Mini golf proves a big hit with sun kissed visitors

Hot, cloudless weather on Wellington Anniversary Day yesterday saw families out and about enjoying the sunshine.

Weather in Masterton was 7.1C hotter than the capital just after midday yesterday at 25C, and Wellingtonians visiting for the weekend seemed to be relishing the heat.

Queen Elizabeth Park Mini Golf manager Duncan Adair said Wellington Anniversary Weekend was a busy time for him any year but especially when the weather was good.

Mr Adair said he had noticed an increase in people playing mini golf compared to the previous two anniversary weekends.

"It will definitely be up on last year's and the year before. You can put that down to the weather," he said.

He also said visitors had been commenting on how great the park is.

"[They've said] that the park is an amazing place for kids, there's so much to do and you can spend the whole day in the park."

Steven Bundy, from Wellington, said he and his daughters had been staying in Greytown for the weekend and had come to Masterton especially for the mini golf and swimming pool.

Van Hillock, 4, also from Wellington, said he had been playing on the park playground all day and had also been on the train, the slide and the flying fox.

Zoe Metcalfe, 11, from Woodville, said she had enjoyed playing on the flying fox and would be heading home afterwards. "If we've been good we're going to get ice cream on the way," she said.