School holiday fun in and around Aotea Arts Quarter
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What’s on: School Holidays in Aotea Arts Quarter
1. Aotea Square Ice Rink
28 June - 11 August 2024 | Aotea Square
Once again, Aotea Square has been transformed into a winter wonderland with its ever popular Ice Skating Rink. For the first time in its 12 year history visitors will be able to try their hand at the Olympic sport of curling.
The pop up ice rink will also feature a stunning lighting installation that will leave you feeling like you’re skating underneath the magical starlit winter’s night. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a fresh beginner, there is plenty of fun to be had day or night. Strap on your skates and get ready to glide into winter.
Click here for ticket and pricing information.
2. Tūrama
10 June - 14 August 2024 | Aotea Square
Tūrama is an open invitation to all of Tāmaki Makaurau to revisit and re-imagine the Waihorotiu valley, iIlluminating Queen St for Matariki ki te Manawa. Come celebrate artworks by icons of Māori art and design, meet the manu of this place, and come face to face with an 8-metre-high representation of resident kaitiaki.
Prepare to be amazed at the celebration of light, form, scale, and life that has been developed for Tūrama by the creative team Graham Tipene (Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, Ngāti Kahu, Ngāti Hine, Ngāti Haua, Ngāti Manu), Ataahua Papa (Ngāti Korokī Kahukura, Ngāti Mahuta).and Angus Muir Design.
2. Wētā Workshop Unleashed
7 - 19 July 2024 | Level 5, 88 Federal Street, Auckland
Unleash your imagination at Wētā Workshop's activity stations these school holidays!
The quest this July school holidays is to create your own fantasy family crest - a magical symbol of your heroic tales! Take a tour then head to the creative space where young hands will be inspired to create their own fantastical family crest.
Every Thursday throughout June, Ellen Melville Centre is celebrating the start of Matariki, with a selection of unique events that share with you taonga (treasures) from within Te Ao Māori.Spend the evening before the Matariki public holiday at Ellen Melville Centre, enjoying the festivities of the Matariki markets.
Freyberg Square will come alive with a celebration of our local creativity, talent and Māori culture with craft and food stalls, workshops, and music performances for all to enjoy.
Get your tickets for Wētā Workshop Unleashed here.
3. Ngā Tamariki o Matariki
6 - 18 July 2024 | Central City Library
This July holiday period is all about Matariki, with the central city library hosting a variety of free events and workshops.
From Letterpress Printing - a hands-on activity printing a special Matariki keepsake on an 1833 Albion Press - to Bookbinding and Zine-making Workshop, kids will learn the ins and outs of all things publishing. There’s a special Tu Meke Tales with author Malcolm Clarke, expect giggles and gasps as Malcolm kicks off with an interactive reading from his beloved bestsellers, Tu Meke Tūī! and Tu Meke Tuatara, and a unique Matariki Constellation with Brain Play where kids create the Matariki constellation using LED and copper with this fun electronics project. Also on offer are macrame flower workshops and various Matariki games, and crafts sessions.
View all library events and get involved here.
5. World Choir Games 2024
10 - 20 July 2024 | Aotea Centre and Auckland Town Hall
The Olympics may be happening in Paris this month, but the Olympics of choral singing is coming right here to Aotea Arts Quarter.
The World Choir Games is the largest choral festival and competition on the globe and is renowned for its ability to bring together all nations and cultures in a joyful celebration of creativity, diversity, friendship and peace. Now, for the first time ever, the 13th World Choir Games will be taking place in Aotearoa New Zealand and will be hosted at venues within Aotea Arts Quarter.
More than 11,000 singers from over 30 countries will arrive in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland to compete, to enjoy workshops, ceremonies and evening concerts in the city, and to give free daytime concerts throughout Tāmaki Makaurau.
The participating choirs will bring a huge variety of musical styles from every region of the world, providing audiences with a two-week feast for both the eyes and the ears!
Join the audience and be wowed by the 2024 World Choir Games performers.
