New Zealand is a country filled with natural beauty, from the stunning coastline to the towering mountains. However, there are some hidden gems that are off the beaten track and less well-known, making them even more special. In this blog post, we will take a look at some of the best places off the beaten track to visit in New Zealand.
1. Stewart Island
Stewart Island is a remote island located off the southern coast of New Zealand. The island is the third largest in the country and is largely undeveloped, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a pristine wilderness experience. Some of the highlights of the island include:
- Rakiura Track: A multi-day hiking trail that winds its way through beautiful wilderness, offering stunning views of the coastline, forests, and wildlife.
- Ulva Island: A bird sanctuary that is home to a variety of rare and endangered species, including the kiwi bird.
- Oban: The main settlement on the island, which offers a range of services and amenities for visitors, including accommodation, restaurants, and tour operators.
2. The Catlins
The Catlins is a region of rugged coastline, pristine beaches, and dense forests located on the southeastern coast of the South Island. The area is known for its stunning natural beauty and unique wildlife, including the rare Hector’s dolphin. Some of the highlights of the Catlins include:
- Cathedral Caves: A series of underground caverns that can only be accessed at low tide, offering a unique and dramatic natural wonder.
- Nugget Point Lighthouse: A historic lighthouse that offers stunning views of the coastline and is a popular spot for wildlife viewing, including fur seals and penguins.
- McLean Falls: A picturesque waterfall that is located in a scenic forest setting and is a popular spot for hiking and picnicking.
3. Whanganui National Park
Whanganui National Park is a wilderness area located on the North Island that is best known for the Whanganui River, which winds its way through the heart of the park. The river offers a unique way to explore the wilderness, with multi-day canoe trips being a popular way to experience the region. Some of the highlights of the park include:
- Whanganui River: A scenic and historic river that offers a unique way to explore the wilderness, with multi-day canoe trips being a popular way to experience the region.
- Mangapurua Valley: A remote and stunning valley that is accessible only by foot or boat, offering a unique and challenging hiking experience.
- Bridge to Nowhere: A historic bridge that was built in the 1930s but was abandoned soon after, leaving it as a striking and eerie monument to the region’s history.
4. Karamea
Karamea is a remote and unspoiled destination located on the West Coast of the South Island. The region offers a range of outdoor activities and natural wonders, including the famous Heaphy Track hiking trail. Some of the highlights of the area include:
- Heaphy Track: One of New Zealand’s most famous hiking trails, which winds its way through rugged mountains, dense forests, and stunning beaches.
- Ōpārara Basin: A unique limestone landscape that is home to a variety of caves and rock formations, including the impressive Ōpārara Arch.
- Karamea River: A popular spot for trout fishing, offering some of the best fishing in the country.
5. Ninety Mile Beach
Ninety Mile Beach is a stunning stretch of sand located on the western coast of the North Island. Despite its name, the beach is actually only around 55 miles long, but it is still one of the longest and most beautiful in the country. Some of the highlights of the beach include:
- Sandboarding: A popular activity on the dunes that offers a unique and thrilling way to experience the beach.
- Cape Reinga Lighthouse: Located at the northernmost point of New Zealand, this historic lighthouse offers stunning views of the surrounding coastline and is a popular spot for watching the sunset.
- Te Paki Stream: A picturesque stream that runs alongside the beach and is home to a variety of wildlife, including native birds and fish.
6. Mount Aspiring National Park
Mount Aspiring National Park is a stunning wilderness area located in the Southern Alps on the South Island. The park is named after Mount Aspiring, one of the tallest peaks in New Zealand, and is known for its rugged mountain ranges, glaciers, and alpine meadows. Some of the highlights of the park include:
- Rob Roy Glacier Track: A popular hiking trail that offers stunning views of the Rob Roy Glacier and surrounding alpine scenery.
- Dart River Valley: A remote and picturesque valley that is accessible only by boat or foot, offering a unique and challenging hiking experience.
- Blue Pools: A series of crystal-clear pools that are fed by glacial waters, offering a refreshing swimming spot and a popular spot for photography.
7. Kaimai Mamaku Forest Park
Kaimai Mamaku Forest Park is a wilderness area located on the North Island that is known for its rugged terrain, dense forests, and stunning waterfalls. The park is a popular spot for hiking, with a range of trails that wind their way through the wilderness. Some of the highlights of the park include:
- Wairere Falls: A stunning waterfall that is one of the highest in New Zealand, offering stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
- Mount Te Aroha: A popular hiking destination that offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside, as well as a range of hot springs and spas.
- Mount Maunganui: A popular beach destination that is known for its stunning coastline and vibrant surf culture.
8. Lake Tekapo
Lake Tekapo is a stunning alpine lake located on the South Island that is known for its crystal-clear waters and stunning mountain views. The lake is a popular spot for outdoor activities, including hiking, swimming, and boating. Some of the highlights of the lake include:
- Church of the Good Shepherd: A picturesque church that is located on the shores of the lake and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
- Tekapo Springs: A popular hot springs and spa complex that is located on the shores of the lake, offering a range of relaxation and wellness options.
- Mount John Observatory: A world-renowned astronomical observatory that is located on a nearby mountain, offering stunning views of the night sky and a range of educational tours and programs.
9. Castlepoint
Castlepoint is a remote coastal village on the Wairarapa Coast, located on the North Island. This hidden gem offers stunning views of the ocean and is known for its iconic lighthouse perched on a rocky outcrop. Some of the highlights of Castlepoint include:
- Castlepoint Beach: A beautiful sandy beach that is perfect for swimming, surfing, and fishing.
- Castlepoint Lighthouse: A historic lighthouse that offers stunning views of the coastline and is a popular spot for photography.
- Putangirua Pinnacles: A unique rock formation that is a popular spot for hiking and offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
10. Farewell Spit
Farewell Spit is a long and narrow sandbar that stretches out into the Tasman Sea on the northern tip of the South Island. The area is known for its unique geography and stunning coastal scenery, as well as its wildlife. Some of the highlights of Farewell Spit include:
- Farewell Spit Eco Sanctuary: A protected wildlife sanctuary that is home to a range of bird species, including the endangered New Zealand dotterel.
- Wharariki Beach: A remote and stunning beach that is known for its rocky cliffs and dramatic sea stacks.
- Cape Farewell: The northernmost point of the South Island, offering stunning views of the surrounding coastline and Tasman Sea.
Advantages of visiting off-the-beaten-track destinations in New Zealand:
- Allows for a more authentic and unique travel experience
- Offers the opportunity to explore less crowded and more pristine destinations
- Can be more affordable than popular tourist destinations
- Provides a chance to connect with local culture and communities
Disadvantages of visiting off-the-beaten-track destinations in New Zealand:
- Can require more planning and preparation than visiting popular tourist destinations
- May have limited amenities and infrastructure
- Can be more challenging to navigate, especially for those unfamiliar with the area
- May not offer the same level of comfort and convenience as popular tourist destinations
Prices for visiting off-the-beaten-track destinations in New Zealand vary depending on the location, mode of transportation, and activities chosen. However, in general, these destinations are often more affordable than popular tourist destinations due to their lower levels of development and infrastructure.