School holiday survival guide

Cadbury Chocolate Carnival, Dunedin

What: Various chocolate-themed activities will be held around parts of Dunedin. Includes a chocolate cooking class, chocolate sculpting, the Cadbury Jaffa Race and the Cadbury Crunchie Gold Rush train and hunt.

How much: Varies between events, although many activities are free.

Contact: www.chocolatecarnival.co.nz

Big Ups, Auckland and Dunedin

What: Kids and adults alike can have the time of their lives at this inflatable playground. With activities such as human bowling, zorbs, human fly, and sumo suit wrestling for all ages, this will be a school holiday hit.

How much: $10 entry per person for 90 minutes.

Contact: 0800 244-877 or www.bigups.co.nz

Sky Tower, Auckland

What: From 10am to 3pm until July 18 the Sky Tower is opening a sweet shop near the top, including pick 'n' mix lollies and a candyfloss station. Pick up a free kid's activity book, and come dressed in your "sweetest" costume and be in to win daily prizes.

How much: One child goes free with every paying adult.

Contact: 0800 759-2489 or www.skytower.co.nz/sweetshop

Museum of Wellington

What: For the remainder of school holidays Wellington Museum is hosting a series of activities for kids. Includes storytelling, introduction to illustrating and competitions.

How much: From free to $10.

Contact: www.museumofwellington.co.nz

Christchurch Library

What: Between July 17 and 19 Lynley Dodd, author of Hairy Maclary, will be reading from her books at the library.

How much: Entry is free, but you need a ticket.

Contact: Ticketek (03) 377-8899 or go to www.kidsfest.co.nz

Candyland, Waikato

What: Candyland is opening between 10.30am and 1pm every day throughout the rest of the school holidays. Find out how chocolates and candies are made and make your own lollipop.

How much: $8 for adults, $5 for children.

Contact: www.candyland.co.nz

Otago, Southland, Queenstown, Fiordland

What: School children travel free on Real Journeys and Stewart Island Experience trips for selected dates and departures when accompanied by full fare-paying adults. Includes glow-worm cave, high-country farm and vintage steamship excursions, and various day cruises and ferry services.

How much: Visit the website for adult fares.

Contact: www.realjourneys.co.nz or call (03) 249-7416, booking reference: AATravel Kids Go Free.

Westburn Bike Park, Christchurch

What: This park is set up like a mini-road system that kids will love riding their bikes around. There are roundabouts, give way and stop signs, and pedestrian crossings. There's also a suburban playground children can enjoy. Aimed at kids aged up to 10.

How much: Free.

Ferrymead Heritage Park, Christchurch

What: The heritage township and museum has special school holiday programmes running throughout the July holidays. The two-and-a- half-hour sessions include activities such as dressing up 1920s' style, baking a cookie 1920s' style, or making a 1900s' toy.

How much: $15 includes a visit to the museum and a free tram ride after the session.

Contact: Enquiries and bookings

ph (03) 384-1970 between 9.30am and 4pm daily, or by emailing info@ferrymead.org.nz

Honey Hive, Taupo

What: Watch bees in their glass viewing hives, plus DVDs and interactive displays with interesting information about the amazing honey bee. Sample honey and honey products, including skincare and wellness products, hand-made fudge and gourmet honey icecream, then grab some lunch at the Bees Knees Cafe. Open daily 9am-5pm.

How much: Free entry.

Contact: Situated off SH1 north, Wairakei Tourist Park, Taupo.

- © Fairfax NZ News