June encompasses two public holidays this year, Queen's birthday (Monday June 6) and our first official Matariki holiday (Friday June 24) so we’ve pulled together a few free (or almost) free ways to make the most of the first extra day off work or school this winter. 

Find a good read

Cromwell Rotary Club is holding a Queen’s Birthday book sale stocked with thousands of items to entertain including books, puzzles, DVDs and more.

Friday to Sunday (June 3-5) from 9 am - 5pm on Alpha Street, Cromwell.

Shop local

Mt Pisa Freemarket is on Sunday 10am - 2pm at 23 Clark Road. This weekend there will be raffle prizes along with all the great local produce, live music, collectibles and games. Look out for garage sales, or visit Wastebusters for some vintage bargains.

Cheer on a local sports team

There’s netball, soccer, rugby and ice hockey on at a ground or rink near you. Wrap up warm and keep it positive as it’s the young ones’ time to shine!

Spend time with your whānau

The Queen usually spends her birthday with her family, so why not put on a high tea serving British inspired dainty delicacies such as scones with whipped cream and jam, or cucumber sandwiches? Another idea is to plant a tree to mark the jubilee (70 years of service to the people of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth ).

Get on your bike

With the onset of winter some of Central’s legendary bike trails will be a little quieter. Pack up the kids, your drink bottles, snacks and gloves and head out for a ride. The 10km river track from Alexandra to Clyde is largely flat and achievable for most people.

Check out The Central App hiking and biking listings for more free ideas.

Foster some competitive family fun

Try out disc golf: This free game can be found in Cromwell’s Anderson Park – rally up your whanau, grab a frisbee to give it a go.

Play cards: If it’s cold outside go retro and find a pack of cards. You can play poker with wrapped sweets as the buy-in. 

Lumify22

This pop-up project of illumination, installation and performance is on in Queenstown and heralds the start of winter. It’s free to get in. For details: lumify.nz

Have a duvet day

Many Central residents have been feeling average - if it’s not covid-19, there have been other bugs and flus surfacing in recent days.

An extra day of rest will be welcomed by many, so plan a sleep in or a duvet day. Your physical and mental health will love you for it.