The Best Rainy Day Activities in Auckland

Summer has officially left us, after what seemed like endless days of beautiful sunshine and clear skies. The cold snap is setting in, and getting out of the shower is now an extremely painful experience. Along with the cold will come the rain — and you're going to need a brand new list of things to do, wear, and eat.

FHE Galleries

Get inspired

There are so many ways to experience art in Auckland; from the Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki to Hillborough's Pah Homestead and cafés like Ceremony Grafton, who recently had contemporary Kiwi artist Ken Griffin draw all over the walls in a live art exhibition. Also, the city is buzzing with excitement for the Auckland Art Fair which is only one week away, bringing together 40 galleries from Australia, New Zealand, South America and the Pacific to The Cloud from May 25 - 29. An inspiring way to spend a day, observing and appreciating the new and innovative ways creative people are expressing themselves and interpreting the world around us.

Also check out the World Press Photo Exhibition.

White + Wong's

Treat your taste buds

You can't go a week without another new café and restaurant opening in Auckland, so it will take you the whole winter — at least — to make your way through them. Asian fusion restaurant White + Wong's has taken residence opposite Danny Doolan's on the Viaduct and is perfect for your dumpling and pork bun cravings. They've also added the well-rounded burger joint Burger Boy on one side of the restaurant. Lokanta is an inviting neighbourhood eating house with both traditional Turkish and Greek dishes. Lucky Lucky is a new dumpling pop-up in the newly refurbished Las Vegas nightclub. Though, if you're after something a little healthier, check out The Raw Kitchen's newest outpost in Newmarket or Pintu in Ponsonby for the most mind blowing salads and sandwiches, cold press juices and smoothies.

Go to the cinema

In summer you kind of forget the movies exist. But there's nothing quite like seeing a film in a theatre with a trough of popcorn and overpriced lollies while it's raining outside. New Zealand director Taika Waititi's latest film Hunt for the Wilderpeople is still in cinemas and just happened to break the record for the highest grossing NZ film at the box office. A compelling story of an orphan who finds purpose in a couple who live out in the woods, it's full of classic Kiwi banter, and will have you crying with laughter every few seconds. Further Kiwi movies currently making noise include Mahana from Bond director Lee Tamahori, Orphan's & Kingdoms - the first time feature from Paolo Rotondo, and David Farrier's, Tickled. Documentary festival Doc Edge is also currently playing out at Q Theatre, while Academy Cinemas are hosting the Spanish Film Festival.

Check out our guide on what to see in cinema's this month.

Huffer

Get your winter wardrobe sorted

You can still look bomb while it's raining. You'll need a classic coat, or two, a good pair of boots, and layers. Lots of layers. Fortunately for us, most of our favourite labels have just come out with their autumn/winter ranges, and we're filling our shopping carts to the brim. How much should a coat cost? However much the one you want is. It's an investment. And because we're lazy — online shopping is the way to go. It's like Christmas when that delivery man knocks on the door. Check out Superette, Huffer, Twenty-Seven Names, and RUBY for the latest and greatest in winter fashion. 

Check out our guides to the best vintage and menswear stores in Auckland.

Studio Red

Start working on your summer bod

There's a lot of reasons to avoid this - read: potatoes, pizza, wine and hot chocolate - but if you're committed to being the best version of you when next summer rolls around, start now. Get to a group class at the gym or head to Uptown Bounce, and workout without feeling like you're working out. It's a great day trip with friends and you won't realise it but you'll be burning calories like crazy. If you want to warm up quickly, go along to one of the many hot yoga classes at Studio Red.

Check out our guides to the eight best yoga studios and gyms in Auckland.

East Day Spa

Relax and unwind

Now that we can't sit in the sun for a few hours and read for our much-needed TLC, treat yourself to a massage or facial on a rainy day. Not only will you walk out feeling rejuvenated and refreshed, you won't notice the grey clouds on cloud nine. East Day Spa offers a heap of heavenly packages and treatments, one is even called 'Zen', which we could all use a lot more of.