dependent and run on a drop-in basis so no need to register. Bring your own bike or try one of ours.

Based on the series of children’s picture books about “The Little Yellow Digger” by Betty and Alan Gilderdale and adapted for the stage by Tim Bray. When the little yellow digger gets stuck in the mud, a range of bigger diggers are sent to finish the job…plus other fun adventures of this tenacious machine.

Stories featured in the show are “The Little Yellow Digger saves the Whale”, “The Little Yellow Digger at the Zoo”, “The Little Yellow Digger”, “The Little Yellow Digger and the Bones”, and “The Little Yellow Digger goes to School”.

Costume Parade: Encourage your children to dress up as their favourite character from The  Little Yellow Digger for the onstage Costume Parade just prior to the start of the  holiday shows.

Recommended for children aged 3 to 10 years old.

Drop in and create a surprise for someone to find in a local park or outside area. Leaving messages of kindness and support for others to find has become a popular activity for families. Join us to create, seek and hide rocks.

This is a fun and free art-making sessions for kids on the second Saturday of each month, with all art materials provided. Although there is no need to book, participation is limited by space.

Art activities are designed for children aged four years and over, and run for around 30 minutes. These sessions are family friendly so adults can join in too—children just need to be accompanied by an adult.

This Saturday’s Gallery Club is  also part of Auckland Art week.

In October 1917, in the farmlands of Belgium, New Zealand suffered one of its greatest tragedies.

The battle of Passchendaele marked the greatest loss of life for New Zealand in any military engagement.

On this anniversary join Auckand Museum for a commemorative service held in partnership with the Passchendaele Society.

My Art Time is a fun and free, drop-in weekend workshop where you can enjoy art-making as a family. Make a piece of art you can take home and explore ideas and themes related to the Gallery’s current exhibitions.

My Art Time is on each Saturday and Sunday from 11am to 2pm.

THIS TOUR IS FULLY BOOKED

Explore diverse forms of art and creative expression in the city’s streets, squares and laneways in these free guided walking tours. An exploration of art along the city’s beautiful waterfront including Britomart, Viaduct, Silo Park and Wynyard Quarter. Get hands-on with interactive art installations that will capture the imaginations of people. Will combine with Le Cigale market on Saturday.

ARWEEK AUCKLAND EVENT.

The best Teppanyaki Chefs in New Zealand are training Kabuki Ninjas at these special October school holiday Cooking Classes.

Join in the interactive, hands-on and deliciously fun cooking classes taught by your own team of Chefs in a casual, fun and vibrant atmosphere.

Kids will learn basic food safety and cooking, while preparing some of Kabuki’s delicious dishes including as Sushi, Teriyaki Chicken, Fried Rice – where kids will even learn how to egg roll and flip!

Parents must accompany their children attending the class, so you’ll get to learn some new things too.

Your children will get to enjoy the creations that they have prepared at the end of the class and their very own official Kabuki Bandana as a momento of their junior Kabuki Ninja Chef status.

The “Junior Ninja Chef” cooking classes school holiday activity is suitable for children aged 6 to 12 years old.

Special diets are welcome please advise on the booking form of your requirements.

Further enquires – Ph 09 309 8888 or bookings@spak.stamford.com.au

These school holidays the kids can take flight with Bomb, Red, Chuck and friends from Angry Birds and join ‘Bird Island Academy!’ at SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton’s.

SCHOOL HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES INCLUDE:
Meet and Greet Bomb or Red from 12pm to 3pm each day.
Activity Map and Trail  Begin your Bird Island Academy challenge with an activity map, then venture past the sea creatures while learning about the ocean that surrounds us. At the end of the journey, the kids will get their bespoke Angry Birds 2 certificate stamped to certify them as an official graduate of the Bird Island Academy!

Open daily from 9.30am-5pm (last entry at 4pm).

Cruise aboard the William C Daldy steam tugboat during this year’s Auckland Heritage Festival supported by Ports of Auckland.

The Heritage Steam Tugboat Tours let visitors take a cruise back in time, touring Auckland’s busy port aboard the historic William C. Daldy steam tug – one of the port’s first tugboats, dating back to 1935.

These 90-minute, family-friendly tours provide a close-up view of our operations along with a detailed commentary on the maritime history of Auckland and the port. Tours include a special stop at the Auckland Harbour Bridge, where the William C. Daldy proved its might salvaging a piece of the bridge during its construction in 1958. Experience an all access journey, discover the inner workings of the steam tugboat by visiting the engine room, the heat of the boiler room and the wheelhouse up top.

Based on the series of children’s picture books about “The Little Yellow Digger” by Betty and Alan Gilderdale and adapted for the stage by Tim Bray. When the little yellow digger gets stuck in the mud, a range of bigger diggers are sent to finish the job…plus other fun adventures of this tenacious machine.

Stories featured in the show are “The Little Yellow Digger saves the Whale”, “The Little Yellow Digger at the Zoo”, “The Little Yellow Digger”, “The Little Yellow Digger and the Bones”, and “The Little Yellow Digger goes to School”.

Costume Parade: Encourage your children to dress up as their favourite character from The  Little Yellow Digger for the onstage Costume Parade just prior to the start of the  holiday shows.

Recommended for children aged 3 to 10 years old.

Cruise aboard the William C Daldy steam tugboat during this year’s Auckland Heritage Festival supported by Ports of Auckland.

The Heritage Steam Tugboat Tours let visitors take a cruise back in time, touring Auckland’s busy port aboard the historic William C. Daldy steam tug – one of the port’s first tugboats, dating back to 1935.

These 90-minute, family-friendly tours provide a close-up view of our operations along with a detailed commentary on the maritime history of Auckland and the port. Tours include a special stop at the Auckland Harbour Bridge, where the William C. Daldy proved its might salvaging a piece of the bridge during its construction in 1958. Experience an all access journey, discover the inner workings of the steam tugboat by visiting the engine room, the heat of the boiler room and the wheelhouse up top.

Fun on the rides and a bag of treats, a night in Kidz Kingdom is the perfect treat for under 8s!

Get a Tricks & Treat pass and your little one will get a free treat bag on entry and enjoy Kidz Kingdom outdoor rides:

o  Choco Express

o  Jumpin’ Star

o  Magic Bikes

o  Space Shuttles

o  The Carousel

o  Car Wash Convoy

Some ride height restrictions may mean you need to ride with your child, like Magic Bikes, the Choco Express Roller Coaster and the Surf and Swing. These are all special and fun experiences to share together!

The Kidz Kingdom indoor zone is closed but you’ll find plenty of places to grab a bite to eat in the Main Park.

Gates will open from 5:30pm for processing, please enter through the main Rainbow’s End gate, rides kick off at 6pm.

If you’re visiting Kidz Kingdom during the day, upgrade to a Kidz Kingdom Tricks & Treats Megapass for all the Kidz Kingdom rides and activities during
the day and a pass to the night event too!

Double, double thrills and fear; dare you enter the Witch’s Lair? Dark Rides comes with witchy fun, face your fears or turn and run.

Spin at the top of Stratosfear, plunge to the ground on the Fearfall or drift through the Enchanted Forest in the dark on the Log Flume.  Bring your friends for a night of spine-tingling fun at Dark Rides.

Manic Manor

The haunted Manic Manor has been taken over by the Witches Lair.  Journey through and meet the residents if you dare.
R14, parental discretion advised, open 6pm to 10:30pm.

Entertainment

Halloween Horror Circus, presented by Andre Vegas on 12, 19  and 26 October.
Halloween Dance Party with DJ Fr3quency: 7-10pm on 2 November

Chainsaw Madness: 8pm
Dreams and Screams: 9pm
Inferno: 10pm

Gates will open from 5:30pm for processing with the event starting at 6pm.

If you’re visiting during the day, get a Dark Rides Megapass for all the rides and activities during the day, a pass to Dark Rides at night and $5 to spend in park!