Seize the day with these indoor ideas

It’s in our nature to make the most of every day – even if the weather isn’t playing ball! Here are our top tips on what to do in the Bay of Plenty when the sun refuses to shine and you need to find some all-weather entertainment.

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Friendly Competition

Get your family or friends together and go head-to-head at Escape Rooms Tauranga, located in Tauranga’s CBD. Solve riddles and crack codes to set yourself free from a variety of themed rooms! Or book a lane at Tauranga’s Ten Pin bowling alley on Thirteenth Ave and compete for bragging rights. BayStation at Baypark has an indoor drift karting racetrack where you can race three-wheeled trikes powered by an electric front wheel. Awesome fun! Or hit The Cave in Papamoa for some virtual reality fun - you'll have trouble convincing the kids (big and small) to leave! 

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Family Fun

Kids always need to burn off energy so let them loose at Chipmunks’ indoor playland or harness them up at Rocktopia’s Clip and Climb facility at the Mount. This facility is great for all ages and makes rock climbing safe and easy, even for little ones.

If 'wheeled play' is your thing then Skate School Tauranga runs roller disco's at various locations across the region where you can show your moves on the skate rink. See their website for upcoming locations.


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Get Wet

Enjoy a long relaxing soak in one of the Bay’s glorious hot pools. You’ll find a great range of facilities right across the region including the Mount Hot Pools, Fernland Spa, Oropi Hot Pools, Welcome Bay Hot Pools, Sapphire Springs near Katikati, Athenree Hot Springs near Waihī Beach, and Awakeri Hot Springs near Whakatāne. Or if you’d like to splash around indoors, visit Baywave aquatic centre in Tauranga where you can ride the hydro slide and enjoy some wave pool action.

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Flying High

Head to Classic Flyers' aviation museum and learn more about New Zealand's rich aviation history and the majestic aircraft that have graced our skies.

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Flat White, Please 

Hit the bustling cafes around the Bay. It doesn’t matter what the weather is doing outside, there’s always a warm cup of something to enjoy. Order fresh produce and tasty treats at any time of day. Popular haunts include Henry & Ted in Papamoa, The General or Spongedrop Cakery at the Mount, Love Rosie Bakery in Tauranga, and Flat White Café in Waihī Beach. If you’re in Whakatāne, make sure you try the pastries at L’Épicerie – they’re deliciously fresh!

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Explore Our History & Culture

Tauranga’s Art Gallery is currently undergoing renovations but you can visit their Pop Up at 42 Devonport Road which is also a wonderful space to explore. With ever-changing local, national and international exhibitions, you can soak up knowledge on all sorts of topics and enjoy interactive displays and beautiful creations. For a glimpse into our region’s past, enjoy a tour through The Elms | Te Papa Tauranga’s historic mission house and library in Tauranga or visit the Western Bay Museum in Katikati.