Rainy day activities in Hawke's Bay
When rain spoils your outdoor plans for the family, there’s no need to despair – Hawke’s Bay has plenty of inside activities to keep you and the kids entertained.
Hawke's Bay's museum of technology actually encourages children (and adults!) to interact with its collection, so you can be sure the kids will have a ball of a time. Note, it's only open 9am-3pm on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday mornings, so plan to start your day here. But it is open Monday-Saturday during the School Holidays.
An icon of Havelock North, the Arataki Honey Visitor Centre lets visitors explore the world of bees and honey, with free tours, live bee displays, and free honey tasting. It's also got one of Hawke's Bay's best range of gifts.
It's chocolate. Enough said. But to elaborate just a little, there's a chocolate shop (which smells divine), you can watch chocolates being made, there's a chocolate museum which offers guided tours and, to top it all off, there's an on-site cafe serving all delicious, freshly-made fare. Please note, the museum is not currently operating while Cyclone Gabrielle repairs are completed.
National Aquarium of New Zealand
Whether you're intrigued by teeth, cuteness, or mystery, the National Aquarium has something for everyone. Be sure to check out the feeding times for an extra special experience.
The newly renovated Ocean Spa on Napier's Marine Parade is a great option, no matter the weather. You could even argue it's even more enjoyable to soak in the hot pools while it's raining. With plenty of pools to hop in and out of, the kids will have a great time.
Hawke's Bay museum is home to the region's taonga and other treasures. Be sure to explore the 1931 Earthquake exhibition, and the ever-changing exhibitions of art, culture and social history.
Birdwoods Gallery & Sweet Shop
Birdwoods, on the outskirts of Havelock North, has something for everyone in the family. From the gallery and sculpture garden, to the cafe and old fashioned sweet shop, this is a destination on your must-do list.
Test your mind and your patience with Enigma Escape Rooms. Mysteries, puzzles, locks, crime, magic tricks are just a few elements you will find in these escape rooms. Get your team together, decipher the clues, solve the puzzles, and accomplish the tasks set to escape! Will you make it out in time?
Napier Prison Tours escape room
New Zealand's oldest penal complex was first opened in 1862 - have you got what it takes to escape? With four active rooms and a state of the art virtual reality escape room experience, you'll need to have your wits about you to beat the 60-min timer!
Hawke's Bay libraries
Find a quiet corner at the local library and enjoy some reading. You find them conveniently located in Napier and Taradale, Hastings, Havelock North and Flaxmere, Wairoa and Central Hawke's Bay.
Or just brave the elements!
We're pretty sure the kids won't mind getting wet. So grab a jacket and gumboots, and embrace the weather. Here's four reasons for getting outside in the rain:
- the lines at outdoor activities are way shorter than for the inside activities
- sneakily splashing someone else in a puddle never gets old
- you'll have the beach, playground or short walk to yourself
- playing in the rain pretty much guarantees end-of-day Milo/hot chocolate for everyone
Take a look...
The Faraday Centre
Honey Tasting at Arataki Honey
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