School holiday fun in Kāpiti

A natural playground for curious minds, Ngā Manu Nature Reserve is a must-visit for families. Spot longfin eels during daily feeding sessions, peek at the shy kiwi in the nocturnal house, and watch ancient tuatara bask in the sun. With hands-on experiences and plenty of space to explore, it's a fun, educational day out for the whole whānau.

Make the school holidays unforgettable with a visit to one of Aotearoa’s most treasured nature reserves. Just a short boat ride from the mainland, Kapiti Island is a predator-free sanctuary teeming with native birdlife. Families can explore bush-clad walking tracks, learn about the island’s rich history, and take in sweeping coastal views along the way.

Rev your engines for a trip through time at Southward Car Museum, where over 400 vintage and classic cars tell the story of motoring history. See everything from a Back to the Future DeLorean to Mickey Cohen's 1950 "gangster special" Cadillac. It's the ultimate pit stop for car lovers and curious minds.

Waterworld is bringing its huge indoor pool waterpark back to Coastlands Aquatic Centre for three days of epic school holiday fun. With giant inflatables, obstacles, and a whole lot of splahing, it's a guaranteed hit with the kids. This popular event booked out last year, so be quick to grab your tickets.

Get creative these school holidays at That Little Cake Shop's cupcake decorating classes. Think sprinkles, piping, and glitter as kids decorate their own cupcakes to take home. With sessions tailored to different age groups and small class sizes, each class offers plenty of creative, hands-on fun.

Bring the family together for some friendly competition at Golf for Good Mini Golf in Paraparaumu. This 18-hole course captures the challenge of a real putting green, making it perfect for family showdowns, friendly rivalries, and plenty of laughs. Even better, every round helps support local charities.

Rain or shine, Rebound Playland & Trampoline Park is Kāpiti's ultimate indoor playground. Kids can bounce, climb, and explore across colourful multi-level play areas and trampoline zones, while toddlers have their own dedicated space to enjoy.

Add a little theatre magic to your school holiday plans at Te Raukura ki Kāpiti. Younger audiences will love The Pantoloons' magical musical pantomine of The Wizard of Oz, while older kids and teens can enjoy The Lord of the Rings in 90 Minutes - a fast-paced take on Tolkien's epic trilogy.

Let your young artists' imagination run wild at Toi MAHARA. Their school holiday programme features a range of hands-on art activities for tamariki of all ages. From drawing and collage to tissue paper posy making, there's plenty to spark creativity.