New Zealand is known for popular spots like Queenstown and Rotorua. However, some of its best scenery is tucked away from the tourist buses. If you’re looking to soak in the wild, chill vibe of Aotearoa, skip the long lines and check out these 10 amazing, underrated places to add to your travel bucket list.
🏝️ North Island Hidden Gems
Karikari Peninsula (Northland)
KariKari is a gorgeous peninsula packed with history. This slice of subtropical paradise features beautiful white-sand beaches, such as Matai Bay. On this beach, you can enjoy crystal-clear turquoise waters that could easily compete with tropical spots—all without the big resort crowds.
The Forgotten World Highway
(Taranaki/Manawatū-Whanganui)
This 150-kilometer road trip is seriously underrated! It meanders through beautiful bush-covered cliffs, unsealed tunnels, and unique little spots like the Republic of Whangamomona. There’s definitely a magical vibe to it all.
Castlepoint (Wairarapa)
Tucked away on the rugged east coast, this awesome spot calls out to adventurers with its stunning scenery. The iconic Castlepoint Lighthouse stands tall, lighting the way for explorers along the rocky shoreline. Close by, there’s a lagoon surrounded by a reef that invites thrill-seekers to check out its calm waters. You might spot some shy sea lions saying hello. The towering limestone cliffs create a breathtaking backdrop for unforgettable ocean sunrises that splash the sky with vibrant colors. Whether you’re hiking along the cliffs or just gazing out at the sea, this place offers an exciting escape into nature’s beauty.
Kawhia & Ocean Beach (Waikato)
If you’re looking for a chill spot away from the crowds at Coromandel’s Hot Water Beach, Ocean Beach is the place to be! During low tide, you can stroll on the black sands. Dig your own thermal bath, and relax in the warm geothermal water—all without the hustle and bustle. It’s the perfect way to unwind!
Whirinaki Te Pua-a-Tāne Conservation Park
(Bay of Plenty)
Dive into an amazing prehistoric rainforest where huge ancient podocarp trees create a stunning canopy overhead. This cool ecosystem is packed with a variety of plants and animals. It makes for a great spot for nature lovers to take in its charm. The rainforest has awesome hiking trails that wind through the thick greenery. It gives you a peaceful break from the busy national parks. Each trail lets you soak in the sights and sounds of this incredible place, making it the perfect spot for adventure seekers and anyone wanting to connect with nature.
🏔️ South Island Escapes
The Catlins (Otago/Southland)
The southern tip of the South Island is an amazing, wild coastal area with thick rainforests and beautiful waterfalls, like Purakaunui Falls. You’ll also find fossilized forests at Curio Bay and some native penguins hanging around. The Nugget Lighthouse is a great spot to catch the sunset, too. If you’re lucky, you might even see the Aurora Borealis. This place is one of my absolute favorites—it’s just stunning!
Ōpārara Arches (West Coast)
Tucked away in the beautiful rainforests of Kahurangi National Park, this hidden spot feels like stepping back in time. The park features huge, ancient trees and a lively ecosystem teeming with wildlife. One of the coolest things to see is the massive limestone arches, shaped over thousands of years by the gentle flow of tea-colored rivers stained with tannins. These rivers snake through the greenery, their unique colors adding a magical touch to the scenery. When sunlight shines through the tree canopy, it creates a cool dappled effect on the forest floor, making this natural wonder feel even more special. This unique area draws adventurers and nature lovers alike, eager to soak in its stunning beauty and diverse wildlife.
Omarama Clay Cliffs (Canterbury)
These stunning, towering pinnacles made of sharp silt and gravel look like they could be from another planet or straight out of a movie. They were formed over time by ancient glacial meltwater, creating these amazing ravines that twist and turn, giving you a fantastic, maze-like walking experience. It’s incredible how nature can craft such a unique landscape!
Nelson Lakes National Park (Tasman)
While Lake Tekapo attracts plenty of tourists with its stunning scenery, the alpine waters of Lake Rotoiti and Lake Rotoroa offer a more tranquil escape. Picture yourself surrounded by breathtaking mountain reflections, wandering through peaceful beech forests, and exploring the calm water taxi trails that meander through this beautiful landscape.
Don’t miss out on Te Waikoropupū Springs, commonly known as Pupu Springs. These springs are New Zealand’s largest freshwater springs and are famous for their crystal-clear water. It’s truly a sight to behold, as you can see right to the bottom. It’s a perfect spot to unwind and enjoy the area’s natural beauty!
Stewart Island / Rakiura
New Zealand’s third-largest island is like an awesome playground, mostly filled with national parks. It’s my go-to spot in the world, showing off breathtaking landscapes packed with native plants and wildlife in their natural surroundings. Once you leave the little town of Oban, you’ll get lost in the chill vibes of nature, with just the sounds of birds, the wind, and ocean waves around. This place is also a fantastic dark-sky sanctuary, perfect for spotting kiwi birds in the wild and catching a glimpse of the Aurora Australis.
