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!

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.

So Freyberg has a spa, a sauna and a steamroom for $4.80ea but there are deals if you want a swim too, check out the prices board above the counter as you go in. Excellent spa facilities, always clean and they play some chill out pop music so you can relax to some sounds when you're having a soak! My favourite hotpools in town.

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.

I've been going to Readings for years and years, ever since I was a young teenager hanging out in the food court with mates waiting for our movie to begin! It's a quality entertainment establishment; I've always been satisfied and had a lot of fun checking out the latest movies here.

So convenient to have the downstairs café in the museum itself so you don't have to cross lanes of traffic to get to Courtenay Place for lunch. Lots of fresh, delicious cabinet food and lots for the kids (fries as a treat!). Sunny and spacious. Recommended.

A weekly frequenter of Paramount as a card-carrying member of the Wellington Film Society, my visits to the cinema could easily end there if only the Paramount wasn't so darn charming. Besides the spacious (and eponymous) main screen, two smaller theaters feature a cosier atmosphere (couches in the Brooks!) With a different film festival on practically every week, you won't feel like you have to wait all year for the NZFF here. Come for a foreign or indie film you can't find anywhere else, but don't leave without a choc dipped Kapiti cone... I hear they hired the choc top king!

A revolving door of impressive exhibits by international and well-known local artists, this free gallery in Civic Square is best enjoyed with regular visits. Whether stopping in on a rainy afternoon or making a point to see Len Lye's kinetic sculptures before they vanished, Wellington's City Gallery provides thought-provoking entertainment time and time again. Multiple exhibit spaces span two floors, and the gallery plays an accommodating host for writers and other speakers with a generous but cosy amphitheater. Just remember to recharge with a flat white and a donut from the Nikau Cafe located on the ground floor of the gallery before you leave.

Take a few hours out of your Saturday afternoon to visit The Dowse. Entry is free, and with exhibitions on in several gallery spaces, The Dowse is constantly changing. Check out the retrospective on Kobi Bosshard's jewelry, then pop over to Pic 'n' Mix, curated by kids-- both are on all winter. The Dowse boasts one of the best gallery shops I've seen, and a very sweet cafe attached-- their home brewed Shooting Star lemonade is a must-try. Stay for the weekend talks with the artists, or take a quick drive over to Petone for some serious op shopping. 

Te Papa may be one of the most trafficked tourist attractions in Wellington, but it's certainly for locals, too. Whether you come in for a special exhibit like Game Masters or Warhol: Immortal (on now!) or to test your earthquake preparedness skills with a walk through the Earthquake House, you'll be sure to learn something new-- and have fun doing it. Te Papa is also especially helpful for those new to New Zealand like myself. See a bird on the waterfront and want to know what to call it? You'll find its taxidermy counterpart on the first floor. Come in on an afternoon, or stay all evening on Thursdays when the museum is open until 9 pm.

Come in for a screening in their DIY-style theatre, or to check out someone else’s home movies– the Film Archive can and will store any NZ films, however big or small. Stick around for some coffee or a snack from their cafe, and swap stories with the staff. They’re friendly, and they know the place like the back of a film canister!

This is our nerd church, the staff are our nerd pastors, the comics and DnD rulebooks are our nerd gospels. We must prostrate ourselves before them. We will and we will do it willingly. WILLINGLY.

There is nothing like a few wasted hours in a borderline dilapidated arcade attached to laser force to really feel the mix of unalloyed excitement and profound shame that marks out nerd-dom. This is also a common meeting place for internet groups to meet IRL. So hang around to meet more of our kind. Or look weird. Actually, we usually can’t really help the second one most of the time.

Small things are cool. Like real cool. Like there is nothing cooler than totally accurate small scale replications of real world things like trains and stuff. And not just cool in a pretending to be Godzilla kind of way but in a wow people worked really hard on these kind of way.

Rumour has it that a girl worked here once. I don’t believe it. But let me tell you if I had the money I would be all over those awesome little fighting dudes and the staff are real good at getting people started and up-to-date.

You're in maze. It's dark, but the edges are lit in fluro. Music is blaring loud. You and your team are wearing light up body armor and welding lazer guns. You're out to end the other team. They're out to end you. Adrenaline is pumping. You're having fun. Lazerforce. Well well recommended.

Go-Kat racing. Close to deadly (in your mind), high-speed (again in your mind) go-kart racing. It's wild, it's fun, it's action packed, petrol fumes and all. In the other rooms, mini golf and lazer tag. For a two-one, or three-one party combo, this place is a devilishly good time.

If a game of paintball doesn't bring you together as a group of friends, office or community unit, nothing will. Literally some of the wildest fun you can have with pants on. It's scary and immerse, but amazing as well. Pass through Paintball Adventure Challenge, you won't regret it. You will regret the bruises though, damn!

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.

Flying Foxes that fly through the trees, with you attached. Within minutes you’ll feel like you’re in a bush scene in Star Wars or something equally as ridiculous. Rope Bridges and Tarzan Swings as well. I’m using A Lot Of Capitals because it’s all a CAPITAL GOOD TIME. Options for all ages as well.

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.

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.

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!

A labyrinth of second hand books, poetry and pamphlets on the pre-war Communism Party of New Zealand. I'm not kidding. Whilst admittedly this last item may only be of interest to history nerds like myself, you'll be sure to find what you're looking for in what is perhaps the largest volume of books in the city. A hard working bunch too; this gang seem to be open whenever I walk past, meaning there'll always be time to pick up your next read. 

One of the most chic bars in the city. Inauspiciously located above BK on Courtenay Place, the Library is a hive of low-fi, urban decadence that Wellington does best. Lavishly decorated with, believe it or not, books from head to toe, the Library is a moody, solemn bar in the week, before thankfully shedding some of its super-serious persona on the weekend. Imaginative cocktails and 2 for 1 desserts on Tuesdays should keep you coming back for more.

Wellington's most authentic second-hand bookshop. Making your way around the maze-like shop is an experience in itself, with giant tombs and slender works of poetry, mostly alphabetised, stacked right to the ceiling. The quintessential literary classics are here, accompanied by a substantial NZ section and a fantastic, if somewhat small, poetry section, which features some really unusual works. Tucked away on Left Bank Arcade, finding a dusty old copy of a book you've been meaning to read and then propping yourself in a quiet corner of a Cuba Street cafe for an hour or so is a true delight.

A place of refuge on a rainy day. An impressive array of books, CDs to hire and a thorough selection of rare textbooks useful for your studies. Replete with a cosy cafe serving piping hot soups, the library is an inexpensive (free!) way to pass a few spare hours in the CBD.

So many classes, not enough time! The Community Education Centre have a range of classes to suit. From languages to fitness, cooking, crafts and business courses, the classes are offered throughout the year. The great part is that for a lot of the more popular classes, there are options for days and times. Some courses go for a term, others a month, there are even Saturday courses. Go with a friend or brave it alone, the teachers are friendly and so are the other students. It’s never too late to learn something new!

Ever wanted to join a circus? Learn a party trick? Touch your toes? This is the place to learn it all. They take students of all shapes, sizes and abilities in a safe and encouraging environment. I’m currently trying to master the art of hand balance but there are HEAPS of other course such as hula hoop and trapeze too. Half the fun of going to class is watching the others leap, bound and balance around you. I don’t think enough people know about this Wellington gem so go and see how cool it is for yourself! It’s good for you too!

I went with a group of friends for a hen’s do. We were greeted with bubbles and platters on arrival and we sipped and nibbled as the hostess explained the afternoon’s activities. We would be making champagne cupcakes (YUM) and then we’d battle it out to make the best gingerbread bride and groom. Even the reluctant bakers had a good time, one girl half joked it was probably because the lovely ladies were cleaning up after us. It was so much fun and definitely perfect for our bride-to-be. I’m looking forward to trying out their other cooking classes too!

I’ll never get sick of going to Te Papa. I aways take out of towners - make them stand in the earthquake house and then show them the colossal squid. They love it! It’s also the perfect rainy day hide out and entry’s free! They also have great exhibitions and events where you’re bound to learn something!

I love going to this beautiful building to look at their beautiful artwork. They have a great selection of contemporary works by both local and international artists. Their Nikau Cafe is amazing too.

Like a library of visual moving books, this video store is decked out with shelves of films. Whether its a Friday night in with friends, date night or Sunday fun-day with the fam there is something in this shop for every occasion, mood, or ‘genre’.

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.

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.

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.

Out of all the pizza chains in New Zealand, Hells is by far the most superior. With endless options of pizza toppings and interesting sides, its a menu that wont disappoint. Hells always has some great money saving option providing the consumer with large amounts of food, and has a decent delivery option for those lazy Sundays.

When you walk into the Roxy, it shows that some of Wellington's brightest cinematic minds have been involved in its establishment. The interior is mind-blowing, the food and drink options excellent, and there are so many things to look at (including a wee Lego mock-up of the building upstairs) as you head to your film.

The one theatre in Wellington that gets it right every time. Bats is a great spot to see up-and-coming thespians, directors and producers play out independent theatre that’s always clever, and often hilarious or moving. Perfect for a cultured night out.

City Gallery’s exhibitions always wow, and change regularly so there’s always something exciting and new from local or international artists - and usually free. Pop into Nikau next door for a bite or a drink pre or post-show.

Some people say this pub is where politics really happen. With an MP-themed menu and puppets of leading political players, a who’s who of politics and business can regularly be spotted here. Head along on Wednesday nights from about 6pm for the filming of pub politics show Backbenches.

Go get cultured with a classic Kiwi film at the Film Archive. It might be an unheard of doco or a big-name New Zealand film, with the movies on show changing regularly - and a lot of them free!