From night lights, creative arts, movies, and outdoor activities, Tauranga is brimming with activities for every age and interest these school holidays.

Here’s a taste of what’s on offer.

City centre

In the city centre, there are light installations in the city, art gallery workshops, fluffy fun fiestas and breast cancer awareness pink walks.

Lights on Tauranga

A city centre light trial including eight light installations by artist Angus Muir will run every week for the first week of the school holidays and best of all, it’s free to attend.

Bright lights in the city centre. Photo supplied.

Explore a self-guided light trail from 5pm to 10.30pm featuring illuminated shopfronts with Sara Hughes’ Reimagine Tauranga and art by local tamariki.

Look out for the larger-than-life origami “Paper Pals” in shop windows and the special lighting at Tunks Reserve, Wharf St and Masonic Park.

On Saturday, September 28 and October 5, enjoy neon face painting, glow circus performances, a free photo booth and roaming entertainers.

End the evening with a dinner at a local eatery and take advantage of free parking in the city centre from 5pm weekdays and weekends.

Tauranga Art Gallery School Holidays

Visit the Tauranga Art Gallery and attend the fun-filled creative workshops for kids from ages 5-12.

On various dates based on age from Monday, September 30, through till Friday, October 4, visit the off-site space of Tauranga Art Gallery and complete a workshop for $25 each.

Rob McLeod's vibrant artwork. Photo supplied.

Inspired by NZ/Scottish artist Rob McLeod’s vibrant artwork, young artists can design, paint, and build their own eye sculptures on a customer wooden stand.

Pocket-sized play - Fluffy Fun Fiesta

From 10.30am-1.30pm on Saturday, September 28, visit Red Square for a free Fluffy Fun Fiesta.

Fluffy fun in the city centre. Photo supplied.

The team from Little Long Cafe will be set up to help tamariki get creative by decorating their own fancy fluffy cups.

Meanwhile, the adults can enjoy a well-deserved “big kids” coffee.

HOT Pink Walk

The iconic HOT Pink Walk is making its return, bringing our community together in a sea of pink on Wednesday, October 9 from 5.30pm to 7pm.

For $10 per adult and a gold coin donation for kids, you can join the community in pink at the Tauranga Waterfront to raise awareness and funds to support those with breast cancer.

The Hot Pink walkers in the city centre. Photo supplied.

Organised by the 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

The Historic Village has organised a busy school holiday programme with art, a disco, sewing workshops and movies.

The incubator Creative Hub School Holiday Programme

The incubator Creative Hub’s school holiday programme has a fantastic line-up of activities including movies, disco, art and sewing workshops.

Bethlehem College artwork. Photo supplied.

Plus, don’t miss Tūrangawaewae - Bethlehem College Senior Exhibition, running until October 19. Featuring stunning artworks by senior students from Bethlehem College.

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.

The Village Cinema. Photo supplied.

On Tuesday, October 1, The Village Cinema will be playing Trolls Band Together.

On Thursday, October 3, The Village Cinema will be playing Mary Poppins.

On Tuesday, October 8, The Village Cinema will be playing The Wizard of Oz.

On Thursday, October 10, The Village Cinema will be playing The Lego Batman Movie.

All movie tickets are just $7 each, however booking and service fees may apply.

At the beach

Celebrate the warmer weather and head to the beach for some creative family fun.

On Monday, September 30, from 10.30am to 12.30 pm, enjoy rake healing on the beach directly in front of Moturiki Island (Leisure Island).

Rake healing on the beach. Photo supplied.

As 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.

Classic Flyers

These school holidays Classic Flyers are offering a range of family activities from 9am to 3pm daily.

Ride the fire truck (on demand, weekdays), dive into arts and crafts, or race around Torpedo Park on the famous pedal planes.

The Classic Flyers museum caters for all ages; a variety of planes are on display. Photo / Supplied

From Saturday, 28 September, tamariki can also join the free colouring competition, bringing their creativity to life.

Mercury Baypark Arena

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.

On Tuesday, October 1 and 8, Wednesday, October 2 and 9, and Friday, October 11 for $6 each visit Baypark for some fun.

Kōpūrererua Valley

The Kōpūrererua Valley Rotary Centennial Trust is leading a remarkable effort to plant 4500 native plants at Kōpūrererua Valley Reserve, one of Australasia’s largest urban wetlands.

Native tree planting. Photo supplied.

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.

This free tree planting session will be held on Sunday, September 29 from 9.30am-12.30pm. Volunteers who can help will need to register their place.

Baycourt

Bring the family to Opus Orchestra’s fun-filled show where music and theatrical comedy collide at Baycourt on Saturday, October 12, from 4pm-5pm for $20.48 per person.

The Carnival of the Animals. Photo supplied.

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

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.

Colour Monsters at the library. Photo supplied.

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!