All-Weather and Indoor Activities in Taupō – Perfect for a Rainy Day!
Sometimes it rains in Taupō… That’s ok because there are plenty of things to do in Taupō on a rainy day! From indoor attractions to all-weather activities where you are going to get wet anyway, there are heaps of ways to conquer a rainy day in Taupō.
We’ve picked out some awesome indoor activities like free honey tastings and wandering around a museum. There are also great water experiences where you won’t even know it’s raining, from thermal hot pools to white water rafting.
So take a look at the list below a fun-filled day of entertainment on those wet weather days.
Table of Contents
1. Keep Warm in a Hot Pool
With heaps of geothermal activity in the area, finding a hot pool in Taupō isn’t exactly difficult. Plus, if you’re going to get wet from the rain, at least be warm at the same time!
Your hot pool offerings in Taupō include the free Otumuheke Stream at Spa Thermal Park, affordable bathing at AC Baths, waterslides at DeBretts and luxurious pools at the Wairakei Terraces.
For more hot pools to visit on your travels, check out 5 Free Natural Hot Springs in New Zealand.
Location: Spa Thermal Park – Spa Road. AC Baths – AC Baths Avenue. DeBretts – 76 Napier-Taupō Road. Wairakei Terraces – State Highway 1, Wairakei.
© NZPocketGuide.com2. Fish for Lake Taupō’s Famous Rainbow Trout
When the rain starts to pour, the “locals” come out… And we are not only talking about the local fishermen. Indeed the local trout seem to be more active in the lake, allowing you to catch dinner in no time.
Lake Taupō is one of the most popular trout fishing grounds in the country with thousands of fish populating its rich waters. Fish from shore or from a fishing charter with many operators offering half-day or full-day charters.
Alternatively, head to the small village of Turangi for world-class fishing on the Tongariro River.
See more experiences like this in the 10 Luxury Activities in Taupō.
Location: Charters from Taupō depart from the marina, Redoubt Street, with Pinnacles Charters, LakeFun Taupō, Taupō Lake Adventures, Lake Taupō Cruises and more.
© NZPocketGuide.com3. Inspire Yourself at the Taupō Museum and Art Gallery
Going to the museum is always a life-saver on a rainy day! For just NZ$5, step into the Taupō Museum and Art Gallery and immerse yourself in a world of local art and history.
We love the ever-changing displays that showcase the region’s rich cultural heritage. Admire Māori carvings in the Tuwharetoa Gallery, step back in time with the nostalgic Kiwiana Caravan, and explore fascinating exhibits on local fishing and forestry.
One of the true highlights, as we discovered first-hand, is the award-winning Ora Garden of Wellbeing. This indoor geothermal-inspired garden features stunning terraces and nearly a thousand native plants, creating a serene atmosphere as steam drifts through the air.
Location: 4 Story Place (between Super Loo and the Rose Gardens), Taupō town centre.
© www.lovetaupo.com4. Go White Water Rafting on the Tongariro River
With the idea that you’re going to get wet anyway, take a white water rafting trip from Taupō! Tongariro River Rafting can take you on an exhilarating adventure through lush native forest and volcanic landscapes.
The river offers over 60 rapids across a 14-kilometre stretch, ranging from Grade 2 to 3, ideal for both first-timers and thrill-seekers. It’s just as exciting in the rain, making it a perfect rainy day activity in Taupō.
For more about rafting, take a look at 5 Places to go White Water Rafting in New Zealand.
Location: Tongariro River Rafting – 95 Atirau Road, Turangi (can organise Taupō pick-up).
© NZPocketGuide.com5. Watch Some Glass Blowing at Lava Glass
Nothing will keep you warm on a rainy day in Taupō quite like standing near a glass-blowing furnace!
Watch the mesmerising art of glass-blowing at Lava Glass, where master glassblower Lynden Over and his team shape molten glass into stunning artwork right before your eyes.
With daily demonstrations from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm, it’s a captivating dance of heat, colour and craftsmanship. The world’s first net carbon-zero certified glassblowing studio also boasts a gallery showcasing over 600 hand-blown glass sculptures across the gardens.
For a perfect all-weather mini-adventure, don’t miss the on-site café.
Location: 165 State Highway 5, Wairakei, approximately 9.5 km (6 mi) from Taupō town centre.
© maxpixel6. Tour and Drink at the Crafty Trout Brewery
Drink your rainy day sorrows away at the Crafty Trout Brewery. This lively microbrewery offers a range of handcrafted beers inspired by Taupō’s landscape. From hoppy IPAs to smooth lagers and seasonal specials, each pint lets you taste the local flavours.
Curl up inside with a tasting paddle, getting cosy while the rain taps at the windows. The brewery often hosts weekend events and live music, adding to its welcoming vibe.
Try some locally-crafted beer and cider with a tasting rack and take an affordable tour around the brewery, all without having to step out into the rain!
See how the tour compares to the 10 Best Brewery Tours in New Zealand.
Plus, for more activities like this, check out the 7 Things to Do in Taupō for Foodies.
Location: 135 Tongariro Street, Taupō town centre.
© pixabay7. Hook Yourself a Prawn at the Huka Prawn Park
Most of the Huka Prawn Park is undercover so you don’t need to get wet to hook yourself some lunch.
Check out the trout in the underwater observatory, catch some prawns in prawn fishing, and see the prawns in the nursery and hatchery.
There are water activities on the various lakes for more ways to make the most of the attraction.
See more family-friendly experiences in the 10 Things to Do in Taupō with Kids.
Location: Karetoto Road, Wairakei, approximately 7km (4 miles) from Taupō town centre.
© NZPocketGuide.com8. Test Your Skills at The Edge Indoor Rockwall
Challenge yourself at The Edge Indoor Rockwall inside the Taupō Events Centre. This 12 m (39 ft)-high climbing haven offers routes graded from 12 to 25, catering to everyone from newbies to seasoned climbers.
With top-rope, lead climbing, and bouldering options available, it’s an energy-busting escape from wet weather.
Friendly, qualified instructors are on hand to help with technique and safety. At around NZ$15 per adult and NZ$11.50 per child, it’s an affordable indoor adventure for all ages.
See more affordable experiences in the 12 Free & Cheap Things to Do in Taupō.
Location: 26 AC Baths Avenue, approximately 2.5 km (2 mi) from Taupō town centre.
© NZPocketGuide.com9. Try Out Wakeboarding
Another activity where you are going to get wet anyway, Taupō Wake Park is a great place to embrace the rainy weather and try out wakeboarding!
Whatever the conditions, you can learn to wakeboard on their custom-built cable system, which runs on a sleek figure-8 course powered by an electric motor.
It’s super approachable for first-timers, but seasoned riders will have a blast too.
Full-day passes are on offer, with or without gear, and include a safety briefing and unlimited runs for the day so you can ride, fall, laugh and get back up as many times as you like!
Location: 201 Karetoto Road, Wairakei, approximately 7 km (4 mi) from Taupō town centre.
© Taupo Wake Park10. Sample Some Honey at the Huka Honey Hive
Another great indoor attraction in Taupō, the Huka Honey Hive offers plenty of free tastings and a look at the bees at work in a glass display.
What’s more, it’s free! Step inside to discover the widest collection of New Zealand artisan honeys, as well as mead, liqueurs and wellness goodies to sample.
The buzzing live hive display fascinates both kids and curious adults, allowing you to watch the bees go about their honey-making business up close.
Warm your spirit in the cosy café lounge with a delicious honey ice cream, the perfect treat on a rainy day.
Location: 65 Karetoto Road, Wairakei, approximately 6 km (3.7 miles) from Taupō town centre.
© NZPocketGuide.com11. Play Tenpin Bowling or Let the Kids Loose on the Trampolines at Dropzone at The Landing
All under one roof, you’ll find tenpin bowling lanes, a trampoline park, a kids’ indoor playground with ball pools, arcade games, dining and more! Check out Dropzone at The Landing for the ultimate go-to for a rainy day in Taupō.
This indoor wonderland hosts Taupō’s only tenpin bowling alley, 10 fresh lanes with shoes and balls provided. But wait, there’s more, kids (and adults alike) can bounce their energy out on a trampoline playground, tackle a high-intensity Ninja course, dive into the arcade, or explore the indoor playground.
Hungry? Slide into Gutter Balls Bar & Bistro for a bite or a drink in between rounds of laughter and motion.
Location: Lake Terrace, Wharewaka, approximately 7 km (4 miles) from Taupō town centre.
© Robinson Studios - Destination Great Lake Taupō (www.lovetaupo.com)12. Solve the Puzzles at Confinement Escape Rooms
That’s right, Taupō has its very own escape rooms! Choose from four fully themed rooms (The Cursed Cabin, The Candy Cottage, The Hunting Lodge, The Marvellous Circus) that you have to work together to escape within 60-75 minutes.
But it’s not that easy. You’ll have clues to find, codes to crack and stories to unravel!
Perfect for families, groups of mates or couples seeking a brainy adventure, Confinement Escape Rooms offers an exciting indoor activity when Taupō’s weather turns grumpy. Tickets are about NZ$37 for adults and NZ$27 for kids.
Confinement Escape Rooms are suitable for groups of two to eight players.
Location: 33B Oruanui Street, Taupō town centre.
© NZPocketGuide.com13. Go On a Taupō Food Trail
The great thing about cafes and restaurants is that they’re indoors! (And they serve food, which is kind of nice too.) Taupō’s foodie scene is brimming with delectable stops that make rainy days downright delicious.
Start at L’Arte Café and Sculpture Garden, where whimsical outdoor sculptures and mosaic art blend with hearty café fare.
For a Mediterranean-inspired experience, head to Vine Eatery & Bar, offering great food with a stellar wine list.
Health-conscious travellers will appreciate Raw Balance, specialising in plant-based meals and raw treats.
And of course, there’s the iconic “World’s Coolest McDonald’s“, where you can dine inside a DC3 plane. Rain or shine, Taupō’s food trail is as much about the fun as it is the flavours.
Location: Get inspired for cafes and restaurants by The Foodie Guide to Taupō and The Top Cheap Eats in Taupō.
© Felicity Witters - Destination Great Lake Taupō (www.lovetaupo.com)14. Cruise to the Maori Rock Carvings
Wait, is this really one of the things to do in Taupō on a rainy day?! Well, we certainly wouldn’t let the rain deter us from checking out one of the biggest attractions on Lake Taupō, the Mine Bay Maori Rock Carvings.
In fact, a cruise to these awe-inspiring carvings is an unforgettable way to stay sheltered while soaking up the views. Many cruises, like Sail Barbary, offer custom-made ponchos to make even the drizzliest days more comfortable.
Depart from Taupō Harbour aboard a covered cruise boat and enjoy dramatic views of the 14-metre-high carvings, etched into sheer volcanic rock in the 1970s.
Many cruises include warm drinks and insightful Māori storytelling, adding to the reflective journey where the rain adds a misty drama to the carvings.
Compare with other lake cruises in the 5 Ways to Experience Lake Taupō.
Location: Cruises depart from the marina on Redoubt Street, Taupō.
© NZPocketGuide.com15. Treat the Kids to a Day at Mind Junction
Boggle your minds at the all-weather activity centre of Mind Junction. One of our favourite parts of this multi-activity complex is the Discovery Centre with optical illusions and wonders of nature and science.
There’s also a LEGO display, flight simulator and shooting simulator that are all indoors.
A giant maze and mini golf await outdoors if the rain clears. Note that each activity has a separate admission fee.
Location: Corner of State Highway 5 and Palmer Mill Road, Wairakei, approximately 13 km (8 mi) from Taupō town centre.
© Unsplash16. Join the Huka Falls River Cruise
See the most-visited natural attraction in New Zealand in a whole new light by taking the Huka Falls River Cruise.
The custom-built riverboat allows you to take in the magnificent Huka Falls and New Zealand’s longest river, the Waikato River, whatever the weather with an indoor lounge with large windows.
Board the covered boat from Aratiatia Dam and drift along the calm river, sipping complimentary tea or coffee as your friendly guide shares stories of the local flora, history and geology.
The trip lasts about 1 hr 20 mins and offers edge-of-your-seat photo ops from the viewing decks or a dry vantage point inside where you can still feel the spray.
Location: Aratiatia Dam car park, 630 Aratiatia Road, approximately 13 km (8 mi) from Taupō town centre.
© NZPocketGuide.com17. See the Geothermal Parks Steaming Under the Rain
On a drizzle-sprinkled day, Taupō’s geothermal wonderlands become even more magical. Some of the geothermal highlights include the affordable Craters of the Moon, where steam vents hiss and boiling mud pools bubble.
Your rain jacket doubles as a rain enhancer as sulfur-scented fog swirls around every corner.
For a larger (and admittedly more impressive) geothermal park, head out of town to Orakei Korako Cave Thermal Park. This aptly nicknamed “Hidden Valley” delivers geysers, bubbling mud, silica terraces and a volcanic cave, all accessible via a little ferry ride.
Location: Craters of the Moon – Karapiti Road, Wairakei. Orakei Korako – 494 Orakei Korako Road, approximately 35 km (22 miles) from Taupō.
© NZPocketGuide.com18. Dive into Virtual Worlds at The Cave Taupō
When rain keeps the outdoors at bay, escape into adventure at The Cave. This high-tech entertainment hub offers immersive virtual reality experiences, heart-pounding sim-racing, and VR escape rooms that will keep you thrilled regardless of the weather.
Whether you’re a VR rookie or a seasoned gamer, there’s something to excite you here. Race against friends, puzzle your way out of digital labyrinths, or blast through futuristic worlds.
It’s the perfect indoor activity to keep energy high and minds buzzing on a rainy Taupō day.
Location: Shop 2/650 Lake Terrace, Wharewaka.
© The Cave19. Laugh Your Way Through Mind Junction’s Optical Illusions
Need something light, quirky, and fun on a rainy day in Taupō? Mind Junction is your indoor playground for puzzle-based mischief and laughs. With interactive optical illusions, a giant maze, brain-bending brain-teasers and mind-twisting installations, it’s a feast for curious minds and growing imaginations alike.
From mirror and optical illusions to magnet and sound experiments, there’s so much to see, do and learn.
Perfect for children and adults alike, Mind Junction offers six activities to choose from, including a Discovery Centre, LEGO Display room, 9-hole mini-golf course, flight simulator and shooting simulator.
Location: 8 Palmer Mill Road.
© Mind Junction20. Binge-Watch 365 Days, 365 Activities in New Zealand
Who doesn’t like a binge-watching session on YouTube?
Get inspiration for your New Zealand travels by watching New Zealand’s Biggest Gap Year on YouTube where the team behind NZPocketGuide.com challenge themselves to do 365 Days: 365 Activities in New Zealand.
Don’t forget to subscribe!
More Things to Do in Taupō
That’s it for the things to do in Taupō on a rainy day. For more activity inspiration, check out the following guides:
- 15 Best Things to Do in Taupō
- 10 Romantic Activities in Taupō for Couples
- The Best Day Trips from Taupō
Finally, if there’s anything we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in The Complete Travel Guide to Taupō.
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.
