July is mid-winter, with school holidays for two weeks in the middle of the month. It is a big month for ski trips, indoor festivals and, in some years, the Matariki public holiday.
The events below happen every year. Exact dates change, so confirm before you book.
Annual July events
Whānau Mārama: NZ International Film Festival
The national film festival opens in Auckland in late July with more than 100 films, then tours to Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin and regional centres through August and early September.
Matariki
When the Matariki public holiday falls in July, cities hold festivals of light, kai and storytelling in the week around it. In 2028 the holiday is on Friday 14 July.
Winter Deco Weekend, Napier
A smaller mid-winter version of Napier's Art Deco Festival, with dinners, dances and vintage style, held in mid July.
Ski season
The July school holidays are the busiest time of the year on the Queenstown, Wānaka and Canterbury ski fields. School and club ski trips book coaches months ahead.
Queenstown Mardi Gras
A winter music festival at the Queenstown Events Centre, held in July.
July sport
- Wellington Marathon: held in late June or early July.
- All Blacks home tests: usually played in July at Eden Park, Sky Stadium, One New Zealand Stadium in Christchurch and other venues.
- NPC rugby: the provincial competition starts in late July or August.
Getting your group there
Big July events bring road closures, limited parking and long taxi queues at the end of the night. A private minibus or coach keeps your group together, gets you to the official drop-off zone and takes everyone home at a set time.
- Book early for long weekends and the biggest festivals, as coaches in the host town are often fully booked weeks ahead.
- Check the event's transport page for the bus drop-off point before you confirm pick-up times.
- Allow extra time after the last act or final whistle for crowds to clear.
- For multi-day festivals, ask about a return trip on each day or a single drop-off and pick-up.
Frequently asked questions
When are the July school holidays?
The term 2 holidays usually run for two weeks from early to mid July. Check the Ministry of Education's term dates for your year.
Can you transport a ski group from the airport to the ski fields?
Yes. We arrange airport pick-ups, daily ski field transfers and return trips for school and club groups.
Book group transport for July events
Bus Hire NZ arranges minibuses and coaches for groups of all sizes, from 11-seat minibuses to 53-seat coaches, with professional drivers who know the venues, the drop-off points and the event traffic plans.
Tell us your event, date and group size through our quick quote form, and we will come back with options.