Jordan McCraeAuckland is known for its stunning landscapes, vibrant cultural scene, and, yep, you guessed it—its ability to surprise you with a rain shower just when you thought you had a sunny day ahead. But, hey, don’t let a little rain dampen your spirits.
Our city is packed with awesome indoor activities that’ll make you forget about the weather in no time. So, keep on reading because we’ve got you sorted with our top picks of the most awesome rainy-day activities in Auckland.
- Visit Auckland Art Gallery for a culture-rich day inside
- Explore marine life at Sea Life Kelly Tarlton's Aquarium
- Enjoy a film at The Civic, an iconic Auckland cinema
- Climb indoors at Extreme Edge Rock Climbing
- Discover history at the Auckland War Memorial Museum
- Relax with a book at Central City Library, a cosy retreat
- Indulge in shopping at Westfield Newmarket on rainy days
- Get crafty at Paintvine for a creative escape
- Experience VR at The VR Club Ltd. for digital fun
- Sit back and sip coffee at Frasers
Visit Auckland Art Gallery for a culture-rich day inside
Website: https://www.aucklandartgallery.com/
Address: Wellesley Street East, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
Contact details: +64 9 379 1349
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 10 AM to 5 PM
Price: Free (International admission charges are suspended until further notice.)
Auckland Art Gallery houses over 15,000 artworks, each with its unique vibe. You’ve got your historical pieces, modern art, and everything in between, and on top of that, the architecture of the gallery itself is a spectacle.
Here, one week you could be immersing yourself in contemporary Kiwi creations, and the next, you could be lost in the intricate motifs of Maori artworks. Plus, if your belly starts grumbling, they’ve got a café that serves up some seriously good grub.
| Pro tip: Entry to the Auckland Art Gallery is free for New Zealand residents, but for international visitors, there’s a small fee (still totally worth it though!). The gallery is open every day, but it’s best to check the website for any changes or special holiday hours. |
Explore marine life at Sea Life Kelly Tarlton’s Aquarium
Address: 23 Tamaki Drive, Orakei, Auckland 1071, New Zealand
Contact details: [email protected]
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 9:30 AM to 5 PM
Prices:
- General Admission – $47
- Fully Flexible Ticket – $47 (Adult), $34 (Child)
- Family – $153
Sea Life Kelly Tarlton’s Aquarium—or, as I like to call it, an underwater haven is a complete knockout. It’s a walk-through underwater tunnel, shark dives, and has more adorable penguins than you can shake a sardine at.
The penguin encounter is a fave because you get to hang out with them and learn about their lives. Then there is the incredible Shark Cage Adventure, and while it might sound intimidating, it’s also incredibly cool!
| Pro tip: Don’t forget to check out their website for vouchers or deals before you go, they often have some great discounts! |
Enjoy a film at The Civic, an iconic Auckland cinema
Website: https://www.aucklandlive.co.nz/venue/the-civic
Address: Cnr of Queen Street &, 269-287 Wellesley Street West, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
Contact details: +64 9 309 2677
Operating hours:
- Hours depend on the event.
The Civic is a classic refuge for Auckland’s cinephiles on drizzly days. Quite literally, really—the building, with its traditional charm and unique ‘atmospheric’ ceiling, with stars and floating clouds, makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a different era.
They rotate their screenings with blockbuster titles, film festival favourites, and those riveting classics that never get old. And hey, a hot tip from one movie lover to another, their choc-top ice creams are to die for!
| Pro tip: The timing of the shows varies from day to day, so it’s best to check their online schedule. Plus, do give their exotic snack selection a whirl; seriously, thank me later. |
Climb indoors at Extreme Edge Rock Climbing
Website: http://www.extremeedge.co.nz/
Address: 32 Morrin Road, St Johns, Panmure 1072, New Zealand
Contact details: +64 9 574 5677
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 10 AM to 10 PM
- Saturday and Sunday – 9 AM to 9 PM
Prices:
- Adult (16 yrs or over) + harness – $30
- Child (15 yrs or under) + harness – $25
- Pre-schooler (0 to 5 yrs) + harness – $18
- Family Pass (2 kids + 2 adults or 3 kids + 1 adult) + harness – $86
- Spectators & Supervisors – Free
Extreme Edge Rock Climbing is the perfect remedy for the rainy-day blues. They’ve got walls to cater to all climbing levels, so whether you’re an absolute newbie or a seasoned pro, you’re in for a good time.
With more than 200 routes set over 38 climbing areas, the available options will keep you pushing your limits, and, of course, having heaps of fun. Once you’re done, you can even kick back into the cafe and enjoy a well-deserved snack break.
| Pro tip: It’s open seven days a week, but the timing may vary, so it’s always a good idea to check their website beforehand. And don’t worry about bringing gear; they’ve got everything you need for hire! |
Discover history at the Auckland War Memorial Museum
– Media credit: rorahbora
Website: https://www.aucklandmuseum.com/
Address: Parnell, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
Contact details: +64 9 309 0443
Operating hours:
- Monday, Wednesday to Friday – 10 AM to 5 PM
- Tuesday – 10 AM to 8:30 PM
- Saturday and Sunday – 9 AM to 5 PM
Price: Free or by donation
Auckland War Memorial Museum is home to an incredibly diverse collection that speaks volumes about New Zealand’s rich tapestry. The Maori exhibits here are a window into the time-honoured traditions and artistry of the first inhabitants of Aotearoa.
Oh, and the Natural History collection is a delight for budding nature lovers! And amidst the rain showers outside, the WWII Spitfire and Mitsubishi Zero planes housed in the War Memorial itself might make you thankful for the indoor exploration day.
| Pro tip: Admission is a donation if you’re a local, but for international visitors, there’s a small entry fee. Scheduled guided tours are a superb way to capture the museum’s essence fully. |
Relax with a book at Central City Library, a cosy retreat
– Media credit: rhonita
Website: https://www.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz/pages/library.aspx?library=6
Address: 44/46 Lorne Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
Contact details: +64 9 377 0209
Operating hours:
- Monday – 9 AM to 6 PM
- Tuesday to Friday – 9 AM to 8 PM
- Saturday and Sunday – 10 AM to 5 PM
Price: Free
The Central City Library is a sanctuary for book lovers and a perfect hideout from the rain. This isn’t your average library – it houses an enormous collection of books, music, and magazines that cater to an eclectic range of interests.
What makes it even better is it hosts regular events and workshops that range from author talks to music performances. And if you’re someone who finds tranquillity amidst rows of books and the soft murmur of like-minded folks, you’ve hit the jackpot here.
| Pro tip: Remember to check out their website or ask the friendly librarians about the day’s events. Plus, they have free Wi-Fi, meaning you can also cosy up in a corner and binge-read online articles or e-books if that’s more your style. |
Indulge in shopping at Westfield Newmarket on rainy days
Website: http://www.westfield.co.nz/newmarket
Address: 277 Broadway, Newmarket, Auckland 1023, New Zealand
Contact details: +64 9 978 9400
Operating hours:
- Monday to Wednesday, Saturday – 9 AM to 7 PM
- Thursday and Friday – 9 AM to 9 PM
- Sunday – 10 AM to 7 PM
Shopping might be a no-brainer on a rainy day, but Westfield Newmarket takes it to another level. Imagine over 230 stores under one roof, and when the tummy rumbles, there’s a smorgasbord of food offerings to satiate those cravings.
Luxe cinemas, gourmet eateries, and sometimes even live entertainment – it’s a day out in itself. Plus, the ambience is just right for those who want to leisurely wander without getting drenched.
| Pro tip: I’d recommend you keep an eye out for shopping deals on their website before you go, especially during seasonal sales. And if you drive, remember that the first two hours of parking are free! |
Get crafty at Paintvine for a creative escape
Website: https://paintvine.co.nz/
Address: 38 Customs Street East, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
Contact details: +64 9 888 9220
Operating hours:
- Hours depend on an event or session.
Prices: $49 to $59
In Paintvine studio, art and relaxation swirl together in a glass of creativity, making it an ideal spot for rainy days when you’re itching to do something fun and productive. The vibe here is all about enjoying the process, with a side of laughter and a splash of wine.
Each of their sessions is led by a skilled artist who guides you through creating your masterpiece step-by-step, so you end up with something you’re proud to hang on your wall (or at least giggle at fondly). Plus, it can also be a great date idea.
| Pro tip: Don’t forget to book your session in advance, as spots tend to fill up quickly, especially on weekends. Plus, they provide all the materials, so just bring yourself and your creativity. |
Experience VR at The VR Club Ltd. for digital fun
Website: http://www.vrclub.co.nz/
Address: 5 Akoranga Drive, Northcote, Auckland 0627, New Zealand
Contact details: +64 27 257 2577
Operating hours:
- Hours will show up after booking.
Prices:
- VR Play Classics (1 to 2 Players) – $38 to $108
- VR Arena (2 to 6 Players) – $68 to $264
- Large VR Arena (6 to 10 Players) – $276 to $398
- Double VR Arena (10+ Players) – $448 to $698
The VR Club Ltd. is a virtual reality gaming arcade located smack-bang in the centre of Auckland’s entertainment district. Judging by experience, there’s no better place to escape from the wet and cold while having a super-fun time!
There are a lot of options that can cater to everyone, from horror games to racing games, adventure experiences, and calm, exploratory virtual tours. For all you newbie gamers, the friendly staff there will guide you through the tech setup process.
| Pro tip: You might want to check out their packages to save a few bucks! Also, booking in advance, particularly over the weekend or school holidays, is highly recommended, as spots fill quickly. |
Sit back and sip coffee at Frasers
– Media credit: coffeexloo
Website: http://www.frasers.cafe/
Address: 434 Mount Eden Road, Mount Eden, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
Contact details: +64 9 600 2685
Operating hours:
- Monday and Tuesday – 7 AM to 4 PM
- Wednesday to Sunday – 7 AM to 10 PM
Price range: $-$$
If your idea of a perfect rainy day activity involves less moving and more musing, Frasers is your spot. This place has been a local favourite for years, and is the perfect sanctuary to escape, unwind, and enjoy some quality brews on a rainy day.
It has a homely vibe that makes it oh-so perfect for a casual tete-a-tete, a reflective solo perch, or even a work station away from home. They have some delicious homemade cakes, hearty pies, and a good ol’ coffee classic.
| Pro tip: Although Fraser’s serves breakfast all day (I know, AMEN, eh?), you’ve got to try their famous pancakes—they’re next-level yum! And about parking, you may check out the streets around the area (disclaimer: it can be a bit tricky during peak times). |
