Alexia Santamaria finds there is more than enough to keep both parents and kids happy on a day trip to Hamilton.
Poor old Hamilton. It certainly gets some stick, especially from those north of the Bombays. But when we took our two young kids there for the day, it was hard to see why anyone should give it a hard time. The kids came back raving and we really enjoyed our day in the Waikato too.
We started out with a trip to Candyland. I haven't been there for years and when we first entered, I did have my doubts. Michele Coker, daughter of the original Candymaker is in the process of sprucing the place up but some parts still look a bit tired as they patiently await their makeover. Don't let that put you off though, it is worth a stop for the show, and kids couldn't care less about decor.
We saw a chocolate-making show and a candy-making demonstration and both were fascinating and interactive. We witnessed the choc-coating machines in action and our kids got to help make a chocolate egg. The candy demonstration consisted of watching a big striped lollipop being made -from clear syrup through colouring, pulling, stretching and cutting. Once the stripes had been put in, we were given sticks and the log of sweet and we were able to curl it round into whatever shape and insert the stick ourselves (not as easy as it looks).
The guides were great with kids and we learned a lot too. It was charming to witness an old-fashioned sugar artisan as I imagine most sweet-making is automated these days. And there was generous sampling to be had - much to everyone's delight, including adults.
