Paihia
Things To Do in the Bay of Islands on a Rainy Day
Thirteen Rainy Day activities in the Bay of Islands
Although the Bay of Islands might be renowned for being the winterless north and its beautiful sunny days, unfortunately, it does rain occasionally hence why our grass and trees are truly green.
This is New Zealand, after all. But don’t panic when you see the weather forecast, for there are many options to enjoy the Bay of Islands on a rainy day! Just look at the video and activities the locals chose for our visitors.
The one’s not that love being in the water, then the opportunity to go scuba diving.
You can keep out of the rain by visiting the many historical sites of the Bay of Islands, like the award-winning Waitangi Treaty Grounds, the Stone Store at Kerikeri and Pompellier house and the Museum in Russell.
The Russell mini-tours will show you around Russell’s fascinating history without having to get wet! Eating is also an excellent choice for many when it’s raining.
The Bay of Islands has plenty of options, whether to drink wine at a local winery, sample New Zealand craft beers, taste handmade chocolates at Makana, or visit New Zealand’s oldest licensed Hotel.the Duke of Marlborough on the waterfront in Russell.
1 Waitangi Treaty Grounds
Visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds – This historical site is the birthplace of New Zealand as a nation, and it offers a variety of indoor and outdoor activities to enjoy.
Learn about how New Zealand became a nation by visiting the Museum of Waitangi, check out the giant waka (war canoe), watch a cultural performance in the carved meeting house, see a colonial house and more! More info…
2 Bay of Islands Wine & Craft Beer Tours
Mullarkey Tours offer a unique off the tourist trail experience that takes visitors on a wine, food and craft tou to some of the Bay of Islands very best boutique winery producers and craft studio’s. Travel the beautiful Bay of Islands countryside in air conditioned comfort with the opportunity to meet local producers who are passionate about what they do. Book on a Wine Tour
3 Catch a movie at the Kerikeri Cinema
Go to the movies The movies are always updating so check out times and films at Cathy Cinema in Kerikeri.
4 Hand Made Chocolates at Makana
Visit Makana Chocolate in Kerikeri – This chocolate factory offers tours and tastings that can be enjoyed on a rainy day.
All Makana’s confections are hand-made using only the freshest, natural ingredients and our factories are set up like a winery cellar door where you can watch us make the chocolates, taste a sample and browse through the many delights in the shop.
Visit Makana Chocolates
5 Check out the waterfalls
Rain or shine the regions two main waterfalls are spectacular anytime, You can visit Rainbow Falls in Kerikeri or the Haruru falls in Paihia. Following heavy rain the rivers will flood bringing large torrents of water over the waterfalls making it a spectacular site.
Visitors should visit Haruru Falls, (Haruru means ‘big noise’) a good indication that these unusual, horseshoe-shaped falls are worth seeing. You can drive and park near to the falls there is also an excellent walking track between the Falls and the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, part of it is on a raised boardwalk over mangroves and native bush & fern lined pathway. Directions:
6 Diving trip with Paihia Dive
Why not head underwater where it never rains?! Check out the Bay of Islands stunning dive sites – the famous Rainbow Warrior or the awesome HMSNZ Canterbury at Deep Water Cove – with our local dive operators Paihia Dive.
7 Alix Apothecary (A treat for the Ladies)
As you wander through Selwyn Arcade in Paihia, let your sense of smell guide you to the entrance of Alix Apothecary.
Allow the inviting fragrance to lead you into our salon, where Sharon and her team will show you the benefits of our Alix product line.
Whether you’re stopping by for a quick consultation or indulging in a mini-facial that will leave you feeling rejuvenated, we can’t wait to welcome you and make you feel like a valued friend. More info…
8 Go to a spa or wellness centre
Go to a spa or wellness center – The Bay of Islands has several spas and wellness centers that offer a variety of treatments and services, including massages and facials, which can be a relaxing way to spend a rainy day.
9 Explore the History of Russell on a local tour
Russell was New Zealand’s first capital and was even dubbed the “Hell Hole of the Pacific”. Learn more about it’s fascinating history on a Russell Mini Tours. For most of the journey, you’ll be inside the bus listening to your guide’s commentary, yet still getting to explore the place. Just hope that the rain dies down by the time you get to Flagstaff Hill, a significant historical site with awesome views of the Bay of Islands. Book a Tour:
10 Visit Pompellier House and Museum in Russell
Built in 1842, Pompallier Mission originally housed a printery where Church texts were translated from Latin to te reo Maori, then printed and bound. It is just one of several buildings, including a chapel and various outhouses, which once stood in this crowded enclave. Today the Printery stands as New Zealand’s oldest industrial building, as well as the oldest of rammed-earth construction, distinctly French in style and making use of local materials including sand, rock and timber.
11 Kerikeri Stone Store & Kemp Mission House
Built in 1832, the Georgian-style Stone Store was originally a Missionary Society warehouse but assumed various roles including a trading post, library, barracks and boys’ school. It also served as a general store, a tradition that continues today.
A browser’s delight, the shop stocks an amazing range of authentic goods reminiscent of those traded in the early 19th century.
12 Extended lunch with friends
The Bay of Islands provides a host of eateries to choose from in Kerikeri, Paihia & Russell. Choose your food interests from The Marseden estate & Ake Ake Vineyards of Kerikeri In Russell there Poroa Bay winery that serves awesome Italian cusine or Pizza’s at Omata Estate to the Thai food or indian in Paihia & Russell. Barbecues ribs at Jimmy Jacks to sitting under the large umbrella’s at “Zane Greys – The Deck”, watch the fish in the central aquarium at Zane Greys restaurant Paihia waterfront to simple fish & Chips at “Just Fish & Chips”. There is a lunch experience to suit everyone. Choose a Restaurant:
13 Drinks at New Zealand's Oldest Licensed Hotel
Located right on the waterfront in Russell. Serving up delectable delights for lunch and dinner the Duke of Marlborough Restaurant is at the heart of this historical hotel.
Being right on Russell waterfront the Marlborough Hotel menu is influenced by the sea and all it has to offer – from local Waikare Inlet Oysters or perhaps their oven roasted market fish to the timeless fish and chips served in a crisp beer batter with hand cut chips – simply divine! Carnivores will not be disappointed, dishes include classic slow roasted lamb shoulder or Grass Fed “Savannah” Eye Fillet – there is something on the menu for everyone. Ideal location on a sunny or rainy day!! The Dukes menu:
14 Kaleo Designs Kerikeri.
Clothing & Gifts as Unique as your Adventures.
Enjoy your day – the Sun will hopefully be out tomorrow
