New Idea magazine’s Kid’s Capers
includes Taupo Hot Springs Spa in its top 10 things to
do around New Zealand these school holidays.
Kid’s Capers.
From Kaitaia to Invercargill, there’s lots of
entertainment for children these school holidays. By
Catherine Milford.
The school holidays are here again, and as always,
especially in winter, it's a bit of a struggle keeping
the kids amused for two whole weeks. New Idea has a
holiday survival guide - 14 top attractions to keep
children busy. And you never know, you might enjoy them
too.
'Bright Sparks' School Holiday programme. Motat,
Auckland.
A great rainy day activity for kids aged four to 14
(children must be accompanied by an adult), Motat has
organised a school holiday bonanza. The 'Edison Science
Roadshow' gives children the chance to try their hand
at becoming a mad scientist The day includes treasure
hunts and a 'tactile dome', where kids must find their
way out of the dark using only their senses. Activities
run daily from July 8 - 15 from 10am - 4pm. Contact
Motat on 0800 668268 or
www.Motat.org.nz for more information.
Karori Wildlife Sanctuary, Wellington.
This world-first conservation attraction is a great
place to learn about New Zealand's unique wildlife. In
the holidays the sanctuary is running a new
orienteering mystery trail where children can discover
rare birds, visit a historic goldmine and search out
the shy cave weta. These explorer packs ($2 plus the
entry fee) take two hours and suit children of all
ages. Children under 14 must be accompanied by an
adult. Ring (04) 920 2222 or go to
www.sanctuary.org.nz for details.
Book reading, Christchurch.
Head to the library between July 17 and 19, where
Lynley Dodd, one of New Zealand's most celebrated
authors, and creator of our favourite dog, Hairy Mac,
will read from her books. Her itinerary is available
from Ticketek, (03) 377 8899, go to
www.kidsfest.co.nz. Entry is free but a ticket is
required.
The Children's Alpine Centre, Wanaka.
The Children's Alpine Centre, Wanaka has three
on-mountain facilities catering for children between
three months and 12 years. It has a licensed creche for
under-threes, a creche with basic skiing instructions
for kids between three and five, and a kids' club, with
full-day supervised skiing including lessons, lunch and
activities. Prices start from $48 a day and booking is
essential. Ring (03) 443 7411.
Zion Wildlife Park, Whangarei.
Zion Wildlife Park, Whangarei, is dedicated to
preserving big cats. Home to 27 cats, including rare
barb lions and royal white tigers, both now extinct in
the wild. Run by Craig Bus star of TV2's Lion Man
series, the park is introducing three new white lions
from Africa, which have come out of quarantine just in
time for the school holidays. It is open seven days for
guided tours, with discounts for groups of 20-plus.
Tours run between 9.30am and 3.30pm.
Stoney Oaks Wildlife Park, Inglewood.
For a great day out with the littlies, the park is
full of hand-reared animals for children to pet.
Children can sit on a Hereford cow, tickle a pig or
bottle-feed the babies. There is also a bushland walk
and wetland area, and for those making a weekend of it,
The Barn offers family accommodation (maximum 6 people)
for $140 per night. Stoney Oaks is open seven days
through the holidays, and costs $6 for adults, $4 for
children under 12. Phone (06) 756 766
Snowplanet's Fun Week, Auckland.
New Zealand's first and only year round indoor snow
centre runs courses for children with no skiing
experience. For more experienced skiers, the kids club
runs year round. Kids Fun Week for beginners costs $169
for five lessons. Bookings are essential. Ring 0800
SNOWPLANET or go to
www.snowplanet.co.nz
Butterfly Creek, Auckland.
Butterfly Creek, Auckland, is a minute's drive from
Auckland Airport. It's a family-friendly entertainment
venue with one of the largest tropical butterfly houses
in the southern hemisphere. For those preferring bigger
creatures, there's an interactive farmyard where kids
can get close to their favourite animals. Or hop aboard
the Red Admiral Express miniature train and traverse
the wetlands. Butterfly Creek is open seven days from
9am to 5pm and costs $11 for adults, $6 for children.
Go to
www.butterflycreek.co.nz
OX Box, Christchurch.
Head to the OX Box, Christchurch, at 1O.30am on
Sunday, July 17, for a fun family ride. Bring your bike
and helmet, along with a drink and snacks. The day also
includes a sausage sizzle and Family Fear Factor - not
for the fainthearted! Phone the Oxford Community Trust
on (03) 312 3006. Cost: $3 per child or $5 for a
family.
Stardome Observatory, Auckland
The Stardome Observatory, Auckland, is a must for
all budding astronomers. After the success of their
last holiday programme, the observatory is once again
hosting Rocket Workshops on weekday afternoons.
Stardome presenter Leigh Findlay gives a short tutorial
on what makes a good rocket, then the children get to
create their own. Afternoon workshops cost $9 per
person and run between 1 pm - 4pm from Monday, July 11
- Friday, July 22, suitable for children aged six and
over. Stardome is also running morning programmes at
the planetarium, and a session for preschoolers on
Wednesday, July 13 and 20 at 11am on The Magic Sky.
Visit
www.stardome.org.nz
Candyland, Taupiri, Waikato.
Candyland, Taupiri, Waikato, is New Zealand's
largest candy store and is open between 10.30am and 1pm
seven days a week throughout the school holidays,
showing you how your favourite choccies and c'andies
are made. The show includes how to make rock candy,
with a chance for visitors to make their own lollipop
at the end! Prices are $8 for adults and $5 for
children. Go to
www.candyland.co.nz
Circus School, Christchurch.
Do you have kids who won't stop clambering over the
furniture? Take them to the circus school to have a go
on a trapeze, balance on the tightrope, ride the rola
bola, climb the web, acrobalance a partner, juggle all
kinds of stuff, and flip off the trampoline into a huge
soft foam pit. Suitable for kids between eight and 14
years. Workshops are run daily from Monday, July 18, to
Friday, July 22, at CircoArts Building, CPIT, Moorhouse
Ave, Christchurch. Workshops cost $16. Phone Ticketek
on (03) 377 8899 for tickets or contact
www.kidsfest.co.nz.
Taupo Hot Springs Spa, Lake Taupo.
Taupo Hot Springs Spa is one of the coolest kids'
hot water pools in New Zealand, with a warm-water
playground that includes water jets, a maze and safe
rubber matting, suitable for Kids between three and 12.
There's also a giant dragon slide for older kids - and
parents who are brave enough! A health spa for adults
is at the same site. Pool prices start at $10 for
adults, $4 for children under 12. Visit www.taupohotsprings.com.
Stony Battery, Waiheke Island, Auckland.
For the ultimate day out, grab a torch and take the
ferry to Waiheke Island to explore the coastal battery
built in 1942 to defend Auckland from Japanese
invasion. Check out the 23-metre long guns, a maze of
magazine rooms, gun stores and engine rooms, all linked
by eerie tunnels - perfect for exploring! Email
info@waihekenz.co.nz for opening hours, or tel
0800AUCKLANO.