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Gizzy Events

Summer Holiday Programmes Guide



Tōnui Collab

3 weeks of 1-day workshops, 9am - 3pm each day. Their workshops encourage children to explore the diversity of STEMM - science, technology, engineering, mathematics and mātauranga Māori through the experimentation and creation of animation, engineering, game development, robotics, coding, virtual reality and more!

  • Tuesday 19th - Thursday 21st December

  • Tuesday 16th - Thursday 18th January

  • Tuesday 23rd - Thursday 25th January

Caters for 7-13 year-olds. Location is Lawson Field Theatre, next to GDC.

For more info, contact admin@tonuicollab.com or by phone 0800 886684 Book here: https://www.tonuicollab.com/holiday-workshops



Arty Farty School Holiday Programme

Nurture children’s self-expression through art, music, dance and drama held at Te Hapara School Hall, 31 Mill Rd.

Caters to 5-10 year-olds.

Options for $30 half day or $50 full day bookings.

For more info, contact: kidscreationstationz@gmail.com or 021 045 8113








The Y Oscar Summer Holiday Programme



A variety of fun activities every day, from 18th Dec 2023 to 26th of Jan 2024 at YMCA Oscar House on Disraeli Street.

Caters for 5-13 year-olds and costs are from $45 per day.

For more info, contact: 06 8679259 Ext: 03

Find registration form here.









The Band School | Busking Holiday Programme

Become part of a musical ensemble, master some tunes, and join us for a week filled with the joy of learning and street performance. Participants get to keep the earnings and carry the experience with them always. These sessions are based out of Gisborne Intermediate.

Everyday from 18th -22nd December, $50 a day or $225 for the week.

Caters to ages 6 to 15 year olds.

For more information and to book: http://www.thebandschool.co.nz/holiday-programme




Ocean Rhythms Surf Camp

A summertime, kids surf camp that will get them stoked to surf and spend time in the water.

Located at Waikanae or Northern Makorori (depending on weather). If you need a wetsuit and board, they’ve got you covered with an add-on rental option ($30 for the December camp and $60 for the January camps). If you are looking to buy a wetsuit check out Sequence Surf Shop and their variety of suits!

December 18-20th ($260)

January 8-12th ($410)

January 15-19th ($410)

Caters to 6-13 year olds.

For more information and to book, email oceanrhythmscoaching@gmail.com.





Gisborne Gymnastics Club Holiday Programme

During the school holidays, the Gym Club offer Free-Play sessions, Free-Play + Activities, Preschool Open Gym, and Competitive Holiday Gymnastics times. Cost is $10 for Preschool Open Gym and $20 for all other sessions. See timetable for offerings.

  • 18 - 21 December: Morning sessions only 9am - 12pm

  • 15 Jan - 26 Jan: Morning 9am - 12pm and Afternoon 12pm - 3pm sessions

  • 30 Jan - 2 Feb: Morning sessions only 9am - 12pm

  • 15 Jan - 2 Feb: Squad-specific sessions for Competitive Gymnastics in the afternoon

Caters to ages: 5-13 (preschool ages for the Preschool times).

Book in or find more information here: https://gisbornegymnastics.com/holiday-program


Comet Swimming Club Holiday Programmes

30-min swimming lessons with an instructor held at either Elgin School Pool or Kiwa Pools.

Monday through Friday all summer at $60 (for all 5 lessons per week).

  • 18 - 22nd Dec at Elgin School Pool

  • 8 - 12th Jan at Elgin School Pool and Kiwa Pools

  • 15 - 19th Jan at Elgin School Pool and Kiwa Pools

  • 20 - 24 Jan at Elgin School Pool and Kiwa Pools

Caters to 3+ years. Book or find more information


East Coast Museum of Technology

ECMoT are home to technologies of the past, like stationary engines, amateur radio, computers & games, vintage cars, firetrucks and much more! They’re located at 67 Main Road, Makaraka, Gisborne, and open Saturday and Sundays 10am to 4 pm. Entry is $10 per person and they welcome people of all ages. Summer closure between 23rd Dec - 6th Jan.


East Coast Museum of Technology Live Day Sunday – 28 January 2024. Come see the technologies of the past come to life! 10am-4pm with a cost of $2-10. Reach out for more information by email enquiries@ecmot.org.nz.



HB Williams Memorial Library (all events are free)


Kiwiana Summer Reading Challenge: Read for two hours in ten minute time slots and go in the draw to win one of four mystery prizes.

The Great Kiwiana hunt: Find the hidden kiwiana items, solve the riddle and go into the draw to win a prize. For children up to the age of 18 years.

December 18 – January 21





Courtyard games: This holidays Kahui Whetū|Constellation Courtyard will be set up with giant classic games for families to enjoy. Weather permitting.

December 11 – January 20


Christmas-themed Events:


December 11 Monday & December 12 Tuesday 10.30am

Christmas Story Time: Join Santa's little helpers for Christmas story time in the children’s area


December 13, Wednesday 10.30am - 11.30am

Kids Christmas Crafts: Christmas card making for the family


December 14, Thursday 10.30am - 11.30am

Kids Christmas Crafts: Gift bag making - design your own gift bag for Christmas


December 15, Friday 10.30am

Christmas Carols: Join the library team for Christmas Carols in the Kāhui Whetū Constellation Courtyard


December 18, Monday 10.30am - 11.30am

Kids Christmas Crafts: DIY Christmas tree ornaments


December 19, Tuesday 10.30am - 11.30am

Kids Christmas Crafts: Fun candy cane Christmas crafts


December 20, Wednesday 10.30am - 11.30am

Kids Christmas Crafts: Christmas table centrepieces


December 21, Thursday 10.30am - 11.30am

Kids Christmas Crafts: Come and make some fun Christmas crafts that you can use to decorate the house or give to someone for Christmas.


Summer-themed Events:


December 28, Thursday 10.30am - 11.30am

Diy Pot Planter: Make a pot planter using recycled materials


December 29, Friday 10.30am - 11.30am

Upcycle shirt day: Bring an old shirt and turn it into a bag using only a pair of scissors. Make as many as you like depending on how many shirts you have.

January 3, Wednesday 10.30am - 11.30am

Kids Tie Dye: Come and give tie dyeing a go with the childrens team. Bring something white to dye.


January 4, Thursday 10.30am - 11.30am

The great paint day: It’s all about the paint and we’re painting rocks, shells, boxes and whatever else we can find.


January 5, Friday 10.30am - 11.30am

Origami for kids: Join Liam for some origami fun. Young children may need help from an adult for this activity.


January 8, Monday 10.30am - 11.30am

Craft a raft: See how well you can build a raft that floats out of recycled items.


January 9, Tuesday 10.30am - 11.30am

Egg drop and paper planes: Can you drop an egg from the top of a ladder without it cracking? Join the children’s team and give it a go.


January 10, Wednesday 10.30am - 11.30am

Kids solar oven: Build a solar oven and see how long it takes to bake smores.


January 11, Thursday 10.30am - 11.30am

Marble run obstacle: Come and build a marble obstacle and see how long you can keep your marble rolling.


January 15, Monday 10.30am - 11.30am

Amazing puzzle race: Race to complete a puzzle the fastest. Do it as an individual or in a team of up to 3 people. We will also have other riddles and puzzles to try and complete.


January 16, Tuesday 10.30am - 11.30am

Classic birthday party games: Bring the kids down for a game of musical chairs, pass the parcel and other classic birthday party games.


January 17, Wednesday 10.30am - 11.30am

Classic family games, from Monopoly to Chess to Cards.


January 18, Thursday 10.30am - 11.30am

Dress up summer picnic: Dress up in your favourite costume and join us in Te Kāhui Whetū Constellation Courtyard for a story, bubbles and a picnic.



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