New Zealand’s hidden gems

New Zealand is a destination for adventurers. Those willing to strike out into the unknown, take the road less travelled, and embark on a journey of discovery will be generously rewarded. There is a certain liberation in going where others aren’t, and when combined with the sense of having the whole world to yourself, assures you that you truly are onto a good thing. There are plenty of popular places for tourists, and popular places for locals. Here we will cover some locations (somewhat) frequented by neither! 

1. Kawakawa

Be sure to stop in here on your way to the Bay of Islands! That boat cruise to the hole in the rock can wait. Kawakawa is a small town on the periphery of the truly magical Paihia, and sadly overlooked at times in the mad rush to get there. It’s a quirky, colourful place, with possibly the most unique public toilets you will ever see. Resplendent with its many curves, textures, and colours, you’ll be left wondering; how? And, why? Remember, there are no right or wrong answers here. 

It was gifted to the town by its resident artist, Friedensreich Hundertwasser. If you passed through Whangārei, you should have seen the Hundertwasser arts centre in all of its unique glory (by the same guy, believe it or not). Whether you’re here on your Ultimate New Zealand Contiki or travelling solo, take some time to pause and reflect (like all good art invokes). Otherwise, pick up your Fish and Chips, and try not to get hit by the train that runs through the centre of town! 

2. Uretiti beach

Scarce crowds, white sandy beaches, and the most incredible stargazing you have ever experienced. All await at the secluded and restful Uretiti beach. About a two hour drive from Auckland, and about 5 minutes up the road from Waipu, a quaint little North Island town with a storied Scottish history. Go for a stroll through town and check out the local markets, and maybe even catch the local bagpipers at work! 

Waipu Cove nearby is also a beautiful spot with a coastal walk and great swimming/snorkelling potential. Uretiti beach itself offers a Department of Conservation campground for accommodation, perhaps contributing to its status as a relatively undiscovered gem. Whittle away the hours lazing by the beach, exploring local walking tracks, or using it as a base to travel further afield! Glow worm caves, kayaking, surfing, fishing, and other activities all lie in the vicinity. 

3. Kai Iwi Lakes

Admittedly, this spot is popular with Aucklanders during the summer months. That being said, I don’t imagine it being on the radar of many tourists on their way through our great nation! Kai Iwi is an excellent spot for a summer camping getaway, whether it be swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, or any other water related sport that tickles your fancy. The lake itself offers crystal clear blue waters, flanked by native bush on all sides in which the campsites nestle. A true oasis mere kilometres from civilisation. 

4. Tiritiri Matangi Island

Another incredible location a stone’s throw from central Auckland! Tiritiri Matangi Island is one of New Zealand’s oldest eco sanctuaries, and full to the brim of rare and breathtaking native wildlife. Spot the tiny green Rifleman or the warbling Kōkako singing from the treetops. 

Lizards as old as the dinosaurs and Little Spotted Kiwi all thrive together on this little Island paradise. Catch the ferry over and come for a day trip, or stay at the lighthouse if you can! Night-time is your best chance for spotting Kiwi and Ruru, so well worth looking into! Note that there is no camping permitted on the island. 

5. Wairere Falls

Stopping in at Hobbiton? Take some inspiration from Bilbo and go on your own little adventure! A short drive from Matamata lies the North Island’s tallest waterfall, at a staggering 153m. Weave your way through moss covered boulders and native tree cover, past rock pools and cascading streams. 

There is a lookout about 45 minutes in, providing incredible views of the falls themselves. Continue on a steady and sometimes gruelling uphill climb for another hour or so to reach the top of the falls! I hope you packed some lunch, because it’s a pretty good spot to stop for a picnic. You can walk right to the edge of the falls, but use your judgement based on the conditions. This track can also be muddy and slippery, so best not to go after heavy rainfall. 

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6. Omanawa Falls

Also in the Bay of Plenty region, this little gem has recently reopened after years of work and track closure. Much has been done to reinforce cliff faces and build a safe track that also respects the cultural significance of the area. These falls have long been a sacred place of reflection and meditation for Ngāti Hangarau, and as such no swimming is permitted and no water access is provided. See the walk as an opportunity to grow your knowledge and understanding of Māori culture, with a breathtaking view forming the backdrop.  

7. Rotorua Marae Stay 

While Rotorua is a well established tourist hub in its own right, I would argue that the ability to stay at a Marae is very much a hidden gem! The Contiki Real New Zealand trip offers you the opportunity to embrace Māori culture and customs like nowhere else can. Being welcomed onto, and experiencing a Marae is not an everyday activity, even for Kiwi’s, so ensure that you treat it with the respect and dignity it deserves. You will stay for two nights, enjoy traditional customs and ceremonies, and indulge in traditional food such as hāngī. On top of all that, enjoy language, traditional carving practices, and connect with Indigenous people and perspectives.

After all that growth and development, why not relax a little in the famed Rotorua hot pools? Natural, geothermally heated waters powered by the planet await those aching muscles. If, for some reason, that sounds too relaxing, go and watch the kind of mud pools you can’t hop in! Deathly hot, dangerous, and smelly, these steamy geothermic delights will have you lost for words (and maybe holding your nose). It truly is incredible how quickly lush native bush can turn into an arid, sulfuric wasteland. Go there on Northern Choice and you can use your new friends as human shields (they’ll be fine)!

8. Kaikōura

This town is so much more than the road trip toilet break between Picton and Christchurch. Kaikōura is the ultimate wildlife hotspot, and home to some of the best opportunities to see whales and eat crayfish in the country. You can kayak with fur seals.You can watch majestic whales breaching through the icy waters from the sea or the air. You can cycle, hike, or quad bike to your heart’s content, and end the day with the catch of the day and a glass of wine. It doesn’t stop there though, small New Zealand towns like this are also perfect for stargazing!

Kaikōura is one of those places you didn’t know you needed to go to, but now the thought of missing it tears at the heartstrings. It has the views, the wildlife, and the food to round out your New Zealand Panorama adventure. There is really only one solution. Go. 

9. Motueka

Situated at the very top of the South Island, this idyllic little town is packing character in spades. Scores of local produce can be purchased at the Sunday markets, plentiful walks and cycle trails lie in wait, not to mention the nearby Abel Tasman National Park. One of our Great Walks can be completed here, or catch a water taxi in and enjoy a few days away from civilisation. 

Imagine sitting on a remote beach, sipping a cold beer made a few kilometres away, with native birdlife singing from the dense native bush behind you. Clear blue sapphire waters welcome you in, the promise of long hot summer nights begging you to stay. Just keep an eye out for the cheeky Weka, who are not to be underestimated. They work in teams to distract you, then steal your hard earned lunch. It’s pretty funny when it’s not happening to you.

10. Akaroa

Bienvenue, comment ça va? Bust out the Duolingo and explore New Zealand’s best preserved slice of French colonial history! The British weren’t the only ones vying for control over Aotearoa, with the French founding this little settlement in 1840. Mon Dieu! It didn’t work out this way, but a lasting legacy exists in this small town that will have you saying ooo là là in no time. Akaroa is famed for its French cuisine and dolphin tours, topped off with a cute lighthouse. Indulge in the unique culture of this delightful little hamlet.

11. Twizel

Twizel is one of those places that everyone loves to drive through. It’s halfway between Tekapo and Wānaka, two extremely popular, and extremely beautiful South Island locations. But when you flip it on its head, it’s halfway between Tekapo and Wānaka! A small township flanked by snow capped peaks, baby blue lakes, and lupins swaying in the afternoon breeze. It has salmon farms, hiking, kayaking, mountain biking, and skiing all in proximity. Couple that with fewer tourists (and potentially lower prices), and you know you’re onto a winner! 

12. Cromwell

A gold rush town situated on the banks of Lake Dunstan, and largely overlooked in favour of nearby Queenstown. Cromwell dates all the way back to the 1800s, despite it appearing relatively modern. 

This is largely due to the fact that most of the old town sits at the bottom of the lake! It was flooded as part of the construction of a nearby dam and power station. It now forms a significant part of the Central Otago wine scene, as well as being home to some of the most delectable stone fruit in the world. Adrenaline junkies, fear not. The Highlands Motorsport park is on the outskirts of town, in addition to the usual hiking, water sports, mountain biking trifecta. The Nevis Valley and Kawarau bridge bungee also beckon on the road toward Queenstown. 

13. Real Country Farm Experience

Farming and Agriculture are in New Zealand’s DNA. It goes hand in hand with Kiwi Ingenuity and the can do attitude that we all try to live by. Here, with Real Country, you have the unique opportunity to live out your Yellowstone dreams whilst supporting women in what is traditionally a male dominated industry. Crack a whip, shoot a gun, touch grass. When, in your day to day existence, do you get to experience a farm and all the wonderful things that come with it? Get out of your comfort zone and try this truly once in a lifetime experience! 

14. Oamaru

Oamaru is a funny place. If you’ve ever wanted to experience what it feels like to go back to the 1880s, this is the place to be. Oamaru’s agricultural scene flourished in its infancy, boasting the world’s first frozen meat exports, leading to the widespread construction of regal Victorian Architecture carved from local limestone or ‘Oamaru stone’. As a result Oamaru is home to one of New Zealand’s most impressive streetscapes and has led, in large part, to the abundant local Steampunk scene. 

Locals dressed in Victorian attire riding around on penny farthings? Sign me up! If that’s not enough to draw you in, perhaps the little blue penguins will. A flourishing population sprang from a disused quarry nearby, and an evening experience with the cute little guys is easily bookable. Great food and drink can be found all around, with a local cheese factory, breweries and distilleries, not to mention the award winning Riverstone kitchen. Just be sure to pack a jacket or two for the winter months! 

As you can see, there is far more to New Zealand than meets the eye. So many opportunities are overlooked in the rush to get to the big ticket destinations. Take a moment, wander, see what you can uncover! This list barely scratches the surface of the undiscovered gems you can find here when you really look.