Auckland has so much to offer, even on rainy days! We have found some fun indoor activities you can do on a rainy day, and are suitable with family or friends. If you are coming to the North Shore in Auckland and need to rent a car, you can book a car online or call the Shore Rentals team on (09) 4880920.
Visit a museum
Auckland is spoilt for choice when it comes museums, visit the Auckland War Memorial Museum which has some great exhibitions all year round. Learn about our maritime history at the New Zealand Maritime Museum or visit The Museum of transport and technology (MOTAT) in Western Springs to experience science, technology and transport. The Torpedo Bay Navy Museum located in Devonport on Auckland’s North Shore is all about perserving the history of the Royal New Zealand Navy.
Watch a movie
Sit back and relax with some popcorn, catch the latest movies at one of the local cinemas on the North Shore like Hoyts in Wairau Park, Event Cinemas in Albany, The Vic in Devonport or Bridgeway Cinemas – a boutique theatre in Northcote.
Indoor Pools
Grab your togs and hit one of Auckland’s indoor pools. The Albany Stadium Pool certainly has over-the-pool climbing wall, lily pads, and water cannons. If you don’t have kids there is an adults-only sauna and spa or swim some lengths in the lap pool. Stanmore Bay Pool and leisure centre up on the Hibiscus Coast has two indoor pools filled with inflatable pool toys and an aqua run for the kids, as well as a spa and sauna.
Auckland Art Gallery
Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki is the largest art institution in New Zealand with over 17,500 national and international art works. The collection also includes major holdings of New Zealand historic, modern and contemporary art. The gallery also displays outstanding works by Māori and Pacific Island artists, as well as international paintings, sculptures and prints ranging from the 11th century to present day.
Snowplanet
Learn to ski, snowboard or give tabogganing a go at Snowplanet near Silverdale. The temperature inside the snow dome is on average, around -5ºC. Warm suitable clothing is required. If you do not have any you can hire or purchase these from Snowplanet. In Winter Wonderland set apart from skiers and snowboarders, there are two snow tubing tracks for longer, faster rides, a tobogganing area and plenty of play space for kids and grown-ups to enjoy a unique experience on the snow.
Indoor mini golf
Grab a friend and hit some balls at one of the indoor mini golf locations in Auckland. On the North Shore play at Glo-Putt mini golf in Takapuna where the obstacles and paths glow in the dark. Take a trip back to the Jurassic period to Game Over in Albany and see if you have the skills to avoid gigantic dinosaurs while you putt on this 12-hole indoor course. Head to the city for the craziest round of mini golf you’ve ever played at Holey Moley Golf Club! Play 27 unique holes that’ll be sure to keep you on your toes. Add tunes, drinks, cocktails and catering from the kitchen and full-service bar.
Tenpin Bowling
Enjoy a game of ten pin bowling at one of the bowling alleys in Auckland, on the North Shore is Extreme entertainment in Wairau Park is a large venue with plenty of other indoor activities. Head to Archie Brothers in New Market with bowling lanes, arcade games plus delicious food and drink is available.
Trampoline Park
Have your kids got energy to burn? Take them to Jump North Shore in Rosedale an indoor trampoline park theres a foam pitt, dodgeball court, basketball lanes, performance wall on which you can wall walk, a ninja warrior course and a main court floor jumping playground. There is also a cafe to grab a coffee and some light food.
Indoor Go-Karting
Game over in Albany on the North Shore offers an exhilarating indoor go carting experience. Get behind the wheel of one of an electric karts and experience unrivaled torque and power! The 200m track challenges drivers of all levels; smooth steering, throttle, and brake control are essential for achieving a good lap time. Junior Kart Drivers must be over 7 years old and 120cm in height, adult kart drivers must be over 13 years old and 140cm in height.
Auckland Domain Winter Gardens
The Auckland Domain wintergardens are located next to the Auckland Musueum and was established after World War I, it is a protected Heritage Site and entry is free. See rare and spectacular plants in an ever-changing display can be seen in each of the two barrel Victorian style glass houses which face out on to an extensive court yard and sunken pool. The marble statues in the courtyard between the glass houses. One house is heated and shows off lush tropical and heat-loving plants while the other displays temperate plants changing with the seasons. There is also a fernery within an old quarry onsite.
Go Shopping
If you love shopping check out the nearby boutiques on Hurstmere Road, Shore City Takapuna, Milford Mall or Westfield Albany Mall on Auckland’s North Shore. Alternatively cross the bridge for some designer shopping in Auckland city or NewMarket.
Visit a Winery
Enjoy some beautiful scenery, wine tasting and a delicious meal at one of the many Auckland wineries. Try taking a trip out West to Soljans or Coopers Creek in Kumeu, Babich Wines or Westbrook in Henderson Vallery, The Hunting Lodge or Waimauku, Villa Maria in Mangere or one of the many wineries in Matakana such as Brick Bay or Sculptureum.
Escape Room
There are a few escape rooms experiences in Auckland, choose from Escape HQ or Escape Rooms NZ in Takapuna, or try Escape Masters, Escapade or Great Escape in Auckland CBD. You will be locked in a room for 60 minutes and need to use your skills and work in a team to beat the clock to escape.
Sensory Maze
Odyssey sensory maze is located in Auckland’s CBD next to Aotea square. There are a a multitude of rooms with a variety of sensory effects. Odyssey will take you on an adventure where you have to find your way out through darker challenging spaces, quirky physical obstacles and challenges, illusions, lighting effects, scents, sound effects and strange sensations that all together provide you with a unique experience.
Try a new Cafe or Restaurant
There are some fantastic cafes and restaurants in North Auckland. Try a sweet treat from Choux located in the same building as us in Takapuna, have high tea at the famous Sugar at Chelsea Bay in Birkenhead or Magnolia Kitchen up in Silverdale. Enjoy a lunch or dinner out at one of the restaurants on Takapuna beach with stunning views over the Hauraki Gulf or find a cozy spot at a cafe in Smales Farms.
Stardome Observatory
Go on an unforgettable tour of the universe and learn about the stars and planets at the Stardome Observatory. There are planetarium shows which run every day of the week. Take a seat in a recliner and watch the universe unravel before your eyes.
All Blacks Experience
The All Blacks Experience at SkyCity is designed to showcase the All Blacks players, the team, and all of our national teams in black. Through the use of innovation and technology it will provide a full sensory, interactive, and immersive experience. Learn about the Haka, legends of the game, NZ’s rugby story and test your rugby skills.
Weta Workshop Unleashed
Weta Workshop Unleashed in the SkyCity precinct unleashes Horror, Sci-Fi and Fantasy’s most essential residents into the mix: monsters, wildly realistic giants and one GALACTIC robot. This attraction is suitable for visitors of all ages and dives into fantasy film effects inspired and built by Wellington’s award-winning design and effects company, Weta Workshop.