School holidays are all about making memories, and Waiheke Island is packed with family-friendly adventures that will keep kids of all ages entertained. Whether you're planning a day trip or a few nights away, there's plenty to discover beyond the beaches and vineyards.

Start with the Journey

The adventure begins the moment you step aboard. Leave the traffic behind, enjoy the views across the Hauraki Gulf, and get ready to unlock a day (or days!) of exploration on Waiheke Island.

Better yet, during the school holidays, every child travelling with a valid child ticket can redeem a free Kids Combo onboard SeaLink. Each combo includes a Karma Juice and a Cookie Time snack cookie, the perfect treat for the trip over.*

Eat, Drink, Play at Wild Estate

For families, a visit to Wild Estate is hard to beat. Set among the vines in Onetangi, it's much more than a winery. Kids can burn off energy with lawn games like cornhole, giant chess, volleyball and pétanque, while parents relax with a coffee, wine, craft beer or long lunch. There's even a playground for younger visitors, making it an easy choice for a family-friendly stop.

The relaxed atmosphere means everyone gets to enjoy themselves, whether you're competing for cornhole bragging rights or sharing a wood-fired pizza in the sunshine.

Just next door you'll find The Heke. Another fantastic spot for families with great food, drinks and their infamous jumping pillow. They even have golf simulators if you've got teens who might have already got the golf bug.

Beachside Lunch at Man O' War

For one of Waiheke's most iconic family outings, head east to Man O' War.

Located right on the water's edge, it's the kind of place where kids can run around on the grass, explore the beach and skip stones while lunch is served overlooking the bay. Bring a bucket and spade and settle in for an afternoon that feels a world away from Auckland.

The journey there is part of the adventure, with stunning coastal views and plenty of opportunities to spot native wildlife along the way.

Take Flight with a Zipline Adventure

Travelling with older kids or teens? Add a little excitement to the holiday with a zipline experience.

EcoZip Adventures offers a thrilling way to see the island from above, with ziplines soaring over native forest and spectacular views across the Hauraki Gulf. It's a memorable experience for adventurous families and a great way to see a different side of Waiheke.

Explore the Island on Two Wheels

Waiheke's quieter roads and scenic coastal routes make it a fantastic place to explore by bike.

Pack a picnic, stop at beaches along the way, and discover hidden corners of the island at your own pace. E-bikes are also available for families wanting to cover a little more ground without tiring out younger riders.

There are some great options to hire bikes on the island. Check out Waiheke Cycles, who will be happy to drop your bikes to our Kennedy Point terminal. Or E-Ride Waiheke who can kit you out at the Waiheke Marina.

Hit the Walking Tracks

If your family enjoys the outdoors, Waiheke's walking tracks offer something for every age and ability.

Choose an easy coastal stroll with ocean views, wander through native bush, or take a longer walk connecting beaches and villages. Along the way you'll discover lookouts, hidden coves, birdlife and plenty of spots for a snack break.

Check out some great options here.

Keep an Eye Out for School Holiday Specials

Many Waiheke businesses run family-friendly offers and activities during the school holiday period, so it's worth checking what's happening before you travel.

From special kids' menus and activity programmes to family discounts and seasonal events, you might discover a few extra surprises waiting for you on the island.

Plan Your School Holiday Escape

Whether you're ziplining through native forest, challenging the kids to a game of cornhole, exploring on bikes or enjoying fish and chips by the beach, Waiheke Island makes family time easy.

Book your sailing, pack the family, and get ready to unlock a school holiday adventure to remember.

Book your tickets now!

*While stocks last. One combo per child ticket. Valid 4–27 July and 26 Sept–11 Oct 2026. Ts and Cs apply.