School Holidays
Need some ideas for entertaining the kids in the School Holidays? There's lots to see and do with our big open spaces and stunning scenery – explore more in your own backyard!
School Holiday ideas
- Check out some top autumn events and ideas here or What's On week by week here.
- Get out in the fresh air on one of our many walks - check them all out here.
- See our cycle trails here with plenty to suit all abilities and day ride options too.
- Learn about our official Dark Sky Reserve here - it's among the best places in the world to view the star filled skies.
- Book your accommodation here or call our isite Visitor Information Centre who can book for you and answer any questions.
Carterton Events Centre
- Land of the Long, Long Drive - Wētā, Tuna and Kārearea are mates of Gary the Glowworm, and are traveling to attend his rave in the cave birthday party on Friday 12 April 3.30pm.
- Astrobiology Dome 'The Mars Blueberry' Planetarium Shows - explore the cosmos during the first week of the school holidays with NZ's one-of-a-kind portable planetarium from Monday 15 April to Wednesday 17 April.
- The Pantoloons Present: Sherlock Holmes - this pantomime takes the intrigue of mystery and wraps it in a playful, family friendly package on Sunday 21 April at 1pm. Get your tickets here now!
Queen Elizabeth Park
- Try out Masterton's state-of-the art skatepark with all the 'bells and whistles' of a traditional skatepark plus much more, that's fun for all ages!
- Visit Queen Elizabeth Park next door and ride on the historic miniature train, around the lake on a pedal boat, have a round of mini golf, feed the ducks, walk over the swing bridge to the BMX track or visit the deer, walk around Queen Elizabeth Park's beautiful trees, and visit the huge playground with its flying fox.
Mountain Biking
- Located on a section of hillside at the northern edge of Masterton the Lansdowne Mountain Bike Park is free to use with professionally designed and built tracks ideal for beginners through to experienced riders with tracks of grades 2, 3 and 4.
- Try out the purpose-built and professionally designed Rivenrock Mountain Bike Park for all levels of mountain bikers. Open for the summer season from October - April on Saturday, Sunday & Wednesday evenings. Check their Facebook page for up-to-date hours.
Check out more fun activities below and loads more ideas here
- Run wild at the coast, check out Castlepoint and Cape Palliser
- Pop into The Woolshed across the road from Queen Elizabeth Park
- Learn about farm animals on a guided visit at Martinborough Manor
- Check out historic Cobblestones Museum in Greytown
- Explore wildlife at Pukaha National Wildlife Centre
- Be star struck with a Star Safari
- Get out into nature
- Let the kids loose on the Wairarapa coast
- Walk the outdoors
- Feel like a bike ride?
- Inside fun - if the weather isn’t playing ball
Take a short trip for a big change of scene! Stay for the holidays
- Book a family room at Copthorne Solway Park with its heated indoor pool, spa, outdoor pool and playground.
- Check out other places to stay in the Wairarapa here.
- If you need local advice or help booking your accommodation, get in contact with our friendly isite Visitor Information Centre team.