Waterworld has deteriorated over the years as management has not maintained the high standards that…read moresuch a facility calls for. The swimming pools have emitted toxic levels of chlorine, the facility has poor ventilation, and the swimming pool area is improperly staffed. There have been several widely publicised emergencies that have occurred at the facility because of the poor ventilation and toxicity of the chlorine, as well as improper staffing of the facility. When chlorine increases on the surface of the water of an indoor pool, swimmers are unable to breathe-in good, clean air. Add to this the improper ventilation of the facility and chlorine levels reach a point where it can poison swimmers. Sometimes, it even adversely affects people walking the deck. Because of the bad press the facility received, I imagine that management has begun to address the staffing issues. And there are signs that management has begun to refurbish the facility to ensure better ventilation and to reduce toxic levels of chlorine. Construction on the swimming pools took place in 2020 and early 2021; however, it is unclear whether the ventilation issue has been fully resolved. My one-star rating should not reflect upon the high standard of customer care exercised by workers in the facility. They clearly are putting in their time and effort to their job. Customer beware, and I urge caution when you use the facility.

We went to Waterworld for the first time today. It's been getting hot and humid here in Hamilton…read moreand was daydreaming about getting in a cool and refreshing pool. I'd seen signs around town for it for ages, but never really knew exactly what all was there. I imagined it would be reminiscent of water parks in the US, and probably a little to "big kid" for our 3-year-old. Thankfully, I was wrong :) First, let me just say, the admission price is ridiculously reasonable. A place like this in the U.S. would easily cost $20-30 (or more) for an adult and half as much for children. We got in for the bargain price of $6/adult, our under 5-year-old children were both free. You can bring in your own food and drinks (but can't consume them by the pool). There are male, female and family changing rooms and lockers for rent. You can also purchase swim diapers/nappies at the counter. There is a cafe on-site with the usual sorts of prepared food and beverages. There is also a gym on this site, with a number of cardio machines that are visible from the pool areas below (I didn't check this out in great detail). It appears that they also do swimming lessons, hydrotherapy/rehab and a number of water fitness classes. (I wish I had known about this place when I was pregnant!). Inside, there is a small toddler pool (0.3m deep) and a large family pool (0.8m deep). They have large floating "turtles" and "frogs" for the kids to use like paddle boards (free). In the next room over are 2 more large lap lane pools and finally, there is a large diving pool (with platforms and such). There are lifeguards/staff members patrolling in the indoor pools (and I suspect, the outdoor pool, but we left before the outdoor pool opened). Outside, there is an enormous outdoor pool of varying depth. The shallowest end has a large awning over it for sun cover. There is also a large splash pad area, with various fountains and showers for the kids to run through and a very tiny "water slide," that is appropriate for very small toddlers. There is a playground, several picnic benches and gazebos that you can reserve. There is an expansive amount of grassy area, plenty of room if you want to pitch your sunshade and sprawl out on the grass. There are also a few large (adult) waterslides (hydroslides). We got here fairly early on a Sunday morning, and it was a little busy, but didn't feel crowded. The indoor pools and outdoor splash pad were open, but the big outdoor pool was due to open later in the morning. My 3-year-old mostly enjoyed the splash pad, but after a while, did come inside for a little splash around in the toddler pool and family pool. Afterwards, he changed into his dry clothes and hit the playground for a while. We filled up on some of the snacks we brought and hydrated. Bring your sun hats and sunscreen and plan to stay a while, for this price and amount of activities available, you really can't beat it for a day out with the little ones.

When my sister and I arrived at Enchanted Forest Mini Golf a few weekends ago, we were wowed! From…read morethe range of holes and facilities, to the friendly owner who was very helpful and chatted to all of his customers. This was really great considering I haven't received this kind of service at other mini golf places around Auckland. We really enjoyed the variety of holes. Sounds weird I know but Enchanted Forest Mini Golf seriously has two of the coolest holes we have ever seen! The first one you have to hit your golf ball through chains - it sounds harder than you think! The second hole was unique for sure. The hole is completely surrounded by netting. The aim is to hit your ball as hard as you can (it sits on a raised platform), and if possible, hit the bullseye up top, ultimately to get a 'hole in one'. Again, it is harder than you think, but it is loads of fun! Plus, all the kids around us really enjoyed it! Another highlight is that the space around the mini golf course is very large! There is a shop where you purchase your tickets and other things like cold drinks and ice creams. There are also plenty of tables and chairs, plus you can use their BBQ's located onsite (free to use if you play one round of mini golf). This would be perfect for a birthday party or family gathering. An added bonus is that there is a Countdown right next door - easy to stock up on food beforehand! I guess the only negative would be that it is a little rough around the edges but it definitely feels like you're in a forest (or bush!). Interesting fact - the space used to be a park, and instead of removing everything, they have kept all the original trees and plants which is nice to see - we even saw a Kauri tree! Overall, Enchanted Forest Mini Golf is the best I have tried in Auckland so far. The added bonuses (unique 'net' hole, BBQ's, supermarket next door and location) really make this mini golf worth going to, not just to play a few games, but also to get a group of family and friends along and have a BBQ lunch or dinner afterwards!

From the owner: Our 18 hole Mini Golf course is built inside a park and comes complete with mature trees and…read moregardens that provide privacy, shade and tons of fun! With 18 international length holes and a course designed and built by a golfer - for golfers, we provide a genuine challenge and fun for all ages. We are focused on the children's fun, but with one eye on the "big kid's" entertainment too. With a selection of piped music around the grounds, native birdsong and park atmosphere the Enchanted Forest is relaxing and fun for the grown-ups too, with charm, character and a beautiful setting. If you think you know this course, then think again! We have some exciting changes underway, with a huge tidy up and re-planting programme, the roll out of a course make-over and a coffee bar on the way. With free use of our picnic tables and BBQ's, our aim is to ensure that everyone has a fun and a relaxing day Enchanted Forest style - for a great price.

The Hamilton Zoo is a favourite outing for our family. It is very affordable, and the animals seem…read morewell treated and live in relatively open spaces on the outskirts of Hamilton's western suburbs. Entry fees are very affordable for individuals and families, and we have a season pass. It is very reasonably priced! The zoo has undergone major renovations over the last five years, expanding well beyond where it was only five years ago (the time of our first visit). It includes an enormous, well-equipped children's playground, an upscale café and dining restaurant. In the near future, there will be a hotel on the premises where guests are welcome to stay and observe the animals after- and before-hours. To get to the zoo, visitors may drive to the facility or choose to take the city bus. The city bus is very convenient, since it leaves from the Hamilton CBD and arrives directly outside the front entrance to the zoo. A highlight for the kids include the tigers, ostriches, American buffalo, and, of course, giraffes. Also, they certainly like to use the slides located near the chimpanzee enclosure.

Not the largest zoo but what they lack in variety, they definitely make up in quality. There are…read moresome definite gems here like an extremely active red panda, ring-tailed lemurs that you can play with, the cutest bobcat and beautiful tigers. My boyfriend and I definitely had a lovely time here and I could be found squealing like a child about the cuteness of the animals. The zoo itself is not suffocating and the enclosures are well-maintained and adequately-sized to give the animals space to play in. There is also a playground for kids and lots of interactive experiences. There are also a lot of talks given by the zoo staff about the different animals which were informative and interesting. If I lived in Hamilton, I would definitely visit again.

I first heard of Agroventures from Michelle Phan. (the YouTube Make-up Queen) I knew it was going…read moreto be cool so I was super excited when we spent a few hours at Agroventures. New Zealand is the land for adrenaline pumping adventures. Agroventures doesn't disappoint. They have 5 different activities, The Agrojet, (a raceboat that goes super fast) Freefall Extreme, (feels like you're falling through the sky) Swoop, (super swing) Shweeb, (race around a track in a pedal operated pod) and Rotorua Bungy. (Bungee jump) I went with a large group of mostly boys. They offer group discounts and combos if you buy 1 or 5 activities. Most of us did the Shweeb, though some did the other crazy activities. The Shweeb is unique and the only one in the world as of now. You are placed into this pod-like contraption and race your opponent by pedaling the pod to race around a track. It's not as easy as it looks or sounds! I don't have the speed or stamina like teenage boys! I had a great time at Agroventures and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for an adrenaline rush!

I came here with my 3-year-old son, husband, and newborn for a play date with my son's little…read morefriend from his daycare center. We weren't sure what to expect from the experience, but arrived early in the morning (right around opening time) and we all had a blast! Just to be warned, when you are driving to the farm park, the road gets smaller and smaller and you start to wonder if you are going in the right direction. You are. Occasionally, there are additional signs along the road that let you know you are still heading in the right direction. To start out, each family purchased some animal food, which came with a scoop for feeding the bigger animals. Included in the menagerie were: chickens, ducks, pheasants, cows, goats, emu, llamas, ponies, alpacas and sheep. The young ones loved feeding the animals and the grown-ups thought it was pretty cool, too. What I really loved (besides the animals) was that there were several play areas scattered around that gave the boys tons of opportunity to get out their energy and use their imaginations. For example, there was a "construction pit," with dirt, built in diggers and the like. There was a large sculpture of a helicopter that they could sit inside. There was also a large sculpture airplane. We brought a picnic lunch and ate on the tables outside the back of the office area. There were lovely views of the surrounding area. I would highly, highly recommend this place if you have small children - it was a great day out.

Pretty cool park with a neat little road track with stop signs and stuff for kids (and some adults)…read moreto learn the road rules, and a funky swing that looks like something out of Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome. And... A ridiculously steep slide!!! Check out my pics and read the tip on this one, you're gonna need it... I can hear you shiver with antici - - - - pation!