Cruise ship spotting, squiggly squids, gemstones and cycle adventures are some of the budget-friendly and fun ways of keeping a family entertained during these April school holidays.

For parents looking for free and cheap activities, there is plenty to do at local playgrounds, parks, swimming pools, skateparks, walkways and reserves. Tauranga residents and visitors can enjoy a wide range of facilities and activities.

Brilliance of the Seas is due to sail out of Tauranga harbour today at 6.30pm, making it a perfect opportunity for a picnic or fish and chips in Pilot Bay. If you’re an early riser, then what about a breakfast visit to Pilot Bay on Wednesday, with Majestic Princess arriving into harbour at 7.30am, and departing later at 7.15pm.

Downtown Tauranga Explorer Trail

These school holidays, April 12 – 28, come down to the Tauranga CBD for an urban adventure. Click on this link, scan the QR codes, complete the questions and go in the draw to win epic prizes from Animates, Music Works, Escape rooms, Tinkd Makerspace, The Pottery Studio and Baycourt.

This is a great holiday activity for children of all ages and anyone who wants to explore and learn these school holidays.Keep an eye on the Downtown Tauranga Instagram and Facebook for more information. Go to https://downtowntauranga.explorertrail.nz to get started.

Exploring the Historic Village

A bushwalk, galleries, a gemstone museum, artists at work, and a village cinema are some of the fun and interesting things to discover at Tauranga Historic Village in 17th Ave this week.

Today, Tuesday April 16, Sonic the Hedgehog will be screened at the Village Community Cinema from 1pm – 2.45pm, with doors opening at 12.30pm. All attending children are the responsibility of an accompanying adult, and tickets are $7.

Antony Warnes. Photo: Supplied.

The Antony Warnes exhibition is currently happening in The Incubator Gallery until May 4, with the gallery open Monday to Saturday from 10am - 3pm. Admission is free.

Across the way at The Peoples Gallery - Toi Ka Rere is the Shakespeare Unplugged Art Exhibition which also runs until May 3, with gallery open from 10am – 3pm, Monday to Saturday. Come and see work ranging from paintings to sculptures from local artists showing their own unique creative interpretation of the William Shakespeare, his plays, sonnets, and the Elizabethan age.

Tauranga Library

Have you got a digital dilemma and need some help? Head along to one of Tauranga Library’s weekly digital drop-in sessions, held on Tuesdays from 1-3pm. Bring in your own device for help using library apps, accessing online memberships and applications, installing software, or setting up a new device.

This is a first-in, first-served, drop-in service. No booking required.

Tauranga Library has a ‘Secret Pocket Books’ event happening from 10.30am – 11.30am on Wednesday, April 17. Entry is free for this activity that is best suited for 7-10 year olds. Little books are fun! Come and make your own... add a secret message, give it to a friend, keep it in your pocket. Learn how to transform paper into miniature books, then add your own illustrations or words.

Tauranga Art Gallery POP UP, 42 Devonport Road

Entry is free to the ‘Tauranga Moana Waterscapes: 1800s – Present’ on display until June 3 at the Tauranga Art Gallery POP UP at 42 Devonport Road.

Before the arrival of humans in New Zealand, Tauranga Moana was filled with salt marshes, eelgrass beds, and large, freshwater wetlands. Prior to the arrival of Pākehā, the Te Papa peninsula was also a favoured site for tangata whenua due to the thriving moana, abundance of kaimoana, and the strategic sites of the cliffs overlooking the harbour. Nowadays, we have a booming port and are known worldwide for our stunning beaches. For generations, the natural beauty of the waterscapes around Tauranga Moana have inspired artists.

Drawing on artworks from three of Tauranga’s largest public collections; the Tauranga Art Gallery Collection, Tauranga City Libraries Archives, and the Civic Art Collection, as well as selected works by prominent local contemporary artists, Tauranga Moana Waterscapes 1800s - Present showcases an evolution of artistic interpretations.

Wednesday April 17

Children aged 4-10 have an opportunity to participate in Easter Cookie Decorating from 2pm – 3pm on Wednesday, April 17, at 6/109 Devonport Road, Tauranga. Entry is $16.  Bring the kids in to enjoy a freshly baked shortbread cookie that they get to decorate with a range of different icing and toppings. To book click here

Head to Pāpāmoa Library for the Squiggly wiggly dancing squid activity from 10.30am - 11.30am on Wednesday, April 17. In celebration of Te Papa’s Colossal Squid Interactive Exhibition visiting Te Ao Mārama - Tauranga Library, children are invited to create their very own squiggly wiggly dancing squid out of cardboard and string.

Don’t miss the squid-y themed activities, including a free Te Papa activity book to take home! This activity is suitable for tamariki of all ages.Please arrive at the start time. Parents must stay and supervise their children.

Thursday April 18

Delve into Dungeon World at Pāpāmoa Library on Thursday, April 18 from 1.30pm – 3pm. Entry is free.Explore a land of magic and danger in the roles of adventurers searching for fame, gold, and glory. Dungeon World is a tabletop roleplaying game similar to Dungeons and Dragons, but with simpler rules. Bookings are essential. This session is for those aged 11+.

Thursday April 18 to Sunday 21 April 21

The Tauranga Society of Artists Original Art Expo is being held at the Tauranga Boy's College Gymnasium, from Thursday to Sunday, April 18-21. Entry is free to see over 500 original artworks, cards, and prints, plus tiny art by local artists.

Every day, you'll get a chance to see and interact with artists with their live art demonstrations. Come and vote for your favourite painting for the People's Choice Award.

Saturday April 20

It’s Concert Storytime with Opus Orchestra at Pāpāmoa Library, on Saturday April 20, form 2pm – 2.30pm. Entry is free. Opus Orchestra Storytime is designed with the littlest music enthusiasts and their families in mind.

Concert Storytime with Opus Orchestra. Photo: Supplied.

This concert is a journey filled with interactive elements like sing-alongs, movements, and an introduction to live music in a fun and tamariki-friendly atmosphere! Click here for more information

Cycling along the Wairoa River bridge. Photo: Supplied.

Join a guided historic ride from Bethlehem Shopping Centre taking in the new cycle path along Wairoa River toward the Omokoroa Cycleway. The Wairoa River Historic Ride is being held on Saturday, April 20 from 9am – 11am, leaving from the Woolworths Carpark, Bethlehem Shopping Centre. The experienced guide is a compelling storyteller and will have you captivated as he describes both the Māori, and early European history of the area. E-bikers are welcome and it is suitable for intermediate to experienced riders. Limited to 20 riders.

Sunday April 21

The 2024 Great K Valley Cycle Adventure will be taking please in Kopurererua Valley Reserve from 10am – 2pm, with the hub and start of the adventure next to the skate park at the end of 17th Ave.

Great K Valley Cycle Adventure is on Sunday April 21. Photo: Supplied.

Think scavenger hunt, map reading and puzzle solving by bike as you explore the trails of Kopurererua Valley. The largest urban wetland restoration in New Zealand. The valley is packed with history, bird life and great cycling, and walking trails. Get your friends and family together to enjoy a fun few hours as you find the clues and solve the puzzles within the valley.

One lucky person will win a bike - thanks to My Ride - Cameron Road. Teams can start at 10 minute intervals between 10am and 12 midday. Entry is $35 per team. On arrival and registration, you will be directed to the Starter for your safety briefing confirmation and your team start. Prize giving is at 2.30pm. To book click here

Previous Mauao King and Queen of the Mountain race. Photo: Tauranga Ramblers/ Athletics Tauranga Inc.

The Mauao King and Queen of the Mountain is happening at Mount Main Beach from 10.30am – 12pm on Sunday, April 21. Adult $40, Junior (Under 15) $20.

Mauao King and Queen of the Mountain is celebrating 77 years strong, with two fantastic races for the casual family runners to the elite alike. This iconic event is noted for its scenic beachfront finish. For more information click here