The school holidays are officially here, bringing a mix of excitement and the perennial question of how to keep the family entertained across the motu. Tāmaki Makaurau is stepping up to the challenge with a wealth of events designed for all ages, interests and budgets, with many free or low-cost options available. Recognising Auckland's unpredictable autumn weather, many organisers have created inspiring weatherproof activities to ensure the fun continues, rain or shine.
From immersive indoor festivals to hands-on creative workshops and unique theatrical performances, the city is buzzing with opportunities for whānau to explore, learn, and make memories together over the next couple of weeks.
City centre buzzes with light and music
Auckland’s city centre is a hub of activity these holidays, anchored by two major free and ticketed attractions. The New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC) is hosting a brand-new indoor festival, Dreamer, until April 12. The vast Ariki Hall, roughly the size of Eden Park’s pitch, has been transformed into a glowing, interactive world of large-scale light installations and illuminated pathways. It offers a magical, weatherproof experience designed to spark wonder and imagination right in the heart of the city. Tickets for this unique event start at $12 for children, with under-fives entering free of charge. Nearby, Larnach Castle offers free entry for children during the school holidays.
Just a short walk away in Aotea Square, the Airship Orchestra has landed. This joyful and free installation by arts collective ENESS features a group of 16 huge, colourful inflatable creatures, some reaching up to six metres tall. Visitors can wander among the friendly giants day or night, listening to a gentle, magical soundtrack as the figures glow in time with the music. With blinking LED eyes that playfully follow passers-by, the orchestra provides a sense of playful enchantment for all ages and is a key feature in the ongoing project to revitalise the area as a public arts and culture hub. The installation will remain in the square until May 6.
A wild escape and creative spark
For those missing the warmth of summer, the Auckland Zoo offers a tropical escape without leaving the city. The South East Asia Jungle Track features the Swamp Forest, a habitat kept at a constant 28C year-round. This immersive experience allows visitors to feel the heat and humidity of a Bali-like environment, complete with Sunda gharial crocodiles and a variety of South East Asian fish. The track continues through the lowlands, home to tigers and otters, and into the high canopy primate habitat, where orangutans and siamangs play.
Meanwhile, young fantasy fans can unleash their creativity at Wētā Workshop Unleashed's special school holiday prop-making workshops. Inspired by real-world moviemaking techniques from New Zealand's world-renowned film industry, these 60-minute sessions invite children aged 6-14 to design and build their own fantasy-inspired prop. The workshops aim to teach the importance of props in storytelling and require no prior experience. Running twice daily on various dates, places are $32 per child, with an accompanying adult admitted free to witness the masterpiece's creation.
Community connection and conscious consumption
In the heart of West Lynn village, the much-loved Grey Lynn wine bar Freida Margolis is shifting into market mode this Saturday from 10am to 1pm. The monthly Freida’s Market returns with a conscious twist as part of EcoFest, placing a gentle focus on circular fashion and sustainable making. The market brings together a rotating mix of local makers, vintage and pre-loved clothing, art, jewellery, and baked goods. Described as relaxed and eclectic, it's an opportunity to support local artisans, find a unique treasure, and even have a tarot reading, all while children search for hidden Easter eggs.
Performances for the whole whānau
The Royal New Zealand Ballet is bringing back its much-loved children’s production, Dazzlehands: The Ballet, for a national tour. Based on the award-winning picture book by Sacha Cotter and Josh Morgan, the performance tells the story of a pig who discovers that being different is his greatest strength. The joyful ballet is complemented by family-friendly activities, including pre-show dance workshops and post-show meet-and-greets with the cast. It’s a sparkling, humorous and accessible introduction to ballet for the entire family.
For a more mature audience, Q Theatre presents Social Animal, a solo play starring award-winning actor Stephen Papps. The show explores the fragility of fame and paths to redemption through the story of disgraced actor Joe Quigley, who navigates life after the spotlight with a stray, neurotic ex-racing greyhound. Presented in association with Greyhounds as Pets, the production also highlights a timely connection to the New Zealand racing industry’s planned closure in July 2026 and the thousands of dogs that will need new homes.
Cultural exploration through movement
This Sunday, Ponsonby’s Studio One Toi Tū offers a free workshop, Body As Stamp: Carving Name Through Chinese Martial Arts. Led by interdisciplinary artist Yin-Chi Lee, the session provides an introduction to the cultural context and movements of Chinese martial arts. From 3pm to 4.30pm, participants will be guided through accessible sequences and grounding exercises, exploring how intention and posture move through the body. The workshop welcomes beginners and experienced practitioners alike, offering a unique opportunity for movement-based practice and cultural learning.
Beyond the holidays, Auckland’s autumn and winter calendar is packed with major events, including the Auckland Philharmonia's Tchaikovsky 4 performance on April 9, the Royal New Zealand Ballet's national tour of Dazzlehands through April 19, and Jimmy Barnes' concert at Spark Arena on April 19, promising a vibrant season of arts and entertainment for the city.
