If it’s not summer in New Zealand, it’s probably raining. We don’t get bothered by it. After all, the indoor activities Auckland offers range from museums to sports, from animal viewing to laughter.
Whatever you are looking for, or even if you don’t know yet, we’ve got you covered.
Let us inspire you with some of the exciting and fun rainy day activities Auckland can provide. You will never again run out of indoor things to do in Auckland when it’s raining.
Despite the beautiful sunny images of Auckland that we all share, the reality is that it rains on average 180 days of the year. That’s just more than half. July is typically the rainiest month, and January is the driest. It’s this rain that helps us keep our reputation for being green, both environmentally and visually.
Start with Auckland highlights
Indoor Activities, Auckland on a Rainy Day
Discover what's under the sea, or swim with the sharks at Kelly Tarltons Sealife Aquarium
Kelly Tarltons Sealife Aquarium is the place to discover the sea life in local Auckland waters and the Southern Ocean down to Antarctica. Built underground, it is home to the world's first walk-through acrylic tunnels that surround visitors with colourful marine life or shark-infested waters. It also houses Antarctic King and Gentoo penguins.
For an additional fee don SCUBA gear and have a supervised swim in the shark tank (age 18+) or shark cage.
Hours: Open daily during school holidays, closed Tuesday and Wednesday during school term.
Admission: Entry fees with family concessions
Location: 23 Tamaki Drive, Orakei
Save time with advanced tickets:
Check for discounts on general admission tickets
Click here for entry plus the Shark cage experience
Breathe in fragrant flowers and ferns at the Wintergardens
Inside the city’s oldest park, the Auckland Domain, are the tranquil Wintergardens. Originally built in the early 1900s to provide garden viewing in the winter months, they are now are registered on the New Zealand Historic Places Trust.
Surrounding an ornate courtyard and reflection pool are two Victorian-style greenhouses and a fernery. While both greenhouses contain a variety of colourful, fragrant, vibrant flowers and plants, one is tropical (heated), and the other is temperate.
Hours: Open daily - hours vary by season and day
Admission: free
Location: The Auckland Domain, Parnell
Learn the city's history and secrets at the Auckland Museum
The Auckland Museum is guardian to the world's largest collection of Māori artefacts. It is also a place to discover the extensive history of the flora, fauna, and people of New Zealand. The top floor houses the War Memorial Museum, displaying military histories and serving as a tribute to those who served in New Zealand's military.
Hours: Open daily 10 am to 5 pm.
Cost: Free for Auckland residents, donations requested for other New Zealand residents, Fees for international visitors with discounts for children and families.
Location: The Auckland Domain, Parnell
Follow our national team at the All Blacks Experience
Fascinating, fun, and inspiring, the All Blacks Experience will enhance your feeling of pride for our country. The guides are passionate as they take you through this informative and impressive homage to New Zealand rugby.
Here we discover what it takes to make, shape, and be an All Black, experience an incredibly powerful haka, play interactive games, and explored some of the player's rituals.
And, at the end of the 45-minute guided tour, the fun continued with an opportunity to learn and try our skills in the interactive zone. Here we passed, kicked, tested our knowledge, and our agility.
Hours: Open daily from 9:30 am to 6 pm, with tours departing from 10 am to 4.30 pm.
Cost: Fee for entry with discounts for children, and families
Location: Level 4, 88 Federal Street, Auckland
Weta Workshop Unleashed
New in December 2020, the Weta Workshop Unleashed is a wildly imaginative experience that invites guests into a fantastical film effects facility, inspired by the Academy Award-winning Weta Workshop. Explore the makings of horror, sci-fi, and fantasy on your extraordinary guided journey.
Hours: Cave is open daily 10 am to 6 pm
Admission: Vary by experience selected
Location: Level 5, 88 Federal Street, Auckland
Enjoy a coffee and a board game at Cakes n Ladders Cafe
Board games are one of our family's favourite indoor activities. Auckland has the perfect place to try out a new game, or challenge a friend to a favourite. Cakes n Ladders features great coffee, a relaxed atmosphere, and more games than a typical toy store.
Hours: Open Wed-Fri 1 pm to 10 pm, Sat and Sun 10 am to 10 pm.
Admission: Low hourly rate, plus pay for food
Location: 173 Symonds Street, Auckland
Take in a Choral Evensong or occasional concert at Holy Trinity
Holy Trinity Cathedral is an unusual mix of traditional and modern. It is the world's only architectural example of a Pacific-Gothic cathedral. The eighteen vibrant, stained glass windows line the east and west walls of the nave. In addition to traditional symbols, they add Polynesian designs. Their centrepiece is a huge stained glass window filling the back wall and featuring a Polynesian Christ surrounded by vividly coloured Pacific motifs.
Professional musicians, school choirs, and others often rely on the ethereal acoustics for their Auckland performances. If you happen upon a choral Evensong service or rehearsal, you are in for a real treat.
Hours: vary by day
Admission: free
Location: Corner of St Stephens Avenue & Parnell Road, Parnell
Follow the stars across the night sky at Stardome
With both live and pre-filmed planetarium shows, Stardome offers a unique experience. It also houses educational space exhibits. Weather dependant stargazing is also available.
Hours: Open daily, hours vary by day, with night hours from Tuesday to Sunday
Admission: varies by show. Check for discounts.
Location: 670 Manukau Rd, One Tree Hill Domain
Follow the path of those who sailed to New Zealand at the Maritime Museum
This island nation's nautical history comes to life at the New Zealand maritime museum. It takes us from the dugout canoes that brought the first Polynesian people only 1,000 years ago to modern world-class racing vessels, including America's Cup. There is a weather-dependent opportunity (paid) to sail on a heritage vessel. (wind, not rain, is the issue)
Hours: open daily 10 am to 5 pm (last entry 4 pm)
Admission: Free for Auckland residents, all others pay an entry fee.
Location: Corner of Quay and Hobson St, Viaduct Harbour
Hit the (indoor) slopes at Snowplanet
Snowplanet is New Zealand's only indoor snow dome. Here you can ski, snowboard, or tube regardless of the weather.
A moving sidewalk (magic carpet) brings beginners to their own easy slope, while more experienced athletes can ride up on the Poma lift. From the top of the 200m hill, enjoy a smooth ride down or tackle the jumps and rails of the terrain park.
Add a meal at 7 Summits restaurant while enjoying the massive windows to view the entire slope. It's perfect for those who prefer their indoor activities in Auckland to also be warm. (The temperature in the snow dome is a steady -5°C.)
Hours: Open daily
Admission: Varies by option and rental gear. Check for discounts on several of the options.
Location: 91 Small Road, Silverdale
Save on winter wonderland tubing with discounts depending on the day and time selected.
Learn about New Zealand transport and technology at MOTAT
MOTAT features the best of New Zealand creativity. A hands-on family-friendly science museum featuring technological and aviation displays, offering insights through 150+ years of New Zealand European history.
Hours: open daily 10 am to 4 pm
Cost: Fee for entry with concessions for seniors, students, children, and families. Check for discount entry.
Location: 805 Great North Rd, Western Springs
Be impressed with RNZN at Torpedo Bay Navy Museum
This free-to-enter museum expanded my understanding of just how much the Royal New Zealand Navy is responsible for. As we strolled through models, artefacts, images and more, we learned about the naval history in NZ.
It's much more than defence and wartime activities; there are peacekeeping missions, exploration, search and rescue, and even a history of observing nuclear testing (not in NZ waters).
Boasting a lovely cafe, there is plenty to keep you busy here for a few hours on the next rainy day. And if the weather clears, you can enjoy a coastal walk from right out the door.
Hours: 10am-5pm daily, closed on Christmas Day, Good Friday, and Boxing Day.
Cost: Free for New Zealand Residents, International Visitors 18+ $10
Location: 64 King Edward Parade, Devonport
Rain or shine I get an ice cream creation at Giapo
Giapo is ice cream perfection and creativity like nowhere else. We have been in love with Giapo's ice cream creation since our first sample, and rain or shine, we stop here when we head to Auckland. The attention to every detail of the handmade creations shines through in the colourful presentation and, more importantly, in the flavours.
Hours: Open Thursday to Sunday
Admission: Prices vary by selection
Location: 12 Gore Street, Auckland CBD
Examine the country's largest collection of art at the Auckland Art Gallery
From classic to contemporary, the Auckland Art Gallery houses over 17,000 artworks. The artwork ranges from painting and sculpture to multimedia. It is the country's biggest collection of both domestic and international artwork.
Hours: Open daily 10 am to 5 pm
Cost: Free
Location: Corner of Kitchener and Wellesley Streets, Auckland CBD
Attend a festival
Auckland is home to festivals, shows, and other indoor events almost weekly. Our favourites include the food show, chocolate and coffee show, home show, and, of course, the travel and cruise expos.
Hours: varies by festivals
Admission: Often free, but varies by the festival or event
Location: varies by event
Try your luck in SkyCity, New Zealand's largest casino
SkyCity Casino is a world-class gambling establishment although more subdued than we found in Las Vegas. Once inside you will find poker rooms, 150 gaming tables, and over 2,100 machines.
Whether you choose to play, enjoy the variety of on-stage entertainment, or just people watch, the energetic atmosphere is contagious and the mood seems always happy and upbeat.
Note: Minimum entry age is 20, ID required.
Hours: Always open
Admission: free (pay to play)
Location: Corner Victoria Street and Federal Street, Auckland CBD
Ponder contemporary art at Te Uru Gallery
This award-winning, purpose-built contemporary gallery changes its exhibits several times annually, making each visit unique. It overlooks the sub-tropical rainforest and utilises both natural and diffused light as well as open spaces. It creates an inviting atmosphere.
Hours: open Tuesday to Sunday 10 am to 4:30 pm
Cost: Free
Location: 420 Titirangi Road, Titirangi
Overlook Auckland's subtropical rainforest at Arataki
If you are heading out to the west coast, be sure to stop at Arataki Visitors Centre. While it is the gateway to the subtropical rainforest, the facility itself is interesting. Even on a rainy day in Auckland, you can stand on one of the decks and enjoy the rugged natural beauty you'd expect in New Zealand.
Arataki features numerous Maori carvings, interactive displays, and guidance to the over 250km of walking trails in the Waitakere Ranges, many of which are closed, and all of which are outdoors, so many not be optimal in the rain.
Hours: Open daily - hours vary by season
Admission: free
Location: 300 Scenic Drive, Titirangi
Take in a live show or just tour the theatre
Auckland, being a modern metropolitan city, has several fabulous theatrical venues and brings in an array of international productions intermixed with local and national performers. If it's the theatre itself that interests you, don't miss the Civic, one of the world's last remaining Atmospheric theatres. Check for discounts on Civic Theatre tours.
Hours: varies by show
Admission: free to walk through the Civic lobby. Prices vary by show
Location: Corner of Queen Street and Wellesley Street West
Laugh and laugh some more at The Classic
All you need is a sense of humour to enjoy this unique destination. The only full-time comedy club in Auckland, The Classic is just as the name implies. With a different show every night, you never know what to expect.
Comedians are from both the local and pro circuit and include frequent international entertainers. Be aware shows are for the 18-and-up crowd thanks to language and sexual references that is inappropriate for younger audiences.
Hours: Closed Monday, Tuesdays and Sundays
Admission: Varies by show
Location: 321 Queen Street, Auckland CBD
Enjoy one of the energetic indoor activities Auckland offers in multiple locations
Be sure to check BookMe for possible discounts at the location you choose.
- Go-karts (Locations in Albany, East Tamaki, and Henderson)
- 10-Pin bowling (Locations throughout Auckland)
- Rock climbing (locations in Albany, Birkenhead, Glen Eden, Mount Eden, and Panmure)
- Escape rooms ( Locations in CBD, Ellerslie, Manukau, and Takapuna)
- Indoor mini-golf: (Locations in CBD, Parnell, Mount Wellington, New Lynn, Takapuna)
- Laser tag (Locations throughout Auckland)
- Ice skating (July pop-up rink in Aotea Square, plus all year in Avondale and Botany Downs)
- Trampoline centres (Locations in Avondale, Grey Lynn, Manukau, and Mairangi Bay)
- Pool and billiard halls (Locations throughout Auckland)
- Indoor swimming (Locations throughout Auckland and in Auckland Council Leisure Centres)
- Pole dancing or yoga class (Locations throughout Auckland)
- Sensory maze (Auckland CBD)
- Virtual Reality (Mt Roskill)
- Salt Cave Halotherapy (North Shore City)
Less unique indoor activities in Auckland
- Shopping at indoor malls like Sylvia Park, or if you don’t mind the rain, head in and out of the stores on Queen Street.
- Watch a movie at any of the Auckland movie theatres.
- Visit a library and read a book.
- Beer or wine tasting.
Wait for it . . . a double rainbow
Frequent bright and vivid rainbows are my favourite aspect of the all-too-often rain. It doesn’t always signify the end of a storm, but at least it’s a colourful break. This double rainbow was shot from our deck.
Or, ignore the Auckland rain – that’s what locals do
Many years ago, walking was my primary exercise as I recovered from an injury. I asked for an alternate exercise for rainy days. With a straight face, my Kiwi trainer replied, “Is there a particular reason you can’t walk in the rain?”
With that story in mind, I roll my eyes as I propose the following rainy-day activities Auckland loves:
Attend a sporting event
There is no better example of Kiwis not caring about the rain than at an All Blacks test match. Look how happy my friend’s adult children seem to be.
In truth, not much would stop any New Zealander from attending this All Blacks match against Australia, even if it became one of the Auckland rainy day activities!
Photo Credit: ©Debbie Swiatek. Used with permission.
Go for a jog
I am not a runner, but somehow it still surprised me that this guy considered jogging along the waterfront among the things to do in Auckland when raining.
Head to an outdoor market
Every Saturday and Sunday morning, there are a variety of markets throughout Auckland. They take place rain or shine.
Sailing in the rain
I was on the ferry heading home in the rain when I took this shot. While I was also out on a boat, mine was purely for transportation, which, to me, is much different than recreation.
Go on a rainy night photo shoot
The photographer in me can often ignore the weather, especially as I shoot with my weatherproof Olympus OMD em5 camera. I may get soaked, but the camera will be fine.
Wondering when the Auckland rain will end?
Of course, it’s not always raining in Auckland, but at times it feels like it. And, if you read this page, there is a good chance to find some new indoor activities Auckland’s known for, as it’s a rainy day today. The most accurate weather forecast is usually found at Metservice. However, when heading out to sea, we check the forecast at Metvuw.
And once the rains are over, don’t miss these fun things to do in and around the city.
Save on your NZ trip with these resources
These are our go-to companies when we travel. We believe this list to be the best in each category. You can’t go wrong using them on your trip too.
- Flights: we use Expedia for the best and cheapest flight options.
- Accommodations: we use Booking.com (hotels), Bookabach (self-contained in NZ), or Hostelworld (budget). See all our personal favourite NZ hotels here.
- Cars (gas or electric): we use RentalCars to search for deals and dealer ratings.
- Motorcycles: we have heard good things about BikesBooking.
- Campervans: Our readers prefer Jucy, and we get consistently great feedback.
- Activity discounts: we check Bookme.com for discounts of up to 70% on activities.
- Private guides: we do have a go-to when we hire a private guide from Viator.
- Travel Insurance: while not required, we always opt for travel insurance and start at InsureMyTrip to compare coverage plans.
Check out our travel resources page for more companies that we use when you travel. And don’t forget to download our free New Zealand packing list when you sign up for our newsletter.
Please share this list of things to do in Auckland on a rainy day
What are your favourite things to do in Auckland when it’s raining?
More from Auckland you might like:
- 30 Fun Things to Do in Auckland at Night
- 20 Unique Restaurants in Auckland
- Auckland Activities: 12 Unique Things to Do in New Zealand
- 16 Creative Auckland Date Ideas from Adventure to Romance
- 15 Beautiful Places in Auckland New Zealand – We Love our City!
Disclaimer: We are frequently provided with complimentary entrances, tours, or sample items to aid in the writing of Albom Adventures. However, the opinions expressed here are strictly our own.
Linda (LD Holland)
I love the variety in the things to do inside on a rainy day in Auckland. I am sure there is a little something for everyone here. The indoor snow dome is a very cool one. That attitude about getting out in the rain was what we found when we spent an autumn in Vancouver. Unless it was pouring, it really was not raining.
Anda
Hmmm… I didn’t realize winters are so wet in New Zealand. That’s why is so green there, lol! I don’t really like it when it rains for days in a row. Especially if I am on vacation. However, considering how many things you can do inside on a rainy day, I think I could live with it. But for a while only, hahaha. The maritime museum looks very interesting and so does the aquarium.
Jessi (Two Feet, One World)
Ha it’s true, if you waited for it to stop raining in spring you’d be waiting a long time! Great collection of activities.
beatravelling
Should have had this when I was bored in Auckland 🙂 Indoor slopes impress, even though I don’t ski 🙂
Kathryn Dickson
I never realized that Auckland got so much rain! But I love the ideas of visiting art galleries when it rains! I’d also do that and bring the kids!
Laura
These are all great activities! My favorite has to be the ice cream 🙂
Laura
Danielle
So many good activities to do inside. Some I would have never thought of so thank you for sharing these!
Hilary
Hi Rhonda – I’d love to see the Auckland Museum … to learn more … let alone all the other thoughts – great list – cheers Hilary
Maartje van Sandwijk
The Star dome and cat cafe are definitely right up my street!
tweenselmom
Wow 40 activities on a rainy day. Even if it rains everyday for the whole month, this gets it. Thank you for the great job done.
Akriti
I have never been to New Zealand but have seen so many pictures of its natural beauty. And I’m pleasantly surprised to know that it offers so much in terms of indoor activities as well.
Aditi Sharma
This is such an incredible list of rainy day indoor activities in Auckland – I’d love to visit the Wintergardens and I am sure my kids would love to visit the indoor snow dome! Giapo’s ice cream definitely sounds tempting. Pinning this post for referring back to in future when we plan our trip.
Lyanna Soria
Wow! There are tons of amazing places for indoor activities to do and you compiled them all here in one place. I would probably wanna chill in a cafe or go visit an aquarium with the family.
Sophia
Wow it looks so beautiful here. I would love to go visit. I will pin this for the future.
Kelsey
Looks like Aukland has no shortage of fun activities! And LOLing about the going outside in the rain – I’m from California so at the first sign of a rain drop we all run for cover LOL. I’m currently residing in Europe and learning to get used to doing things outside even when the weather isn’t ideal!
alexandra cook
What an amazing selection of things to do. New Zealand is high on my list of countries to visit, it looks incredible. I love everything about it and I haven’t even been there yet!
mudpiefridays
I love New Zealand, but have never been to Auckland. Looks like a beautiful place and love your photos!
Kim
Great ideas. I love wandering around the Auckland Museum. I could spend a few hours in there.
Stephanie
This is a great list! When I come to visit New Zealand I definitely will be checking out these! Especially the Wintergardens
Stephanie Stebbins
How fun! Great ideas!
Kuntala Bhattacharya
wow so many places for indoor activities. Very amazing , hope I can visit them. I had a small suggestion why not cover each of these places separately in an article or maybe group some and come up with a series.
Joanna
There are so many wonderful activities that you can do indoors in Auckland. My favorite has to be the Wintergardens, I love being surrounded by flowers.
Sandee
Spring is right around your corner and the good weather will start to appear. It’s good to have lots of indoor activities during the rainy months though. You’ve got that covered.
Have a fabulous day and week, Rhonda. ♥
Nancy
These do like nice things to do on a gloomy day – very interesting and varied ideas here!
Alex J. Cavanaugh
Sometimes you just have to go out despite the rain.
Indoor skiing – now that would be fun to try.
Michael
Wow! NZ is known for having such outdoor activities and you just made me know that there are still places to see in NZ that are worth it to go aside from the adrenaline pumping ones haha!
Crickette, Things I Have to Say
I don’t have a cat, but I want to go to that cat cafe, it looks cozy. And the ice cream looks so delicious!
Sincerely Jackline
Wow, so many indoors activities, I love aquarium, so I would definitely love the Kelly Tarltons Sealife Aquarium. Thanks for the list.