What To Do With The Kids When It Rains in Hokitika

Travelling with children can be a bit stressful at times, especially when the weather is not great. As a parent myself, I know how hard it can be keeping the kids happy when it is pouring with rain.

Here are some of the things my family like to do when we get  a rainy day in Hokitika.

• See a movie at the historic Hokitika Regent Theatre.  Built in 1935 this theatre has become the hub of the Hokitika community following it’s restoration over the last 10 years by a committed group of volunteers and people from around NZ who have shared their expertise. This beautifully restored art deco theatre operates as a movie theatre, a performance theatre and as a town hall for the community. http://www.hokitikaregent.com/

• Catch a koura & feed the giant eels at The National Kiwi Centre. The National Kiwi Centre is situated in the heart of Hokitika in an undercover facility that provides viewing of kiwi in our nocturnal house that replicates their natural environment. During your visit you can take part in feeding the giant eels (10am, 12 noon and 3pm daily). The eels are approximately 85 to 100 years old. The kiwi also get fed after each eel feeding. You can view the tuatara, New Zealand’s oldest living dinosaur. “Children (and adults too of course) love catching freshwater crawlies (koura) in our indoor fishing lake. This activity is strictly catch and release. No animals are harmed in the process and no hooks are used. We will issue you a crawly catching certificate on request. Come and give it a go!” National Kiwi Centre, Hokitika
• http://www.thenationalkiwicentre.co.nz/

• Take the kids to Shantytown.  Children of all ages love Shantytown. Take a ride on the steam train, pan for gold, dress up in period clothing and take a family photo, explore the historical replica township. You can easily fill a whole day here there is so much to do. Much of it is covered so rain is not a problem. There is also a cafe

“With a flying fox (zip wire), old fashioned lollies, treasure hunts and wonderful buildings to explore there is plenty to keep everyone occupied for hours. Reuben Waite’s General Store has fantastic gifts, souvenirs and books to browse. Of course gold fever can strike at any time and the gold mining team at the Gold Claim will teach you to pan for your own gold (and we guarantee that you’ll come away with a little ‘colour’ for your trouble” Shantytown

https://www.shantytown.co.nz/Attractions/Serious+Fun+For+Kids.html

These are just a few ideas of what you can do in Hokitika if it is raining. Of course, you can also do what we did frequently – just put on a coat and go outside and see all things you had wanted to see.