19 school holiday boredom busters
Published on 14 April 2025
Nothing to do? Not in Whangārei! Here are 19 device-free ideas to keep your kids entertained these school holidays.
Hit the playground
Sometimes you just need to let out a little energy, and what better place to do so than one of Whangārei's awesome playgrounds? Whether you're looking for a two-storey slide and trampolines, or something a little more toddler-friendly, there's a playground for everyone (even you, adults, we see you on that flying fox)
Where to find it: There are two fantastic playgrounds in the Town Basin, plus many more dotted around our district. Whangārei District Council has an in-depth map of where to find one close to you.
Ride a horse
Saddle up! Whangārei is lucky to be home to several horse-riding operators catering to all levels of riding experience. Take things slowly, or gallop your horse along the beach, the choice is yours. Check the age and ability requirements before booking, as some have a minimum age.
Where to find it: Explore Sandy Bay, Waipū or Whangārei Heads on horseback.
Delight in an underground world
Head below ground to discover a world of long-legged cave wētā, captivating glow worms and ancient moa bones. Waipū Caves Farm Park offers guided tours through their private Milky Way Glow Worm Cave.
Where to find it: Waipū Caves Farm Park, 567 Waipū Caves Road, Waipū.
Wander our walks
The Whangārei District is home to more than 40 bush and beach walks, with many accessible for our younger adventurers. Walk to waterfalls, climb maunga, discover new paths or hike to quiet beaches; the choice is yours and the options are limitless!
Where to find it: Download the Whangārei Walks Map as a starting point. The Hātea River Walkway offers several different distances catering to little legs and includes Mair Park with its friendly (hungry) ducks, bridge and playground.
Rainy-day activities
There are few things worse than a rainy school holidays. If the weather isn't on your side, here are a few indoor activities that will tire your kids out (we hope!)
- Flip Whangārei: Bounce, jump and flip that energy out! With heaps of trampolines, a foam pit and a space for young ones, this is a great rainy-day option. Where to find it: 3 Woods Road, Whangārei.
- Timezone: With flashing lights, noise and games galore, Timezone's arcade games will entertain your children for hours. Where to find it: 49 John Street, Whangārei.
- Event Cinemas: Grab your popcorn and choc-top ice cream and check out the latest blockbuster on the big screen. Where to find it: 18 James Street, Whangārei.
- Actionzone: Lace up your bowling shoes and select your ball with care! Bowling is a classic school holidays time-filler, and the addition of arcade games and Laser Tag will make this an indoor day well spent. Where to find it: 129 Port Road, Whangārei.
Comb the beach
Blow out the cobwebs with a trip to the beach. Make it a scavenger hunt, or a competition to find the weirdest washed-up trinket, coolest shell or smelliest seaweed. Too cold to dip your feet in? Warm up with some hot chips on the way home!
Where to find it: Whangārei is home to more than 100 beaches, so there's no shortage of options to explore. Head out to the Tūtūkākā Coast for windswept surf beaches, Whangārei Heads for quiet harbour bays or Bream Bay for the sweeping stretch of Ruakākā and Waipū.
Get your adrenaline pumping
Ready to push the limits? Tackle the world’s largest inflatable obstacle course at Adrenaline Adventure Park, or zoom down a dirt track on monster scooters at Heads Up Adventures!
Where to find it: Adrenaline Adventure Park is located at 27 Hukerenui Road, Hikurangi. Heads Up Adventures is located at 189-211 Whangārei Heads Road, Tamaterau.
On your bike!
Whangārei's shared paths are an awesome way to explore the city in a fun and safe way. The paths are generally flat (with a few exceptions) and connect to several city locations, making it easy to get around.
The Pohe Island Bike Park is another fun way to test your skills, with a BMX track nearby at the Pohe Island Playground. There’s a pop-up pump track currently located in Tikipunga (but may move throughout the city).
Where to find it: The Pohe Island Bike Park is at 109 Dave Culham Drive, Parahaki.
Hit the water
Grab your togs (or wetsuit, depending on the season) and make the most of the incredible coastline in our backyard.
- Surfing: Hang out and hang ten at one of Whangārei's excellent surf beaches. Lessons are available in Waipū and Tūtūkākā.
- Boat tours: Explore the harbour with Whangārei Harbour Tours.
- Kayaking: Discover hidden nooks and crannies along Whangārei’s coastline, and cruise through marine reserves and quiet bays. Head out on your own adventure with kayak hire or take the family on a guided expedition.
Learn something new
Need to kill some time? Head to Claphams National Clock Museum and give their Clock Hunt a go! Where to find it: 95 Dent Street, Whangārei.
Once you've discovered all of the cool and quirky clocks, venture up to Kiwi North, Whangārei Museum and Heritage Park to check out some of the unusual treasures (time your visit for the 11am kiwi feeding!). Where to find it: 500 State Highway 14, Whangārei.
If your kids love anything on two wheels or four, visit the Packard Motor Museum in Maungatapere and venture into their five sheds worth of motoring history. Where to find it: 1146 State Highway 14, Maungatapere.
Congratulations, you've survived the school holidays! We know there's more to explore, so let us know via Facebook or email, and we might just have to make another list...