South Island
Updated: 19 th October 2025
Things to Do in Christchurch on a Rainy Day
Even on a rainy day, Christchurch offers plenty of ways to stay entertained indoors. From fascinating museums and creative spaces to family attractions, cosy cinemas, and tasting experiences, you’ll find a great mix of activities to explore while keeping warm and dry.
Indoor Activities to Enjoy in Christchurch When the Weather Turns Wet
When the rain arrives in Christchurch, there’s no need to slow down — the city is filled with warm, welcoming indoor experiences that turn grey skies into a chance to explore something new. Christchurch is home to some of New Zealand’s best all-weather attractions, from the world-class International Antarctic Centre, where you can step into a storm room and meet rescued penguins, to the powerful storytelling of Quake City and the inspiring galleries of Te Puna o Waiwhetū. History lovers can head to the vast aircraft halls of the Air Force Museum, while the beautifully restored Arts Centre offers boutique shops, exhibitions, and creative spaces to discover.
Families will find plenty to keep little ones entertained, with with Mega Air, Clip ’n Climb, arcades, 10-pin bowling at Timezone, and Holey Moley Mini Putt providing hours of indoor fun. If you’re looking for something more relaxing, settle into a plush seat at Lumière or Alice Cinematheque, or wander through the flavours of Riverside Market. For a cosy afternoon, The Winery Christchurch and Cassels Brewery offer the perfect escape with tastings and local craft brews.
Rain or shine, Christchurch delivers unforgettable experiences — all safely indoors.
Indoor Activities in Christchurch When its Raining
International Antarctic Centre
Step into the world’s coldest, windiest, and most remote continent without leaving Christchurch. The International Antarctic Centre offers immersive experiences perfect for a rainy day — from braving the famous Storm Dome to meeting rescued Little Blue Penguins and riding in an all-terrain Hägglund vehicle. Indoor exhibits, interactive zones, and fascinating stories of Antarctic exploration make this one of Christchurch’s most compelling all-weather attractions.
Visit the website – Bookings, Times & Prices ↗️
Riccarton House & Bush
Discover one of Christchurch’s most elegant heritage homes with a guided tour through Riccarton House. Wander through beautifully preserved rooms, learn the story of the pioneering Deans family, and enjoy the charm of this grand 19th-century homestead. With its rich history, restored interiors, and sheltered setting beside Riccarton Bush, it’s an ideal indoor escape when the weather turns wet.
Visit the website – Bookings, Times & Prices ↗️
Christchurch Art Gallery – Te Puna o Waiwhetū
A rainy day is the perfect time to slow down and explore one of New Zealand’s most impressive art galleries. Te Puna o Waiwhetū showcases an inspiring mix of contemporary works, touring exhibitions, and treasured pieces from the city’s collection. Spacious galleries, thoughtful displays, and free entry make it an inviting place to spend a peaceful afternoon indoors.
Air Force Museum of New Zealand
Stay dry while stepping into the fascinating world of military aviation. The Air Force Museum features vast hangars filled with historic aircraft, engaging exhibitions, and stories of Kiwi service and innovation. Explore cockpits, view restored machines up close, and take advantage of a huge indoor space that offers hours of discovery — all completely free to visit.
The Arts Centre Christchurch
Set within beautifully restored Gothic Revival buildings, the Arts Centre is a cultural hub brimming with creativity. Browse boutique galleries, artisan studios, exhibitions, and unique shops — all housed within sheltered indoor spaces. Whether you’re interested in local craftsmanship, performing arts, or simply exploring one of the city’s most iconic precincts, it’s a rewarding place to escape the rain.
Christchurch Gondola
You can still enjoy breathtaking views on a rainy day with the Christchurch Gondola. The enclosed cabins protect you from the elements as you glide up the Port Hills, while the summit building offers plenty to explore indoors — including the Time Tunnel ride, a café, gift shop, and panoramic viewpoints. Misty or moody weather often makes the scenery even more atmospheric.
Visit the website – Bookings, Times & Prices ↗️
🎬 HOYTS Riccarton – Christchurch’s go-to cinema
When the weather turns wet, HOYTS Riccarton is one of Christchurch’s most reliable and comfortable indoor escapes. This modern multiplex offers multiple screens, frequent daily sessions, and a great mix of new releases — from family favourites and big blockbusters to comedies, thrillers and the latest international films.
Inside, you’ll find large-format screens, ultra-comfortable recliner seating, crisp sound, and a relaxed atmosphere that’s ideal for switching off and enjoying a couple of hours out of the rain. With plenty of food options nearby and easy parking at Westfield Riccarton, it’s a convenient go-to for couples, families, and travellers wanting a simple, warm, and enjoyable indoor activity without the need to pre-plan.
It’s the classic rainy-day pick — cosy, effortless, and always open. www.hoyts.co.nz/cinemas/riccarton
🍽️ Food & Tasting Experiences
Riverside Market
A vibrant indoor hub in the heart of Christchurch, Riverside Market offers an array of artisan food stalls, boutique retailers, cafés, and fresh local produce — all under one roof. Wander the bustling laneways, sample flavours from around the world, and warm up with great coffee, pastries, or a nourishing meal. It’s an ideal wet-weather stop for couples, families, and food lovers alike.
Cassels Brewery (The Tannery)
Located in the character-filled Tannery complex, Cassels Brewery is the perfect place to escape the rain with award-winning craft beer and hearty gastropub fare. The atmospheric brick interiors, open kitchen, and roaring wood-fired ovens create a warm, welcoming environment. Whether you’re sampling Cassels’ celebrated pilsners and stouts or enjoying a leisurely lunch, it’s an ideal indoor spot for a relaxed afternoon.
Indoor Activities in Christchurch to Keep the Kids Smiling
International Antarctic Centre
Kids absolutely love the International Antarctic Centre — it’s one of Christchurch’s best all-weather attractions for families. From riding in the rugged Hägglund vehicles to meeting the Little Blue Penguins and experiencing the icy Storm Dome, there’s plenty to keep young explorers entertained for hours. Interactive exhibits, hands-on displays, and engaging storytelling make it educational as well as fun, creating an ideal indoor adventure on a rainy day.
Visit the website – Bookings, Times & Prices ↗️
Mega Air Trampoline Arena
Burn off plenty of energy at Mega Air, Christchurch’s huge indoor trampoline park packed with jumping zones, foam pits, dodgeball courts, and kid-friendly spaces. It’s the perfect place for children to stay active while staying dry, offering safe, supervised fun for all ages. Whether it’s bouncing, flipping, or racing around with friends, Mega Air guarantees big smiles on even the wettest days.
Timezone / Arcadia Retro Arcade
Bright, colourful, and buzzing with energy, Timezone and Arcadia Retro Arcade offer one of Christchurch’s best indoor entertainment experiences for families. Kids can enjoy a massive range of arcade games, racing simulators, ticket challenges, air hockey, and a full 10-pin bowling alley, making it ideal for rainy-day fun. With something for every age group and plenty of space to play, Timezone guarantees big smiles and nonstop indoor excitement.
Holey Moley Mini Golf
Holey Moley brings mini golf indoors with imaginative, themed putting holes that children love. Bright colours, quirky designs, and fun challenges make it an engaging activity for kids and parents alike. Whether they’re trying crazy trick shots or racing through each hole, Holey Moley guarantees plenty of laughs — and it’s completely weather-proof.
Clip ’n Climb Christchurch
Perfect for adventurous kids, Clip ’n Climb offers colourful climbing walls, themed challenges, and safe auto-belay systems that make climbing fun and accessible. With friendly staff and a huge variety of difficulty levels, children can race to the top, try new climbs, or tackle their favourite walls again and again. It’s energetic, confidence-building, and ideal for keeping young climbers active on a rainy day.
FAQ – Things to Do in Christchurch on a Rainy Day
What are some indoor activities in Christchurch that are perfect for a rainy day?
Christchurch offers many indoor attractions such as the International Antarctic Centre, Christchurch Art Gallery – Te Puna o Waiwhetū, and the Air Force Museum. These all-weather venues provide engaging, immersive experiences where you can stay warm and dry while enjoying some of the city’s best cultural and interactive highlights.
How can I enjoy Christchurch’s cultural scene on a rainy day?
You can explore the Christchurch Art Gallery to discover contemporary and classic artworks, or wander through The Arts Centre Christchurch to browse boutique galleries, artisan studios, exhibitions, and heritage spaces. Both offer rich cultural experiences sheltered from the rain.
What fun indoor options are available for families in Christchurch during rainy weather?
Families can head to the International Antarctic Centre, bounce around at Mega Air Trampoline Arena, or enjoy arcade games and full-lane bowling at Timezone. Creative indoor play options and colourful venues like Holey Moley and Clip ’n Climb also offer hours of energetic, weather-proof fun for kids.
Where can I taste local wines and craft beers indoors in Christchurch?
You can enjoy award-winning craft beers at Cassels Brewery in The Tannery or sample an array of flavours at Riverside Market, both offering cosy indoor settings ideal for relaxing on a rainy day.
What are some cosy places to relax and watch movies indoors in Christchurch?
Lumière Cinemas provides an elegant boutique cinema experience featuring premium seating and curated films. For something more quirky and intimate, Alice Cinematheque screens arthouse, indie, and cult classics in uniquely themed rooms — perfect for a rainy-day escape.
Are Christchurch’s outdoor attractions still open when it rains?
Many outdoor attractions, such as the Christchurch Gondola and Punting on the Avon, operate in light rain thanks to enclosed cabins or sheltered seating. However, weather conditions may affect visibility or comfort, so it’s best to check with each operator on the day of your visit.
Even on the wettest days, Christchurch offers no shortage of warm, welcoming places to explore indoors — from cultural attractions and cosy cinemas to lively food halls and family-friendly activity centres. With so many all-weather options, it’s easy to enjoy the city no matter what the forecast brings.
And when the sun does return, Christchurch shines with outdoor experiences too. Why not make the most of the fine weather with a Sheep Farm Tour & Winery experience, enjoy a Jet Boat trip through the Rakaia Gorge, or take an Arthur’s Pass Day Tour for a perfect Christchurch day out?
