It's divided into four areas: a World War I battlefield, a darkened mock gold mine, a bush setting complete with indoor waterfall and animatronic kiwi, and the prehistoric dinosaur section. To be honest, I wasn't sure about playing mini golf surrounded by model soldiers and the sound of gunfire - and I had to reassure Miss Four she wouldn't get shot - but I can well imagine her boy cousins having a magnificent time.
We played golf for about 15 minutes (it would take longer to get round the course if you were playing properly), stopping to name the animatronic kiwi and have a "discussion" about putting our hands in the pool at the bottom of the waterfall. When we reached the dinosaurs, any thoughts about golf were forgotten as we spent time visiting each one, watching them move and chatting to them.
Since Borders left, the Metro Centre has been transformed into a one-shop-stop, all-day entertainment mecca.
The big, bold and bright - some might say brash, loud and neon - fun-hub on Queen St houses Event Cinemas and the more recent additions, another being the Odyssey Sensory Maze.
One of the more unique attractions I've visited recently, it's a journey through 13 different zones of special lighting effects, illusions, unusual sounds and, in one section, pitch black. You'll walk, clamber over and under objects and generally be intrigued by the maze. It takes about 20 minutes to complete a journey or maybe a little longer if, like me, it takes you a moment to figure out the hall of mirrors section.
I certainly needed to take my time - and some deep breaths - in certain parts. Let's say I found it a little challenging to figure out where to go next. Once you've completed the Odyssey, you'll need to take a moment or two afterwards to sit down, have a glass of water and get your bearings again.
We peeked into the appealing Metro Lanes Tenpin Bowling - this is no ordinary bowling alley. For starters, there are leather sofas and swanky seats, upmarket lighting and a modern sound system, and a full bar and restaurant. There's also a spacious deck that overlooks Aotea Square. The Highway 66 mezzanine includes four shorter, smaller bowling lanes and a mini bar, available for hire for private functions.
The Time Out Games Zone has a new X-Rider Game, which uses 3D/4D motion simulator technology for an adventure-style ride. I reckon these attractions are better suited to older kids and teenagers.
It's no secret that this part of town, for better or worse, is a fast-food capital and the Metro Centre features a large international food court as well as burger bars. But by March, the revamp will include eight new food and beverage outlets to create a new restaurant precinct in Upper Queen St.
So what's the verdict? There's a lot to do here, a fair bit of variety in the offerings and it's all undercover. Prices for individual attractions are reasonable, although some are starting to creep up (the food court is a little pricier than some others). You'll need deeper pockets if you're doing two or more activities. The newer attractions have a more upmarket feel to them, but a plea to the owners: the older parts (especially the toilets) need a little more TLC.
Need to know
• Metro Centre, 291-297 Queen St (between the Civic Theatre and Aotea Square). Open from 10am-10pm, seven days a week.
• The Odyssey Maze is recommended for those aged 8 or older. Not recommended if you're claustrophobic, pregnant, have a heart condition, physical disability or epilepsy.
