Queenstown Lakes Libraries are inviting young readers to join this year’s summer reading challenge which has a nature-inspired theme, ‘Forest Quest’, features prizes for every five books read.

Queenstown Lakes Libraries children’s librarian Shana Makuta said each year the summer reading challenge is designed to inspire young readers to learn something new, have fun, and most importantly, to keep reading over the summer.

“Summer reading is vital in helping prevent what we call ‘the summer slide’,” she said.

“This is a regression in reading levels due to children not reading while on holiday and returning to school worse off than when they left.”

This year’s reading challenge was developed by Queenstown Lakes Libraries in collaboration with Whakatipu Reforestation Trust and Te Kākano Aotearoa Trust. 

Prizes for young readers include a kōwhai seedling kit, stickers, and the Tree Tops card game – specially designed to showcase native plants which grow in our district.

Whakatipu Reforestation Trust operations manager Sararose Brown said the project celebrated the district’s outstanding natural environment. 

“We think local kids – big and small – will love the challenge of collecting the full set of Tree Tops cards and along the way, discover lots of fascinating facts about our native plants and local habitats," Sararose said.

Te Kākano Aotearoa Trust Manager Loran Verpillot said developing the summer reading challenge was a great opportunity to work alongside Queenstown Lakes Libraries and Whakatipu Reforestation Trust. 

“Environmental education is a core part of what Te Kākano does, and hopefully this game will inspire children and their parents to join some of our habitat restoration projects,” she said.

Last year’s Summer Reading Challenge saw an increase in library visits over summertime - during the 2024/2025 summer period, children and their carers accounted for more than 1,900 library visits and an astounding 6,235 books checked out.

The Summer Reading Challenge is available for children of all ages - head into your local library to register a child and collect the first challenge card. 

The challenge runs from 1 December 2025 to 14 February 2026.

PHOTO: Wānaka App