Heading for cover? The fun still continues

Waitomo Caves. Photo / Supplied

The fun doesn't have to stop when the bad weather starts, writes Jane Jurgens.

It's been hot, it's been humid and it feels like it hasn't stopped raining for weeks. Where did those lazy, hazy days of December and January go? Don't let the weather spoil your fun, though...here are a few places to go on a rainy day.

Te Papa Wellington

You could easily while away the best part of a day at New Zealand's innovative and interactive national museum— and it's a great way to escape what ever wild weather Wellington might throw at you. With six floors of fascinating displays to explore, you definitely won't be bored. Te Papa has recently celebrated its 20 year anniversary and has discovered 400 new species, hosted more than 3000 powhiri, and rocked visitors with more than 1.3 million shakes of its famous earthquake house. And best of all, it's free.

Snow Planet, Auckland

With all the rainy, yet hot and muggy weather Auckland has been burdened with recently, there's no better relief than the icy slopes of Snow Planet— particularly if you're inspired by the Winter Olympics.This indoor snow dome is located in Silverdale, in the north of the city, with a 200 metre slope to pull some sweet tricks on. Snowboard or ski,or just take a wild downhill ride in a snow tube— there's something for all levels of ability and kids can have fun playing in the snow on the beginners slope.Those who are keen to fine tune their skills can signupfor private lessons.

Waitomo Caves, Waitomo

If it rains on your parade, get prehistoric and find a cave to shelter in.The legendary Waitomo Caves are a fantastic place to start, with a magical boat ride under thousands of glow worms — you'll soon forget about the outside world. Keen explorers can also embark on New Zealand's longest underground walking tour through Ruakuri Cave— an experience that has to be seen to be believed. It's also fully accessible, so wheelchairs and prams are welcome.

Thrillzone Queenstown

When bad weather gets in the way of your outdoor adventures, you'll find plenty more indoors at Thrillzone. Step into the Vortex 12D motion theatre for a unique adventure — there's 80 movies to choose from, which include multi-sensory effects such as snow,rain, bubbles, fog, speed and a few other surprises. You can also have a hoon on the 360° drift carts, which allow you to drive and drift forwards, backwards diagonally and sideways —all over the show really. And that's just the start of it — there's virtual reality experiences, laser tag and paintless paintball aswell.