Escape the cold with the family at the playful Waingaro Hot Springs. A short drive from Hamilton, it makes the perfect hot spot to relax and let the kids enjoy slides and bumper boats- and because it’s warm water, it doesn’t matter if it’s raining! I love hot pools in the rain- it’s lovely to be outside in the fresh air. Entry $11 adults, $6 kids.

If it’s rainy, sometimes it’s good just to stay inside. The Base in Te Rapa has a wide selection of shops- but best of all a wicked cinema. This Hoyts shows all the latest films, and also has the BIGGEST screen in Waikato- the Xtremescreen. If you want a real movie treat, book a la Premiere seat and order wine and tapas during the film!

As soon as you walk into Extreme Edge you feel cool. It’s super colourful, the staff are really friendly and the climbing looks awesome. Kids can burn off energy in the special ‘climbzone’, a room full of themed walls, all with automatic belay systems- easy peasy! Find them next to Royale Cars on Greenwood St.

Journey back in time, through period themed rooms and shops at this lovely little museum in Thames. What I love about this museum is that there is a little bit of everything- the history of not only the place, but also its people and how they used to do things. Find lots of photographs and interesting artefacts on beekeeping, fashion, farming and medicine (to name a few!).

By train is my favourite way to travel! Especially when it’s through beautiful scenery. Hop aboard a heritage train and ride the historic Goldfields Railway through Waihi and Waikino and learn a bit about Gold mining in the area from the comfort of a carriage. Sounds like a lovely rainy afternoon to me!

Cheap, cheerful and delicious! A typical kiwi bakery with plenty of choice and very reasonable prices. Plus it’s in the perfect location with lots of parks, so you can easily hop out of the car and grab a snack on your way in or out of town!

Sweet teeth can find award winning fruit pies at this lovely family run bakery. Try the Gingered Peach n Pear with Cointreau for a special treat! Traditional pie lovers will enjoy the Steak n Cheese and other classic hearty flavours.

Well known bakery in Raglan offering a selection of kiwi favourite pies. Really lovely staff, conveniently on the main street of town, with lots of additional takeaway extras. Top Tip: Get there early before they sell out!

A recognisable name, Jesters at The Base sell all their yummy jaffle pie flavours handmade fresh on site. Price is average for pies, but quality is consisent. Great for winter lunches.

Lake Farm Pies are made with award winning angus beef, so the focus is on the filling. They boast high quantities of meat (and locally made cheese!) in each of their handcrafted beauties, which they describe as gourmet. Proud and passionate, these guys sell their pies on the internet! So you can order them straight to your bellies at lakefarmpies.co.nz

As the name suggests, there’s plenty of choice at Bluestone. Accredited with a NZ Beef and Lamb Excellence Award, patrons can customize their plates with a selection of sauces, sides and butters. A traditional and homely feel.

Big appetite? You won’t leave The Redoubt hungry… Take on their Silver Farms 350gm Roasted Ribeye, or savour the slow roasted Lamb. Some of the country's finest produce, in an welcoming and friendly pub atmosphere.

Warm your winter belly with a top quality Scotch fillet steak, beer battered chips and a watercress salad at Huhu. For smaller appetites there are tasty mini-lamb burgers with chilli jam and basil mint mayo. Yum! These guys do classic beef and lamb favourites, with subtle touches that make them even better.

A warm, trendy restaurant with outstanding food. Winners of the NZ Excellence Awards for Beef and Lamb and offering more than your traditional steak, Chim Choo Ree is a cute and quirky spot for a special occasion. Try the Beef Carpaccio with beetroot, horseradish and puffed rice.

Mercury Twin Cinemas shows a great range of films - from your classic blockbusters to the more edge-of-the-scene arthouse films. There are two separate screening auditoriums, and they’ve recently made the move from 35mm film to Digital so now have full 5.1 surround sound - awesome! Reserve a table at Salt Bar and Restaurant right on the water of Whitianga Marina to make a complete night of it, and enjoy the diverse and beautiful cuisine they have to offer. Who said small towns were boring?

For a cheap and cheerful date night, keep things classic with delicious authentic Italian pizza, and a movie afterwards to top it all off! Di Luca’s Pizza and Pasta Bar is conveniently just down the road from Multiplex Cinemas where you can enjoy a movie for just $11 (adult) on a Wednesday night. With a hot winter special currently running at Di Luca’s - only $10 for a dine-in pizza on Tuesday and Wednesday nights - this could become your weekly tradition. I can’t think of anything better on a cold winter’s night!

Everything in one place! Metro by Hoyts at Centre Place is onto something here. They have 5 digital cinemas showing the latest blockbusters, and at the bar you’ve got American diner-style food available. Nachos, gourmet hot dogs, chilli fries, and buckets of beer and glasses of wine are all on offer here, in a hip and urban environment that gives off New York vibes. Friday and Saturday nights give you the option of extra-late screening times, so make a night of it and enjoy dinner first!

The District’s got their coffee, food and beverages down packed. I particularly head there for their mouthwatering pizzas, with options that include pork belly, salmon, chicken and vegetarian, there's plenty to keep just you or a large table spoilt for choice. Dine in and enjoy the stylish and quirky atmosphere they’ve got going on and take the kids for their 'little people's menu' too. If you're feeling a movie afterwards then you’ve got Hoyts Te Awa Cinema just a 6 minute drive away. Ideal!

"Self described as a "funky little joint" in the middle of Raglan, this is a spot perfect for sharing a casual meal with friends. Tasting plates and tapas abound, and the atmosphere is warm and inviting. For your movie afterwards - check out what’s going on down at the Raglan Old School Arts Centre. Movies only screen on Saturday and Sunday evenings on the third weekend of every month though, so book in advance, and make sure you reserve a table at Bow St DEPOT as well. It’s sure to be a good night!"

Rainy day? Head to the Museum. There’s plenty of interesting information, lots of exhibits aimed at kids and entry is by koha. During the holidays check out the events page- they often have arts, history and science workshops for the little ones .

Think Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory- but instead of chocolate, find interactive, water fuelled and themed inventions! Wacky and wonderful there’s plenty of places to play, bbq sites, a cafe and swimming hole. Top tip: Look out for their free entry days!

Take the family on a 1hr boat tour along the gorgeous Coromandel coast and land in Cathedral Cove. What I love about this area is the water is so often calm and clear- so you can peer down and spot fish and all sorts! Picnic or have a BBQ at Hahei Beach after your trip. Plenty of space for an afternoon of beach games!

I love the Lord of the Rings stories and feel like their magic splays into the NZ countryside. To continue the fantasy, take a set tour in Matamata. You’ll be surprised at how film experts transform places and learn lots about the history of the area.

Don’t worry! The sugar sweet Candyland, isn’t just about eating lollies. There’s a cute candymaking show hosted by Queen Candy & her elves and you can learn how to make your own lollipops and chocolates. What’s more, many of the recipes have been modified to suit vegan, gluten free and dairy-free visitors, and they’re trying to use raw, organic and fair-trade ingredients where possible.

Friendly and welcoming, these guys use organic ingredients where possible! Relax with a tea and a piece of freshly baked cake, or warm up with their indian style dhal for lunch. Colourful comfort with a pottery and art gallery.

A warm and cosy environment for those wild wet winter days! I love tucking myself away in the corner with a book, drinking a hot chocolate and munching on some curly fries.

Koru is the cafe at the Watergardens just North of Thames. If hearty soups and home baking are your idea of comfort foods, I’ve heard these guys do those well. Plus you get to enjoy them in a beautiful setting.

Garden Cafe is just in Hamilton’s central ‘Garden Place’. I like to sit in the big window and watch the world go by with whatever their yummy daily soup is. It feels really homey and the staff are very welcoming.

Often when I think of comfort food, I think of hot soups and hearty stews. Try the ‘warm vegetable stew’ at the Loose Goose with a glass of red on a wintry evening. Lots of veggie options, and lots of other hearty options too. Treat yourself to comfort in style.