Wellington seems to experience two different types of weather: sunny days filled with warmth and clear blue skies that majestically frame the harbor as it sparkles in the sunshine, and dark, dreary rainy days where low hanging clouds make the very air feel oppressive. These vast opposites provide for variety, but play havoc on a traveler’s eagerness to experience Wellington. When the days are sunny, it is easy to feel as if the whole city is at your feet. Cafes are open and alive with chaotic sounds and caffeinated patrons spilling out onto the sidewalks, buskers boldly perform on street corners and in parks soliciting pedestrians for patronage, and the water front is filled with throngs of people eating lunch, diving into the harbor, or sunning themselves on the beach. Wellington is a city of the sun and travelers and locals alike eagerly pour out into the city to pursue their passions under cloudless skies. When the rain comes however, and it usually lasts the day, travelers often feel sluggish with disappointment. The city of the sun becomes dark and dreary and the energetic happiness stimulated by the sunshine of yesterday quickly morphs into throngs of people hurrying from one overhang to another, hoping to stay dry. Locals can always wait for the next sunny day, but travelers must seize each day, sun or rain, as time is always short.

Five Things to Do in Wellington When it Rains

1. The Film Archive: The New Zealand Film Archive is located in Wellington and it contains all movies and television shows ever produced in New Zealand. The Archive is FREE and well staffed, thus allowing anyone to quickly find and view hours of Kiwi entertainment. A cafe on site allows you to stay well caffeinated and dry while trying to understand the illusive Kiwi sense of humor. No ideas about what to watch? The Film Archive’s staff are passionate about Kiwi films and television so ask them for recommendations.
2. Te Papa: The famous “Museum of New Zealand”, Te Papa has a diverse number of exhibits ranging from Natural History to current Art displays and everything in between. Most of the museum is FREE and it is easy to lose track of the hours as you wander its densely packed 6 floors. Although much of the museum is geared more towards children than adults, the 2nd floor houses a interactive photo and movie display (entitled Our Space: The wall) that allows museum goers to manipulate images on a series of massive screen interfaces, 10 feet high and 100 feet long. This alone is worth the trip.
3. Internet Cafes: Wellington has almost as many internet cafes as coffee shops. Take advantage of a rainy day to catch up on your email, call home, and plan your next adventure. Take care of the logistics on a rainy day so you are not forced to waste sunny days with obligations.
4. Drink Coffee: Wellington has an active cafe culture, so use a rainy day to sample the local coffee and watch people. You won’t be the only one hiding from the rain in a coffee shop. Chances are you will meet any number of eccentric locals. In the mood to ignore people? Take a book and snuggle into a sofa when watching people loses its appeal.
5. Clothing on Cuba Street: Wellington’s Cuba street is loaded with eccentric clothing boutiques and quality second hand clothing stores. Spend part of a rainy day trying on local fashions and searching for that comfy pair of pants or perfect accessory. If your low on cash, this is still a great way to experience and witness the hub of Wellington sub-culture.

The rain is inevitable. Don’t sit around your hotel or hostel watching movies and moping about it. Get an umbrella and get out into the city. It may be dreary but their is plenty to do. If you only see Wellington in the sun, you are missing half the city.

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Tags | New Zealand, urban exploration