A rainy day doesn’t have to be boring. With this list of 24 things to do, make every rainy day in Auckland a great one.

1. Auckland Museum

The Auckland War Memorial Museum is great for all ages. Make a visit to learn more about Maori history, the wars New Zealanders have served in, the geological origins of New Zealand (AKA volcanoes), native wildlife of Aotearoa and so much more. If you’re an Auckland resident, take ID or proof of address to get free entry.

2. Op-Shop

Head to your local second-hand shop and get thrifting. Grab some new clothes or some cute teacups. You never know what treasures you’re gonna find!

3. Hot Pools

There’s nothing better than a soak in natural mineral water, especially when it’s cold outside. Take a day out to soak at Parakai Springs or Miranda Hot Springs.

4. Ski or Snowboard

Alternatively, if you prefer the cold, bundle up and head to Snowplanet, where you can learn to ski or snowboard indoors. It’s a great activity for all ages and any experience level.

5. Board Game Cafe

My favourite is Cakes n Ladders on Symonds Street. Take a bunch of friends and get competitive. With a huge selection of games, you’ll find something you enjoy! At $2.50 an hour, this is one of the cheaper options!

6. Cat Cafe

Pet snuggles are always a good idea. Head to Barista Cats on Queen Street to make some new furry friends.

7. Stardome

Find out what’s on at Stardome, Auckland’s very own planetarium. Learn a little more about our universe with the exhibits, space gallery and planetarium shows. The shows are projected onto a giant, domed movie screen above you.

8. Art Galleries

When it comes to art galleries in Auckland, you’re spoilt for choice. The Auckland Art Gallery on Wellesley Street is free for Aucklanders. There are also galleries in Otara, Matakana, Henderson, Pakuranga, Titirangi, Parnell and Hillsborough. The Pah Homestead in Hillsborough is one of my all-time faves.

9. Escape Room

If you love real-life puzzles, or want to pretend to be Sherlock Holmes, grab your friend Watson and book in a time at an escape room. Will you be able to escape?!

10. Ten Pin Bowling

This is a classic rainy day activity and if you haven’t been bowling in a while, a rainy day is the perfect time to touch up your skills.

11. Arcade

A night at the arcade is always fun. See how many tickets you win, or go along with some friends – I know how much you love playing air hockey!

12. Rock Climbing

A favourite for me – get a workout, while also having fun. Head to Extreme Edge, Vertical Adventures or Northern Rocks. You might even bump into my husband, Isaac, working at Extreme Edge. Say HI if you see him!

13. Ice Skating

If it’s cold outside, you may as well embrace it and get out on the ice at Paradice.

14. Roller Rink

If you’re not brave enough for the ice, or you want some practice first, try skating! At Skateland you can try roller skates and inline skates – or even take your own. It’s even a tad cheaper than ice skating.

15. Paint Pottery

When you’re feeling a bit extra creative & artsy, this is the perfect activity. Paint your own ceramics and create the cutest personalised one-of-a-kind piece. Most recently I’ve been to Paint & Create and another great studio is Paint the Earth.

16. Dance Class

Book a dance class – go alone or with your SO. Tango, Bollywood, Tap, Ballet, Salsa, Swing, Waltz – the choice is yours.

17. Mini Golf

There are a whole bunch of mini golf courses to choose from in Auckland. Maybe you want to mix golf with food and drink at Holey Moley – a mini golf course with a bar!

18. M.O.T.A.T.

Head along to the Museum Of Transport And Technology, MOTAT. There are always a number of great exhibitions and you could even plan your visit to attend one of the unique events that are hosted.

19. Kelly Tarltons

Remember those primary school trips to Kelly Tarltons? Relive those memories and stay dry while you watch seahorses, colourful fish, turtles, jellyfish, sharks and even penguins!

20. Winter Gardens

It’s no secret that I love this spot, especially spending my time in the tropical greenhouse, because it’s so warm!

21. Libraries

Curl up in a corner at your local library and find a book you love. My favourite thing to do is to pick up the kids books and relive my childhood memories.

22. Trampoline Park

Always wanted to do a backflip? This rainy day is your chance to learn! Grab a friend to teach you and head to a trampoline park.

23. Laser Tag

While I’ve never done this, it’s no excuse for you not to! Get a group of friends and try out laser tag. Get those competitive socks on!

24. Netflix At Home

If it’s more of a stay-at-home day, then curl up on your couch and watch some Netflix. Here’s a list of my favourite shows.