We all love a bit of sunshine however, a rainy day in Rotorua is not at all bad. There are plenty of things to do on a rainy day in Rotorua and some activities are actually better to do when it’s wet!
Top things to do in Rotorua on a rainy day:
- Relax in a natural hot spring at Kerosene Creek
- Raft down the adrenaline pumping rapids with River Rats
- Zipline through native forest with Rotorua Canopy Tours
- Explore the lakes with Rotorua Duck Tours
- Take some photos at the 3D Trick Art Gallery
- Go for a walk in the Redwood Forest
- Enjoy a meal at Eat Streat
- Have some fun indoors at Motion Entertainment
1. Relax in a natural hot spring at Kerosene Creek
The best way to spend a cloudy, rainy day is by soaking in a hot spring surrounded by native bush with rain falling around you. Kerosene creek is a freshwater, natural hot spring about 30km south of Rotorua. The hot water from a natural spring bubbles up from the ground into the cool waters of the creek, which creates the warm water – and why it is also called ‘Hot n Cold’ by the locals. This is one of the most relaxing free things to do on a rainy day in Rotorua. As the rain hits the water the steam sits low creating a cosy and relaxed atmosphere. This geothermal heated stream is the perfect place to blob out and relax while experiencing a New Zealand natural hot spring.
Photo: The natural hot spring at Kerosene Creek will keep you warm on a rainy day in Rotorua. Credit: nzherald.co.nz photo by Ben Fraser
2. Explore the lakes with Rotorua Duck Tours
Why not explore the beautiful Rotorua lakes under the cover of a vehicle that’s designed to get wet? Rotorua Duck Tours is a great activity for the whole family. You’ll explore Rotorua via land and water on board New Zealand’s only genuine WW2 landing crafts. As you admire the views, you’ll be kept nice and dry with their clear, plastic roll down windows and they are now heated to keep you warm too!
3. Zipline through native forest with Rotorua Canopy Tours
Ziplining through lush native forest is one of the best things to do on a rainy day in Rotorua. In fact, a ziplining tour with Rotorua Canopy Tours is even better on a rainy day! The forest sparkles in the rain, the smell of nature fills the air and the damp atmosphere makes you feel alive and fresh among nature’s creation. There are two tours to choose from. Both experiences will take you through the untouched native forest via a network of ziplines and walking bridges.
The guides will also educate you about the conservation efforts and history of this beautiful rainforest. The Rotorua Canopy Tours guides will make sure you are prepared and provide wet weather gear from head to toe so there is so need to worry about getting wet.
Photo: Ziplining through native rainforest with Rotorua Canopy Tours on a rainy day is an incredible feeling. Credit: Rotorua Canopy Tours.
4. Enjoy a meal at Eat Street
Head to the city’s cool little dining precinct on Eat Streat and warm up with some delicious food. This awesome eating spot has a great atmosphere and the covered walkway has a retractable roof, so it’s the perfect all-weather eating spot. Plus, you’ll be able to keep warm with a thermally heated footpath and enjoy some awesome lighting at night.
5. Raft down the adrenaline pumping rapids with River Rats
Next up is one of our more adrenaline pumping things to do on a rainy day in Rotorua. Don’t let the weather stop you from white water rafting down the rapids of the Kaituna River. River Rats take you on a guided white water rafting trip down rapids and over a 7 metre waterfall – it is the highest commercial waterfall in New Zealand! River Rats gear you up with wet suits to keep you warm while you’re having the time of your life riding down the adrenaline pumping rapids.
Photo: Don’t let the weather stop you from doing one of the most adrenaline pumping things to do on a rainy day in Rotorua credit: River Rats
6. Walk in the Redwood forest – things to do on a rainy day in Rotorua
Just because it’s raining doesn’t mean you can’t get out in nature. Going into the forest is one of the best things to do on a rainy day in Rotorua. The stunning colours of the Redwood Forest come to life in the rain and the canopy will help to keep you dry. Just make sure you take some decent shoes for the wet weather.
7. Take some photos at the 3D Trick Art Gallery
You’ll be protected from the weather at the indoor 3D Trick Art Gallery. Let your creativity run wild, have a laugh and take photos till your hearts content with over 50 pieces of life-size and super realistic murals inspired by New Zealand. You also don’t need to prebook, so if the weather turns on you at the last minute this is a great option for things to do on a rainy day in Rotorua.
8. Have some fun indoors at Motion Entertainment
You can’t go wrong with the last of our things to do on a rainy day in Rotorua at New Zealand’s largest indoor entertainment centre. There’s an activity for everyone at Motion Entertainment from escapes rooms, mini golf, laser tag, to a trampoline park and tenpin bowling. After you’ve been tired out from all the fun you can relax and recharge at the café.
