Here’s what happening across New Zealand in July
Though the start of July brings with it the peak of winter’s chill and darkness, there’s still plenty to do across New Zealand this month.
From Christmas festivities and a slew of top-notch films to nights of looking to the stars, here are some events you won’t want to miss.
Festival of Christmas (Greytown)
This month-long festival features a program of spectacular lights, night markets, workshops, parties and activities celebrating Christmas in Greytown.
With all the hallmarks of a northern hemisphere Christmas, you can expect European markets, warming drinks and festive treats, the Festival of Christmas also has a distinct Kiwi flavour, with celebrations of Matariki also featured.
Image: @greytownvillage (Instagram)
This year’s theme is Gingerbread, with highlights including:
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The Great Gingerbread Hunt, where visitors can enter a competition to search for a brightly-lit eight-foot gingerbread man and go in the draw to win some amazing prizes.
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Cocktails and Comedy - a rotating program of top comedians will entertain you as you enjoy a two-course dinner and Greytown Gin Cocktail.
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Family Fun at Cobbletones, where you can flex your baking muscles at the Great Gingerbread Bake Off on July 9 and step back in time with A Very Victorian Christmas on July 16.
For more information about this year’s program, head here.
New Zealand International Film Festival
Technically starting at the end of July, the New Zealand International Film Festival will be screening seventy feature films and four collections of short films in Auckland from July 28 until August 7 before touring the rest of the country through August.
The festival will be opened by the premiere of Muru, the much-anticipated action-drama from local filmmaker Tearepa Kahi.
The New Zealand International Film Festival will kick off in Auckland from July 28. Image: Fire of Love (NZFF)
Other titles will include films direct from Cannes, award-winners from this year’s Berlin Film Festival, and a collection of New Zealand docos and feature films.
Tickets for Auckland’s sessions are available for sale from July 14, while tickets for Christchurch, Wellington and Dunedin’s sessions will be available from July 15, 18, and 25.
The full program of films and information about the festival can be found here.
The Snugs
Though it might be chilly outside right now, that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a night out - and the return of The Snugs makes it even easier.
Each transparent dome is kitted out with blankets and heaters, and can seat up to six people.
Image: Auckland Live
Plus, when you book your Snug you’ll be able to choose from a wide selection of food platters, beverage packages, and other add-ons, with a special Matariki menu available until July 13 and an exclusive Elemental AKL menu available from July 14-31. Each booking requires a minimum spend of $80 for sessions before 4pm and $130 after 4pm required.
Our Night Sky: See the Sky Above Auckland and Beyond
See Auckland in a new light this winter with the 360-degree display of New Zealand’s skies at Our Night Sky, the latest experience at Stardome Observatory and Planetarium.
Suitable for ages 5+, the experience will take kids (and kids at heart) on an exploration of the stars, planets and the universe and even shows the placement of stars on the day you visit.
Image: Stardome Observatory and Planetarium
Visitors are encouraged to ask questions and bookings are essential for each show, which run Wednesday through Sunday throughout July.
To find out more and book your tickets, head here.
Images: NZFF / Stardome Observatory and Planetarium