Whether you’re looking to keep the kids busy, explore something new, or just enjoy some local entertainment, there’s something for everyone these April school holidays. From immersive workshops and outdoor adventures to theatre shows and glow-in-the-dark magic, check out what’s on around the Coast.Author Talk with Graham Reid: Whangaparāoa Library, Saturday April 12, 1.
30pm. In collaboration with Hibiscus Coast Writers, Whangaparāoa Library welcomes travel writer Graham Reid. Known for his work in the NZ Herald and The Listener, Reid will discuss his travel adventures and acclaimed books like Postcards from Elsewhere.
EcoFest Repair Café: Whangaparāoa Library, Sunday April 13, 11am-2pm. Bring your broken or damaged items to this free community event, run with Hibiscus Coast Zero Waste. Volunteers will do their best to fix your items on the spot – no charge.
Pre-Loved Fashion & Thrift Market: Ōrewa Community Centre, 40/46 Ōrewa Square, Ōrewa, Saturday April 12, 9.30am-1pm. Discover treasures and give clothes a second life at this community thrift market.
Foxtail Rumble – Live Music & Dance: DFlat, Corner Postman Road and State Highway 17, Dairy Flat, Friday April 11, 7.30pm-11pm. An evening of music and dance for adults to kick off the school holidays.
School Holiday Creative Workshops: 6A/231 Dairy Flat Highway, Albany. Workshops run from 9am to 3pm. Suitable for all skill levels: Bloom & Craft Workshop – Tuesday April 15.
Create beautiful paper flowers using cutting, shaping, and painting techniques • Ocean Wonders Workshop – Wednesday April 16. Craft under-the-sea creatures using cardboard, paper, and mixed media • Dream Treehouse Workshop – Thursday April 17. Design and build your own miniature treehouse using cardboard and mixed materials • Whiskers & Wonders Workshop – Wednesday April 23.
Make 3D animal sculptures inspired by your favourite animals.Escape Room Auckland – Zombie Bite: Escapism, 65 Karepiro Drive, Stanmore Bay, Wednesday April 16, 6.15pm-7.
15pm. Join a social escape room event. Book solo and meet your team on the day.
Max 6 people per room.Centrestage Youth Theatre – Disney’s The Little Mermaid: Ariel’s magical undersea adventure comes to life in this youth production. Recommended for ages three and up.
Centrestage Theatre, 60 Centreway Road, Ōrewa. Performances: Saturday April 12, 7pm; Sunday April 13, 2pm; Wednesday April 16, 11am and 3pm; Thursday April 17, 2pm and 7pm; Saturday April 19, 2pm and 7pm. Operatunity Presents – Around the World in 90 Minutes: Centrestage Theatre, 60 Centreway Road, Ōrewa, Monday April 21, 11am-12.
45pm. A fun and musical journey across the globe, featuring songs and stories from around the world.Snowplanet – Holiday Ski Programmes: Snowplanet, Silverdale.
April 14 to 18 and April 21 to 25. Session times: 9am-11am or 2pm-4pm. $439 per person per programme.
Learn to ski or snowboard in real snow with expert coaching. (see ad p26)GLŌrewa! – Glow-in-the-Dark Story Maze: 12 Florence Ave, Ōrewa (behind the AA). Open every Saturday and Sunday, 10am-2.
30pm. Additional holiday hours: Wednesday April 16, 10am-2.30pm; Thursday April 17, 10am-2.
30pm; Wednesday April 23, 10am-2.30pm; Thursday April 24, 10am-2.30pm.
A glow-in-the-dark maze of magical storyscapes, perfect for younger kids. (see ad p24)Stanmore Bay Football Holiday Programme: Hibiscus Coast Association Football Club, 162 Brightside Road, Ages 5–12, April 14 to 17 and April 22 to 24, 9am-3pm. $50 per day.
A football-focused programme with outdoor games and indoor activities when needed. Forest School – Into the Wild Holiday Club: Outdoor Forest School (venue details provided on booking). Monday 14 to Thursday 17 April, 9am-3pm.
Ages 5 to 12. $85 per day. Explore nature through bush walks, building, games and imaginative play in all weather.
STEMquest April Holiday Programme: Whangaparāoa Guide Hall, 45 Stanmore Bay Road. April 22-24, 9am-3pm. $79 per day (register for 1, 2, 3 days).
Explore the exciting worlds of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. For years 1-6.Estuary Arts Centre School Holiday programme.
214B Hibiscus Coast Highway, April 15 to 25 Check their website for a range of arts and craft classes across the school holidays. https://estuaryarts.arlo.
co/w/.
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School Holiday Fun on the Hibiscus Coast

Whether you’re looking to keep the kids busy, explore something new, or just enjoy some local entertainment, there’s something for everyone these April school holidays....