City Gallery re-opens this weekend with Yayoi Kusama: Mirrored Years - a world class exhibition of mirrors, dots and patterns that will fascinate all ages. If you’re around on Sunday head to Gallery A-Go-Go, a party in Civic Square from 12-5pm hosted by Jo Randerson and featuring local bands Little Bushman, Rosy Tin Teacaddy and the Hardy Ha Ha’s. Entry to the exhibition is free on Sunday and badge-making activity inspired by the exhibition will be held in Civic Square (or inside Capital E if raining). Entry fee to the exhibition at other times: Adults $10, 5-16 years $8, under fives are free. $25 family pass for two adults and up to three children.
Speaking of Capital E, as usual the national theatre for children has an incredible programme of music, dance and technology workshops lined up. From hip hop dance classes for five-year-olds to DJ lessons for older children, the Spring Jam Sessions runs from Saturday 26 September to Saturday 10 October. The programme runs alongside the return season of the sell-out production Seasons, for 2-7 year olds. More information at www.capitale.org.nz.
Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa is always a winner with kids, with Discovery Centres, StoryPlace sessions and regular creative events. Workshops this weekend and next week can see your kids making rabbit lanterns, putiputi (flowers), juggling balls or a tawhirimatea (wind god). Workshops run from 11am-12pm and cost just $2. Visit www.tepapa.govt.nz for the schedule.
Wellington Zoo’s school holiday programme is tailored for children aged 6 to 10 years, with many of the day events already sold out. If you’re in quick you might still be able to book in for the October dates for your kids to Go Ape! challenging our close relatives, be a Zoo Keeper for a Day, or go On the Prowl . Wellington Zoo is home to more than 500 animals and is open daily through the holidays from 9.30am – 5.00pm (last entry 4.15pm). Family concessions range from $36-54. www.WellingtonZoo.com
Just a 10 minute drive from the CBD, ZEALANDIA: The Karori Sanctuary Experience has special activities for kids planned daily over the spring holidays, including: a Beginners' Guide to Birdspotting; The birds, the bees and... the blossoms!, and The wonderful world of weta! Time your visit for kaka feeding daily at 12.15pm and 1.45pm (nb: feeding stations are a 20-30 minute walk from the visitor centre) and find out more about our playful native parrots. If you’re keen to spot a tuatara, ZEALANDIA rangers will be helping out at 1pm and 3.15pm every day. Free boat rides from 10am-2pm are weather dependent. ZEALANDIA is open daily throughout the holidays from 10am-5pm. Family concession $34 (two adults and up to three children), check out www.visitzealandia.com for full details and tour options.
Museum of Wellington’s school holiday fun includes the Captain Fearless pantomime on Tuesday 29 September at 11am ($5 per child) and Fairy Trina at 11am on Wednesday 7 October ($10 per child). The two characters also combine in The Quest for the Enchanted Sock on Thursday 1 and 8 of October ($15 per child). If you’re keen to roam around, free museum tours are held every Sunday at 2pm, offering a great insight into Wellington’s history. www.MuseumofWellington.co.nz
The holidays also take in Wellington’s annual Spring Festival. Tulip Sunday on 27 September at Wellington Botanic Gardens is a Dutch-themed day expected to draw 10,000 visitors to see 26,000 tulips in bloom. The festival features about 40 free or low-cost events (mostly gold coin entry) during the festival at the gardens and Otari-Wilton’s Bush. Think scavenger hunts, tree climbing the safe and professional way, craft sessions and glow worm tours! www.wcc.govt.nz
The best way to get to the gardens from the city centre is of course the Wellington Cable Car – a return journey for a family of two adults and up to four children costs just $14.
If the weather we’ve been having is anything to go by, there’ll be some lovely sunny days these school holidays. Enjoy them with a stroll along the picturesque Wellington waterfront, stopping off at one of the playgrounds when the kids need a break. If they’re good, reward them with a gelato at Kaffee Eis on Oriental Parade or at The Lagoon.
Having the brood in tow doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the capital’s coffee culture. Caffe L’affare on College St caters well to families and is now open Sundays. Southern Cross on Abel Smith St is also very child-friendly and has a large outdoor area.
If you want to venture out of the city centre, stop by the Island Bay Marine Education Centre’s open days on Sunday October 4 or Sunday October 11 from 10am-3pm. There’s heaps of marine displays and the ‘touch gently’ tank takes getting up close to a whole new level. Entry $2 per person.
The creatively minded will love TheNewDowse in Lower Hutt. You can create your own doorknob hanger daily for $2, or register your family for the gallery’s Wearable Arts Challenge on Friday October 2, where teams of four will design and create a garment from paper and then join in a fashion show to present their ensemble.
There’ll be an awards ceremony and you can take your own lunch. $40 per team, ages 10 plus. Full details at www.newdowse.org.nz.
Speaking of the Montana World of WearableArt™ Awards Show, this year’s Montana World of WearableArt Wander features 20 years of Supreme Award Winner garments throughout Wellington city until October 4. Location maps for this self-guided walk are available. Check out www.worldofwearableart.com/wander for full details or TEXT* WANDER to 315 for your personal mobile guide.
* Mobile guide is provided free of charge, but standard usage fees with your provider will apply. Texts cost 20c.
Need accommodation for your family’s spring holiday in Wellington?
The following inner city hotels are great for families. Check rates, availability and book at WellingtonNZ.com/accommodation.
Holiday Inn Wellington - Children 19 and under stay for free sharing parents’ guest room in existing bedding; plus kids 12 and under eat free from the kids menu when dining with an adult guest in the hotel restaurant. Contact the hotel for full details.
Quality Hotel Wellington – is in a convenient Cuba St location and has a swimming pool
Copthorne Hotel Wellington, Oriental Bay – is just short walk to the waterfront, Oriental Beach and Te Papa. Or if the beach isn’t the go, they have swimming pool.
Mercure Wellington – is in a quiet location but still close to the city centre. Adjoining rooms available.
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