Best Things to Do in Queenstown in the School Holidays' Final Week
Best Things to Do in Queenstown in the School Holidays' Final Week
The July school holidays finish on Sunday 19 July, which means there's still a good week left to make the most of them. If you're in Queenstown, or thinking about heading down before Term 3 kicks off, here's how to spend those last few days properly.
When Do the July School Holidays End in 2026?
The July school holidays run from Saturday 4 July to Sunday 19 July 2026, with Term 3 starting the following Monday. That gives families roughly a week left to squeeze in one more outing, day trip or short break before it's back to school routines.
We know how it goes. The first week of the holidays disappears in a blur of pyjama days and half-finished plans, and suddenly it's the final stretch. So rather than let it slip by, here's a proper list of what's worth doing in Queenstown right now — and if you caught our Matariki and school holidays road trip guide earlier in the month, this picks up where that left off.
Get Up the Mountain While the Snow's Good
Late July is when Queenstown's ski fields really hit their stride. If skiing or boarding hasn't made it onto the holiday list yet, this is the window to do it.
- Coronet Peak – close to town, easy for families, and usually the first choice for anyone short on time.
- The Remarkables – a little further out, with terrain that suits both first-timers and more confident riders.
- Cardrona and Treble Cone – both a short drive towards Wānaka, worth the trip if you fancy a full day out rather than a half-day session.
Having your own car for this makes a genuine difference. Ski field car parks fill early, shuttle timetables don't always match family schedules, and lugging gear onto a bus with tired kids is nobody's idea of fun. Being able to load up, drive straight to the field, and leave when you're ready (not when the shuttle says so) is one of the small things that makes a ski day actually enjoyable.
We covered the season in more depth in our 2026 ski season guide, if you want the full rundown on each field, including how Queenstown's snowfall arrived earlier than usual this year.
Indoor Options for a Grey Day
Queenstown winter weather doesn't always cooperate, and that's fine — there's plenty to do when it's grey outside.
- Queenstown Ice Arena – reliably popular with kids and adults alike, and a good way to burn energy without needing snow gear.
- Skyline Luge – the gondola ride alone is worth it for the views, and the luge tracks work rain or shine.
- Local cafés and hot chocolate stops – if the day calls for something slower, we've already done the legwork on this one in our guide to Queenstown's best hot chocolate spots.
Take a Drive Somewhere Different
If everyone's had enough of central Queenstown, a short drive out of town resets the whole day.
- Arrowtown – close, easy, and always worth a wander, especially with a warm drink in hand.
- Glenorchy – the drive along Lake Wakatipu is one of the best in the region, and winter light on the mountains is hard to beat.
- Wānaka – slightly further, but a nice change of scenery if you're after a full day away from Queenstown itself.
We've written about these before, including our scenic day trip to Glenorchy, if you want ideas on where to stop along the way.
Make the Most of the Last Weekend
With the holidays ending on a Sunday, that final weekend (18–19 July) is really the last proper chance for a family day out before school routines resume.
Simple approach: pick one thing from this list, plan around it, and don't overfill the day. A ski morning followed by hot chocolate in town, or a slow drive to Arrowtown with lunch somewhere unhurried, does more for everyone's mood than trying to pack in three activities before 3pm.
Book Your Car for the Final Week of the Holidays
Whatever the plan — a ski day, a drive to Glenorchy, or just getting between activities without relying on shuttles and timetables — having your own car makes the last stretch of the holidays a lot easier to enjoy.
Book your rental car with Evolve Rentals and get around Queenstown on your own schedule, right through to the last day of the holidays.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do the July 2026 school holidays end?
The July school holidays end on Sunday 19 July 2026, with Term 3 starting the next day.
Is late July a good time to ski in Queenstown?
Yes. Late July typically brings solid snow depth across Coronet Peak, The Remarkables, Cardrona and Treble Cone, making it one of the more reliable windows in the ski season.
What can I do in Queenstown if the weather is bad?
Queenstown Ice Arena and Skyline Luge are both good options that don't depend on clear weather, along with plenty of cafés around town.
Do I need a car to get to the ski fields from Queenstown?
It's not essential, but having a car gives more flexibility around parking, timing and carrying gear, particularly with children in tow.
Is Arrowtown or Glenorchy better for a family day trip?
Both are easy drives from Queenstown. Arrowtown suits a shorter outing with cafés and shops, while Glenorchy is better if you want more time taking in the lake and mountain scenery.