5 delightful rainy day escapes in the Taupō region

Hot pools

If you feel like you need to warm up because it’s teeming down outside, there’s nothing better than a long hot soak at one of the mineral-rich hot pools. The AC Baths has a large geothermally heated outdoor leisure pool that is perfectly pleasant, even in the rain. The kids will love the two hydroslides and the Tarzan rope swing. 

Taupō De Bretts Spa Resort has two outdoor geothermal mineral pools and indoor private pools as well as three hydroslides to keep the kids entertained. The adults-only Wairakei Terraces has numerous mineral-rich pools with temperatures between 38 and 42 degrees Celsius. 

Family fun activities

Sweeten up your day with a visit to Huka Honey Hive. Indulge in honey, mead and ice cream tasting or try one of the many skincare products on offer. 

Mind Junction with its scientific Discovery Centre, flight simulator, remote-controlled boats, puzzles and games, is an interesting place to visit for families, and the impressive Lego display is a favourite with all ages.

Wrap up and get outdoors

Even though it’s raining, you can still get out on the water with Huka Falls River Cruise. Their all-weather, covered-in river boat will take you on a gentle cruise up the Waikato River to the base of Huka Falls. The sight of this natural phenomenon from the river below is incredible, and you’ll get right up close to the falls for brilliant photo opportunities.

For the more adventurous, white water rafting is a great wet-weather option. You're going to get wet anyway, so a little rain won't make a difference! You can choose from family-friendly floats to grade 3 adventures on the Tongariro River.

Geothermal walks can be a great option on a rainy day. Put a waterproof jacket on and take a wander round the fascinating, bubbling mineral pools and spluttering mud pots of Craters of the Moon, Orakei Korako Cave & Thermal Park or the Tokaanu Thermal Walk. The steam will keep you warm as it pours from vents in the earth and shrouds you in its warming mist.

Art & culture

For some art and culture on a rainy day, head to the Taupō Museum and discover the Māori treasures, very cute ‘kiwiana’ caravan and historical displays on fishing, logging and the nearby volcanoes. There is an adjoining art gallery, children’s activity area and an ever-changing treasure hunt for younger visitors. 

Discover the mesmerising art form of glass blowing in Lava Glass Studio. For a small fee, you can watch artworks being created by master glassblower Lynden Over. All the pieces in the gallery are made individually in this studio. 

Scattered along the lakeshore, you'll find a variety of talented artists at work in their studio galleries. Notable mentions encompass Wildwood Gallery in Waitahanui, Tukairangi Gallery in Acacia Bay, and Pihanga Art Gallery in Tūrangi, offering a rich tapestry of creative expressions for rainy day exploration.

Shop till you drop

Covered footpaths and plenty of warm cafes make shopping in Taupō town easy on a rainy day. Homeware stores are a specialty (visit Charlie Who, MCF Interiors and Jak&Co) and you’ll find gorgeous fashion boutiques that stock New Zealand and international designer labels (try Spacecraft, …is this Love?). 

Taupō is also known for its well-stocked vintage shops that hide real treasures, so have some fun and embark on a vintage crawl around town.