All-Weather and Indoor Activities in Napier – Perfect for a Rainy Day!
Despite being one of the driest cities in New Zealand, Napier is, well, still in New Zealand so it does get its fair share of wet weather. Nevertheless, a rainy day doesn’t have to put a halt to your holiday plans, as we have 15 amazing things to do in Napier on a rainy day right here!
We have listed a variety of all-weather and indoor activities in Napier to suit a range of travellers, from foodies to families, from budget travellers to honeymooners, so you’re sure to find something to suit in this list of rainy day activities in Napier.
When the rain clears up, be sure to have our 15 Best Things to Do in Napier at the ready.
Table of Contents
1. Learn Something New at MTG Hawke’s Bay
All great rainy day lists start with the obligatory museum! MTG Hawke’s Bay is the regional museum for Hawke’s Bay and a great place to learn about the region’s European and Māori history.
See some of the ongoing exhibitions like Māori taonga (treasures) and that on the 1931 earthquake in Napier. There are also temporary exhibitions worth browsing, often reflecting nature, heirlooms and artwork.
What’s more, entry into MTG Hawke’s Bay is free.
See more like this in the 10 Free & Cheap Things to Do in Napier.
Location: 1 Tennyson Street, Napier city centre.
© MTG - Hawke's Bay2. Do a Tour of the Hawke’s Bay Wineries
Let’s waste no more time diving into the winery experiences of Napier and Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand’s oldest wine region!
Tours like Prinsy’s Tours, Vines and Views Tours, Hawkes Bay Scenic Tour, Bay Tours and Charters and more will handle the driving and the cellar door tasting fees, while you just sit back, relax and enjoy a gastronomical journey.
You’ll travel from winery to winery under the cover of the tour van and sip on wines indoors if it’s raining.
For more like this, see the 10 Things to Do in Napier for Foodies.
Location: Most tours offer accommodation pick-ups from the Napier area.
© NZPocketGuide.com3. Take a Guided Winery Tour
If you just want a taste of Napier’s wine side, head to Church Road Winery which offers wine tours of its winery and “wine cave” museum. With a glass in hand, you’ll tour the winery while tasting wine throughout its various stages of production and getting an in-depth look into the wine-making process.
You’ll also learn about its history in the winery’s unique museum contained within old wine vats.
This “Versatility of the Grape” tour concludes with a guided wine tasting experience. There’s also the shorter and cheaper experience, the “Legacy and Winery Tour”.
Location: 150 Church Road, approximately 9 km (6 mi) from Napier city centre.
© NZPocketGuide.com4. Check Out the Historic Technology and Transport of The Faraday Centre
An excellent option if you’re travelling with kids, The Faraday Centre is Hawke’s Bay’s Museum of Technology. Housed in the historic 1911 Napier Power Station, the museum is home to more than 20,000 objects showcasing everything from early electrical appliances and telephones to vintage vehicles and machinery.
Many of the exhibits are hands-on or demonstrated by knowledgeable volunteers, making it engaging for visitors of all ages (you’re encouraged to touch, play with, drive, press buttons and pull levers).
See more activities like this in the 10 Things to Do in Napier with Kids.
Location: 2b Faraday Street, Napier city centre.
© NZPocketGuide.com5. Experience All Things “Honey” at the Arataki Honey Visitor Centre
Just outside of Napier is a visitor centre to one of New Zealand’s top honey brands, Arataki Honey. This free attraction offers self-guided exhibits where you can learn about the life of honeybees, their critical role in the food chain and how they produce honey.
Watch live bees at work in observation hives (you can even feel the heat they generate) and try to spot the queen bee among the workers.
The highlight for many visitors is the complimentary tasting session featuring a variety of New Zealand honeys, including mānuka and other native floral varieties.
Before you leave, browse the extensive gift shop stocked with honey, skincare products and bee-related souvenirs.
Location: 66 Arataki Road, Havelock North, approximately 22 km (14 mi) from Napier city centre.
© Arataki Honey - Hawke's Bay6. Tour Napier in a Vintage Vehicle
If you’re new to town, make sure you not only see the sights but see them in style. To complement the art deco architecture of the city, Hooters Vintage & Classic Vehicle Hire offers sightseeing tours in vintage vehicles from their extensive fleet of classic cars.
The team can arrange anything from shorter city tours showcasing Napier’s high concentration of art deco buildings to winery tours and longer gourmet experiences exploring Hawke’s Bay’s breweries and food producers.
You can even ride in a vintage bus or V8 Supertrike! Your group has the opportunity to customise your trip or let your driver-guide show you around. Hooters will even take you to their exclusive classic car showroom.
Check out more experiences like this in the 10 Luxury Activities in Napier.
Location: Pick-ups are available from local accommodations.
© Hooters Vintage & Classic Vehicle Hire7. Tackle the Rapids of the Mohaka River
With the idea that you’re going to get wet anyway, why not use a rainy day to try out white water rafting?! Join Raft Fish NZ for a scenic river journey mixed with some grade 2 rapids on the Mohaka River.
The trip takes you one hour inland from Napier into the heart of the North Island. You’ll float down the river listening to birdsong while your guide shares local history spanning 80 million years, through to pre-European times with Māori and into the present day.
The grade 2 rapids are fun but gentle enough for families; children can safely swim in the river and even drink the fresh water. If you’d rather stay dry, you can simply enjoy the ride without jumping in.
Location: 112 Mcvicar Road, RD 2, Te Haroto, Hawke’s Bay. Pick-up available from the port or from Napier City.
© NZPocketGuide.com8. Admire the Art at Creative Arts Napier
While there’s often great art to be admired at MTG Hawke’s Bay (see point #1) if you want more of an art fix, we recommend Creative Arts Napier. Commonly known as CAN, the community art gallery showcases rotating exhibitions featuring local and national artists in a beautiful heritage building.
Browse through displays of painting, ceramics, sculpture, textiles, jewellery and mixed-media works.
The on-site shop stocks handcrafted gifts and souvenirs; it’s a great spot to pick up something unique.
Throughout the year, CAN also runs workshops, artist talks and creative classes, so you might have the chance to try your hand at a new craft during your visit.
Location: 16 Byron Street, Napier city centre.
© Maxpixel9. Take a Tour of a Chocolate Factory
If you didn’t think Napier had enough foodie experiences, the city is also home to the Silky Oak Chocolate Company, which is more than just your typical chocolate shop. The complex features a chocolate museum believed to be one of the most comprehensive in the Asia-Pacific region, where you can explore over 3,000 years of chocolate history.
There’s a range of ways to experience Silky Oak Chocolate, from watching handcrafted chocolates being made through the factory viewing window to pre-booking guided chocolate experiences. All options include the all-important chocolate tastings!
You can also browse the on-site shop for handmade treats or settle into the café, which is famous for its decadent hot and iced chocolate drinks.
Want to explore more of the region’s sweet treats? You can visit Silky Oak Chocolate Company alongside the Arataki Honey Visitor Centre and Birdwoods Gallery on Mates Travel‘s “Taste Hawke’s Bay – A Sweet Treat Food Tour“.
Location: 1131 Links Road, approximately 12 km (7 mi) from Napier city centre.
© NZPocketGuide.com10. Challenge Your Group or Family to an Escape Room
When the rain is pouring outside, Enigma Escape Rooms offers one of Napier’s most entertaining ways to test your teamwork and problem-solving skills. You and your team must race against the clock to crack codes, solve puzzles and uncover hidden clues to escape from one of several immersive themed rooms.
The storylines range from mysterious crimes to magical adventures, designed to challenge families, friends and workmates alike.
No special knowledge is required; just observation, teamwork and a willingness to think outside the box. It’s a brilliant all-weather activity that encourages communication while providing plenty of laughs along the way.
Location: 14 Herschell Street, Napier city centre.
© NZPocketGuide.com11. Soak in the Hot Pools at Ocean Spa
Rainy weather is actually one of the best times to visit Ocean Spa. The recently renovated complex features heated outdoor pools and spa pools with uninterrupted Pacific Ocean views, plus a 25 m (82 ft) lap pool, therapeutic pools with massage jets, a sauna and steam room.
Between soaks, grab coffee or a bite at The Bach Café. There’s also a gym with fitness classes on-site if you’re feeling energetic.
Location: 42 Marine Parade, Napier city centre.
© NZPocketGuide.com12. Watch the Latest Blockbuster or Arthouse Film
Perhaps not the most imaginative thing to do on a rainy day in Napier, the cinema is still a cliché for good reason!
Settle into a comfortable seat and escape the weather for a couple of hours at Reading Cinemas Napier, where you can catch the latest Hollywood releases and family favourites with popcorn in hand.
Film lovers after something different should keep an eye on the programme at MTG Century Theatre, which regularly screens independent films, documentaries and international cinema, particularly during local festivals and cultural events.
Location: Reading Cinemas Napier – 154 Station Street, Napier city centre. MTG Century Theatre – 1 Tennyson Street, Napier city centre.
© Unsplash13. Meet Native Wildlife at the National Aquarium of New Zealand
One of Napier’s best all-weather attractions, the National Aquarium of New Zealand is home to hundreds of fascinating freshwater and marine species from New Zealand and around the world.
Wander through the underwater ocean tunnel as sharks, stingrays and colourful fish glide overhead, then discover little blue penguins, tuatara, kiwi, reptiles and interactive exhibits highlighting the country’s unique wildlife and conservation efforts.
Daily animal talks and feeding sessions provide the chance to learn more from knowledgeable keepers, making it an engaging experience for visitors of all ages.
Location: National Aquarium of New Zealand, 546 Marine Parade, approximately 2 km (1.2 mi) southeast of Napier city centre.
![14 Things to Do in Napier on a Rainy Day ☂️ [2026]](https://nzpocketguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/508848-the-national-aquarium-of-nz-credit-molly-rose-nilsson-hr-025-Hawkes-Bay-Tourism-1024x683.jpg)
© Molly Rose Nilsson - Hawke’s Bay Tourism14. Grab a Bite to Eat
And if all else fails, you can always wait out the rain in a restaurant or cafe. Luckily, in such a foodie hub as Hawke’s Bay, Napier has many fabulous eateries and fantastic wineries serving platters alongside world-class wines!
Although there are too many good ones to list here, you can explore recommendations in The Foodie Guide to Napier.
If you’re looking for a certain vibe, we also list the best fine dining restaurants in The Luxury Guide to Napier and even some romantic restaurants in The Honeymoon Guide to Napier. For affordable food, check out The Guide to Napier on a Budget.
© Junction Wines - Hawke's Bay15. Binge-Watch 365 Days, 365 Activities in New Zealand
If all else fails, you can always get some inspiration for your next epic New Zealand activity by watching New Zealand’s Biggest Gap Year on YouTube.
Watch as the team behind NZ Pocket Guide take on 365 Days: 365 Activities in New Zealand! Make sure to subscribe.
More Things to Do in Napier
That’s it for our list of things to do in Napier on a rainy day. For more activity inspiration, check out the following guides:
- 10 Romantic Activities in Napier for Couples
- 10 Luxury Activities in Napier
- 15 Super Fun Things to Do in Napier
Finally, if there’s anything we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in The Complete Travel Guide to Napier.
Sources:
The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across New Zealand and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:
- Tourism New Zealand (General travel advice - Updated [2025])
- Adventure Mark (Health and Safety Audit - Updated [2025])
- Work Safe NZ (Adventure Activities Guidelines - Updated [2025])
- Department of Conservation (Tracks, hikes, campsites and more - Updated [2025])
- AdventureSmart (Know before you go - Update [2025])
- NZ Māori Tourism (Official Māori Tourism platform - Updated [2025])
- Tourism Export Council New Zealand (Tourism trade association - Updated [2025])
- TIA (Independent tourism association - Updated [2025])
- Tiaki Promise (Care for people place and culture - Updated [2025])
- Council websites and freedom camping maps (Local travel advice region by region - Updated [2025])
Our editorial standards: At NZ Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.
