The beautiful and tranquil Zealandia in Karori is a must-visit for locals and tourists alike, with abundant bird-life in a walled island sanctuary keeping the pesky rodents at bay and protecting our native flora and fauna. Spend a few hours or the whole day and check out the birdies flocking from all sides. There's a lake with boat rides, lots of picnic tables, bushwalks, weta hotels, a huge exhibition at the visitor's centre which introduces you to NZ natural history and the history of the park and on-site Rata Café with delish brunches. Very kiddie-friendly too and you'll probably see tuataras if you keep an eye out, which is a real buzz - majestic, ancient ancestors of NZ, and very slow-moving in the wintertime so they don't stray far on a daily basis. My favourite are the cheeky kaka - brown with bright orange under the wings and they like to come down and check you out and feed at the many bird tables. Not to be missed.

Gordon Harris is your one-stop shop for art supplies; they've got a huge range that will suit beginners doing craft projects or art students or professional creative projects for work and home. My favourite is the poster board they have for art lessons/courses/life drawing classes etc that's up just on the right when you go in the door. Whenever I have an arty question, the staff are quick to help and they are clued up on what are the right materials to use. Big store too, lots of stock. I'd recommend it, definitely.

Te Papa never fails to inspire me and I'm always impressed by the commitment of their friendly staff who are ready to welcome you at the door. I love coming to this place of learning where cultures merge together - experience your own if you're a local with the amazing Awesome Forces exhibit, or check out our natural flora and fauna on the same level, or be blown away by the beautiful Marae. I just saw the Andy Warhol and the Impressionists exhibits here last weekend (both exhibits for the student price of $20) and both were very impressive. Colourful and highly recommended for the kids too.

For the best model soldiers in the world - head to Games Workshop. You'll find a real community of gamers of all ages and stages. Fear not, gaming is cool! Get involved. They're super friendly and really know their stuff.

Whitcoulls Cuba offers friendly staff and good quality stationery and books. They often have stock clearance sales and I picked up a very good quality floral photo album for just $10 (I think that's what you'd call a bargain!). The store is nice and bright and it's easy to find your way around - or if you're looking for something special, ask one of the friendly staff - they're always keen for a chat too.

Olympic length swimming lanes, steamroom, sauna and spa, plus an on-site gym, and massage therapists! This place is great! Even better, before and after your swim you can walk around Oriental Bay! Such a good walk on a sunny day!

You like climbing up rock walls right? With all the equipment on hand? And versions for all manner/level of participant? Imagine you're in James Bond movie, or just enjoy it for what it is, amazing exercise! Hangdog Climbing Adventures got it going on.

Badminton is a fun and interesting sport, and it's great exercise. If you want to get involved, get in touch with these guys and find out where you fit in.

Indoor Netball, Cricket, Football, Touch and Futsall are all good social sports for exercise, team building and developing new friendships. This place has it all happening. Get involved.

It might seem like torture or interrogation on the first attempt, but Hot Yoga is an incredible, if somewhat stressful form of exercise. You'll see the results. You'll feel better. But please, just make sure you drink a lot of water if you're going to go down this marvelous road.

An amazing group of super friendly Wellington staff out to teach our youngsters about tv, music, animation, computer game production, as well as theatre performances and more. It’s such a relevant organisation (not for profit too!) with all the latest technology. There really is something fun and educational for every type and age of child!

A mixture of indoor and outdoor activities wise(!) but still one of the coolest places to visit with the little ones…everyone loves the zoo! They have awesome animal encounters like, cheetah, big cat, giraffe and red panda, and educational talks every half hour or so. If you’re super keen you can even do a zoo sleepover!

So much fun to be had here! The slides are as good as their names suggest…Xtreme Speed Slide, The MasterBlaster and Darkness Falls…all for a mere $4. There’s also a wave pool, giant inflatable obstacle courses and plenty of opportunity for swimming lessons and fitness courses. Highly recommended!

Take your kids here and just watch their jaws hit the floor as the interactive Planetarium show starts…guaranteed ‘ooohs and ahhhs’ as well as plenty of brain food! Be sure to ring ahead as they have to close reasonably regularly for maintenance and big group bookings. A brilliant way to explore the Wellington skies and beyond.

Just mentioning to the kids that you’re visiting this place at they’ll be hit the ceiling! That’s because it RULES. Tenpin bowling, laser strike, arcade games, pool tables and a restaurant with a super scrumptious menu. They do regular daily specials like unlimited bowling on Wednesday evenings, as well as Junior League bowling with coaching and competition. A sweet place for birthday parties too!

If your kids are talented dancers or singers (or just think they are) then they should get involved in the Kidz Stuff Theatre productions. Every school holidays they produce spectacular shows to entertain you. And don't worry, if you aren't the best actor or actress then you are welcome to just show up to watch the production anyway!

For something a little different these school holidays why not introduce your kids to the underwater world? Kids as young as 10 can learn to dive in a safe environment (and heated pool) with the PADI dive experts at NZ Sea Adventures. They will learn all the necessary skills including first aid and learning to swim properly. It only takes 3 days to become qualified and best of all, you only need to bring togs and a towel and they provide the rest.

We are surrounded by water every day of our lives in NZ but there are still so many that cannot swim. This school holidays help your kids be safe in the water by giving them swimming lessons in Wellington. The intensive learn to swim holiday program at Little Makos will give them, and you, the confidence to be around water over the summer months.

If you're sick of the kids pulling the pots and pans out of the cupboards at 7am on a Sunday morning while you're trying to have a sleep in then it might be time to invest in some school holiday music lessons. Jonny and the talented team at Goodtime Music Academy will teach you kids to attack the axe, pound the piano and crash the cymbals, all in the peace of their studios and not your house.

If your little Princess was inspired by Kate last week then it's time to send her to the Twinklepink school holiday programme. For these April school holidays in Wellington the team are putting on their fun "Fantasy Food" classes. The girls will get to spend time with their friends learning how to make edible jewellery, fantastic cupcake decorations and other fanciful food fit for a Queen.

Looking for zines? Art? Jewelry? A new brooch? Matchbox has a little bit of everything, and soon they’ll have even more. Currently expanding to a Cuba St. storefront, this tiny shop was my best kept secret, tucked away up a flight of red stairs except on Friday nights, when they venture down to the Left Bank’s Night Market. Go for gift ideas your friends will actually like (bright totes, funky tea towels, zines) or to find what you’re craving (eyeball brooches, brass bunny rings, more zines).

A newly minted crocheter, I'll admit that when I first walked into Knit World on Cuba St.'s Left Bank to request 'crocheting supplies' I didn't get the big friendly welcome-to-our-club response I was expecting. But armed with an iron will (and some new terms, like 'hook' and 'double knit', from friends in the know) I returned. Not only did I get the approval I wanted, I was introduced to THE 8 PLY WALL-- a rare and beautiful creature known only to Knit World devotees. I left with a shiny new 4.5 mm hook and an armful of maroon wool and never looked back. Well, not until I needed more maroon wool. And found a whole bunch of other exciting double knits in the sale bins. Scarves, anyone?

As their slogan suggests, Made on Marion is a hub for all things crafty in Wellington. Most known for their craft supplies (think styrofoam in all shapes and sizes and a staggering assortment of needlepoint kits), sewing supplies, and classes ranging from making a lampshade to their dreamstress school of sewing, Made on Marion will fill your dreary winter days indoors with fun and brightly colored projects. Check their website for the class calendar-- with an average of six classes per week, many of which repeat in case you miss it the first go-round, and a new shop (Made Marion) open in the CBD in addition to their main branch on Marion St. (called Made on Marion), you'll never have an excuse NOT to get your craft on.

Come in early each Sunday for an ever-changing showcase of food and drinks from local producers. From wine tastings to cooking classes, demos from the professionals to teens selling lollies, City Market has a lot to offer. Come for the incredible House of Dumplings. Yum!

Besides the amazing goods imported from Italy? If you can resist making a beeline for the limoncello, chianti classico, and vats of sundried tomatoes in the warehouse, check out their menu of incredible, fresh, and authentic pizzas at the front of the store. If, like me, it’s a simple margherita you’re after, please upgrade to the margherita bufala (with high quality buffalo mozzarella). Seriously incredible.

Regardless of the weather - swimming, wave machine, hydro slides, and a spa - yes please!

Outdoor adventures - skate park, flying fox, swings, slide, free to use BBQ areas, public toilets, and ample seating :)

Indoor activities for a rainy day

Rainy day? Set em loose with books, computers, and activities in one indoor venue

Affordable indoor activity for every age range - check opening hours beforehand!

Another day is done, you've relinquished yet another 8 hours under the glow of office orbs and tubes. What better way to revive the soul than to suit up, grab your stick and hit the waves. Whatever your level, the good buggers at Real Surf will sort you out with any equipment or lessons you need to capture those post work moments of Zen. It’s hard to remember the stress in life deep in a tube, with the orb setting on the Wellington hills. Get out there.

Wellington is a Mountain bike mecca . Hundreds of trail tentacles weave their way over the humps and hills of the capital. None are more accessible than those that crisscross over Makara, and there’s no better place to start your pilgrimage than at the church of mountain biking, Mud Cycles. If you need gear, a bike, a guided tour or just all the local trail info, these guys will hook you up.

I used to think yoga was for spiritual hippies. The only thing that drew me to the inside of a yoga studio was the realisation that life must be better if I could at least bend over and touch my knees. That and a girl. 3 years later, a bunch of yoga studios behind me, I can honestly say that Iyengar Yoga Centre is my fav. Light on spiritual mumbo jumbo, but heavy on solid technique, the small dojo like atmosphere and master teachers suit me to a tee.

f the idea of running around in a box with another sweaty person sounds like fun to you, then the team at Club Kelburn, have particularly nice and cheap boxes in which to do so. You can even hire racquets and balls to accompany you.

Sex. Enough said.

The ASB Sports Centre’s Holiday Programme has something to offer parents of children of every age, at a convenient, one-stop-shop location. Its Fun and Run programme for five- to 12-year-olds runs for full days for the duration of the school holidays, and includes day trips out of the centre, and a balance of sport, arts and crafts, recreational activities and downtime. The centre also has sport-specific programmes for older children.

Send your kids to Crave Cooking School over the school holidays, and reap the delicious rewards… They’ll learn a new skill, too! The school offers sushi masterclasses and classes in cooking Chinese pork buns for eight to 12-year-olds, and how-tos in chocolate eclairs for older children.

The YMCA is a stalwart of school holiday programmes, but as such they fill up fast – book early to avoid disappointment. There are plenty of convenient locations across Wellington, and a variety of options for kids of different ages, meaning there’s bound to be something that suits your needs.

The Alliance Francaise Wellington runs holiday classes for children aged from five to 10 years of age, led by experienced, native French-speaking teachers, at a convenient central location. Each day has a different focus including cooking workshops, arts and crafts. Vive la France!

Wellington Zoo’s school holiday programme is perfect for animal lovers aged between five and 12 years old. With a different focus for every day, they’ll get to meet and learn about the animals, get a behind-the-scenes look at the zoo, and learn more about its link with conservation efforts based around the globe.

The only choice on Cuba for the cinema experience. Luckily it’s also all Cuba needs. Smart, fun, the food is good and the films are better.

The best record shop in the country. Smart people selling smart music in a smart place.

A delightful warren of literature. Every book you want and every book you didn’t know you wanted yet found here.

A little out of the way, this Wellington nexus of am-dram buzzes with energy. The death of performing arts in is apathy and with their tangible passion and go for it dedication, this is Wellington’s least-apathetic theatre by far.

I'm such a sucker for trying new yoga classes, especially when there is a first timers deal available, hot yoga is no exception to this, with the first class only costing $8. There are two locations, one on Wakefield street, and one on Featherston street, both offering a selection of classes. I highly recommend the power Vinyasa, it'll make you feel like you rule the world!

There is no such thing as bad weather, just inappropriate clothing. The bush walks in Polhill reserve are all amazing, whether you go for 20 mins, or a whole day. Its a neat way to see the different little niches and communities within Wellington. You can walk right up to the Zealandia ridge fence, and definitely see some native birds.

Probably the fanciest (reasonably priced) gym in Wellington. Complete with saunas, steam rooms and a GHD bar, Exodus is a temple of sweat and hard labor. Classes are included in the membership, and a huge variety are available, all of which have spectacularly knowledgeable trainers.

For those with a taste for something more exotic, Studio L'amour is Wellington's home of Burlesque and Pole Dancing. With incredibly experienced, and understanding instructors, these classes are a fantastic introduction into a world where you perhaps wouldn't ordinarily be inclined to enter! Whether it's fitness, or a confidence boost you're after, these classes are amazing!

Virginia Keast Zumba is the place to go in Wellington to get your groove on! With four different locations to choose from in the Wellington area, you really have no excuse! Choose from either a traditional Zumba dance class, or branch out and try Zumba Toning, which incorporates sticks for rhythm and strength!

The two-seater couches in the cinemas are perfect for snuggling up with your beloved. Grab some ice cream and bubbly and have a cosy afternoon or night watching a blockbuster or arthouse flick.

Ideal for a double/triple/even more date. Get your clown shoes on, crack up at each other’s bowling technique, enjoy a few drinks and make a night of it.

How’s this for cheap and romantic: a casual stroll around the waterfront on a (hopefully) sunny Sunday morning, checking out all the cute dogs hanging at the market, and sampling local cuisine while stocking up on your fruit, veg and other food for the week. Bliss.

Nothing says "romance" better than a day out patting cute animals! Ideal for escaping the city and having a day of fun in the sun.

Team dinner out on the town with a show at BATS - the perfect mix of fun and culture, with exceptional shows by local talent at affordable prices.

Te Papa is one of Wellington’s most iconic landmarks, and the Museum of New Zealand. The museum sports several floors with areas ranging from game zones and cafes to historical exhibitions and beautiful art and sculptures. Te Papa is a great place to escape the rain or just get lost in for the day.

There is nothing more relaxing than going to sleep to the faint pitter-patter of rain falling on the roof. Rainy days however, are not as comforting. On a day when it's grim outside I like nothing more than immersing myself in the newest Hollywood creation. The Embassy Cinema seems to make movie watching that much more spectacular. With it's elegant marble staircase, large selection of drinks and snacks, and large comfy seats it doesn't get much better. A day at the Embassy includes curling up eating M&Ms mixed with freshly popped popcorn, while enjoying someone else's fairy tale life. A day at the Embassy, is a day well spent.

When the weather is nice, or even when the weather is not so nice, nothing beats a walk along the waterfront. With the sea air filling your lungs and the blood pumping in your veins, its bound to help clear that head. For those hot sunny hungover days, a quick dip in the ocean has been known to speed up the recovery time!

If you are a fan of the galaxy and solar system, why not make a trip up in the cable car to Wellington’s Carter Observatory. This exciting star-ridden place is a hub for interesting facts and information about what lies in the worlds outside earth.

Summer is coming, and what better way than to spend it soaking up the sun and breathing in the salty sea breeze on Wellington’s waterfront. Why not try something different or partake in fun activity of hoping on a crocodile bike and enjoying the day.