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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.
Get your family or friends together and go head-to-head at Escape Rooms Tauranga, located in Tauranga’s city centre. 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. Or hit The Cave in Pāpāmoa for some virtual reality fun - you'll have trouble convincing the kids (big and small) to leave!
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. Alternatively you can head to the one stop shop destination for Roller Sports in the Bay of Plenty, Revolution Skate Centre. Catering to Inline Hockey, Artistic Roller Skating, Roller Discos, Roller Derby and more. Check out their timetable for public sessions.
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 or Athenree Hot Springs near Waihī Beach. 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.
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.
Enjoy a cosy, rain-kissed day in Katikati with a little local indulgence. Head to Matahui Distillery, where you can join a distillery tour on Wednesdays and Sundays, or craft your own gin blend from Wednesday to Sunday. If wine’s more your style, pop over to Leveret Mills Reef for a delightful tasting experience, available Fridays to Sundays from 10am to 4pm.
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 Pāpāmoa, The General or Spongedrop Cakery at the Mount, Breadhead in Tauranga, and Flat White Café in Waihī Beach.
Toi Tauranga’s Art Gallery is open after a two year renovation. The redeveloped Gallery is a vibrant hub for creativity, connection, and contemporary art. Showcasing powerful exhibitions by local and national artists, the gallery offers visitors a dynamic and engaging art experience.
Visitors can also enjoy the gallery’s curated retail store, featuring art-inspired gifts, books, and locally made treasures, and unwind at the on-site Breadhead Café, known for its freshly baked treats and great coffee.
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.
When the weather turns wet, it’s the perfect excuse for a little retail therapy. Mount Maunganui’s Bayfair offers over 140 stores and restaurants. Just 15 minutes from Tauranga city centre, Tauranga Crossing is a one-stop destination to shop, dine, and catch a movie. Explore popular spots like H&M, sip a cocktail at The Tauriko Pub Co, or warm up with a steaming bowl of ramen from Ippin Ramen. You’ll also find LUXE Cinemas in the Tauranga city centre and Pāpāmoa — because catching a film on a rainy day is always a great idea.
When the weather isn't on your side, there's no need to skip a round. The Bay is home to some brilliant indoor golf simulators where you can play world-class courses, practise your swing, or simply have a good time with mates — rain or shine. Whether you're a serious golfer or just in it for a laugh, here's where to tee off indoors. Pick your location and book a round.
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