Enjoy science-related activities during the summer school holidays. Below are a selection of events held around New Zealand. Many of the providers have additional non-science activities that will be of interest. Follow the weblinks to see the full listings.
All events are subject to COVID level changes, see the event’s weblinks for up-to-date information.
NOTE: If you know of any science-related events we have missed, please get in touch: enquiries@sciencelearn.org.nz.
Summer is a wonderful time of year to explore science – UV light, solar power, beaches, the rocky shore, fire risks and more. Explore our articles, activities and interactives about all things Summer in this collection.
Auckland
MOTAT
Blown Up
3–30 January: Blown Up! is all about taking things, making them bigger and seeing them close up.
Find out more here: www.motat.nz/events/blown-up
MOTAT is New Zealand's largest transport and technology museum and offers a fun and exciting learning experience for visitors of all ages.
Find out more here: www.motat.nz
Auckland Museum
8–30 January: Dive in and get up close to incredible prehistoric sea creatures in a fun, immersive introduction to the fascinating world of palaeontology.
For more on at Auckland Museum: www.aucklandmuseum.com/
Stardome
Daily: Astronomy shows, sci-fi films, and night sky presentations for all ages. Come and enjoy the magic!
Find out more here: www.stardome.org.nz/
- Want to know more, see our resources under our astronomy topic.
Auckland Zoo
Daily: The Auckland zoo is a great place for the whole family.
Find out more here: www.aucklandzoo.co.nz/
Butterfly Creek
Daily: Visit Butterfly Creek these summer holidays, for butterflies and lots more, suitable for all ages.
Find out more here: www.butterflycreek.co.nz/
- Want to know more, see our resources under our Butterflies and moths topic.
Botanic Gardens
Daily: Visit the Auckland Botanic gardens these summer holidays, for fun for the whole family.
Find out more here: www.aucklandbotanicgardens.co.nz/
Waikato
Waikato Museum
Exscite science gallery
Daily: An interactive science gallery
Find out more here: http://waikatomuseum.co.nz/exhibitions-and-events/view/257/exscite-
For a complete list of events at Waikato Museum, please visit: http://waikatomuseum.co.nz/exhibitions-and-events/current-exhibitions
Te Awamutu Space Center
Daily: Museum and activity center suitable for all ages.
Find out more here: www.spacecentre.nz/
- Want to know more, see our resources under our astronomy topic.
Hamilton Gardens
Daily: Visit the Hamilton gardens these summer holidays, for fun for the whole family.
Find out more here: https://hamiltongardens.co.nz/
Hawkes Bay
Hastings Libraries
Summer Sparks
22 December–25 January: A fun set of challenges and activities providing a way of encouraging children aged 5–12’s learning and discovery over the summer holidays. Challenges include Nanogirl workshops, marble runs and natural disaster training.
Find out more here: www.hastingslibraries.co.nz/your-community/programmes/summer-sparks/
Tongario
1–31 January: The Mahi Aroha Summer Programme offers a range of events within the Central Plateau and Tongariro districts, fascinating wa;ls native species version training for dogs, sanctuary tours, Maunga clean up and more.
Find out more here: www.tongariro.org.nz/mahi-aroha
Wellington
Wellington Zoo
16 December–28 January: Aimed at 5–12 year olds, the Zoo’s holiday programmes are perfect for kids who want to learn about animals and conservation. Each session will explore a different side of the Zoo and its inhabitants.
Find out more here: https://wellingtonzoo.com/things-to-do/holiday-programmes/
Wilderkids
17–28 January: A school holiday programme for kids aged 5–12 centered around exploring nature and learning about the world around them.
Find out more here: https://sustaintrust.org.nz/school-holiday-programme
Police Museum
Explore fascinating resources on New Zealand policing and forensics.
Find out more about the museum events and activities www.police.govt.nz/about-us/history-museum/museum
- Use our activity DNA detective and the Mobile forensic kit – unit plan to explore the use of forensics in crime scene investigations.
Te Papa
Daily: A great place to take the kids during the holidays, for a list of events at Te Papa, please visit: www.tepapa.govt.nz/visit/events
Space Place
Daily: Visit Space Place these summer holidays for lots of resources on astronomy and fun for the whole family.
Find out more here: www.museumswellington.org.nz/space-place
- Want to know more, see our resources under our astronomy topic.
Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne
Daily: An awesome place to visit with the whole family to see New Zealand’s native wildlife and kids go free over the holidays!
Find out more here: www.visitzealandia.com
17–28 January: Summer sanctuary school holidays
Head to Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne for a range of activities and workshops, from exploring micro worlds, creating wire forests and papermaking to whānau yoga, puppet shows, and ranger takeover – there’s plenty to experience. Book tickets at www.visitzealandia.com/Events.
Pūkaha Junior Rangers Holiday Program
11–27 January: The Junior Ranger School Holiday Programme is back at Pūkaha for the upcoming school holidays! Running every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday of the holidays inside the ngahere, suitable for children aged 5–14 years.
Find out more here: www.eventfinda.co.nz/2022/pukaha-junior-rangers-january-school-holiday-programme/masterton
Ngā Manu Nature Reserve
Daily: A great day out with hands-on experience with nature and education.
Find out more: http://ngamanu.co.nz/
Wellington Botanic garden
Daily: Visit the Wellington botanic gardens these summer holidays for fun for the whole family.
Find out more here: https://wellingtongardens.nz/our-gardens/wellington-botanic-garden/
Christchurch
Canterbury Museum
A great place to take the kids during the holidays, for a list of events at Canterbury Museum, please visit: www.canterburymuseum.com/whats–on
International Antarctic Centre
The Antarctic Academy Programme offers daily and multi–day programmes with Antarctic themes.
Find out more here: www.iceberg.co.nz/our-experiences/school-holiday-programmes/
- Want to know more, see our resources under our Antarctica topic.
Orana Wildlife Park
Daily: A great place to visit during the summer holidays.
Find out more here: www.oranawildlifepark.co.nz/
Christchurch Botanic gardens
Daily: Visit the Christchurch botanic gardens these summer holidays, for fun for the whole family.
Find out more here: www.ccc.govt.nz/parks-and-gardens/christchurch-botanic-gardens/
Otago
Otago Museum
Tūhura summer science shows
11 December–30 January: Join one of Otago Museums Science Communicators for a surprise show happening every day at 2:00pm.
Find out more: https://otagomuseum.nz/whats-on/tuhura-summer-science-shows
Elves' workshop and makerspace
13–24 December: Join some merry elves in their workshop on Atrium Level 1 and make some festive decorations for your home and your Christmas tree. Including a Christmas Kraken and a shooting star.
Find out more: https://otagomuseum.nz/whats-on/elves-workshop-and-makerspace-5
Explorers' club
17–28 January: Whole day sessions, for 5–12 year olds covering many science topics such as plants, flight and the ocean.
Find out more: https://otagomuseum.nz/whats-on/explorers-club-january-2022
Sea monsters surprise makerspace
10–23 January: Come make some Sea Monster mad creations with the Monster Makerspace helpers.
Find out more: https://otagomuseum.nz/whats-on/sea-monsters-surprise-makerspace
Otago Museum has several other events on offer. To find out more and to book a place, please visit https://otagomuseum.nz/whats-on/
Dunedin Botanic garden
Daily: Visit the Dunedin Botanic gardens these summer holidays, for fun for the whole family.
Find out more here: https://dunedinbotanicgarden.co.nz/
Sinclair Wetlands, Te Nohoaka O Tukiauau
Daily: Visit the Sinclair Wetlands these summer holidays and see if you can spot all 46 bird species that live there.
Find out more here: www.tenohoaka.org.nz
Ōrokonui Ecosanctuary
Daily: Ōrokonui Ecosanctuary is an awesome place to visit with the whole family to see New Zealand’s native wildlife.
Find out more: https://orokonui.nz/
- Find out more about the creation of Ōrokonui Ecosanctuary.
Vanished World
Daily: Take a walk along the vanished world trails or visit the Vanished World Centre and see a range of geological finds including fossils.
Find out more here: https://vanishedworld.co.nz/
- Want to know more, see our resources under the fossils topic.
Kiwi Birdlife Park
Daily: An awesome family-owned and operated wildlife center in the heart of Queenstown, dedicated to saving our endangered wildlife species.
Find out more: www.kiwibird.co.nz/