Ten Things to Do in Taupo on a Rainy Day
There are plenty of things to do in Taupo, even when it is raining! View geothermic attractions, wander around a museum, try a craft beer, or go whitewater rafting. Even if it rains every day during your visit, you can still experience the best of the area and have a relaxing holiday.
Rainy Day Activities Taupo
Lava Glass
For a unique way to spend a rainy morning or afternoon, head to Lava Glass’s Glassblowing Studio. You’ll get to watch the artists at work while they create unique glass-blown artworks.
The furnace is never turned off and stays at 1,060 Celsius all year. The artist might use some clear glass to start the process, then blows the glass, sculpts it, and adds color.
Visitors can also admire glass sculptures in the Sculpture Garden and enjoy a coffee in the café.
Indoor Rock Climbing
The Edge Indoor Rock Wall is a fun way to spend a rainy day. The wall is 12 meters high, and different parts of the wall cater to different skill levels. There’s a bouldering section for new climbers who want the experience without climbing the wall. Instructors are always available to give advice or offer assistance. Enjoy a new challenge and increase your climbing confidence.
Mind Junction
This indoor activity park offers fun for the whole family. It might take a team to figure out the two-meter-high giant maze. Challenge your family to a competitive game of nine-hole mini-golf. The LEGO display gives you the chance to show off your creative power while you craft the perfect LEGO scene.
Test out the shooting simulator to find out who the best marksman in your group is. Then, battle it out in the flight simulator to test your expert piloting skills. The hands-on Science Experience and Discovery Centre are worth exploring.
Have a coffee break to warm up from the rain and plan the next challenge at Mind Junction.
Tongariro River Rafting
Tongariro River Rafting offers two ways to experience the thrill of whitewater rafting in Taupo. Guests over 10-years-old can experience roller-coaster rapids with an expert guide at the helm. Running whitewater on the Tongariro River is sure to be a highlight of your trip. And since you’ll be soaked through regardless, there’s no reason to let a little rain stop your adventure. While the starting place is about 40 minutes outside of Taupo, the rafting company will pick you up in Taupo if needed.
Kids as young as three years old can take part in Family Rafting on the Tongariro River. This adventure will allow the whole family to enjoy rafting gentle currents and the excitement of small rapids. As you float downstream, keep an eye out for wildlife, especially the endangered Whio blue duck.
Taupo Museum
Taupo Museum hosts a gorgeous indoor space where visitors can browse their galleries and experience the art, culture, and history of the Taupo area.
The Kiwana Caravan is sure to delight. This old travel caravan features memorabilia from the 1950s and 1960s. Travel back to the simple holidays of the past and be inspired to capture that holiday spirit.
The exquisitely crafted meeting house, Te Aroha o Rongoheikume (for the love of Lucy Reid), stands in the museum. It was carved in the 1920s by Tene Waitere for his niece and later gifted to the people of Taupo.
Visitors will enjoy the Taupo’s Volcanic Secrets display. Learn about the volcanic activity that has shaped the region.
The museum also displays a unique carved artwork, Ruaumoko – God of Geothermal.
If there’s a break in the rain, don’t miss the stunning Ora Garden. This garden won a Chelsea Flower Show gold medal and is a remarkable example of a New Zealand garden.
Day Spa Experience
Treating yourself to a spa day is one great way to refresh your soul on a rainy day. Taupo DeBretts Spa Resort offers massages, hot springs soaks, facial treatments, manicures, pedicures, and body treatments.
Before your massage or treatment, enjoy a soak in the hot mineral waters. Time spent at this luxurious spa is an investment in your well-being, and you’ll leave feeling relaxed and rejuvenated.
At Wairakei Terraces & Thermal Health Spa, restore your mind, body, and soul. The outdoor thermal pools are delightful, even in the rain. The spa offers relaxing massages and wonderful facials in a peaceful setting.
Crafty Trout Brewing Co
Warm up inside Crafty Trout Brewing Co’s fishing lodge-style bar. This brewery and eatery offers 14 beers and ciders along with seasonal specialties. You can view the brewery operation from the gift shop and bottle store. Taste test your way through their craft beer and cider selection and browse the full food menu. Try fish and chips, pizza, burgers, and salads. Or you could mix things up with their extensive wine and cocktail menu.
Huka Falls River Cruise
The Huka Falls River Cruise operates in all weather. This protected area is always calm, so you’ll enjoy smooth sailing, even in the rain. The boat offers a completely enclosed seating area in addition to a large deck and front viewing platform. You can experience the falls from the dry interior or brave the outside options.
As you cruise through the beautiful clear water, you’ll see birdlife, natural hot streams, and gorgeous natural riverfront views. You’ll get up close to the stunning Huka Falls. The scenery is fantastic, and this a family-friendly way to get out and enjoy the day despite the weather. Bring your camera!
AC Baths
The AC Baths is a wonderful pool complex. The pools are naturally heated with geothermic water. The heat will keep you warm and energized, even in the rain. AC Baths features two toddler areas, an indoor pool for lessons, and two 25-meter lane pools. One of the 25-meter pools is indoors; the second pool is outdoors. To add to the fun, try a hydro slide or Tarzan swing. Adults are welcome to relax and warm up in the saunas. There’s a café on site for warming treats.
Experience Geothermal Walks
Grab your rain jacket and explore Taupo’s fabulous geothermic attractions.
At Wairakei Natural Thermal Valley, you can explore natural geothermic features such as mud pools, the champagne cauldron, and silica formations. You’ll see rare plant life as birds fly overhead. There’s also a small animal park on-site with rabbits, goats, chickens, llamas, and peacocks.
Warm up with a traditional Devonshire Tea, complete with home-crafted goodies and hot tea.
Craters of the Moon is a popular geothermic walking track. It’s a treat to visit in the rain since the steaming vents come alive during and after rain. The heat from the steam will warm you up, and the rain adds to the eerie other-world feeling in this extraordinary park. The impressive main crater measures 30 meters across. The main walkway has easy-to-walk boardwalks as well as gravel walking tracks. The upper walkway will take you to exceptional views.
Enjoy Rainy Day Activities Taupo
These are just a few of the ways to enjoy a rainy day in Taupo. After enjoying your day out, come home to your Bachcare retreat and reflect on the day’s adventure.
