Little green fingers
Children can be "souper" detectives at Auckland Botanic Gardens.
Become a "Souper" detective at the Auckland Botanic Gardens. Explore the edible garden and Potter Children's Garden and collect clues for a soup recipe - kids will search for cabbages, taro, kale and some herbs too. Drop into the Huakaiwaka Visitor Centre to collect a worksheet for this free, self-guided trail around the gardens during the school holidays. aucklandbotanicgardens.co.nz.
Star-gazing
Dinosaurs and meteors will be the buzz words at the Stardome Observatory and Planetarium at the One Tree Hill Domain. There will also be the chance to touch a meteor from space, create crafts, do activities on the dinosaur theme and see the show Dinosaurs at Dusk. Children $10, adults $8 for sessions weekdays 10am and 1pm. Bookings essential stardome.org.nz.
Glow run
Auckland's Wynyard Quarter is buzzing with active and creative things for families to do in the fresh air. Check out wynyard-quarter.co.nz for workshops and events. Youngsters can make tasty treats for birds on July 27 (11am-2pm). Keep watch for more information coming up on the 5km Puma Night Run - with a glow theme, spot prizes and a celebrity MC - which will be held at 6.30pm on August 14. Check in from 5.30 pm at the corner of Jellicoe and Beaumont Streets.
Go for snow
It's all "white" at Mt Ruapehu throughout winter and a great time for families to get away to the snow. Visit mtruapehu.com for what is happening on the mountain, prices and info about planning your trip. A beginner package to learn to ski or snowboard includes lift passes for a day, a lesson and rental equipment (adult $112, youth $80).
Build a boat or hop on a bike
Take to the water at Auckland Council's leisure centres.
Auckland pools and leisure centres are hosting school holiday programmes Auckland-wide, including sessions for 5-8-year-olds and other sessions for 9-13-year-olds. Check out aucklandleisure.co.nz for a centre near you and to see what's on, including games, sports, arts, cooking, crafts and fun trips. Birkenhead Pool and Leisure Centre has a "build a boat" day for older kids where they can use ropes, bamboo and inner tubes to build a raft then test it out in the pool. July 15 is "Wheelie Crazy Tuesday" in which children can bring a bike, rollerblades or scooters and explore the skate park and off-road trails. Costs range from $22-$45 for the day activities.
• For other school holiday ideas, check out eventfinder.co.nz or enter your region for more information.