Enjoy science-related activities during the July school holidays. Below are a selection of events held around New Zealand. Many of the providers have additional non-science activities that will be of interest. Follow the weblinks to see the full listings.
All events are subject to COVID level changes, see the weblinks for up-to-date information.
NOTE: If you know of science-related events we have missed, please get in touch: enquiries@sciencelearn.org.nz.
Auckland
MOTAT
Wow science
10–25 July: From generative design and technology to medicine and the human body, this holiday experience aims to challenge and inspire. Youngsters will be introduced to new concepts with hands-on, investigative learning activities.
Find out more: www.motat.nz/events/school-holiday-experience-wow-science
MOTAT is New Zealand's largest transport and technology museum and offers a fun and exciting learning experience for visitors of all ages.
Find out more: www.motat.nz
Auckland Zoo
Daily: A great place to visit for the whole family.
Find out more: www.aucklandzoo.co.nz/
Auckland Museum
Dino Discovery
12–23 July: These holidays, your young ones will be entertained and delighted with these fun storytelling sessions. They'll have the chance to get hands-on with some of the Museum’s most fascinating prehistoric objects, plus find out why dinosaurs and sea monsters aren't the same!
Find out more: www.aucklandmuseum.com/visit/whats-on/kids-and-family/treasures-tales
For more of what’s on at the museum: www.aucklandmuseum.com/
Stardome
Daily: Experience the incredible 360 degree Planetarium. The shows run on the hour from 10am–2pm, and for the school holidays adults will be the same cost as children, both $8.
Find out more: www.stardome.org.nz/
- Want to know more, see our resources under our astronomy topic.
Butterfly Creek
Daily: Visit Butterfly Creek these summer holidays, for butterflies and lots more, suitable for all ages.
Find out more here: www.butterflycreek.co.nz/
- Want to know more, see our resources under our Butterflies and moths topic.
Botanic Gardens
Daily: Visit the Auckland Botanic gardens these summer holidays, for fun for the whole family.
Find out more here: www.aucklandbotanicgardens.co.nz/
Waikato
Waikato Museum
School holiday programme
12–20 July: Supervised programmes for ages 7–13. Science based programmes include Optical art and Twinkling tales: Celebrating Matariki.
Find out more here: https://waikatomuseum.co.nz/exhibitions-and-events/view/2145883599/july-school-holiday-programme
Exscite science gallery
Daily: An interactive science gallery
Find out more here: http://waikatomuseum.co.nz/exhibitions–and–events/view/257/exscite–
For a complete list of events at Waikato Museum, please visit: https://waikatomuseum.co.nz/exhibitions-and-events/current-exhibitions/
Te Awamutu Space Centre
Daily: Museum and activity centre suitable for all ages.
Find out more here: www.spacecentre.nz/
- Want to know more, see our resources under our astronomy topic.
Hamilton Gardens
Daily: Visit the Hamilton gardens these summer holidays, for fun for the whole family.
Find out more here: https://hamiltongardens.co.nz/
Wellington
Wilderkids
12–23 July: A school holiday programme for kids aged 5 to 12 centred around exploring nature and learning about the world around them.
Find out more here: https://sustaintrust.org.nz/pages/wilderkids-school-holiday-programmes
Police Museum
Explore fascinating resources on New Zealand policing and forensics.
Find out more about the museum events and activities www.police.govt.nz/about-us/history-museum/museum
- Use our activity DNA detective and the Mobile forensic kit – unit plan to explore the use of forensics in crime scene investigations.
Te Papa
Daily: A great place to take the kids during the holidays, for a list of events at Te Papa, including shows by Mr Science, please visit: www.tepapa.govt.nz/visit/events
Circa Theatre
The White Tree
10–25 July: The White Tree is a beautiful piece of theatre created by Little Dog Barking for the whole family. The White Tree was able to remember the story of the huia family, the little yellow-eyed penguins – hoiho – and the lumbering great green parrot – kakapo. Stories of sadness and stories of hope. These memories are precious, and the Great White Tree is in danger. Who will remember?
Find out more: www.facebook.com/events/229334885290515
Space Place
Navigating Space – Screenprinting
14 & 15 July: Suitable for children aged 7-12, your young space explorer will design and make their own screen-printed item inspired by the legend of Matariki and the other wonders of the galaxy.
Find out more: www.museumswellington.org.nz/navigating-space-screenprinting/
- Want to know more, see our resources under our astronomy topic.
Matariki at the Museum
12–25 July: Escape the mid-winter cold and learn about the wonders of Matariki with Wellington Museum’s school holiday activities. Pop in daily between 10am – 5pm for self-guided activities like zine-making, colouring-in and reading in the cosy book nook.
Find out more: www.museumswellington.org.nz/matariki-at-the-museum/
Capital E
Digital Day
15 July & 22 July: In a mashup of OnTV and MediaLab activities there are lots of opportunities for creative expression.
Find out more: www.capitale.org.nz/event/digi-day/
Matariki Storytelling
14–21 July: Join Wellington Storyteller, Moira Wairama as she performs a special storytelling session as part of Matariki. She will reveal some of the meaning and interpretation of Matariki and the actions that we can take at this very special time of the year.
Find out more: www.capitale.org.nz/event/mahuru-maori-storytelling-with-moira-wairama/
Wellington Zoo
12–23 July: Aimed at 5-12 year olds, the Zoo’s holiday programmes are perfect for kids who want to learn about animals and conservation. Each session will explore a different side of the Zoo and its inhabitants.
Find out more here: https://wellingtonzoo.com/things-to-do/holiday-programmes/
Superhero Science with Nanogirl
19 July: The Nanogirl ‘Superhero Science’ show gets noisy and explosive, as you explore the science behind superpowers and engineer superpowers of your own with Michelle Dickinson.
Find out more here: www.eventfinda.co.nz/2021/nano-girl/lower-hutt
Nga Manu
Daily: A great day out with hands-on experience with nature and education.
Find out more: http://ngamanu.co.nz/
ZEALANDIA
Daily: An awesome place to visit with the whole family to see New Zealand’s native wildlife, and free entry for kids throughout July.
Find out more: www.visitzealandia.com/
Christchurch
Canterbury Museum
Night at the Museum: The Galileo Code
13–15 July: Dress as your favourite historical figure, bring a torch and search the galleries for clues that will help you crack Galileo’s code and discover his secret new invention.
Find out more here: www.canterburymuseum.com/whats-on/night-at-the-museum-the-galileo-code/
Find out everything that’s on at the museum this holidays here: www.canterburymuseum.com/whats-on/
Christchurch City Libraries
Libraries and Learning Centres offer holiday programmes including a variety of accessible, safe and affordable activities for children.
Visit https://my.christchurchcitylibraries.com/holiday-programmes/ for venues and dates.
Orana Wildlife Park
Daily: A great place to visit during the summer holidays for an animal adventure the whole family will enjoy.
Find out more here: www.oranawildlifepark.co.nz/
International Antarctic Centre
The Antarctic Academy Programme offers daily and multi–day programmes with Antarctic themes.
Find out more here: www.iceberg.co.nz/our-experiences/school-holiday-programmes/
- Want to know more, see our resources under our Antarctica topic.
Ranger for a day
14 July & 21 July: Join Park Rangers at the Groynes and Halswell Quarry for an afternoon of fun and discovery and learn about the importance of rain, freshwater and waterways like the stunning Ōtukaikino Stream.
Find out more: www.eventfinda.co.nz/2021/ranger-for-day-at-the-groynes/christchurch and www.eventfinda.co.nz/2021/ranger-for-day-at-halswell-quarry/christchurch
- Explore our freshwater resources, remember you can filter by activities, media etc.
Christchurch Botanic gardens
Daily: Visit the Christchurch botanic gardens these summer holidays, for fun for the whole family.
Find out more here: www.ccc.govt.nz/parks-and-gardens/christchurch-botanic-gardens/
KidsFest Under the Stars
11–25 July, 7.30pm to 9pm:
Explore the universe at Canterbury Astronomical Society's observatory near West Melton. Members of the society will be on hand to help unlock the secrets of the night sky through the wide range of telescopes at the observatory.
Find out more and to book here: www.ccc.govt.nz/news-and-events/whats-on/event/kidsfest-under-the-stars
Otago
Otago Museum
Explorers' club
12–23 July: Whole day sessions including animal, astrophysics and living environment days, for 5–12 year olds
Find out more: https://otagomuseum.nz/whats-on/explorers-club-12-23-july-2021
Giants of the forest
10–25 July: Tūhura is home to more than butterflies! Get up close and personal with the newest residents of the Tropical Forest: giant African millipedes and goliath stick insects.
Find out more: https://otagomuseum.nz/whats-on/giants-of-the-forest
Secrets, ciphers, and codes
12, 14 & 16 July: At this pop-up on the Otago Museum Reserve, you can learn how to make secret messages that only your friends can understand using disappearing ink and Ancient Greek scytale ciphers. Then, learn what the future holds for space-based cryptography.
Find out more: https://otagomuseum.nz/whats-on/secrets-ciphers-and-codes
Otago Museum has several other events on offer. To find out more and to book a place, please visit https://otagomuseum.nz/whats-on/
Dunedin Botanic garden
Daily: Visit the Dunedin Botanic gardens these summer holidays, for fun for the whole family.
Find out more here: https://dunedinbotanicgarden.co.nz/
Vanished World
Daily: Take a walk along the vanished world trails or visit the Vanished World Centre and see a range of geological finds including fossils.
Find out more here: https://vanishedworld.co.nz/
- Want to know more, see our resources under the fossils topic.
Sinclair Wetlands, Te Nohoaka O Tukiauau
Daily: Visit the Sinclair Wetlands these summer holidays and see if you can spot all 46 bird species that live there.
Find out more here: www.tenohoaka.org.nz
Ōrokonui Ecosanctuary
The Ōrokonui Ecosanctuary is an awesome place to visit with the whole family to see New Zealand’s native wildlife.
Find out more: https://orokonui.nz/
Kiwi Birdlife Park
Daily: An awesome family-owned and operated wildlife center in the heart of Queenstown, dedicated to saving our endangered wildlife species.
Find out more: www.kiwibird.co.nz/
Related content
We also have a list of Matariki events happening around the country.
