Informative Things To Do During The July School Holidays

The July school holidays are here, and as with every other school holiday, it’s time to find ways to pass the time. This year, the winter school holidays are from the 28th of June to the 13th of July, but some schools may have different dates. Despite the cold weather, there are plenty of activities children and families can do to enjoy the short break before school restarts.

• Outdoor activities
• Indoor activities
• School holiday programmes

Outdoor Activities for the July School Holidays

“Freezing temperatures can’t stand in the way of adventure and having fun outdoors,” says Marylyn Ncube. Whether it’s just for the kids or for the entire family, there is plenty to do and plenty of places to visit. When booking an outdoor adventure, be sure to browse our Days Out promo codes and Experience promo codes before finalising your booking to save some money.

1. Coronet Peak

Hit the slopes and go skiing or snowboarding at Coronet Peak. Perfect for the entire family, Coronet Peak offers a number of packages for skiing lessons and rentals. Their packages cover adults and children, and prices differ depending on how many days you want to book. Coronet Peak has lessons for children as young as 2 years old, and children under 5 get to ski for free.

If your children do not want to ski or snowboard, they can still have fun in the snow by sledding, playing in the snow and building snowmen, and seeing the snowy landscape from above by taking rides in the gondola lifts.

2. Ruapehu

Great for hiking, walking, horse trekking, cycling and taking part in many more family-friendly activities, Ruapehu is a must-have on your school holidays destination list. You and the children can take part in a variety of outdoor activities such as white water rafting, skating and exploring the Whanganui River. To experience everything Ruapehu has to offer, make it a trip and stay for a bit. Save on accommodation bookings with our Accommodation promo codes.

3. Bay Skate

Located in Napier, Bay Skate is a skate park that offers a range of skating activities that include skateboarding, rollerblading, BMX, roller skating and more. They also offer beginner, intermediate, advanced, private and girls-only skating lessons. General admission costs $7, and you can hire equipment on-site.

Indoor Activities for the July School Holidays

Indoor activities are likely more accessible than outdoor adventures during this time and there is still plenty of fun to be had. For outings to museums, parks or zoos, browse our Exhibition promo codes for potential savings on tickets and bookings.

1. Queenstown Ice Arena

Great for year-round fun for children of all ages, the Queenstown Ice Arena offers ice skating, ice bumper cars and ice hockey. Ice skating tickets are $25 for children above 5 years old; tickets for children under 5 are $12.50 and must be booked with an adult ticket, which also costs $25. Tickets for ice bumper cars cost $21 per person, and children who are 3-5 years old can ride as lap riders with adults for $10. All ice hockey games are free to watch.

To make sure you can get in on your preferred date and time, visit the Queenstown Ice Arena website, check their calendar for each activity and purchase tickets ahead of time.

2. Stardome Observatory

The Stardome Observatory in Auckland has a winter school holidays special on. They are offering daily dinosaur shows, Matariki shows, and family-friendly sci-fi movies for only $12 per ticket for children. From Monday to Saturday, children will get to enjoy educational and entertaining shows offered by the observatory. It is recommended to book ahead of time as the school holidays are a busy time.

3. Cloud 9 Trampoline Park

Located in Palmerston North, Cloud 9 Trampoline Park is one of the ultimate indoor parks to visit for indoor fun. The park has a variety of activities and facilities such as foam pits, a dodgeball pit, climbing walls, a ninja assault course, bubble soccer and age-appropriate trampolines.

On the Cloud 9 Trampoline Park website, you can book General Admission tickets for each person at $18 for 1 hour or $34 for 2 hours. Family Passes (2 adults and 2 children, or 1 adult and 3 children) are available at $62 for 1 hour or $114 for 2 hours.

4. New Zealand Rugby Museum

Also located in Palmerston North, the New Zealand Rugby Museum is a great place to visit for lovers of the sport. Visiting the museum is a popular school holiday activity and is fun for children and adults. Here, the entire family can learn the rich history of rugby and how it influenced the country and the world, learn about rugby legends and see rugby artefacts.

For admission to the museum, adults pay $15, children between the ages of 5 to 17 pay $6, students and Gold Card Members pay $13, and families pay $40.

5. Bounce

Similar to the Cloud 9 Trampoline Park, Bounce is an indoor trampoline park that has different locations. They offer age-appropriate trampoline areas, trampoline areas for advanced and adventurous bouncers, a high ropes course, dodgeball and walking sticks.

Ticket prices vary depending on the type of session you book and when you book it. During on-peak seasons, such as school holidays, prices increase. For cheaper tickets, it is advised to book online, with General Admission tickets starting at $21 during school and public holidays.

School Holiday Programmes

Available across New Zealand, different districts offer school holiday programmes for young children and teenagers. Depending on where you live, here are some of the school holiday programmes that you can find on city council websites:

• Ashburton District is offering mostly free activities for children of all ages at the council facilities, local library, EA Networks Centre and the Ashburton Art Gallery and Museum.
• Auckland Council Pools and Leisure is offering indoor and outdoor activities, outings and more for children ages 5 to 13. Bookings can cost a minimum of $38 per day, and bookings for certain activities can have different prices.
• Wellington City Council is offering school holiday programmes at their gardens, sports and recreation centres and pools in July. Activities can be booked on their website.
• Christchurch City Council has an annual winter event for children called KidsFest, which offers activities related to sport, history, performing arts, crafts, art making and technology.

Make the Most of the July School Holidays

Keep the children occupied and entertained during these July school holidays without stressing yourself out or overextending your budget. To find the best money-saving deals that you can use during the school holidays and beyond, check out our Entertainment promo codes to save on movies and streaming and Toys promo codes to save on toys or games. If you need anything before the new term starts, use our Back to School promo codes.