Step into Kā Uri in Awanui, where Northland’s heritage comes alive through
locally crafted art. The gallery showcases traditional and contemporary Māori art, handcrafted pieces, and stories of the Far North, a tranquil space to connect with local culture and creativity. Next door, watch master carvers transform raw timber into stunning art using time-honoured techniques. Learn the cultural symbolism behind each design and the tools that bring it to life. Whether browsing or watching craftsmanship unfold, you’ll feel the deep connection between people and wood. Explore, be inspired, and take home a piece of Northland’s artistic legacy.
Awanui
Sunday Roast at The Duke
Sunday Roast at The Duke. Photo / Supplied
Since 1827, the Duke of Marlborough has been the place to be on a Sunday. Head down to the waterfront from 4pm for the legendary – and hearty – Duke Roast; well worth the walk into Russell. Live music kicks off on the deck at 5pm, with mulled wine on hand to keep things warm as the sun goes down over the bay.
Russell|$40
Bay of Islands Vintage Railway
Bay of Islands Vintage Railway. Photo / Supplied
Ride New Zealand’s oldest North Island passenger railway, dating to 1867. This two-hour steam train journey runs through Kawakawa along State Highway 1, past farmland, rivers, wetlands and the Southern Hemisphere’s longest curved wooden bridge to Ōpua. Choose closed, outdoor, or open-deck seating. Guides share local history and culture. Combine with the Te Hononga centre, Hundertwasser toilets, and Kawakawa’s shops for a memorable family excursion.
Kawakawa | Prices from $25 for a Child and $60 for an Adult return ticket. Discounts available and Infants (under 3) travel for free.
AUCKLAND
We Read Auckland – at your local library
For something a little different, discover We Read Auckland, Auckland Council Libraries’ free month-long festival celebrating local stories and voices. With fresh reads, more than 20 author talks and writing workshops, it’s a fantastic opportunity to explore new ideas, meet local talent and enjoy free experiences at your local library this winter.
Various locations
WAIKATO
Te Whare Taonga o Waikato Museum & Gallery
Waikato Museum. Photo / Supplied
There’s something for everyone at Te Whare Taonga o Waikato Museum. Explore art, history and interactive exhibitions, including Dame Robin White: Something is Happening Here, a major touring exhibition from Te Papa and Auckland Art Gallery spanning 50 years of the celebrated artist’s work. Younger visitors will love Exscite, a hands-on space where tamariki can play, create and learn through immersive experiences.
1 Grantham St, Hamilton Central | Price: Dame Robin White Exhibition: Free; Exscite from $5
High Tea at Zealong Tea Estate
High Tea at Zealong Tea Estate. Photo / Supplied
Slow down with a selection of Zealong’s award-winning teas and an indulgent high tea overlooking New Zealand’s only commercial tea estate. Whether you’re relaxing in the cosy Tea Room or enjoying the heated deck, it’s the perfect place to linger over delicious flavours, soak up the peaceful surroundings and discover the stories behind every cup.
495 Gordonton Rd, Gordonton, Hamilton | Price $89
Grassroots Trust Velodrome – Have-a-go session
Grassroots Trust Velodrome. Photo / Supplied
Get a taste of New Zealand’s high-performance sporting scene at the Grassroots Trust Velodrome, home to Cycling New Zealand. Guided “Have a Go” sessions let visitors ride the venue’s iconic banked track and experience the speed and exhilaration of world-class track cycling. No experience is needed, making it a fun challenge for families, friends and curious first-timers alike.
Grassroots Trust Velodrome, 15 Hanlin Rd, Cambridge | Price: Public session from $25
BAY OF PLENTY
The Cave Pāpāmoa
The Cave Pāpāmoa. Photo / Supplied
Discover a mind-blowing array of alternative realities at The Cave, just a five-minute drive from the beach. It’s the ultimate high-tech entertainment destination, suitable for all ages and abilities (8 years+). Choose a virtual reality game or immersive experience, a multi-player escape room, or one of the professional race car simulators. There’s a PC console gaming lounge, and massage chairs for anyone who just wants to chill out.
16 Ashley Place, Pāpāmoa | $10-$50pp per hour
Mount Driving Range
Mount Driving Range. Photo / Supplied
Mount Driving Range offers 15 premium all-weather bays and two state-of-the-art simulators, with cutting-edge ball tracking technology and access to thousands of world-famous golf courses. Bring your own clubs or hire them on arrival. Whether you’re perfecting your swing, challenging friends, or simply want to enjoy a unique experience, everyone is welcome – from first timers to seasoned golfers.
15 Fairway Ave, Mount Maunganui | Price from $6 – $80
Classic Flyers Aviation Museum
Classic Flyers Museum. Photo / Supplied
Jean Batten Drive seems a logical spot for one of New Zealand’s best collections of historic aircraft, at the Classic Flyers Aviation Museum. Explore the eclectic array of aircraft and memorabilia, all displayed in an open hangar. Most of the 26 aircraft are operational, thanks to the talented team keeping history alive. You can even book a classic flight for an unforgettable bird’s-eye view of this coastal region.
9 Jean Batten Drive, Mount Maunganui | Price from free – $18.50pp, family pass $45
ROTORUA
Treat yourself to a geothermal spa day
Wai Ariki Spa Geothermal Pool. Photo / Graeme Murray
Rainy days are made for Rotorua’s hot pools. This is the place where wellness comes with a distinctly local edge: natural geothermal waters, lake views and spa experiences shaped by Te Arawa culture. Book a restorative bathing journey at Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa, soak in the iconic lakeside pools at Polynesian Spa, or slip into a cedar hot tub at Secret Spot, surrounded by native forest. It is warm, sheltered and deeply Rotorua, turning a wet winter day into a reason to slow down rather than stay in.
Various locations
Step into art, light and illusion
3Mirage. Photo / Supplied
For a rainy-day activity that feels different from the usual indoor stop, Rotorua has two playful art experiences worth seeking out. At 3D Trick Art Gallery, visitors step into large-scale optical illusion artworks and become part of the scene, from dramatic landscapes to larger-than-life creatures. In the central city, 3Mirage takes things in a more immersive direction, surrounding guests with 360-degree digital visuals, light and sound. Both are weatherproof, easy to enjoy with friends, family or a date, and guaranteed to bring plenty of laughs to a grey day.
3D Trick Art Gallery: 171 Fairy Springs Rd, 3Mirage: 1089 Arawa St
TARANAKI
Aotea Utanganui, Pātea
Taranaki Story 105 Visitor live Iwi Aotea Utanganui outside Pātea. Photo / Supplied
Pull off SH3 into this striking purpose-built museum and you are standing with New Zealand’s oldest dated wooden artefacts. The Waitore pieces were carved by hand in the 1400s, believed to be a waka repair yard lost to a tsunami six centuries ago. Close by, a fossilised whale jawbone three and a half million years old. In the foyer, tukutuku panels and whakairo honour the ancestors of the Aotea waka, and the walls hold works by celebrated Māori artist Oriwa Tahupotiki Haddon
Aotea Utanganui The Museum of South Taranaki, Pātea | Koha
Pukekura Park Fernery and Display Houses
Taranaki Fernery tunnel. Photo / Rob Tucker
Everyone files Pukekura under outdoors and skips it in the rain. Their loss. Dug into the hillside are three glass-topped caverns you reach through a short tunnel, and then it opens out. Tropical planting, orchids that flower year-round, ferns, and the weather drumming on the glass above you. The displays shift with the seasons, with people having come to explore them for close to a century. There are also free guided tours.
Pukekura Park | Free
RUAPEHU
Ohakune Hot Tubs
Ohakune Hot Tubs. Photo / Supplied
Rain or shine, a hot soak to unwind and relax is a great way to immerse yourself in the elements. Enjoy a private 60-minute booking at the Ohakune Hot Tubs tucked away near the Ohakune Junction at the foothills of Mt Ruapehu. Filled with fresh water for each booking and heated by a wood fire, book a daytime dip or an evening session combined with glorious stargazing.
27 Rimu St, Ohakune | Adult from $95, Family Rate (2 Adults and up to 4 x Children under 15) – $125
National Army Museum
National Army Museum. Photo / Supplied
Full of history and heritage, take a tour of the award-winning National Army Museum in Waiouru. World-class exhibitions, interactive displays and guided tours with insightful, passionate guides are available as you learn about the New Zealand Army and hear stories of honour, courage and sacrifice. Enjoy delicious meals and beverages at the Mess Tent Cafe and lots of family-friendly fun at Kids HQ.
Corner of State Highway 1, Hassett Drive and Waiouru | Self-guided experiences from $15 for adults; $5 for children.
Vertigo Climbing
Vertigo Climbing, Ohakune. Photo / Supplied
When the weather plays havoc with your plans, head to Vertigo Climbing in Ohakune and enjoy some indoor rock climbing. This purpose-built climbing centre caters to all levels – from beginners to advanced – with 12 uniquely themed Clip ‘N Climb challenges and 8 Real Roc climbing walls for an active and fun way to beat the weather.
27 Goldfinch St, Ohakune | From $20pp per hour
WAIRARAPA
The Pearl & Potato – Oyster, Blanc de Blancs, Frites Tavern
Celebrate the release of Alexia’s 2022 Blanc de Blancs Méthode Traditionnelle at The Pearl & Potato, a lively oyster, sparkling wine and frites tavern at Alexia Urban Winery in Greytown. Inspired by a playful tale of rival 1850s traders “Salty Baz” and “Felix Frites”, the event brings their legendary flavour combination to life. Enjoy freshly shucked oysters from a raw bar hosted by acclaimed chef Martin Bosley, golden pommes frites with authentic Belgian dipping sauces, and the first pour of Alexia’s new vintage. This free, all-ages licensed event runs from 2pm to 6pm on Saturday, September 19, for one afternoon only.
Greytown. Free
Ventana Art Workshops
Join a creative workshop to make handcrafted giant crepe paper flowers held in Martinborough. Classes in September include making an oversized wallflower or sculptural giant rose, while learning how to select colours, cut, curl, shape and assemble each petal. Craft two or three delicate Icelandic poppies using professional techniques, or transform fine crepe paper into a spectacular floral lampshade. Relaxed and rewarding, each workshop provides expert guidance and practical skills, with a beautiful handcrafted creation to take home and enjoy for years to come.
Ventana Art Space, 7 Kitchener St, Martinborough | Classes from $95
WELLINGTON
He Toi Whakairo: The Art of Māori Carving
Opening on August 29 at Te Papa, He Toi Whakairo: The Art of Māori Carving is a major new exhibition celebrating the dynamic art form of whakairo. From traditional stone carvings to hot-pink, contemporary works, more than 140 taonga showcase seven centuries of this treasured artform – a rare opportunity to experience the breadth and evolution of whakairo in one space.
Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa | Free, with museum entry
Willis Lane
Willis Lane. Photo / WellingtonNZ
Willis Lane is Wellington’s underground destination for food, drinks and entertainment – perfect for a rainy day. Discover a vibrant mix of restaurants, bars and casual eateries set among striking vaulted brick archways and stylish interiors. Pair coffee, lunch, dinner or cocktails with mini golf, 10-pin bowling and arcade games.
1 Willis St, Wellington
Beervana
Beervana. Photo / Wellington Culinary Events Trust
Beervana is back this August, bringing the best craft beers to Wellington’s Hnry Stadium. New Zealand’s ultimate beer celebration returns for two days of tastings, discoveries and brewing innovation. From cryogenically frozen hops to cult breweries from Japan and Australia, Beervana 2026 promises its biggest and most creative festival yet.
Hnry Stadium | August 21–22, 11am–11pm | From $49
MACKENZIE
Dark Sky Project – Discover the night sky
Go beyond stargazing with the Dark Sky Project’s indoor guided experience in Lake Tekapo. Interactive displays, immersive visual storytelling, and Māori astronomy reveal why this region is one of the world’s best places to experience the night sky. It’s an engaging way to explore the stories, science, and significance of the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve.
Lake Tekapo | Prices vary
Dark Sky Project – Discover the night sky in Lake Tekapo. Photo / Dark Sky Project
Fairlie Heritage Museum
Step inside the Fairlie Heritage Museum and discover the stories that shaped the Mackenzie. Housed in a former railway goods shed, the museum brings the region’s farming, transport, and pioneering history to life through interactive displays, historic machinery, and hands-on exhibits. It’s an easy way to spend an hour or two, with plenty to keep both history buffs and curious kids engaged.
49 Mount Cook Rd, Fairlie | Prices vary
Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park Visitor Centre
The Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park Visitor Centre offers far more than maps and information. Three floors of interactive displays explore glaciers, native wildlife, geology, mountaineering, and the cultural history of the park. The striking building itself is worth a visit, while panoramic windows keep Aoraki front and centre whenever the clouds part. Make sure you also soak up the views from the comfort of the cafe at the Hermitage Hotel, just a few steps away.
Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park | Free of charge
Aoraki Mount Cook National Park Visitor Centre. Photo / Aoraki Mount Cook Visitor Centre
QUEENSTOWN
Miller Road Fragrance Studio
Miller Road Fragrances. Photo / Supplied
Create your own signature scent at Miller Road Fragrance Studio, where expert perfumers guide you through blending more than 60 fragrance notes into a personalised 30ml perfume. The 2.5-hour workshop costs $169 per person, while a quicker Fragrance Bar experience starts from $59. It’s a creative, hands-on rainy-day activity, and you’ll leave with a one-of-a-kind souvenir to wear home.
45 Beach St, Queenstown | From $59
Thrillzone
Thrillzone. Photo / Supplied
Thrillzone Queenstown’s central Shotover Street location makes it an easy stop between sightseeing, shopping or dining. Choose from virtual reality adventures, glow-in-the-dark mini golf, escape rooms and interactive challenges. From battling zombies in VR to putting your way around Queenstown’s only indoor glow mini golf course, there’s something for all ages.
53 Shotover St, Queenstown | From $25
Game Over
Game Over front desk. Photo / Supplied
Game Over in Frankton combines indoor karting, laser tag and arcade games in one action-packed venue, just minutes from Queenstown Airport. Go-kart races start from around $35 per person, with combo passes available if you want to try multiple activities. It’s a great rainy-day option for families, friends or anyone looking to add a little friendly competition to their Queenstown itinerary.
14 Red Oaks Drive, Frankton | From $35
WĀNAKA
Basecamp
Basecamp’s Clip ’N Climb features more than 20 colourful climbing walls, from speed challenges to the UV-lit Dark Tower, with automatic belays making it suitable for ages five and up. It’s also home to Wānaka’s first Escape Room, where the Yeti Creek Hut experience sets teams a Fiordland-themed mystery to solve in 60 minutes, with clues, puzzles and hidden compartments to uncover along the way.
50 Cardrona Valley Rd, Wānaka | Clip ‘N Climb $22, Escape Room $40-50
Cinema Paradiso
A Wānaka institution for more than 30 years, Cinema Paradiso has been delighting locals and visitors with films and plenty of character. Seating ranges from comfy sofas and beanbags to a vintage Morris Minor, adding to its laid-back charm. Halfway through every screening comes the famous intermission, complete with freshly baked cookies, pizza and local wine.
72 Brownston St, Wānaka | Adult $21 Child $14
The Secret Sauna
The Secret Sauna, Cardrona. Photo / Supplied
Hidden in the mountains above Cardrona, The Secret Sauna is a unique way to warm up after a chilly day outdoors. This new experience combines wood-fired sauna rounds with cold plunges in natural mountain creek pools, all surrounded by spectacular alpine scenery. Shared sessions cost $55 per person and include steam rituals and herbal tea.
Cardrona | Shared Sauna $55pp
FIORDLAND
Milford Sound Cruises: Better in the Rain
Milford Sound Cruises, better in the rain. Photo / Liz Carlson
Most destinations shine in fine weather. Milford Sound is different. Rain transforms the fiord into a spectacular landscape, with countless temporary waterfalls cascading down towering cliffs. A cruise offers front-row views of this natural phenomenon, creating an unforgettable experience that proves some of Fiordland’s most dramatic moments happen when the weather rolls in.
Milford Sound / Piopiotahi | Various Operators
Ata Whenua – Shadowland
Cinema in Southland, New Zealand. Photo / Fiordland Cinema
Experience Fiordland from above without leaving your seat. Ata Whenua – Shadowland takes viewers on a breathtaking journey over remote mountains, glaciers and fiords that few people ever see. The award-winning film showcases the scale and beauty of Fiordland National Park and is the perfect rainy-day activity in Te Anau.
Fiordland Cinema, Te Anau | Tickets: $14
Te Anau Glowworm Caves
Te Anau Glowworm Caves – Southland, New Zealand. Photo / Real New Zealand
Cross Lake Te Anau before venturing underground to discover a hidden world of limestone passages, rushing water and thousands of tiny glowworms. This unique Fiordland experience offers a magical escape from the weather and combines a scenic boat journey with one of New Zealand’s most remarkable natural attractions.
Te Anau | From $145
SOUTHLAND
Turbo Pass: Transport World & Classic Motorcycle Mecca
Transport World & Classic Motorcycle Mecca, Southland. Photo / Classic Motorcycle Mecca
Two of Invercargill’s most iconic attractions come together with the Turbo Pass, offering discounted entry to both Bill Richardson Transport World and Classic Motorcycle Mecca. Spend a rainy day exploring world-class collections of vintage vehicles, rare motorcycles, wearable arts and interactive displays. Better still, the pass can be used across two days, giving visitors plenty of time to explore.
Invercargill | Adult Turbo Pass from $80
Te Hīkoi Museum
Te Hikoi Museum Southland. Photo / Great South
Step inside one of Southland’s most engaging heritage attractions. Te Hīkoi Museum shares the stories of Riverton/Aparima through immersive displays exploring Māori, European and Chinese history. Located on the Riverton waterfront, it’s an ideal all-weather experience that offers visitors a deeper connection to the people, culture and history of New Zealand’s southern coast.
Riverton / Aparima | Adult Ticket $10
Croydon Aviation Heritage Centre
Croydon Aviation Heritage Centre Southland. Photo / Great South
Home to one of New Zealand’s finest collections of vintage aircraft, the Croydon Aviation Heritage Centre celebrates the golden age of aviation. Explore beautifully restored de Havilland aircraft, fascinating displays and aviation memorabilia while learning about the pioneering spirit that helped shape flight in New Zealand. A memorable indoor experience for all ages.
Mandeville | Adult Ticket $12
DUNEDIN
Tropical at Tūhura Otago Museum
Tuhura Tropical Forest. Photo / Dunedin NZ
Duck into Tūhura Otago Museum and step straight into another climate at the Tropical Forest. Enjoy the warmth, humidity and greenery of the tropics as colourful butterflies drift past, lorikeets swoop overhead, and the sound of the rain outside is drowned out by the crash of the waterfall. It’s like entering another world, the perfect rainy-day distraction in Dunedin.
Tūhura Otago Museum, 419 Great King St | Adult from $20, Student from $15, Child from $13
Museum of Natural Mystery
Museum of Natural Mystery. Photo / Dunedin NZ
Head indoors to this curious little gallery of oddities. Shrunken heads, Victorian specimens, and cryptic stories line the rooms of this historic villa. Get lost in the bizarre and quirky collection of artefacts, from modern historical events to items bearing the ghosts of Dunedin’s dark past, all requiring a closer look to see beneath the surface.
61 Royal Terrace, Central Dunedin | Adult entry $10, Families $20
Jazz night at Pequeño
Urban Pequeno. Photo / Dunedin NZ
Pequeno’s weekly jazz nights turn a rainy Dunedin evening into something cosy and worth going out for. Grab a seat, order some tapas and a wine or cocktail, and let the jams drift over candlelight and bounce from the brick walls. It’s a perfect excuse to escape the winter weather and soak up the city’s music scene.
50 Princes St, Central Dunedin