KidsFest Returns to Waimakariri for Winter Holiday Fun

Now in its 33rd year, KidsFest offers over 200 free and affordable activities and events for young people throughout the school holidays, from 6–21 July.

Events take place in Christchurch, Banks Peninsula, Selwyn and Waimakariri.

Council is hosting a mixture of online activities and in-person events  across the District over the winter school holidays.

The Great Nature Treasure Hunt 

Get wrapped up and join us on a Great Nature treasure hunt as we marvel at the splendour of our flora and fauna. Just visit one of the districts libraries for a form and get exploring our surrounding parks and recreational spaces. The hunts will take around 20 minutes or longer if you fancy lingering a while. If you complete the hunt and return the form to the libraries there will also be real treasure in return. Why not challenge yourself to complete the hunts at each of the libraries this holiday period?

Ages: All Ages

Cost: Free

Date: Runs all holidays

Locations: Get your Nature Treasure Hunt at Kaiapoi library, Oxford library, & Rangiora library.


We Love Waimakariri Film Festival 

What is your favourite outside space in the Waimakariri?  Do you enjoy fishing the cold waters of the Waimakariri River, listening to the birds in the Ashley gorge or playing in your local reserve? We are excited to invite you, your family, your friends to create a 0.5-2 minute film and tell us about your favourite outdoor space.

All the wonderful films we receive will be shown at a special event at the Rangiora Town Hall in spring (date TBC). There will be a prize for the most inspired video as decided by our select panel of judges. Click here to gain a registration form and the details of where to send your film, any questions email biodiversity@wmk.govt.nz.

Ages 5-11 and 12-17

Cost: Free

Date: Runs all holidays

Location: Waimakariri


Dudley Park Aquatic Centre Pool Party

Dive into the wild at Dudley Park Aquatic Centre's Safari Themed Pool Party!
Children aged 0-4 must have an adult (16+) in the water within arms reach at all times (maximum 2 preschoolers per adult). Children aged 5-7 must be actively supervised by an adult (16+) at all times.

Ages: All ages

Cost: $4.20 Per Child | $7.40 Per Caregiver

Date: Wednesday 10 July, 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm

Location: Dudley Park Aquatic Centre


Kaiapoi Aquatic Centre Aqua Class

Step into a fun fitness adventure with our Safari Themed Aqua Class at Kaiapoi Aquatic Centre! Bring the whole family along for this experience and continue the fun at our Kaiapoi Aquatic Centre Pool Party afterwards. Children aged 5-7 must be actively supervised by an adult (16+) at all times

Ages: 5+

Cost: $4.20 Per Child | $7.40 Per Caregiver

Date: Thursday 18 July, 12:30 pm - 1:00 pm

Location: Kaiapoi Aquatic Centre


Kaiapoi Aquatic Centre Pool Party

Dive into the wild at Kaiapoi Aquatic Centre's Safari Themed Pool Party!
Children aged 0-4 must have an adult (16+) in the water within arms reach at all times (maximum 2 preschoolers per adult). Children aged 5-7 must be actively supervised by an adult (16+) at all times.

Ages: All ages

Cost: $4.20 Per Child | $7.40 Per Caregiver

Date: Thursday 18 July, 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm

Location: Kaiapoi Aquatic Centre

KidsFest is an initiative from Christchruch City Council. Explore all the activities and events happening this KidsFest at kidsfest.co.nz.