The Ultimate Family Activities April 2025 Guide: NZ + AUS Family Fun 🌈
School holidays just got a whole lot easier to plan! Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, aunty, uncle, or cool-as caregiver, this guide is here to help you create memory-making moments with the whānau—without the stress. From Auckland to Melbourne, we’ve found the best Family Activities for April 2025 across New Zealand and Australia that are perfect for tamariki of all ages. Let’s go!
💡 Tips to Make the Most of School Holidays
✅ Include everyone: Plan activities that appeal to all ages—from toddlers to teens, and nannas to pops.
✅ Book in advance: Popular events fill up fast, especially during public holidays.
✅ Pack smart: Don’t forget snacks, water, sunscreen, and a backup hoodie.
✅ Keep it flexible: Some of the best memories come from unplanned detours.
✅ Bookmark this post: We’ll keep it updated with fresh finds and hot tips!
📍 Auckland’s Best Family Activities for April 2025
Tāmaki Makaurau is turning it on for the April 2025 school holidays, with events across the city that are fun, enriching, and easy on the wallet.
🎭 Bluey’s Big Play
📅 April 2025
Bluey, Bingo, Mum, and Dad are hitting the stage in a live theatre experience that’s perfect for little fans.
🔗 Get the details
🔬 MOTAT’s School Holiday Experience
📅 April 14–27, 2025
Explore hands-on, interactive fun at MOTAT—perfect for curious minds and mini makers.
🔗 More info at motat.nz
🐾 Auckland Zoo: Wild Discovery Days
📅 April 14–27, 2025
Get closer to the animal kingdom with feeding sessions, talks, and fun activities for all ages. Especially the Dinosaur Discovery Track!
🔗 Plan your visit
🎨 Auckland Art Gallery Creative Workshops
📅 April 14–27, 2025
Unleash your family’s inner artist with free drop-in art sessions.
🔗 Discover the workshops
🌳 Movies & Music in Parks
📅 Various April dates
Pack a picnic, bring a blanket, and enjoy outdoor movies or live music across Auckland.
🔗 Movies in Parks
🔗 Music in Parks
🏉 NRL: One NZ Warriors vs. Broncos – Live at Go Media Stadium
📅 Saturday, April 19, 2025
📍 Go Media Stadium, Penrose
🕒 Gates open: 2:50 PM | Kick-off: 7:30 PM
🎟️ Tickets: Get them on Ticketmaster
Aotearoa’s favourite team is back at home! Take the whānau to see the One NZ Warriors face off against the Broncos in an epic night of rugby league action. Plus, enjoy pre-game entertainment and junior curtain raisers. Up the Wahs!
📲 Mobile tickets only—just flash your phone at the gate!
🎡 Auckland Easter Show 2025
📅 April 18–21, 2025
📍 Auckland Showgrounds, Epsom
🕙 Day sessions: 10am–6pm | Evening carnival: 6pm–10pm
🎟️ Tickets: From $6–$15 (kids under 5 free)
🔗 Full event details at eastershow.co.nz
With carnival rides, the Dinosaurs of Patagonia experience, animal encounters at Farmworld, tasty food trucks, cultural showcases, and high-energy shows in the Action Arena, this is a can’t-miss long weekend event for families.
📍 Wellington: Capital City Fun for Families
From nature walks to museum visits, Wellington has you covered rain or shine.
🌸 Wellington Botanic Gardens – Scenic strolls + a fun playground.
🌊 Museum of City & Sea – Dive into local stories with hands-on exhibits.
🦎 Zealandia Eco Sanctuary – Explore native wildlife in their natural habitat.
🧠 Te Papa Museum – Interactive exhibitions for all ages, always free entry.
📍 Christchurch + Canterbury Adventures
Ōtautahi is packed with outdoor activities, animals, and nature experiences this April.
🐧 Antarctic Centre – Hop on a Hagglund ride or chill in the ice room.
🌷 Botanic Gardens – Go on a scavenger hunt or picnic under the trees.
🦁 Orana Wildlife Park – Get up close with exotic animals on safari-style tours.
📍 Hamilton Highlights
Kirikiriroa has lots of easy, enriching experiences for the whole family to enjoy.
🐒 Hamilton Zoo – Spot lions, monkeys, and more!
🌼 Hamilton Gardens – Explore themed garden worlds.
🏛️ Waikato Museum – Learn and play through art, science, and local history.
📍 Across the Regions: Rotorua, Taupō, Napier + More
The regions are ready to shine this school break. Here are some top picks:
🔥 Rotorua – Check out bubbling mud pools at Hell’s Gate or explore Māori culture at Te Puia.
🚴♀️ Taupō – Bike along the lake, go kayaking, or take a scenic boat ride.
🏖️ Mount Maunganui – Sandcastles and beach walks by day, sunsets by night.
🎭 Napier – Take a quirky Art Deco walking tour.
💦 Splash Planet, Hastings – Water rides, mini-golf, and theme park magic.
✈️ Planning a Trans-Tasman Trip? Australia’s Got You!
If you’re hopping over the ditch for the holidays, these Aussie spots are worth checking out.
🎢 Gold Coast – Hit the trifecta: Dreamworld, Sea World + Movie World.
🦒 Sydney – Visit Taronga Zoo, ride the ferry, or relax at Darling Harbour.
🎨 Melbourne – Ride the Observation Wheel or explore Scienceworks.
🌴 Brisbane – Chill at South Bank or go wild at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary.
✅ Final Thoughts
No matter where you’re based—from the top of Aotearoa to sunny Queensland—April 2025’s school holidays are bursting with family-friendly magic. Whether you’re going big on adventure or keeping it cosy at home and doing some ANZAC Biscuit baking, we hope this guide helps you plan the best break ever.
💾 Bookmark it, share it, and come back anytime for new updates. Pop into the comments below and let us know what you’re doing this April School Holidays.
👀 Got a cool event we missed? DM us on Instagram or email us and let us know!
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