Indoor & Rainy Day Adventures in Queenstown Area

Indoor Adventures Around Queenstown, Arrowtown & Gibbston

Queenstown isn’t just about mountain peaks and river thrills—it’s also packed with indoor experiences that deliver excitement, creativity, and comfort in any season. Whether you’re dodging a rainy day, planning a family-friendly itinerary, or simply craving something different, the region’s indoor attractions offer high-energy fun, immersive storytelling, and hands-on discovery.

Guests staying at Judge & Jury Village in Gibbston Valley enjoy the best of both worlds: peaceful surroundings by night, and easy access to Queenstown’s indoor entertainment hubs by day. From virtual reality arenas to heritage museums, here’s your guide to indoor adventures that go beyond the weather.

All-weather fun, immersive entertainment, and creative escapes—just minutes from Judge & Jury Village

Indoor Skydiving

Located in central Queenstown, iFLY’s vertical wind tunnel lets you float, spin, and soar in a safe, controlled environment. It’s perfect for kids, teens, and adults, with packages for beginners and repeat flyers.

No prior experience needed
Flight gear and training included
Spectator-friendly viewing area
Ideal for birthdays, group outings, and rainy-day thrills

Frightening Fun

A haunted house walk-through with live actors and spine-tingling suspense

Step into a world of theatrical horror with jump scares, immersive sets, and eerie soundscapes. Fear Factory is a favourite among thrill-seekers and older teens looking for a dose of adrenaline indoors.

Live-action horror maze
Opt-out option for nervous guests
Great for couples and groups
Open year-round, rain or shine

Trampolining

SITE Trampoline is one of Queenstown’s best all‑weather adventure options, offering a bright, energetic indoor space where guests of all ages can jump, flip, and play. With professional‑grade trampolines, soft‑landing airbags, and dedicated freestyle zones, it’s a brilliant choice for families, groups, or anyone wanting a burst of action between wine tastings and scenic walks. Whether you’re practising tricks or simply bouncing for fun, SITE delivers a safe, high‑spirited experience just a short drive from central Queenstown.

Airbags and foam pits for safe, confidence‑building practice
Parkour and freestyle zones for extra challenge
Coaching available for beginners through to advanced jumpers
Ideal rainy‑day or winter activity for families and groups
Located in Frankton, around 15 minutes from Gibbston Valley

Water Thrills

Alpine Aqualand is Queenstown’s go‑to indoor aquatic playground — warm, spacious, and perfect for families, couples, or anyone wanting a fun, low‑pressure activity between adventures. With heated pools, hydroslides, a lazy river, and dedicated kids’ zones, it’s an easy all‑weather option that keeps everyone entertained. Located in Frankton, just a short drive from Queenstown and an easy outing from Judge & Jury Village, it’s ideal for rainy days, cooler months, or a relaxing break from high‑adrenaline activities. The centre is fully supervised by lifeguards and offers plenty of seating, making it a comfortable and stress‑free choice for visitors.

Hydroslides, lazy river, and splash zones for family fun
Warm, weather‑proof activity perfect for rainy or winter days
Lifeguard‑supervised facilities for peace of mind
Easy location in Frankton, close to shops and cafés
Great option for guests wanting active fun without extreme thrills

Escape Rooms & Puzzle Challenges

Escape rooms and puzzle experiences in Queenstown offer a clever, fast‑paced alternative to the region’s outdoor thrills, making them perfect for rainy days, winter visits, or group outings. Central Queenstown is home to Escape Quest, known for its beautifully themed, historically inspired missions, while Thrillzone offers high‑energy escape adventures and VR puzzle challenges under one roof. These venues blend immersive storytelling with time‑pressured problem‑solving, giving visitors a fun, collaborative way to test their wits and enjoy an all‑weather adventure.

Escape Quest Queenstown — historically themed escape rooms inspired by local gold‑rush stories
Thrillzone Queenstown — VR escape adventures, puzzle challenges, and multi‑sensory missions
Fully indoor, weather‑proof fun for families, friends, and groups
A mix of difficulty levels suitable for beginners through to puzzle enthusiasts
Immersive storytelling with clues, locks, hidden objects, and time‑based challenges
Easy central locations close to cafés, shops, and lakefront walks

Go Carting

Go‑karting in Queenstown is a fast, competitive, and weather‑proof way to get your adrenaline fix without heading into the mountains. The region’s main indoor karting venue, Game Over Queenstown, offers electric go‑karts on a professionally designed track that’s built for tight corners, quick acceleration, and plenty of friendly rivalry. It’s a brilliant option for families, groups, or anyone wanting a high‑energy activity that’s fun, safe, and completely indoors — perfect for rainy days or when you want a break from outdoor adventure.

Game Over Queenstown — indoor electric go‑karting with a high‑quality, purpose‑built track
Fast, smooth electric karts suitable for a wide range of ages and skill levels
Fully indoor, all‑weather activity ideal for families, groups, and competitive friends
On‑site laser tag and arcade games for extra fun before or after racing
Located in Frankton, close to shops, cafés, and other indoor attractions

Cinemas

Queenstown and Arrowtown offer a cosy mix of boutique and modern cinemas, perfect for a relaxed night out or a rainy‑day escape. Visitors can enjoy everything from big blockbusters at Reading Cinemas Queenstown to the charming, wine‑and‑cheeseboard experience at Dorothy Browns in Arrowtown — a beloved local favourite known for its intimate theatres and book‑lined lounge. Whether guests want family‑friendly films, arthouse titles, or a stylish date‑night setting, the region’s cinemas provide warm, welcoming spaces to unwind indoors.

Dorothy Browns Cinema (Arrowtown) — boutique, fully licensed cinema with cosy lounges, chandeliers, and a bookshop
Reading Cinemas Queenstown — modern multiplex showing the latest blockbusters and family films
Great rainy‑day or evening activity for couples, families, and groups

Bowling

Queenstown’s ten‑pin bowling scene offers fun, fully indoor entertainment that’s perfect for families, groups, or anyone wanting a relaxed activity on a rainy day. The region’s two main venues — Strike Bowl in Arthurs Point and Kingpin Queenstown in the town centre — deliver everything from classic bowling lanes to arcades, pool tables, karaoke, and food options, making them easy, all‑weather outings just a short drive from Judge & Jury Village. Whether guests want friendly competition or a full indoor entertainment experience, bowling is a guaranteed crowd‑pleaser.

Strike Bowl Queenstown (Arthurs Point) — classic ten‑pin bowling with arcade games, pool tables, and a fully licensed bar
Kingpin Queenstown (Brecon Street) — modern lanes with arcade games, VR, karaoke, and a stylish lodge‑inspired atmosphere

Indoor Climbing

Indoor rock climbing in Queenstown is a brilliant all‑weather adventure, offering a mix of fun, fitness, and challenge for families, beginners, and experienced climbers alike. The region’s main facility — Basecamp Adventures Indoor Climbing Centre in Frankton — features Clip ’n Climb walls for kids, a full sport‑climbing wall for rope climbers, and one of New Zealand’s largest bouldering areas. It’s safe, supervised, and perfect for a rainy day or a break from Queenstown’s outdoor adrenaline.

Basecamp Adventures Indoor Climbing Centre (Frankton) — Queenstown’s primary indoor climbing hub with Clip ’n Climb, sport‑climbing walls, and extensive bouldering
Clip ’n Climb — themed climbing challenges ideal for kids, families, and first‑timers
Sport Climbing Wall — top‑rope, lead routes, and an Olympic‑style speed wall for all skill levels
Bouldering Area — 250sqm of modern bouldering terrain, including a Moon Board and cave features

Walks in Gibbston Valley

Galleries

Queenstown’s art scene is vibrant, welcoming, and deeply connected to the region’s landscapes and stories. From contemporary galleries showcasing local painters and sculptors to spaces celebrating Māori artistry and modern design, the area offers a rich mix of creative expression. Many galleries sit within easy walking distance of the lakefront or in nearby Frankton, making them perfect for a relaxed cultural outing or a rainy‑day wander. Whether guests are browsing, buying, or simply soaking up inspiration, Queenstown’s galleries provide a warm, reflective counterpoint to the region’s high‑adrenaline energy.

Milford Galleries Queenstown — contemporary New Zealand art, sculpture, and high‑quality curated exhibitions
Artbay Gallery — a mix of established and emerging artists with bold, modern works
Te Atamira (Frankton) — large creative hub with exhibitions, workshops, and performance spaces
Nadene Milne Gallery (Arrowtown) — fine art with a focus on leading New Zealand artists
Lakes District Museum (Arrowtown) — heritage‑focused exhibitions with a strong visual arts component

Museums

Queenstown and its surrounding towns offer a small but richly rewarding collection of museums that bring the region’s stories to life — from gold‑rush history and early settlement to Māori heritage and local art. The standout is the Lakes District Museum in Arrowtown, widely recognised as the area’s primary cultural hub, with exhibitions covering Māori history, Chinese settlement, pioneering life, and the dramatic gold‑rush era. Many visitors pair it with Arrowtown’s historic streets, making it an easy and atmospheric half‑day cultural outing. Smaller museum‑style spaces and heritage displays across the region add extra layers of storytelling, making this a relaxed, all‑weather option for families, couples, and culture‑seekers.

Lakes District Museum & Gallery (Arrowtown) — the region’s main museum, featuring artefacts, photos, films, and exhibitions on Māori history, Chinese miners, and gold‑rush settlement
Attached Art Gallery — rotating exhibitions showcasing local and international artists, adding a contemporary layer to the heritage experience
Arrowtown Historic Precinct — museum‑style interpretation throughout the town, including the Chinese Settlement and preserved gold‑rush buildings
Vesta Design Store (Queenstown) — part gallery, part heritage space, offering a boutique museum‑like experience with local art and design pieces

Creativity

Queenstown offers a surprising and delightful mix of hands‑on creative experiences perfect for families, couples, and anyone wanting a break from high‑adrenaline adventure. From honey‑infused craft sessions to pottery, painting, and jewellery‑making, the region’s workshops provide a relaxed, inspiring way to connect with local makers and take home something truly personal. These experiences are ideal all‑weather activities and pair beautifully with a slow morning in Arrowtown or an easy afternoon in Frankton.

Buzzstop Honey Centre — fun, family‑friendly workshops including beeswax candle‑making, honey spinning, tasting flights, and educational sessions about bees and local honey production
Te Atamira (Frankton) — a vibrant creative hub offering regular workshops in painting, pottery, printmaking, weaving, and kids’ art sessions
The Bead Shop (Queenstown) — hands‑on jewellery‑making where guests can design and create their own bracelets, necklaces, or gifts
Pottery & Ceramics Workshops — seasonal classes across Queenstown and Arrowtown for wheel throwing, hand‑building, and glazing
Art Classes & Sip‑and‑Paint Sessions — relaxed guided painting experiences perfect for groups, couples, or a rainy‑day creative escape

When the rain rolls in, adventure carries on

A Family‑Friendly Rainy Day Out from Judge & Jury Village

Rainy days in the Whakatipu don’t need to slow the fun — in fact, they’re the perfect excuse for a cosy, adventure‑filled family outing. From indoor action to creative play and warm swimming pools, the region offers plenty of all‑weather experiences just a short drive from Judge & Jury Village. This relaxed itinerary keeps everyone entertained, dry, and smiling, with easy transitions between activities and plenty of options for snacks, coffee, and comfort along the way.

10:00am — Start with Indoor Fun at SITE Trampoline (Frankton)
Kick off the morning with high‑energy bouncing at SITE Trampoline, where kids (and adults) can burn off steam on pro‑grade trampolines, airbags, and parkour zones. It’s safe, supervised, and brilliant for mixed‑age families.
11:30am — Head to Game Over for Go‑Karting & Laser Tag
Just around the corner, Game Over Queenstown offers indoor electric go‑karts, laser tag, and arcade games — perfect for friendly family competition. It’s fully indoors and ideal for keeping the momentum going on a rainy day.

12:45pm — Lunch in Frankton
Warm up with an easy family lunch at one of Frankton’s cafés or eateries. Plenty of options sit within a few minutes’ drive, making it simple to refuel before the afternoon’s activities.

2:00pm — Splash Time at Alpine Aqualand
Spend the afternoon at Alpine Aqualand, Queenstown’s indoor aquatic centre. With hydroslides, a lazy river, heated pools, and a dedicated kids’ splash zone, it’s a guaranteed hit for families. Lifeguards are on duty, and the warm water is perfect on a chilly or wet day.

4:00pm — Treat Stop & Return to Judge & Jury Village
Pick up a hot chocolate or sweet treat in Frankton before heading back to the peaceful surrounds of Judge & Jury Village. The valley feels especially cosy on rainy afternoons — a perfect time to unwind, play board games, or enjoy a relaxed evening together.

Judge & Jury Village – Perfect base for all weathers

Queenstown’s indoor activities run year-round, with peak popularity during winter months, school holidays, and rainy days. Book ahead for popular attractions, especially escape rooms and VR experiences.

Quick, easy access to Queenstown and Frankton’s top indoor attractions

Cosy, scenic base to return to when the weather turns

Perfect balance of countryside calm and all‑weather family fun

Ready to explore? From haunted houses to heritage museums, all within reach of your front door