Hidden New Zealand gems for your next short getaway

Swap the overcrowded tourist hotspots for these hidden gems and discover New Zealand like a local.

By Carolyn Tate

New Zealand's tourism marketing has done such a great job showcasing the country's blockbuster destinations that places like Queenstown, Rotorua and Milford Sound are practically household names worldwide. But the problem with having world-famous attractions is that they come with ever-increasing crowds.

Lucky for us, New Zealand's natural beauty doesn't stop at the big-ticket postcard favourites. Tucked away between the marquee destinations are dozens of lesser-known gems that offer all the stunning scenery and unique experiences you'd expect from Aotearoa, without having to queue for the perfect photo.

Whether you're a Kiwi looking for a long weekend escape that won't involve battling tour buses full of Aussies, or an Australian visitor keen to discover the New Zealand spots that don't feature on every Instagram feed, these hidden treasures are sure to provide something special. From historic towns frozen in time to geothermal wonders without the crowds, here are our favourite under-the-radar destinations for your next New Zealand getaway.

Our favourite North Island spots

Russell: New Zealand's first town

In the Bay of Islands, just a short ferry ride from Paihia, Russell offers the perfect base for exploring this historic region. Step back in time in Russell, where the streets haven't changed since the 1800s and the pace of life moves at a relaxed pace. As New Zealand's first European settlement, this seaside town offers a glimpse into the NZ's colonial past. Spend your days sailing the pristine waters of the Bay of Islands, take a guided tour to learn about the town's colourful history, or simply wander the historic streets at your own pace. It's like having a living museum all to yourself.

Orakei Korako: geothermal wonderland

Think you need to brave the crowds at Rotorua for New Zealand's best geothermal experience? We’ve got good news. About 25 minutes south of Taupo on the North Island, Orakei Korako offers a quieter alternative. With all the bubbling mud pools, colourful terraces and steaming geysers you could want, Orakei Korako has a fraction of Rotorua’s visitors. Often called 'The Hidden Valley', this geothermal wonderland sits on the shores of Lake Ohakuri and can only be reached by boat, adding an element of adventure to your visit. The silica terraces here are considered some of the most beautiful in the world.

Forgotten World Highway: historic back roads

Running between Stratford and Taumarunui on the North Island, the Forgotten World Highway is one of New Zealand's most spectacular drives. As one of the few remaining unsealed sections of the state highway system, this historic route winds through some of the country's most remote and beautiful countryside, passing abandoned settlements and dramatic landscapes that tell the story of New Zealand's pioneering past. The journey takes you through native bush, farmland and forgotten valleys, with plenty of opportunities to stop and explore ghost towns, historic sites and scenic lookouts. It's a road trip that rewards those who prefer to take their time and really soak in the history and scenery…so maybe you could extend that short getaway for just a bit longer.

Tūpare Gardens: heritage gardens and walking tracks

Just a short drive from New Plymouth, on the North Island's west coast, Tūpare Gardens are set against the dramatic backdrop of Mount Taranaki. While most visitors head straight for Mount Taranaki, those in the know schedule a stop at Tūpare Gardens. This stunning 3.6-hectare garden showcases some of New Zealand's most beautiful landscaping, with rhododendrons, camellias and rare trees creating a botanical wonderland that changes with the seasons. The heritage homestead and peaceful walking tracks make it perfect for a leisurely afternoon, and unlike some of New Zealand's more famous gardens, you should have large sections to yourself to enjoy in peaceful contemplation.

Our favourite South Island spots

The Catlins: wildlife and wilderness

If you're after dramatic coastlines without the tour buses, The Catlins delivers in spades. Tucked away in the southeastern corner of the South Island between Dunedin and Invercargill, The Catlins combines sandy beaches, thundering waterfalls and rolling green farmland into one spectacular package. The iconic Nugget Point Lighthouse offers breathtaking coastal views, while Jack's Blowhole provides natural drama as waves crash through the rocky archway. Keep your eyes peeled for fur seals basking on the rocks – they're more interested in sunbathing than posing for tourist photos, making for wonderfully authentic wildlife encounters.

Punakaiki: nature's wonderland

The small west coast village of Punakaiki might be tiny, but it packs a geological punch with its famous Pancake Rocks – limestone formations that look like giant stacks of pancakes that have been created by some divine chef. The blowholes here put on quite a show when the tide and conditions are right, sending seawater shooting skyward in impressive displays. Beyond the main attraction, you can go rafting, caving and canoeing, and the area also has an array of coastal walks and rainforest tracks that showcase the wild beauty of the West Coast without the crowds you'll find at more popular spots.

Oamaru: Victorian charm … and penguins!

This perfectly preserved Victorian town is home to New Zealand's oldest public gardens and some of the country's most impressive 19th-century architecture. Perched on the east coast between Christchurch and Dunedin, Oamaru's real drawcard is its colony of little blue penguins, which you can watch waddle ashore each evening in a natural spectacle that's both heartwarming and hilarious. The town's steampunk scene and artisan culture add unexpected quirks to your visit, while the historic harbour area offers excellent cafes and shops to explore. It can get busy during peak penguin season (September to February), but it's still blissfully uncrowded compared with New Zealand's bigger attractions.

Mount Aspiring National Park: alpine adventures

With Wanaka as your gateway town, Mount Aspiring National Park stretches across the Southern Alps offering all the dramatic scenery of Fiordland without the crowds. The Blue Pools Walk is a particular highlight – a relatively easy track that leads to crystal-clear pools of the most incredible turquoise blue you've ever seen. The park offers everything from gentle valley walks to serious mountaineering challenges, but even the shorter tracks provide access to some of New Zealand's most pristine wilderness areas.

Love the blue water? Check out this pink lake in Australia

Hanmer Springs: alpine relaxation

Nestled in a mountain-ringed valley on the South Island, about 90 minutes north of Christchurch, Hanmer Springs offers the perfect blend of relaxation and outdoor adventure. While it's known for its therapeutic hot springs, this charming alpine town has much more to offer than just a good soak. The surrounding mountains provide excellent walking and hiking opportunities, from gentle forest strolls to more challenging alpine tracks for the intrepid hikers among us. The town itself has a cosy village atmosphere, with excellent cafes, restaurants and boutique shops, while the nearby ski fields add winter appeal. It's the kind of place where you can spend the morning hiking or skiing, the afternoon soaking in natural hot pools, and the evening enjoying excellent local wine and cuisine – quite possibly the perfect day!

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