Rainy Day Fun: What to do when it’s RAINING??!!
When the weather isn't cooperating, there's no need to let it dampen your family holiday spirit at Waitomo Top 10 Holiday Park. This charming holiday destination offers plenty of indoor activities and nearby attractions to keep everyone entertained, even on the rainiest of days. From arts and crafts to local museums, here’s how you can make the most of your time indoors.
Indoor Activities at Waitomo Top 10 Holiday Park
Arts and Crafts
Rainy days are perfect for unleashing your creativity. The holiday park offers a cosy communal area where families can gather for arts and crafts. Bring along some supplies or purchase a few from the nearby shops in Waitomo. Try making:
- Nature-themed crafts: Collect leaves, flowers, and small branches from your nature walks and create beautiful nature collages.
- DIY postcards: Design and decorate postcards to send to friends and family back home, capturing the memories of your Waitomo adventure.
- Painted rocks: Gather some smooth stones and paint them with fun designs, creating unique souvenirs.
Movie Time
WiFi is available throughout the park, making for good streaming, & DVDs are available at reception. Or, why not bring along some of your own favourites. Snuggle up with some popcorn and enjoy! Sky TV channels are available in the communal lounge.
Journal (or Blog, or even Vlog!)
One important part of adventuring to new places is reflecting on your day and recording those bucket-list experiences. There’s no better way to do this than with some journaling! Let the rain be the perfect motivation to get you to sit down and write about your day while it's fresh in your mind. By the end of your trip, you will have pages and pages of memories to look back on for years to come.
Nearby Indoor Attractions
Waitomo Caves Discovery Centre
A short drive from the holiday park, the Waitomo Caves Discovery Centre in the town of Waitomo is a fascinating place for kids and adults alike. This interactive museum provides a deep dive into the history and geology of the Waitomo Caves. Exhibits include the story of cave exploration, the unique formations found in the caves, and the history of the local area. The hands-on displays and educational activities make it an engaging experience for children.
Otorohanga Kiwi House & Native Bird Park
A must-visit, even on a rainy day, is the Otorohanga Kiwi House. Located just a short drive from Waitomo, this indoor attraction allows you to get up close with New Zealand’s iconic kiwi birds in their nocturnal house. The facility also houses a variety of other native birds and reptiles. The educational talks and feeding sessions provide a great learning opportunity for kids.
Te Kuiti Museum and Gallery
For a unique cultural experience, visit the Te Kuiti Museum and Gallery. This museum offers a glimpse into this region of New Zealand’s history and rural life. Exhibits and displays show how the area evolved over the years, giving some insight into the cultural norms that exist today.
Creative Indoor Activities
Storytelling and Reading
Take advantage of the rainy weather to indulge in some storytelling. Gather the family in the cosy communal lounge or your cabin and take turns reading aloud from your favourite books or from our library. For younger children, picture books and interactive stories are perfect. Older kids and adults might enjoy a thrilling mystery or an adventurous fantasy novel.
Cooking and Baking
The holiday park’s well-equipped communal kitchen is an excellent place for some family cooking and baking fun. Work together to create a delicious meal or bake some sweet treats. Simple recipes like homemade pizzas, cupcakes, or cookies can be both enjoyable and rewarding. Plus, you’ll have a tasty treat to enjoy together afterwards.
Relaxation and Mindfulness
Yoga and Stretching
Use the indoor space for a family yoga or stretching session. You don’t need much room, and it’s a great way to keep active even when you’re stuck indoors. There are plenty of family-friendly yoga videos available online that cater to all ages and fitness levels. Stretching and mindfulness exercises can help everyone relax and reset. There is also a hot tub to relax in, rain or shine.
Indoor Scavenger Hunt
Create an indoor scavenger hunt to keep the kids entertained. Make a list of items to find around the cabin or communal areas, such as a red sock, a spoon, or a book with a blue cover. This activity can be a lot of fun and keep the kids moving and engaged, even when they can’t go outside.
Forest Trails
Take on some forest trails (the canopy can act as a natural umbrella!). You may find it can be quite dry under the shelter of dense native bush. It might sound like a no-brainer, but make sure you're equipped with wet weather gear before you brave the rain.
Conclusion
Rainy days at Waitomo Top 10 Holiday Park don't have to mean a dull day indoors. With a range of indoor activities, from arts and crafts to movie marathon ideas, and nearby attractions like museums and the Kiwi House, there’s plenty to keep families entertained. Embrace the chance to create new memories together, and enjoy the cosy side of your Waitomo adventure.