Auckland weather doesn't always play ball, and when we're hit with cold, rainy days, it can be challenging to know how to fill in time. Luckily there's still plenty to do in the city when it rains! If you're in need of inspiration, check out our list of fun rainy day activities in the city centre, from a virtual reality slide to a board game cafe, a sensory maze and more.
Attractions
Try out the new SkySlide attraction | Sky Tower observation deck
The Sky Slide is an epic new addition to the city centre and an opportunity to see Tāmaki Makaurau as you have never seen before. Feel the thrill of travelling at top speeds as you soar and slide down imaginary glass tubes that weave their way around the Sky Tower!
Experience the All Blacks at the All Blacks Experience | 88 Federal Street
Get immersed in this 45-minute experience that showcases the All Blacks, Black Ferns, and our other national rugby teams in black. This experience provides a full sensory, interactive, and immersive experience through exceptional innovation and technology.
Explore the worlds of horror, sci-fi and fantasy at Wētā Workshop Unleashed | 88 Federal Street
This rainy day activity will see you stepping into a fantastical film effects workshop where you'll be taken on a journey through Wētā Workshop's creative processes that need to be seen to be believed.
Galleries & Museums
Check out Real Groovy's Neon Museum | Real Groovy, 19 Victoria Street
Real Groovy's new Victoria Street store is filled with all the best records, unique gifts, books, CDs, clothing, music memorabilia and more. Plus, there's an awesome neon museum to explore too!
Guo Pei, Collection: Garden of the Soul, 2015, © Guo Pei. Photograph by LIAN Xu, courtesy of LIAN Xu.
See an exhibition at Auckland Art Gallery | Wellesley Street East
Boasting an award-winning space, this cultural and heritage institution is a must-see destination for art lovers. Enjoy guided tours, permanent collections of local and international art and temporary exhibitions from major international galleries. Check out what's currently on:
Visit the Maritime Museum | Corner of Quay and Hobson Street
If you're keen to learn more about the rich history of New Zealand's relationship with the sea, then make your way to the New Zealand Maritime Museum. From the Great Pacific Migration to The America's Cup and modern yachting, the museum is filled with exciting exhibitions that will be great fun for the whole family.
Visit Gow Langsford Gallery | Corner Kitchener and Wellesley Street East
This commercial art space featuring a regularly evolving exhibitions programme is a great place to spend some leisure time - check out what's currently on here.
Games & Activities
Play board games at Dice & Fork | 210 Victoria Street West
This unique little spot is the perfect place to visit on a wet day. The board game bar and eatery have their shelves stocked with all the best board games to keep you entertained while you grab a bite to eat.
Try to escape a room at Escapade | 2 Victoria Street East
Forget computer games at home on a rainy day and instead take part in a physical, real-life game that will have your brain working overtime. You and your group will be locked in a room, there's a mystery to be solved, and you have 60 minutes to escape!
Check out all the activities at the Metro Centre | 291-297 Queen Street
Metro Centre is home to some awesome rainy day activities that will keep you entertained for hours! Take your pick between playing arcade games at GameOn Arcade, a sensory journey at the Odyssey Sensory Maze, or bowling at the Metrolanes Bowling alley.
Play a round of mini golf | Holey Moley, 204 Quay Street
This wacky golf club concept bar sprawls two storeys and boasts 27 themed golf holes - think Flinstones, E.T., Operation and more! In-between rounds and hydration breaks (including lolly themed cocktails), a full-service kitchen boasts a menu of burgers, loaded fries and bar snacks, fit to refuel the hungriest of clubbers. If you just Wanna Dance With Somebody, Holey Moley has the solution - a private karaoke room upstairs available for hour-long sessions for up to 20 people.
Shows & Movies
Catch a comedy show at The Classic Comedy and Bar | 321 Queen Street
The Classic Comedy and Bar, a comedy institution, has an awesome programme of live comedy from Wednesday to Saturday. Laugh the night away as you're entertained by pros, rising stars, and the best new faces in comedy. If you're keen to grab a bite to eat before, Tanuki Japanese Restaurant, serving moreish Japanese food, is close by.
Catch a movie at Event Cinemas or Academy Cinemas | 291-297 Queen St or 44 Lorne St
What is more fitting for a rainy day than getting cosy in a cinema, with snacks and great entertainment! Located in the Metro building, Event Cinemas has all the latest movies, and if you'd like to indulge, be sure to book a Gold Class seat. Or head to Auckland's dedicated art-house cinema, Academy Cinemas, where you'll find a range of the best local and international films (top tip - they do $5 movies on Wednesdays).
And more...
Browse the books at Unity Books | 19 High Street
Book browsing at your own leisure is a breezy, chill way to pass the time! Unity Books is a quaint, award-winning independent bookstore that is bursting full of exciting and rich books just waiting to be devoured. Once you've made your pick, take your new find, and get cosy in a café with a warm drink! The Shelf, just up the road, is a great option.
Take a unique sensory journey through the Comvita Immersive Honey Tasting Tour | 139 Quay St
This signature tasting journey, held in a 180-degree theatre, will take you through a tasting flight of honeys as an expert host guides you through the intricate details of the natural honey tasting experience.