Rainy day camping activities: fun weather-proof ideas

28th April 2022•Camplify Team

Looking for some fun things to do while camping in the rain? New Zealand is known for experiencing four seasons in one day, so it’s important to have some awesome activities up your sleeve when the rain rolls in. Instead of letting the drizzle put a damper on your camping trip, make the most of wet weather with our list of fun activities to enjoy in the rain!

7 fun things to do while camping in the rain

1. Explore the sights under shelter

Bring your wet weather gear and make the most of the outdoors.

Take a tour of nearby indoor attractions like museums and historical sites or take on some forest trails (the canopy can act as a natural umbrella!). It might sound like a no-brainer, but make sure you’re equipped with wet weather gear before you brave the rain. That way, you can bundle up and explore the wilderness without catching a cold.

When you’re ready to head back to base, hop in your van, lay back and enjoy the sounds of the rain hitting the roof from the outside. It will lull everyone off to sleep after a day of adventures!

Shop rainwear.

2. Enjoy a games night

There's nothing better than a games night in on a wet day.

At the end of a wet day exploring the great outdoors, there’s nothing better than enjoying a good old games night together. Come armed with some of the classics, such as Uno and Monopoly, and experiment with a few extras, such as Life and Cards Against Humanity (adults only!). One of the most fun things to do while camping in the rain, you’re guaranteed a night of laughter - and a little friendly competition.

3. Read a good book

Settle in with a cup of tea and your Kindle for a little downtime.

We spend so much of our travels on the go, checking out the sights and fitting in as much as possible, that we often forget to simply relax. And rain is the perfect reminder to do just that!

Pour yourself a cup of tea and settle in with a good book. One of the best purchases you can make for your travels is an e-reader, like a Kindle. This gives you the ability to buy and download as many books as you like, without taking up valuable luggage space. Immerse yourself in your favourite novel, enjoy some peace and quiet, and recharge ready for another busy day.

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4. Tell stories

Keep camping traditions alive, even in the rain with toasted marshmallows.

While it might be a little tricky to get a campfire going, you can still snuggle up together and bond over past adventures - whether you take it in turns to share your favourite part of the day, makeup scary (or not-so-scary) ‘campfire’ stories or reminisce on funny memories from holidays gone by.

Of course, the stories wouldn’t be complete without some hot chocolate and toasted marshmallows. Step outside under an awning and set up your camping stove in a nice dry spot outdoors. Once the cooking is done, get to work creating some precious memories bundled up indoors.

Want to relax in pure comfort together? The Oodieis just the solution!

5. Make shadow puppets

Grab your torch and get playing with some shadow puppets.

You’re stuck inside with the kids and the rain is pouring - but there’s still plenty of fun to be had! Pull out your camping torch and put it to good use with some fun shadow puppets.

Turn off all the lights and you can even make a game of it. Take it in turns to make up new animals or figures for people to guess, or set challenges. If you’re stuck for ideas, bring out your phone and Google shadow puppets to replicate.

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6. Journal

Enjoy the peace of the rain to write down your thoughts for the trip.

One important part of adventuring to new places is reflecting on your day and recording those bucket-list experiences. There’s no better way to do this than with some journaling!

Let the rain be the perfect motivation to get you to sit down and write about your day while it's fresh in your mind. By the end of your trip, you will have pages and pages of memories to look back on in years to come.

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7. Keep cosy in a campervan

Nothing beats snuggling up in your van to escape the rain.

Let’s face it, the worst part about camping in the rain is getting washed out in your tent! Instead, hire a van with Camplify and take refuge from the rainy weather in complete comfort. No matter the weather outside, you can enjoy staying dry, warm and cosy all trip long.

Plus, your home on wheels can take you around New Zealand, helping you to explore all of the amazing sights at your own pace. Don’t let the rain hold you back - embrace it in comfort instead!

Hire a van for your New Zealand camping trip

When booking a holiday, there’s no magic eight ball to predict the weather. And in New Zealand, some sights that are even more spectacular in the colder seasons! Whether you’re planning a New Zealand North Island road trip in winter or a New Zealand South Island winter road trip - rain is a high possibility. So plan ahead and take note of these fun things to do while camping in the rain!

You can also hire a campervan that will keep you dry and cosy in any weather. Whether you sort out motorhome hire on the North Island or motorhome hire on the South Island, your van will provide the ultimate comfort while you explore the sights in all weather.

Not sure what to bring? Check out our guide on what to wear camping in winter in NZ.

Why Camplify?

We are proud to be New Zealand’s fastest-growing private caravan, campervan and motorhome sharing community. When you hire a van through our platform, it comes with lots of advantages:

Comprehensive hire insurance
Nationwide AA roadside assistance
24/7 customer support
All members are verified

By hiring with Camplify, you are also helping local families who share their van on our platform and supporting many local companies across New Zealand in addition to ours. So we are very grateful to you.