in Queenstown New Zealand
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Rainy Day Activities in Queenstown: A First‑Timer’s Guide to Fun Indoors (and Under Cover)
Here's all the information that you need about those rainy day activities in Queenstown
Hopefully your time here is accompanied by bright sunny days. But if the weather turns and you need to search for rainy day activities in Queenstown, all is not lost.
Queenstown might be New Zealand’s adventure capital, but it’s just as good when the weather turns wet. This first-time visitor guide to rainy day activities in Queenstown highlights the most popular, high‑review options—organized by traveler type—so you can stay warm, dry, and entertained. From indoor skydiving and escape rooms to wine caves and hot pools, these ideas work beautifully when the clouds roll in.
You can use the links below to move around the page.
Quick Picks by Traveler Type
Families with kids
- iFLY Indoor Skydiving (thrills without heights)
- Game Over Queenstown (indoor go-karts, laser tag, mini-golf) in Frankton
- Escape Quest Queenstown (Gold Rush–themed escape rooms)
- Kiwi Park (covered kiwi nocturnal house; learn about native wildlife)
- SITE Trampoline (indoor trampolines with coaching)
- Odyssey Sensory Maze or Thrillzone (VR, laser tag, arcade-style fun)
- Ice bumper cars and ice skating at the Queenstown Gardens
- Indoor Putt n Glow mini golf
Seniors and easy-going travelers
- Time Tripper Underwater Experience (seated cinema at the lakefront with fish viewing)
- TSS Earnslaw Steamship Cruise on Lake Wakatipu (large indoor areas; runs in light rain)
- Lakes District Museum & Gallery (Arrowtown)
- Dorothy Browns Cinema (Arrowtown’s boutique cinema with wine and cheese)
- Wine tasting at The Winery (self-guided tastings in town) or cellar doors with indoor spaces
- Day spas and hot pools (Onsen Hot Pools, Body Sanctum, spa at Millbrook Resort and more)
Adventure seekers
- iFLY Indoor Skydiving (all-weather adrenaline)
- Indoor climbing/Clip ‘n Climb (Frankton)
- Laser tag and VR arenas (Thrillzone)
- Jet boating (Shotover Jet and Kawarau Jet) sometimes runs in rain; expect to get wet—check conditions and gear
Leisure seekers and couples
- Onsen Hot Pools (private cedar tubs overlooking the Shotover River; book ahead)
- Wine cave tour and tasting in Gibbston (e.g., Gibbston Valley Winery)
- The Winery (central, cozy, hundreds of wines and whiskies via tasting machines)
- Minus 5º ICE BAR (ice sculptures, fun photos, warm jackets provided)
- Art galleries (Ivan Clarke Gallery, Artbay Gallery) and café hopping
Groups and friends
- Game Over Queenstown (great for mixed ages)
- Escape Quest (team‑building fun)
- Bowling or trampoline sessions (check availability)
- Ice bar followed by tapas and craft beer in town
Top Rainy Day Activities in Central Queenstown
iFLY Indoor Skydiving
The tunnel simulates freefall without jumping from a plane. Great
for first-timers; sessions are short, supervised, and thrilling.
Time Tripper Underwater Experience
A seated digital show below the lake’s surface near the main pier,
followed by viewing native trout and eels through underwater windows.
Kiwi Park
A conservation park with a covered nocturnal kiwi house and
informative keeper talks. Much of it is sheltered—bring a rain jacket
for paths between exhibits.
Escape Rooms and VR
Escape Quest: Story-driven rooms inspired by local Gold Rush history.
Thrillzone: VR experiences, escape adventures, and laser tag, all indoors.
Ice Bar Experience
Minus 5º ICE BAR: Everything is ice—glasses, sculptures, seating. Jackets and gloves provided; book peak times.
Art and Culture
Ivan Clarke Gallery (Lonely Dog) and other local galleries are perfect for an hour of browsing between showers.
TSS Earnslaw Steamship Cruise
The historic twin-screw steamer has cozy indoor lounges and a working engine room. Pair the cruise with a farm tour or lunch at Walter Peak (some activities are covered).
Frankton and Remarkables Park (Great When You’ve Got a Car or Use Local Buses)
Game Over Queenstown
Indoor electric go-karts, glow mini-golf, and laser tag under one roof—ideal for families and friends.
SITE Trampoline
Indoor trampolines, foam pits, and coaching—popular with kids, teens, and freestyle fans.
Clip ‘n Climb/Indoor Climbing
Colorful, auto‑belayed climbing walls that suit all ages; check session times.
Shopping and cafés
Remarkables Park, Five Mile, and Queenstown Central have plenty of shelter, food options, and parking. Maybe a good opportunity to replenish your grocery supplies at one of our Queenstown supermarkets like Pak n Save.
Arrowtown and Gibbston Valley (Short Drive; Mostly Indoors)
Lakes District Museum & Gallery
Learn about the region’s Māori and Gold Rush history; well-curated exhibits that suit all ages.
Dorothy Browns Cinema
Boutique screening rooms, a bookshop, and a cheese-and-wine bar—perfect for a rainy afternoon or evening.
Millbrook Resort (Spa and dining)
Book a spa treatment and linger over lunch; non‑guests can often access spa services with a reservation.
Gibbston Valley Wineries
Wine cave tours and seated tastings are under cover. Many cellar
doors are set up for rainy-day comfort. Closer to town, Wet Jacket Wines
offers a rustic indoor tasting in a historic woolshed.
Wellness and Spa Ideas
Learn more about the various Queenstown pools and hot tubs on our dedicated page here.
Onsen Hot Pools
Private rooms with retractable windows and dramatic gorge views. Very popular—book days or weeks ahead for prime slots.
Day Spas in Town
Body Sanctum and other central spas offer massages, facials, and couples treatments—easy to combine with lunch and shopping.
Food and Drink to Warm Up
Self-guided tastings with smart cards, from Central Otago pinot noir to international wines and premium whiskies.
Cozy restaurants and cafés
Queenstown’s compact center makes it easy to duck between over 100 restaurants, cafés, bakeries, and dessert bars when showers pass.
Here's a few of our favourite pubs and restaurants.
Scenic Wet‑Weather Winners
Milford Sound day tour
If you
don’t mind a full-day excursion, rain creates hundreds of temporary
waterfalls in the fiord. Many tours run in most conditions; road
closures are possible—confirm on the day.
Lake Wakatipu viewpoints
Short, covered photo stops and café breaks around the lake (Kingston or Glenorchy directions) can still be rewarding between squalls.
Sample Rainy-Day Itineraries
Half‑day family plan
- Morning: iFLY session
- Lunch: Casual spot in town
- Afternoon: Escape Quest or Thrillzone
- Treat: Ice bar photos or dessert stop
Full‑day culture and wine
- Morning: Lakes District Museum (Arrowtown)
- Lunch: Arrowtown café
- Afternoon: Gibbston wine cave tour and tastings
- Evening: Dorothy Browns Cinema
Adventure indoors
- Morning: Clip ‘n Climb or indoor climbing
- Lunch: Frankton
- Afternoon: Game Over karts and laser tag
- Evening: Return to town for drinks and live music
Relax and recharge (couples)
- Late morning: Spa treatments in town
- Afternoon: Onsen Hot Pools
- Evening: Wine tasting at The Winery and a slow dinner
Practical Tips for Rainy Days in Queenstown
Book ahead
Onsen Hot Pools, iFLY, escape rooms, and popular wineries sell out
on wet days. Reserve early, especially in peak periods like the summer months (Dec-Feb), school holidays and ski
season.
What to wear
Waterproof jacket, warm layers, and
non‑slip shoes. Pack swimwear for hot pools and a small umbrella for
short walks between venues.
Getting around
Central
Queenstown is walkable. For Frankton/Arrowtown/Gibbston, use local
buses, rideshares, or a rental car. Allow extra time in poor weather.
Safety and cancellations
Many activities run in the rain; some outdoor options modify or cancel for high wind or unsafe conditions. Check your provider’s weather policy.
FAQs about rainy day activities in Queenstown
Is Queenstown still fun in the rain?
Is Queenstown still fun in the rain?
Yes. The town has a deep lineup of indoor attractions, spas, wineries, galleries, and sheltered experiences. Some scenic options (like Milford Sound) can be even more dramatic in rain.
Do major tours run in bad weather?
Do major tours run in bad weather?
Often yes, but high wind or road issues can prompt cancellations. Always monitor updates from your tour operator.
What’s the best rainy-day activity for kids?
What’s the best rainy-day activity for kids?
iFLY, Game Over, escape rooms, and trampoline parks are consistent family favorites.
What can I do without a car?
What can I do without a car?
Plenty. In the CBD you’ll find iFLY, Time Tripper, Kiwi Park, escape rooms, galleries, The Winery, spas, and the TSS Earnslaw—all walkable.
Are hot pools good in the rain?
Are hot pools good in the rain?
They’re fantastic. Light rain adds atmosphere; private rooms and covered spaces keep you comfortable.
With this plan, a rainy day in Queenstown becomes a chance to slow down, warm up, and discover the town’s indoor gems without missing a beat.
Enjoy!
Rainy day activities in Queenstown - Top of Page
