Did you know that there’s a small cinema showing a range of the latest movies right in Taupo. This is an excellent option if the weather is bad and your kids are into watching movies!
Starlight Cinema, Taupo
Activity Category: Rainy-day
National Army Museum – Te Mata Toa, Waiouru
The army museum makes a good stopping off point if you’re driving along the SH1 or SH49 around Waiouru, especially on a rainy day if the kids just need a break from the car. There’s a lot of information to take in, so it might pay to look at the website to select a…
Fernland Spa Thermal Mineral Springs, Tauranga
There are hot pools at The Mount but these pools are recommended as being less busy and therefore a more tranquil and less commercial experience. There is one main outdoor pool that is surrounded by Punga Ferns and is heated to approximately 37/38 degrees. There are also 8 private indoor…
Alpine Aqualand, Frankton, Queenstown
This swimming complex, in the Queenstown suburb of Frankton, is usually a hit with kids and generally regarded as the best family friendly pool in the region. Facilities include a 25m lap pool, a separate leisure pool with lazy river (heated to 32 degrees), 2 hydroslides (the faster one has a…
Clip ‘N Climb, Wanaka
10 different climbs and a free hanging ladder that kids love are available in this indoor climbing space. The unique clip in automatic belaying system operates which is great for kids as it gently lowers the climber down when they let go. There is also a ‘sports’ climbing wall at this venue which…
SITE Indoor Trampoline, Queenstown
Newly reopened (Sept 2016) in a different Frankton location with lots more jumping options than before, there are now over 20 trampolines allowing both children and adults to practise all kinds of skills. There are 7 olympic sized trampolines, several wall tramps, and for those with tricks to master, 2…
Classic Flyers Museum, Tauranga
Started by plane enthusiasts and located near the airport, this is a great rainy day option with most displays located in one open hangar (a separate hangar has planes that are currently being restored and some planes are outside). Avgas cafe is attached to the main hangar and there’s an outdoor playground if…
Morere Hot Springs, Wairoa District
These hot pools are surrounded by scenic reserve with several bush walks available to do, varying from 20 minutes to 2 hours. It’s probably a good idea to walk before you soak in the pools. The bush setting makes this a truly wonderful place for soaking in the hot and cold pools.…
Arataki Honey Visitor Centre, near Havelock North
This is a great place for the whole family to come and learn about bees, why they’re important to the whole food chain and of course how honey is made. There are interactive displays including microscopes for looking at honeycomb and bees. There’s also a huge glass display of live…
Hawke’s Bay Farmers’ Market, Hastings
There is a great family friendly atmosphere at the Sunday Farmers’ Market at the Show Grounds in Hastings. This is a weekly event held no matter what the weather is like. It’s inside during the winter and outside in the summer. The stalls are filled with food and drinks that are locally…