Don’t let a bit of rain dampen your spirits – there’s plenty of things to do in Tauranga on a wet day. From soaks in hot pools to climbing up rock walls, take your pick and enjoy what Tauranga has to offer.
1. Soak It Up At The Hot PoolsWe love a good soak in a hot pool and in Tauranga you’re spoilt for choice:
- Mount Maunganui Hot Pools located at the end of Mount Maunganui Peninsula and at the base of the mighty Mauao holds centre stage. Adults come here to soak, unwind and relax and kids are just thrilled they’re allowed to have a swim in the rain!
- Fernland Spa Hot Pools is nestled in bush just 5 minutes from Tauranga CBD. You can book your own private pool (roof on or off) or enjoy the public pool all set amongst gorgeous native flora
- If you’re heading to Tauranga and smashing it out on the hike and bike trails around Oropi and Welcome Bay, afterwards head to the Oropi Hot Pools and Cafe or Welcome Bay Hot Pools and enjoy a nice long therapeutic soak to soothe those aching muscles
2. Time For A Bit Of Culture
When looking for things to do in Tauranga on a wet day head into the Tauranga Art Gallery just up from the Strand, Tauranga CBD. Two levels of exhibitions from national and international artists, it’s a great space to explore and admire others’ handy work. There’s an interactive multi-media room and during the school holidays the kids get to draw, paint and make.
There’s plenty of eateries, pubs and cafes you can slip into afterwards too – the Barrel Room across the road to savour fine whiskies or for a posh cocktail head on up the hill to the Clarence Hotel, or around the corner for a cheeky gin at Miss Gees. Kids will love Rye Bar and Grill for a burger and chips and Crown and Badger offers up traditional English pub grub and vibe with views out to the Tauranga Harbour.
3. Rocktopia
Suffering from a bit of cabin fever? Head over to Rocktopia, Triton Ave, Mount Maunganui and get rid of all that pent up energy. Check out the newest addition – Clip N Climb – “where climbing meets theme park” as well as 19 different climbing walls built by climbers for climbers all under one roof. Spend the day trying to climb higher and higher before heading to your next adventure.
4. Strike It Up At Ten Pin Bowling
What better way to appease the masses than booking in for a game of ten pin bowling? Things to do in Tauranga on a wet day of course has to include a game of ten pin bowling down 13th Ave, Tauranga. Watch as the competition starts to mount between father and son, mum and dad etc. Who knows who’s going to pip everyone at the end with a bullseye strike (could it be Nan?).
5. Hang Out At Drift Trikes
Ok this one is heaps of fun and it’s Drift Trikes at BayStation. Drift Trikes are electric front wheel drift trikes that will have all you want-to-be drifters getting sideways and loving every minute of it. What bright spark thought of this you ask? Only some clever blokes right here in the Bay of course. Drift away, around and everything in between on the indoor polished concrete floor track and come and get sideways!
PS Want the real thing? Book a trip on V8 Trike Tours – absolute must-do thrill ride right here in Tauranga!
6. Lucky Escape
Have you given escape rooms a go yet? You choose the theme, you bring the team and you use your wit, brain power and problem solving skills to crack the codes and escape the room. That simple really or is it? It’s great fun, it takes a bit of figuring out and it’s way better than sitting indoors being bored and irritable. Can’t decide between Escape Rooms and Flummox? Try both!
Gather the troops and book an escape experience now!
7. That’s A Slam Jump!
Last but definitely not least on the things to do in Tauranga on a wet day list is Slam Jump at the Bay Indoor Centre in Newton St, Mount Maunganui. Wear the kids out as they happily bounce and play away for hours on end if necessary. It’s full on fun, it’s indoors – you can grab a drink or bite to eat and by the time you’re finished the kids will be happy to come back to base and watch a good flick for the rest of the day.
