July School Holiday Guide
Top School Holiday Boredom Busters in Auckland
Published: Wednesday 25 June 2025
If you’re searching for screen-free ways to keep the kids busy during the winter school holidays, we’ve got you covered! Scroll down for a list of epic experiences happening right here in Tāmaki Makaurau.
AOTEA SQUARE ICE RINK
Now – Sun 20 Jul
📍 Aotea Square
Auckland’s favourite winter tradition is back! The Aotea Square Ice Rink returns for 2025, bringing cool fun to the heart of Tāmaki Makaurau.
This icy wonderland is your ultimate winter hangout. Whether you're skating like a star or clutching the rails (no judgment!), there’s magic here for everyone.
TURAMA
Now – Sun 13 Jul
📍 Aotea Square
Prepare to be amazed at this celebration of light, form, scale. Start your Tūrama journey at the intersection of Queen and Shortland Streets with Te Wehenga, a uniquely designed and crafted waharoa denoting where the waters of Waitematā and Wai o Horotiu merged. Then, make your way up to Aotea Square, led by Kawau Tikitiki, Kāhu Kōrako and Manu Korokī and encounter a stunning visual display as the area kaitiaki appears lit up on the Queen Street stage.
TANIWHA
Thu 26 Jun - Sun 13 Jul
📍 Herald Theatre, Aotea Centre
An enchanting experience for the whole whānau.
With a score by award-winning composer Leon Radojkovic, invoking the spirit of 80s and 90s adventure flicks and Miyazaki anime, Taniwha is an audacious Aotearoa adventure for the whole whānau – a tale of courage, community, environmental guardianship, and fighting for what’s right.
SEUSSICAL
NATIONAL YOUTH THEATRE
Fri 27 - Sun 29 Jun
📍 Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre, Aotea Centre
Oh, the thinks you can think! When Dr. Seuss’ most beloved characters come together in an unforgettable musical adventure, prepare to be transported to a fantastical & wacky world in this musical extravaganza.
WHARENUI HARIKOA
Sat 5 – Sun 27 Jul
📍 On Stage, The Civic
Wharenui Harikoa, the stunning large-scale crocheted wharenui (Māori meeting house) inspired by the joy, connection, and healing found in te ao Māori will grace Tāmaki Makaurau’s treasured theatre stage The Civic.
OLIVER! THE MUSICAL
AUCKLAND PERFORMING ARTS ACADEMY
Sat 5 & Sun 6 Jul
📍 Bruce Mason Centre
Get ready for the ultimate musical theatre experience!
One of the best-loved musicals of all time, Lionel Bart’s award-winning masterpiece, Oliver! arrives at the Bruce Mason Centre this July, for a strictly limited season.
NYO ADVENTURE
NEW ZEALAND SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
Sun 6 Jul
📍 Great Hall, Auckland Town Hall
The NZSO National Youth Orchestra presents an adventurous programme of works by pillars of the Romantic era with soprano Madison Horman alongside a new work by this year's NYO Composer-in-Residence.
THE ART OF BANKSY
Mon 7 Jul – Sun 3 Aug
📍 Aotea Centre
The Art of Banksy, the major exhibition that has brought Banksy’s era-defining works to over 1.5 million visitors in 18 cities across the globe, is coming to Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland this winter following a two-year successful and critically acclaimed residency in London.
THE GRUFFALO
Wed 9 - Sun 13 Jul
📍 Bruce Mason Centre
Join Mouse on a daring adventure through the deep, dark wood in this magical, musical adaptation of the classic award-winning picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler.
ECHOES OF CULTURE CHORAL CONCERT
Sat 12 Jul
📍 Great Hall, Auckland Town Hall
The Echoes of Culture series serves as a bridge between China and New Zealand, fostering deep artistic connections through high-level choral performances. This year's concert, held at the iconic Auckland Town Hall, will feature four distinguished New Zealand and Chinese choirs.
