Winter school holiday fun
Looking for something to keep your kids engaged during the school holidays this winter?
We’ve compiled some of the region's best winter-warmer activities to entertain the whole family and keep your youngsters busy discovering and learning during these winter school holidays!
National Aquarium
Discover an exciting world above and below the water. Visit Penguin Cove and watch the Little Penguins feed and play. Watch stingrays and fish swimming right above your head in a 1.5 million litre oceanarium tunnel.
Terry the hawke billed turtle at Napier's National Aquarium
Museums of Hawke's Bay
The boutique Wairoa Museum belies it's size, by being home to an incredible collection of important Māori taonga, photographic collections of the region's early history, and even New Zealand war flags from Scotland. MTG Hawke's Bay in Napier (that stands for Museum Theatre Gallery) is the place to learn the remarkable story of the region's recovery following the devastating earthquake of 1931. Further south, Central Hawke's Bay Museum offers a glimpse in the lives of the district's early settlers, alongside local and national treasures.
Don't the chance to visit Wairoa Museum - located alongside the scenic Wairoa River
Hastings City Art Gallery
The Hasting City Art Gallery offers a space for national and international contemporary art exhibitions to Hawke’s Bay. The art gallery keeps children in mind with a range of holiday activities that run all year round, online art activities and spaces to develop their creative abilities.
Faraday Museum of Technology
Look back in time and immerse yourself in Napier, Faraday Museum of Technology. This is a favourite place to take the kids to learn about and explore the evolution of technology. It's a place of discovery where history comes alive through hands-on experience.
The Faraday Centre is an old fashioned hands-on museum that even has a Tesla Coil
Arataki Honey Visitor Centre
Discover a world of bees and honey with free self-guided tours and live bee displays. You can see the bees working away in their hives and learn about their fascinating social structure and importance to the ecosystem. Then for the most delicious part of the visit, a free honey tasting. Plus, during the school holidays get crafty and join in making candles and beeswax. Un-bee-lievable!
Arataki’s honey encounter gets you up close with a the bees
Enigma Escape Rooms
Become a Wizard for a day? Or help a Detective solve the mystery of the Gemini Killer? Atmospheric-themed Escape Rooms. Physical, digital, AR and interactive problem-solving puzzles. There is something for every age!
Bay Skate
Let the good times roll at Bay Skate on Marine Parade. This giant skating area has it all: ramps, bowls, and rinks ready for some serious shredding. Hire everything you need there or bring your own wheels and get going. Keep an eye on the kids from the grandstand while you take in the incredible views of Mahia Peninsula all the way to Cape Kidnappers.
Bay Skate on Marine Parade in Napier
Ocean Spa
Grab your togs and towel and head to Ocean Spa on Marine Parade. Here you’ll find spas, saunas, and pools suitable for the entire family, not to mention stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. Spend as long as you like soaking and swimming, then finish off your experience with a tasty meal at The Bach Café – the kids will love it!
Keep warm this winter at Ocean Spa hot pools
Libraries
Libraries are a great way to keep your family engaged these holidays and keep warm! Hawke's Bay libraries are an entertainment hub for books, eBooks, DVDs, talking books, magazines, newspapers, online databases, events, holiday programmes, social groups and more! Check out the library websites for more information on their holiday programmes.
back
