Here is a taste of what’s on offer.
City centre
Bright lights in the city centre. Photo supplied.
When: On now until 6 October
Where: Tauranga city centre
Price: Free
Lights on Tauranga runs through the first week of the school holidays. Explore the self-guided light trail from 5pm to 10.30pm every evening, featuring:
- Eight light installations by artist Angus Muir,
- Illuminated shopfronts with Sara Hughes' Reimagine Tauranga and art by local tamariki,
- Larger than life origami ‘Paper Pals’ in shop windows,
- Special lighting at Tunks Reserve, Wharf Street, and Masonic Park.
On Saturday, 28 September and 5 October, enjoy neon face painting, glow circus performances, a free photo booth, and roaming entertainers.
Make it a fun evening with dinner at a local eatery and take advantage of free parking in the city centre from 5pm weekdays and weekends.
Rob McLeod's vibrant artwork. Photo supplied.
When: Various dates based on age: Monday, 30 September – Friday, 4 October
Where: Tauranga Art Gallery off-site Space, 3 Waihirere Lane
Price: $25.00*
Tauranga Art Gallery is hosting fun-filled creative workshops for kids aged 5 to 12. Inspired by NZ/Scottish artist Rob McLeod's vibrant artwork, young artists can design, paint, and build their own eye sculptures on a custom wooden stand.
Fluffy fun in the city centre. Photo supplied.
When: Saturday, 28 September, 10.30am to 1.30pm
Where: Red Square, Tauranga city centre
Price: Free
Head along for a free Fluffy Fun Fiesta in Red Square. The team from Little Long Café will be set up to help tamariki get creative by decorating their own fancy fluffy cups. Meanwhile, adults can enjoy a well-deserved ‘big kids’ coffee.
The Hot Pink walkers in the city centre. Photo supplied.
When: Wednesday, 9 October, 5.30pm to 7pm
Where: Tauranga Waterfront
Price: Donation (suggested $10 per adult and gold coin for children)
The iconic HOT Pink Walk is making its return, bringing our community together in a sea of pink. Organised by our local Breast Cancer Support Service Tauranga Trust, this 5km walk begins at the waterfront and winds through the city, with live music and entertainment brightening the way. It's more than just a walk — it's a chance to unite in support of an incredible cause, honouring those affected by breast cancer.
The Historic Village
Bethlehem College artwork. Photo supplied.
The Incubator Creative Hub's school holiday programme has a fantastic line-up of activities including movies, disco, art, and sewing workshops. Plus, don't miss Tūrangawaewae - Bethlehem College Senior Exhibition, running until 19 October. Featuring stunning artworks by senior students from Bethlehem College.
The Village Cinema. Photo supplied.
The Incubator Creative Hub has you covered with a series of beloved children’s films at The Village Cinema. With colourful adventures, timeless magical tales, heartwarming journeys, and action - there’s something for every little film buff.
When: Trolls Band Together – Tuesday, 1 October
Mary Poppins – Thursday, 3 October
The Wizard of Oz – Tuesday, 8 October
The Lego Batman Movie – Thursday, 10 October
Where: The Village Cinema, The Historic Village
Price: $7.00*
At the beach
Rake Healing at the beach. Photo supplied.
When: Monday, 30 September, 10.30am to 12.30pm
Where: Beach directly in front of Moturiki Island (Leisure Island)
Price: Free
Celebrate the warmer weather and head to the beach for some creative family fun. A part of the Tauranga City Council Young at Heart Festival, a week celebrating our wonderful older community, participants can try their hand at crafting large-scale sand drawings or tackle a massive 10 metre wide Sudoku puzzle. Round up the whole whānau and come together and enjoy a unique, hands-on experience at Mount Maunganui beach.
When: 9am to 3pm daily
Where: 9 Jean Batten Drive, Mount Maunganui
These school holidays Classic Flyers are offering a range of family activities. Ride the fire truck (on demand, weekdays), dive into arts and crafts, or race around Torpedo Park on the famous pedal planes. From Saturday, 28 September, tamariki can also join the free colouring competition, bringing their creativity to life.
Mercury Baypark Arena
Tumble Time fun. Photo supplied.
When: Various dates from Monday, 30 September to Friday, 11 October
Where: Mercury Baypark Arena
Price: $45.00*
Tauranga City Basketball and WaiBOP Football are offering fun, drop-and-run programmes these school holidays. Kids can stay active, make new friends, and enjoy expert coaching.
When: Tuesday, 1 and 8 October, Wednesday, 2 and 9 October, and Friday, 11 October
Where: Mercury Baypark Arena
Price: $6.00* (under 1 year free with paying older child)
Tumble Time isn’t just for the littlies! Keep all your kids active and entertained with Holiday Tumble Time for children up to 13 years old.
Kōpūrererua Valley
Native tree planting. Photo supplied.
When: Sunday, 29 September, 9.30am to 12.30pm
Where: Kōpūrererua Valley, Gate Pā, Tauranga
Price: Free
The Kōpūrererua Valley Rotary Centennial Trust is leading a remarkable effort to plant 4,500 native plants at Kōpūrererua Valley Reserve, one of Australasia’s largest urban wetlands. This effort is part of a long-term restoration project in partnership with Tauranga City Council, Ngāi Tamarāwaho, the Bay of Plenty Regional Council, and dedicated community members, all working together to rejuvenate the historic 364-hectare wetland. Volunteers who can help will need to register their place.
Baycourt
Carnival of the Animals. Photo supplied.
When: Saturday, 12 October, 4pm to 5pm
Where: Baycourt Community & Art’s Centre
Price: $20.48*
Bring the family to Opus Orchestra’s fun-filled show where music and theatrical comedy collide. The Carnival of the Animals blends a beloved orchestral suite with the humour of Dynamotion’s talented actors, Tom Sainsbury and Lara Fischel-Chisholm. Watch the animal kingdom come to life in an interactive performance for all ages.
Te Ao Mārama - Tauranga City Libraries
Colour Monsters at the library. Photo supplied.
Our city libraries have you covered with free, family-friendly activities these holidays. Head to Tauranga Library for Lego Free Play, or craft some Colour Monsters or make a Pocket Pet, while Pāpāmoa Library offers the chance to make Blissful Bottles and enjoy a special Tuvalu Storytelling and Fatele Evening. Over at Greerton Library, relax with Sensory Storytime or watch a movie. At Mount Maunganui Library you can make your own Worry Doll.
There is so much other goodness happening across our city during the school holidays. Visit What’s on Tauranga for more information and school holiday inspiration!
*Booking and service fees may apply.