Activities for the entire family until January 30
Praneeta Mahajan
10 December 2023
Finding fun activities to keep the young minds engaged, entertained and educated has become easier thanks to a collaborative activity guide and website produced by three of Hamilton’s best-loved visitor destinations, Hamilton Gardens, Hamilton Zoo and Waikato Museum Te Whare Taonga O Waikato.
Parents and caregivers will be able to take their pick of activities ranging from free face painting and scavenger hunts to wildlife-themed events and Science activities at all three venues.
Hamilton City Council Unit Director for Visitor Destinations Lee-Ann Jordan said that the collaborative approach reflects the Council’s vision to make Hamilton a more attractive, safe and liveable city.
“Our destinations are all looking forward to welcoming visitors and their whanau this summer and showing them a great time. It is a wonderful time of the year for both locals and out-of-town visitors to make the most of what our public facilities offer, from spotting animals at the Zoo or exploring the enclosed gardens at Hamilton Gardens to being enthralled by world-class exhibitions at the Museum” she said.
Music for all, fun for the young
The New Zealand premiere of Wildlife Photographer of the Year at Waikato Museum has inspired a wild streak in the activity guide. Hamilton is hosting for the first time this Internationally renowned exhibition of award-winning nature photography, which is on a tour from the Natural History Museum, London.
Alongside 100 stunning photographs on display, family-friendly activities have been developed such as a hands-on photography workshop and a free ‘ABC Trail’ worksheet for young visitors.
Hamilton Zoo carries the theme, with an exciting series of events ranging from live music and living statues to a ‘Storytime Session’ hosted by ‘safari explorers.’
At Hamilton Gardens, visitors will be surprised and delighted by pop-up classical music performances and quirky characters roaming in the enclosed gardens.
The ‘Find Your Summer Fun’ schedule also features events held in conjunction with Hamilton City Libraries, Science in a Van, and a focus on celebrating the Lunar New Year with the arrival of the Year of the Rabbit. The fun started at Hamilton Gardens, Hamilton Zoo and Waikato Museum on Monday, 9 January and will run every day until Monday, 30 January (Auckland Anniversary Day public holiday).
A destination for all
With a convenient drive from Auckland, Cambridge, Tauranga, Rotorua, Bay of Plenty, Taupo and many other neighbouring cities, Hamilton will surely please the grown-ups as well as the little travellers, animal lovers, future scientists, storytellers, photographers and dreamers with an extensive array of activities planned across varied themes and venues, providing an opportunity to unwind and explore the City.
The activity guide is available as a printed schedule, a downloadable PDF document, or as an interactive calendar on the new website: www.findyourfun.nz
Information will also be shared on the destinations’ social media channels.
Praneeta Mahajan is an Indian Newslink correspondent based in Hamilton.
