School holidays often mean a lot of running around for mum or dad to make sure the kids are entertained. But what if you could relax with a coffee and have your own adventure while the children are taken care of?

With the Cave Kids school holiday programme in magical Waitomo you can do just that.

The three-hour dry caving session in Ruakuri Cave, from 30 June to 15 July, is like being on a movie set, and gives little adventure seekers the chance to explore caves and glowworms, and search for treasure and fossils of ancient creatures!

Run daily from 1.30pm, this fun, educational programme is recommended for children between five and 12 years. But you'll need to be quick to secure a place. Due to its popularity, bookings must be made 24 hours in advance and are available to limited numbers so everyone gets to enjoy their caving experience to the max!

Liz Lindsay, Discover Waitomo Brand Manager, is thrilled to offer the fifth Cave Kids programme, now in its second year, as a way for parents to relax during the holidays as well.

"Caving is very popular with children, and is the perfect way to keep them happy and occupied for the day in a safe, fun environment," says Lindsay. "While adults are welcome to join in, we've also got areas where they can take some time out for themselves if they wish."

In preparation for the tour, kids start with a warm-up of fun, cave-themed activities. Then it's off to explore hidden parts of the caves on a guided 1.5km tour, heading off the beaten track to find fossils, bones, and buried treasure behind a magic door that opens with special codes.

"Cave Kids get to meet glowworms, learn about cave formations, and hear about cave myths, superstitions, and ghosts. They'll also get their own Cave Kids workbook with maps and activity sheets, plus plenty of space to make notes," she says.

"The only things they'll need for the tour are comfortable walking shoes, a warm jacket, and a camera to record their discoveries."

Parents and caregivers can relax with a coffee and snack at The Legendary Black Water Rafting Company Cafe, or work up an appetite by going on their own adventure with The Legendary Black Water Rafting Company. The Black Labyrinth tour conveniently runs at the same time as Cave Kids! Children over the age of 12 years can join in too, which means everyone can have a great day underground.

Cave Kids is priced at $26 per child for a three-hour, fully supervised trip, making it great value for money. While parental supervision is not required for those 8 -12 years, you are welcome to join your child's adventure for $67 per adult.

"Cave Kids is certainly a school holiday programme with a difference. It gives children a chance to learn about the environment around them, develop new skills, and pretend they are in an Indiana-Jones type adventure, and parents can have their own caving experience," says Lindsay.

"As Waitomo is only two and a half hours south of Auckland, it's the perfect outdoor adventure and holiday destination for families."

To book your Cave Kids adventures visit www.waitomo.com