What’s on Dunedin?
April 2024 / School Holiday Adventures Await!
April is bursting with opportunities to explore and discover in our South Island city! As the school holidays kick off, we have a whirlwind of family friendly activities and local business gems waiting to be explored!
From outdoor adventures to exhibitions, we’ve curated a list of local experience’s you’ve gotta know about coming up this April!
Let’s make April one for the books, with laughter, fun and endless memories! (Links via the images below for further info!)
Dunedin Ice Stadium:
Step into a winter wonderland of fun and excitement at the “Coolest Place to Play” in Dunedin.
We know the holidays can be challenging to keep the kids entertained so why not enroll them in one of the stadium’s holiday programmes!
Whether you're a seasoned pro or taking your first wobbly steps on the ice, their friendly staff is here to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone. These School Holidays Dunedin Ice Stadium have 2 amazing programmes running!
School Holiday Ice Skating Lessons
This programme is perfect for kids wanting to learn ice skating!! Daily 45 minute lessons are perfect to help you get started on your ice skating journey or to keep your skills sharp over the hoildays!!
😎 COOL Kidz Club 😎
Do your kids want an adventure filled day exploring a range of ice sport activities? The COOL Kidz Club is perfect for kids wanting to try out, ice skating, ice hockey, curling & more!! Morning tea & Lunch is included! Come and spend a whole day playing at the COOLEST place in town!!
Larnach Castle and Gardens
Explore Larnach Castle and Gardens these holidays! Larnach Castle and Gardens is open daily from 9am to 6pm and Ballroom Café is open from 9.30am to 4.30pm.
Learn to be an ace plant detective, soak up the historic atmosphere of Larnach Castle and the stunningly restored ballroom, and Kids go free!
There is something for everyone – exquisite craftsmanship and architecture, endless history and stories, beautiful gardens, breathtaking vistas, culinary delights in the Ballroom Café and wonderful finds in the boutique Gift Shop.
Your support ensures New Zealand’s Castle can continue to be lovingly restored by the Barker Family in this ongoing passion project. As a token of our appreciation, they’ve designed a Loyal Local Annual Pass. Purchase either a Castle and Garden ($45.00) entry or a Garden only entry ($22.00) and receive a corresponding 12 month pass that entitles you to free entry for 12 months.
To see their exciting array of events coming up, visit larnachcastle.co.nz/whats-on
Whats On at Tūhura
25 Years Captured Exhibition
Experience 25 Years Captured, a celebration of photographic excellence in Otago! This exhibition at Tūhura Otago Museum showcases the winning entries from the prestigious photography competition held annually since 2000. From captivating wildlife shots to stunning landscapes, immerse yourself in the beauty of Otago's natural world captured by talented local photographers. Explore the region's favorite wildlife, witness the changing seasons, and marvel at the diverse subjects captured through the lens.
Open daily from 12 April
Free
Uplate
This evening will open the Wild Dunedin Festival for 2024, with wonderful, wild offers all night! The Museum will be buzzing, with live music, tours, Planetarium screenings, food trucks and multiple workshops on offer.
Wander through the galleries, take a free, guided mini talk with our Museum Guides, or enjoy a walk amongst the butterflies in the warmth of the Tropical Forest with a wine in hand. You can make your own eco-friendly bird feeder or earrings on our Atrium too.
5pm – 9pm, Friday 19 April
Tūhura Otago Museum
Cost: Free and bookable events available
Wildlife ER with Suzy Cato
Find out how animals are cared for by the Dunedin Wildlife Hospital with special guest Suzy Cato, and discover what goes on behind the scenes when it comes to receiving, treating, and healing some of New Zealand's most treasured species. Bring your favourite soft toy and learn how to bandage injuries just like the hospital’s team. Enjoy a story and a song with Suzy and tend to teddies, bandage bunnies, and doctor dollies while talking about Otago's wild taoka. Tickets are $3 per person. All proceeds to go to the Dunedin Wildlife Hospital.
12.30pm and 3pm, Monday 22 April
Beautiful Science Gallery
$3 per person – Booking Required
Dunedin Airport
Fuel to fly if you’re travelling these holidays
The Airpresso café team are up bright and early to make sure travellers start or finish their day with a much-needed coffee and delicious treats from the cabinet or from the a la carte menu. No need to rush before leaving home: their full menu has ready-to-go options for the whole family to enjoy.
Tips for Airport parking
HANDY PARKING CALCULATOR
Calculate short and long term airport parking rates before you leave home here.
PREPAY PARKING CARD
If you are a frequent traveller with no time to spare, why not grab a Dunedin Airport Car Park Debit Card!
Otago Rally
The Otago Rally is based in the beautiful city of Dunedin, in the south of New Zealand, and is the first round of the 2024 Brian Green Property Group New Zealand Rally Championship. This component of the event features New Zealand’s leading competitors in modern, state-of-the-art 4WD turbo rally cars, including the exciting AP4 and R5 rally cars.
The event also incorporates the International Classic Otago Rally, for pre-1982, 2WD cars. This event has grown in leaps and bounds since its inception in 1997, to the point where it is the leading event of its type in the Southern Hemisphere.
The Central Machine Hire Otago Rally 12th April - 14th April, check out the ceremonial rally start in Dunedin’s centre, The Octagon, on Friday night.
Whether you’ve conquered every activity on our list, or are still hungry for more, there’s always something new to uncover in our vibrant city!
Keep your eyes peeled for upcoming events, local business features and regular Dunedin updates on our socials across IG, FB & TikTok! And subscribe to our mailing list to get notified as we continue to embrace the magic of our city together.
Until next time! - TDE
