School Holiday Programmes

Whangarei is a great base for school holidays. Whether your kids love getting active, making things, or exploring the outdoors, there's something on every break — many within a short drive of the park.

Active Attitude — Gymnastics & Movement

Active Attitude runs popular holiday programmes for ages 5–12 at their gym on Commerce Street. Each day includes trampolines and gymnastics equipment, arts and crafts, games, and themed activities. Numbers are capped to keep it personal — book early.

• Ages: 5–12
• Hours: 8:00 am – 3:00 pm (extended care until 5:30 pm available)
• Cost: from $55 per day
• Location: 9 Commerce Street, Whangarei

Quarry Arts Centre — Art Workshops

Quarry Arts Centre offers affordable art workshops for children aged 5–17 in a beautiful garden setting on Selwyn Avenue. Kids work with clay, paint, photography, sculpture and mixed media alongside experienced tutors. Half-day and full-day options available.

• Ages: 5–17
• Location: 21 Selwyn Avenue, Whangarei
• Book: quarryarts.org

Whangarei Aquatic Centre — Chill Out Programme

The Whangarei Aquatic Centre on Ewing Road runs the Chill Out holiday programme for ages 5–14. Kids enjoy swimming, team challenges, cultural days and two off-site excursions each week. Early drop-off from 7 am and late pick-up until 6 pm available.

• Ages: 5–14
• Hours: 9:00 am – 3:00 pm (care from 7:00 am – 6:00 pm)
• Location: Ewing Road, Whangarei
• Book: chillout.clmnz.co.nz

Hundertwasser Art Centre — Creative Workshops

The Hundertwasser Art Centre at the Town Basin runs school holiday art workshops inspired by Friedensreich Hundertwasser's bold and colourful style — a unique experience inside one of New Zealand's most striking buildings.

• Location: Town Basin, Whangarei
• Contact: learning@hundertwasserartcentre.co.nz

Whangarei Art Museum — Holiday Activities

Whangarei Art Museum at the Town Basin runs free and low-cost creative activities for children during school holidays. A relaxed, inspiring morning out.

• Location: 91 Dent Street, Town Basin
• Phone: 09 430 4240

Kiwi North — Nature & Wildlife

Kiwi North at Maunu (10 minutes from the park) is home to Northland's only kiwi house and a fascinating museum of natural and social history. They run holiday programmes for kids to get up close with native wildlife and the environment.

• Location: 500 State Highway 14, Maunu
• Website: kiwinorth.co.nz

Abbey Caves — Free Glowworm Adventure

For something adventurous and free, head to Abbey Caves on Abbey Caves Road, about 10 minutes from town. Three self-guided limestone caves are home to glowworms — bring a torch, old shoes that can get wet, and a sense of adventure. Best for older children (9+) with a reasonable level of fitness.

• Cost: Free
• Bring: Torch, old shoes, spare change of clothes

More Options

The Whangarei District Council maintains a full list of school holiday programmes across the district, including dance, hockey, table tennis, surf lessons at Tutukaka, and more.