Wellington Mayor Celia Wade-Brown who will be among VIP guests to put on their skates for the opening night on Friday 1 July, says crowds of more than 20,000 are expected during the festival which runs to the end of July.
“The return of the Resene Cool Colour Ice Rink & Slide again this winter is a welcome addition to the attractions of the Wellington waterfront,” she says. “It’s a great opportunity for families and friends to get together for a winter celebration.”
In addition, the opening weekend will support fund-raising for the Council’s Children’s Garden development in the Wellington Botanic Gardens. A $1 donation for every person who skates will go toward the Children’s Garden, a living classroom for children to learn about plants that provide food, medicine, fibre and construction materials.
“The Children’s Garden will encourage children to learn about sustainability and resilience in an urban environment through practical activities,” says Mayor Wade- Brown.
The Ice Rink Children’s Garden Fundraiser will include a children’s party complete with a flower-themed dress-up competition, face painting and ice fairies.
Off the ice and around the rink, the precinct embraces winter with pop-up container shops full of arts and crafts, food trucks, and great bars and restaurants all dotted around the waterfront to create a winter wonderland right here in Wellington. Activities on offer for children and adults include an Ice Carnival weekend, Friday night DJs, student night Tuesday’s and various themed parties and events during the school holidays next month.
Other highlights include a pop-up sauna in a converted shipping container located by the Jump Platform on Taranaki Wharf, near Te Papa. The sauna seats 15 and has a large window allowing you to take in views of the harbour as you relax. Bring your togs, a towel, and $5 and check out this exciting pop-up event.
It’s going to be a fun-filled month. So be sure to get down to the waterfront, get your skates on and enjoy the Resene Cool Colour Ice Rink & Slide this July.