Experiencing a rainy day in Rotorua is not a problem. It’s practically an upgrade. The geothermal steam is more visible (the smell’s the same no matter what), and the colours deepen. If you want to stay warm, stay dry, or stay entertained, Rotorua has a long list of indoor and all‑weather activities that are the most fun when the skies turn grey and the sky opens. Here are some of the best things to do in Rotorua on a rainy day.
Hot Pools
Let’s kick it off our Rotorua rainy day activities with the most obvious choice, albeit not exactly dry: The geothermal hot pools. Nothing feels better than sitting in warm water while raindrops are falling on your head. And thanks to being New Zealand’s literal hotspot, Rotorua has plenty of hot pools and wellness on offer!
Polynesian Spa
Polynesian Spa is one of Rotorua’s most iconic hot pool experiences, and it has earned that reputation. The Deluxe Lake Pools have a tropical feel with organically shaped edges and beautiful views over Lake Rotorua. If you book one of the spa treatments, your entry to these pools is already included. The Pavilion Pools are for people aged 12 and older and have a nostalgic charm that nods to the original pools built here decades ago. These pools are usually quieter than the Deluxe Lake Pools, so they are a great choice if you want a more peaceful soak.
Click here to check out our package
Or use our promo code (WGNZ10) and book pool entries and 1h spa treatments directly on Polynesian Spa’s website.
Hell’s Gate
Hell’s Gate is Rotorua’s muddiest playground. This is where you can get properly messy in the best possible way. The silky geothermal mud in the pools is warm, soothing, and surprisingly fun to slather on. Once you have coated yourself, you float in the mud bath before moving on to the sulphur pools. You’ll leave with incredibly soft-feeling skin. A helpful tip: hire your swimwear from Hell’s Gate rather than wearing your own. The famous Rotorua perfume likes to linger, and from personal experience, it is not easy to wash out.
Hell’s Gate is most fun when you include the walk through their geothermal park before heading to the pools. On a rainy day, the mud is extra bubbly. Time it right and you can join the free guided walking tour.
Click here to check out our package
Or use our promo code (WGNZ10) and book pool and/or park entries directly on Hell’s Gate’s website.
Wai Ariki Spa & Hot Pools
Wai Ariki Spa is a beautifully designed adult-only (16+ years) wellness sanctuary that blends award‑winning architecture with deep Māori cultural roots. The Restorative Journey takes you through a series of hot pools, saunas, steam baths, and relaxation spaces, and you can even apply a natural facemask along the way. It is a slow, immersive experience that feels both modern and grounded in tradition. You can book the Restorative Journey on its own or add a spa treatment for an extra layer of indulgence.
Click here for more info on our getaway package
Or here to book just the Restorative Journey
Waikite Valley Hot Pools
Waikite Valley Hot Pools is all about natural geothermal water in its purest form. The pools are filled directly from the Te Manaroa Spring, the largest single source of boiling water in New Zealand. The setting is peaceful and surrounded by native bush, and the cooler, rainy weather makes the hot water feel even more inviting. You can wander the short Eco Trail to see the spring itself before soaking in the various pools that range in temperature. It is a great option if you want a more nature‑focused hot pool experience without the crowds (outside of school holidays, it can get very busy during).
Click here to book your bathing session at Waikite Valley Hot Pools
Secret Spot Rotorua
Secret Spot offers private cedar hot tubs tucked into lush native bush, and rainy days make it even better. Each tub is warm, steamy, and perfectly positioned so you can relax while the rain falls softly around you. You can order a drink from the bar, settle in, and enjoy the cosy atmosphere. The on-site sauna is a great addition if you want to warm up even more. It is a fun, relaxing spot that feels like a little hideaway.
Click here to check out our bike and soak package.
Step into a world of immersive illusions at 3Mirage
3Mirage Rotorua is an immersive digital art experience where each room transforms around you with light, colour, and motion. It feels like stepping into a living artwork, and you can wander, pose, and explore at your own pace. The glowing rooms feel even more striking when it is grey outside, and the whole experience is calming, creative, and a little bit surreal.
Click here to book and apply the discount code GETAWAY20 for 20% off your next booking!
Try your hand at glassblowing
Amokura Glass, Rotorua’s glassblowing studio, gives you a front‑row seat to the art of shaping molten glass. Watching the artists work with glowing, liquid glass is mesmerising. You will learn about the tools, techniques, and creativity behind each piece, and even book a workshop to create your own glass tumbler to take home!
Please note: Amokura Glass only takes one person per workshop session due to Health & Safety reasons. Participants need to be at least 14 years old.
Click here to book your glassblowing workshop
Cruise Lake Rotorua in style
After a few years’ break from operating, Lakeland Queen is back! She keeps cruising no matter the weather, and the mist over Lake Rotorua adds a bit of magic to the journey. Whether you choose brunch or dinner, you will enjoy warm indoor seating with panoramic windows so you can watch the scenery drift by. The dinner cruise includes a haka performance, which adds a cultural highlight to the evening.
Go all‑in on indoor fun at Motion Entertainment
Motion Entertainment is THE place for a ton of Rotorua rainy day activities under one roof! It’s an indoor mega‑complex with something for everyone. You will find arcade games, ten-pin bowling, indoor mini golf, a trampoline park that’s not just for the little ones. Kill zombies at Hologate VR and in the XD Dark Ride. The Vortex Ninja Park has an adult course, so you get to feel like a ninja warrior no matter your age. Motion Entertainment is colourful, energetic, and packed with activities.
Watch master carvers at work at Mountain Jade
Mountain Jade offers a fascinating look into the world of pounamu carving. This is not a workshop, so you will not be carving your own piece, but you can watch skilled artists shape jade into intricate designs. The process is calming and absorbing, and you will learn about the cultural significance of pounamu along the way. The gallery is a great place to browse if you are looking for a meaningful keepsake.
Step inside the 3D Trick Art Gallery
The 3D Trick Art Gallery is filled with optical illusions that come to life when you step into the scene. It is playful, creative, and perfect for taking fun photos. Rainy days are ideal because you can take your time exploring each room without rushing. You will leave with a camera roll full of entertaining memories.
Rainy days in Rotorua are not something to avoid. They are something to embrace. From steamy hot pools to creative studios, immersive art, and indoor adventures, there is no shortage of ways to stay warm, dry, and entertained. Whether you want to relax, explore, or try something new, these activities turn grey skies into an opportunity. Grab your towel, your sense of adventure, and maybe a raincoat for the dash between car and door. Rotorua will take care of the rest.
What are your favourite Rotorua rainy day activities? What should we add?
By the way: Click here to browse all our Rotorua getaway packages and promo codes!
And if you’re after something specific you can’t find already packaged up, just shoot me a message with your ideas. At Weekend Getaways NZ, I can also book your own bespoke Rotorua getaway.
