Instead of hacking over to the East Coast, consider a few trips to your local city, because Kirikiriroa is an incredible resource for tamariki and rangatahi and those that are caring for them.
Let’s name drop a few go-to spots with the holidays approaching; Leap, Ninja Valley, Hamilton Gymnastics, Gallaghers, Waterworld, Hamilton Roller Skating Club, Sky City Bowling, the CINEMA! Rototuna library and the new playground and skate park, The Makers Labs and other City Libraries and of course for those of us connected to te taiao … the river with its tracks and walks and playgrounds. And if you don’t know about the 10km Mountain Bike Track ‘Pukete Farm Park’ then check that out; it’s a perfect destination for older kids and cuzzies. For smaller tots you can swing a bike in the boot of the car and go to the Perry Bike Park in Horotiu. And, not forgetting one of my personal favourites, Taitua Arboretum.
If any of those are unfamiliar then stick this on your fridge and start ticking them off!
In this edition I am taking you to a ‘home away from home’, an outdoorsy, zero waste, Hamilton city trip – Wellington Street Beach in Hamilton East, a river destination alongside the awesome Hayes Common eatery.
In every Hamilton suburb there is a gem, and this spot is definitely worth a stop.
Either pack a picnic, towels, togs, and a change (and a hoody!) and do a river stop and play. Or put on your sunnies and grab a girlfriend and head to Hayes Common for lunch.
The river has its dangers, but so does the ocean. And as we look for new local experiences for our children this is a great place to try something different. With a little jetty and big shady trees, this quiet nook will make your city-day a bit more relaxing and beautiful. A great spot for a lunch break, a walk, a few chapters of a book, or a splash-around.
Hayes Common neighbourhood eatery is worth an article of its own; zero waste kaupapa and a divine menu. Maybe some of the best hospitality I’ve experienced in Aotearoa PLUS they are stocking some of our most brilliant Raglan exports: Beer and Yoghurt. They even have on-site food composting… What an inspiring business!
So next time you are on your Hamilton missions maybe this article will inspire you to have a brilliant day. A fun, beautiful, nourishing, and delicious day trip.
Happy holidays,
a series by Katie Lowes, exploring fun activities to do with kids in & Around Whaingaroa.
