65 North Island NZ Hidden Gems Most Tourists Miss
Last updated on July 10th, 2026 at 01:13 pm
While famous attractions like Rotorua’s geothermal parks and the Bay of Islands draw most tourists, the North Island’s real magic often lies in its lesser-known destinations. These North Island NZ hidden gems are ideal for travellers that want so more unique and local experiences.
Read on for my 65 hidden North Island gems for you – I could do more but these are my top picks in each of my categories – hikes, short walks, scenic lookouts, islands, lakes, waterfalls, beaches, wildlife, cafes and eateries, art and culture, small towns and villages !!
First a few important links to use when you plan your trip. They are affiliate links, but I use them all for my travels,and if you do too it will help me keep producing this content – and at no extra cost to you. Cheers!
Plan for your trip
Flights – use skyscanner or booking.com to find and book your flight – I often find the same flight for a lot cheaper than booking direct with the airline!
Insurance – Use EKTA or SafetyWing. TBH I usually use EKTA – they accept any nationality, any age and its ok if you are already traveling – which is perfect for me!
Accommodation – use booking.com or for a hostel – Hostelworld. I use both.
Internet – buy a yesim eSim or Airalo before you go. I use both depending on where I am going.
Buses, trains, ferries – 12Go is always my first option for buses, ferries and trains
Car rental – use DiscoverCars – they are my ‘go-to’ car rental site
Hiking – I use AllTrails for online and offline hiking trails – it means you know exactly where you are on the trail and makes getting lost a lot harder!!
Tours and Activities – book with Viator, GetYourGuide, or Eatwith.
Thanks so much if you use one of these links – it costs you nothing but helps me keep writing!!
Hidden Hikes in the North Island
1. Te Paki Coastal Track – Northland
Walk from the top of New Zealand, where the Tasman Sea meets the Pacific at the Cape Reinga Lighthouse, to Twilight beach and on to the Te Paki dunes! The beach-scapes are absolutely stunning. You need to camp at Twilight Beach (no hut) so bring a tent!
Bonus – this is the start of the Te Araroa track, so you can say you have walked part of it!
Link: Te Paki Coastal Track
2. The Tarawera Trail – Rotorua
Take a beautiful 15km lakeside forest walk to a natural hot pool and a lakeside Hot Water Beach with a perfect campsite just above the beach! Bonus: There is a convenient water taxi service you can use to make it a one-way walk.
Link: The Tarawera Trail
3. Syme Hut – Egmont National Park
Quite a tough walk due to the scree you have to cross to get therre. Its only 4km each way but takes about three hours each way. The reward? You get great close up views of Mt Taranaki and lovely sunsets from this small hut on Fanthams Peak. Gaiters are recommended to keep the scree out of your boots!
Link: Syme Hut
4. Te Puia Hut Track and Mangatainoka Hot Springs – Hawke’s Bay
Its only 19km return and abouut 4 hours each way, but you want to have at least a night out on this great little secret. A fabulous walk along the Mohaka river cliffs to a river beach and hot pools. Added bonuses are the blue ducks and stargazing in the hot pools at night. Bring a book and stay another day!
This 2 day Private Hot Pools Hike will take you to all on this track.
Link: Te Puia Hut Track and Mangatainoka Hot Springs
5. Mt Holdsworth and the Jumbo Circuit – Masterton, Wairarapa
Either just go to Mt Holdsworth Hut and return, or do the loop via the Jumbo Hut. You can go to Holdsworth and return in a day but its a great hut for a night. Lovely rivers, bush, swing-bridges and views, plus the bonus of some nice walking from Holdsworth Hut around the ridgelines.
Link: Mt Holdsworth and the Jumbo Circuit
Hidden short walks
6. Trounson Kauri Park Loop Track – Northland
It might only be 40 minutes but it’s a great one for looking at kauri trees day or night. There is a campground next door and at dusk / night you might stumble across a kiwi. A good bonus don’t you think? Its also not far from Tāne Mahuta(God of the Forest). That’s the giant kauri tree in the Waipoua Forest that is estimated to be between 1,250 and 2,500 years old. Its off the beaten path relative to Tane Mahuta so enjoy!
Link: Trounson Kauri Park Loop Track
7. Mount Manaia Track – Whangarei, Northland
Drive out on the Whangarei Heads Road and you see this cool looking rocky hill on the way. Its all uphill to get to the top, but not hard! Bonuses are that you walk through nikau palms, kauri and northern rata amongst other bush, and, the views over the Whangarei Heads and surrounding area from the top are fab-u-lous!! PS I saw a kiwi here in broad daylight!
Link: Mount Manaia Track
8. Te Auheke Track (Cascade Falls) – Rotorua area
It’s short and easy and just, well, beautiful.
The forest felt special to me, and the falls you come to are simply a heavenly little creation. Even though there is no spectacular view or glowworms etc, I simply had to include this one – there was just something about it!
Link: Te Auheke Track
9. Lake Rotopounamu – Tongariro National Park
Walk through beautiful native bush around a hilltop lake with birds all over – literally. The frogs can be pretty raucous too at each end of the lake in the summer. When the sun is shining the lake is a lovely green. My recommendation is to take a picnic and swim gear and make a bit more of a day of it!
Link: Lake Rotopounamu
10. Paekakariki Escarpment Track – Kapiti Coast, Wellington
The longest of my short walks at 9km one way – about 4 hours. Pick a good day and walk along this ridge with stunning views over the Tasman Sea to Kapiti Island. Its easy to reach the start and end with the local Wellington train services.
Link: Paekakariki Escarpment Track
Roadside scenic lookouts that most tourists don’t know
11. Pakia Hill Lookout – Northland
This is a stunner! What else can I say – Pakia Hill Lookout overlooks Opononi and the harbour beside it. Enjoy!
12. Tamaki Drive Viewpoints – Auckland
Right in the city! But you may not know that there are places on this coastal road to pull in and get those iconic views across the harbor to Rangitoto Island. There are a few places but this is a good stop – afterwards you can hit the local beaches!
13. Manaia Road Saddle and Lookout – Coromandel
The Mania Road Saddle is a great place to stop and take a rest – and enjoy the views over farmland and Kirita Bay to the Hauraki Gulf.
14. Te Mata Peak Road Lookout – Hawkes Bay
Not quite roadside as you drive to it specifically, but its got to be added to the list! From the carpark you have sweeping views of the local farmland, the mountains behind, and the Pacific Ocean – not to forget the odd winery or two below the hill! Great for sunsets!
15. Paekakariki Hill Road Lookout – Kapiti Coast, Wellington area
The views of the Kapiti Coast, through to Kapiti Island and the Tasman Sea from this lookout are absolutely gorgeous. Take a few moments to stop and enjoy!
Off the beaten path – Islands
Two other key islands that I considered mentioning here are Tiritiri Matangi Island (Auckland area) and Kapiti Island (Wellington area), but they are covered in Hidden wildlife and conservation spots below.
16. Cavalli Islands – Northland
Get a water taxi or, in fine weather, kayak out to the Cavalli islands from Matauri Bay. Ask at the Matauri Bay Holiday Park about a taxi. The main island Motukawanui has a DoC hut you can book and stay in as well as hike around the island. Great for swimming – and diving with the Rainbow Warrior wreck causing an artificial ‘reef.’
17. Urupukapuka Island – Bay of Islands, Northland
The Bay of Islands are definitely not a hidden gem – although they are a a gem! But most people miss on one of the best things to do here – go camping and hiking on Urupukapuka Island. The round island hike is a wonderfully varied loop and the coastal camp grounds are – well, perfect!
18. Great Barrier Island – Auckland area
I just love Great Barrier Island and if you want a slightly quirky, very beautiful, taste of the North Island of New Zealand then Great Barrier has it all – pretty harbors, beautiful beaches, great hiking, natural hot pools, birds, good cafes, art galleries, and farming!
It is home to a fantastic hike – the Aotea Track, as well as the stunning Windy Canyon Walk – and one of the best forest hot pools in the country – Kaitoke Hot Springs. I cannot recommend it enough! You can go and spend a week or two, or just visit on this daytrip from Auckland:
Great Barrier and Waiheke Islands Island Hopper Package Tour (2 Guests Minimum)
19. Motuihe Island – Auckland
Motuihe Island in the Hauraki Gulf is good for walking, swimming, camping, wildlife, and general beach lazing! You will find local kiwis on boats there in the summer, but few, if any tourists as its not often visited because of the more famous islands like Rangitoto and Waiheke! However, it is a pest-free island, making it ideal for seeing wildlife like kiwi and tuatara, especially if you camp. Book a Motuihe Island Ferry Ticket.
20. Moutohorā (Whale Island) – Whakatane
This island has restricted access as it is a protected wildlife sanctuary with endangered species. But you can book a guided tour with Moutohora Island Tours or Diveworks and enjoy the wildlife (e.g. lots of saddlebacks and fur seals), walking and swimming!
Hidden gem Lakes
21. Coco Cola lake / Rotopokaka Lake- Northland
Coco Cola Lake got the nickname for a reason – its coco cola brown from the tannins in the water – although it might not be so obvious if its cloudy! This is a real locals spot – its a dune lake popular for kayaking and swimming with the locals.
22. Kai Iwi Lakes – Northland
The Kai Iwi Lakes are more dune lakes but these ones have water that can be anything from murky to turquoise with white-sand beaches! Good for camping, walking, and swimming of course. You can stay at Kai Iwi Lakes Resort and enjoy the lakes and walks
Locals enjoying North Island’s Coco Cola lake
23. Lake Waikareiti – Hawkes Bay
Lake Waikaremoana is well known, but my favorite spot in the area is at Lake Waikareiti. You can walk up to it from the road in about an hour, but you can carry on to the other side of the lake to a hut – Sandy Bay Hut which is a great place to stay the night and relax and swim.
24. Lake Tikitapu / Blue Lake – Rotorua
Lake Tikitapu has clear blue water, great for swimming and other water activities, and it generally only has kiwi visitors. There is a nice forest walk around the lake as well. Close to Rotorua and overlooked by most!
25. Lake Mangamahoe – New Plymouth
This little lake is simply pretty! It is surrounded by beautiful forest and the drawcard is the perfect reflections you can get of the volcanic cone of Mount Taranaki. The lake also has a 6km track around the shoreline which gives you all kinds of different vantage points of Mount Taranaki.
Waterfalls most tourists don’t see
Some of these falls will be busy with locals visiting and swimming – especially in the weekends and summer, but they are not on the tourist trail – so enjoy your time with the locals!
26. Kitekite Falls – Auckland
Kitekite Falls can be busy in the weekends with local Aucklanders, but go mid-week and it will be much quieter. Take your swim gear and enjoy a refreshing dip after your walk (about 30 mins one way).
27. Bridal Veil / Waireinga Falls – Waikato
This is a classic beauty. About 10 minutes from the carpark and another 10 to the bottom – and totally worth it. Its great to get both views of this fall that simply plunges over the cliffs into a pool about 55 meters below, spraying mist and rainbows as it goes!
28. Rere Falls and Rockslide – Hawkes Bay
My favorite because you can have soooooooo much fun! First the Rere Falls themselves look almost man made they are so perfect in line, but you can also walk behind the fall which is always fun! But the main drawcard is the rockslide close to the falls – all completely natural. It is brilliant fun – you need a boogie board or tube to ride the water. It will be busy, unless its early morning, because the locals like to have fun too!
29. Tawhai Falls – Tongariro National Park
Tawhai Falls will be on your radar if you are a Lord of the Rings fan, but even if not, it is a beautiful little waterfall and river spot – perfect for a picnic.
30. Owharoa Falls – Waikato
Owharoa Falls are great for swimming – so perfect in the summer! This is a beautiful multi-tiered fan-shaped waterfall in the historic Karangahake Gorge – not far from the Windows Walk!
Unknown beaches – only the locals know
There are so many but I have aimed for a nice varied selection!
31. Maitai Bay – Karikari Peninsula, Northland
Matai Bay – oh just another gorgeous bay in the far north that you are only generally going to see kiwis (the people – not the birds) enjoying. Nice walking paths around the bay and headlands are a bonus.
32. Langs Beach – Northland
Langs Beach – yes, another beautiful sandy Northland beach – perfect for swimming and relaxing and well off the tourist trail.
33. Muriwai Beach – Auckland
On the wild west coast, Muriwai has two beaches, caves, and an amazing gannet colony to explore.
34. Kawhia Hot Water Beach – Waikato
The not-famous and uncrowded ‘other hot water beach.’ Head down to the beach, walk around until you find the warm sand and start digging your personal hot water pool!
35. Castlepoint – Wairarapa
The stunning Castlepoint lighthouse and rocks make it worth the drive from Masterton. Walk around the lighthouse and Castle Rock on the hill opposite the lighthouse – the views are well worth it.
Hidden wildlife and conservation spots
36. Mimiwhangata Marine & Coastal Park – Northland
Mimiwhangata Marine and Coastal Park is definitely a locals spot – with only the odd intrepid traveler stopping by! Its remote and the area has coastal bush, white sandy beaches, tidal pools, snorkeling areas, walking paths and plenty of seabirds and marine life. Camp and enjoy the park at your leisure!
37. Goat Island Marine Reserve – Auckland
This is a lovely spot – and you can have some great underwater wildlife encounters. Nothing is guaranteed and the water is not always clear, but its definitely worth checking out. Goat Island was the first marine reserve in New Zealand (1975) and has been a great success story. Known by locals but not many tourists or travelers get here. Popular things to do are
- Paddle around the reserve with Clearyak hire at Goat Island Marine Reserve
38. Tiritiri Matangi Island – Auckland
This island is a wonderful conservation story. It was cleared of all introduced predators and then volunteers planted 300,000 native trees. Slowly over time rare bird species have been reintroduced to the island and thrive there now. You can see 11 species of threatened native birds, e.g. takahē, kōkako, brown teal and little spotted kiwi, as well as plenty of the more common varieties like the bellbird.
You can visit the island on a tour – Tiritiri Matangi Island or Tiritiri Matangi Island Discovery
39. Pūkorokoro Miranda Shorebird Centre – Waikato
This unknown little gem in the North Island is a wetland area that supports thousands of shorebirds. Hides are places for bird watching, and best viewing is two hours either side of high tide. You can take a Guided Tour at Pukorokoro Shorebird Centre
40. Kapiti Island – Wellington
An offshore protected reserve – this island is the other main bird watching island in the North Island! See uncommon to less common birds such as Kōkako, Saddlebacks, and Kākā, Kōkako, Saddlebacks, and Kākā, Find out more about these birds in Bird watching in New Zealand – where to find 30 weird and wonderful birds.
You can go on a guided tour on the island – book this Kapiti Island Classic Guided Day Tour!
Off the beaten path cafes and eateries
41. Mangonui Fish Shop – Northland
Obviously when in NZ eating the iconic fish and chips needs to happen! One great place for this is at off the beaten track Mangōnui wharf. The Mangonui Fish Shop sits right over the water’s edge and you can sit and eat your fish and chips and other freshly caught seafood (straight from the wharf) while overlooking the sea. Perfect!
42. Eutopia Café & Sculpture Garden – Kaiwaka, Northland
43. Cafe 35 & The Pāua Pie Trail – East Cape
Another classic you have to try is the kiwi pie – but you need to find the good ones, which is not hard to be fair. But Cafe 35 in Tokomaru Bay is one of the places with creative takes on the classic New Zealand pie culture! And if you are there you are probably on the Highway 35 trip around the East Cape so pie-life is going to be good as you are on the pie trail!
Here you’ll find roadside pie sheds and poky pie shops in the villages with traditional to inventive local fillings like seafood, kumara, kūmara/chilli, and seasonal specials depending on local available kaimoana (seafood) – including, of course, pāua, crayfish and whitebait in season. Best in summer!
44. L’Arte Café & Gallery — Taupō (Acacia Bay)
L’Arte Café is another colourful and creative place with cafe and art gallery. Again its great for coffee, but also a bit of art browsing and lakeside views.
45. Carterton cafes — Wairarapa
This totally non-descript town has two great examples of kiwi cafe culture – where great cafes with quality food are in the most unassuming places – forget the city centers and the like, this is where you find the real deal. First, we have Aunt Gingers Kitchen, in the town center. You will only find locals from surrounding towns here and it will be busy – the food is great and so is the coffee – its a perfect place to just be in a locals cafe and you will be well rewarded.
Just north of the town is another local favorite – The Clareville Bakery – yummy treats and a wide range of delicious pies are on offer, and again you will be surrounded only by locals! (Not open Sundays.)
Hidden Art and Culture
46. Village Arts Gallery – Kohukohu, Northland
This fabulous gallery is in a magical location – right on the edge of the historic Hokianga Harbour at Kohukohu. The gallery spaces are full of light and have excellent displays of varied and interesting modern and Māori art.
47. The Raglan Art Galleries – Waikato
Raglan – a fantastic little surf town, almost has more galleries than people! Okay I exaggerate, but for a small surf village, it has a nice bunch of interesting galleries with work from local (and not so local) artists and designers.
Toi Hauauru Art Studio & Gallery, Kanuka Design Gallery,Wharf Art Gallery, Jet Collective, Raglan Photo Gallery, and Rivet Vintage are some of these lovely galleries.
48. St. Mary’s Church in Tikitiki – East Cape
On State Highway 35 is an absolute gem – St. Mary’s Church. It is a beautifully crafted piece of Māori art – covering the entire inside of this church in traditional design. Art and culture combined and if you are on this less travelled road, then it is a must to see.
49. The Sarjeant Art Gallery – Whanganui
In 1912, Henry Sarjeant left a huge sum of money (equal to $70 million today) to establish a gallery “as a means of inspiration for ourselves and those who come after us.”
Today the Sarjeant Art Gallery sits in a heritage building with a nationally significant collection of more than 8,000 items covering four centuries of European and New Zealand art history,
50. Pātaka Art + Museum – Porirua, Wellington
The Pātaka Art gallery specialises in showcasing Maori, Pacific Island, New Zealand, Asian and international contemporary art & culture. Pātaka has five main galleries with major exhibitions, craft markets and cultural events as well..
Other Unique Experiences
51. See the fabulous and eclectic mix of gardens at the Hamilton Gardens
Hamilton city is definitely not on the tourist radar, but one place is getting up onto it (and it maybe shouldn’t be on this list any more). Built on a former rubbish tip, the Hamilton Gardens are full of creativity, from the Fantasy to the Italian, Māori and Chinese themed sections. It is hard to describe but even if you are not a garden-goer, put this on your list! Tip – don’t pay extra at the gardens for the highlights tour – its not needed. However, these tours are good options to take in key highlights plus the Hamilton Gardens:
Hobbiton Movie Set and Hamilton Gardens Small Group-from Auckland
Hamilton Gardens & Hobbiton Exclusive Luxury Day Tour From Auckland
Private 2 Day Tour: Hobbiton, Waitomo, Rotorua Geothermal & Hamilton Gardens
52. Feel what its like to be in an earthquake
Te Papa in Wellington is on the tourist radar, but one exhibit within it might not be. The Earthquake House which is in the Te Taiao | Nature section of the museum. It is worth visiting Te Papa even without this exhibit, but it is great for people who have never experienced an earthquake to get the feel of one – without any real danger!
Another tip – don’t miss the Gallipoli exhibition either!
Get your entry ticket to Te Papa or book a guided intro tour with:
Entry ticket to Te Papa – Aotearoa New Zealand’s national museum
Te Papa Museum of NZ Intro Tour & General Admission
Full Day Guided Wellington Tour including guided tour at Te Papa
53. Go to the far far north – see oceans collide, board down sand dunes, and drive along a highway – on the beach
Drive to the tippy-top of the North Island to see and do all these things!
Being honest its not oceans colliding – its an ocean and a sea – the Pacific Ocean and the Tasman Sea. But whatever, it can be quite dramatic watching the swirling white-capped joining of these massive bodies of waters from the viewpoint by the Cape Reinga lighthouse.
Close by are the Te Paki sand dunes which are great for sandboarding! And finally, you can drive along 90 mile beach which is indeed an official highway!! Tours are a great way to go if you don’t have a car – or 4wd for the beach:
From Paihia: Cape Reinga and Ninety Mile Beach Trip with Lunch (includes sand dunes weather permitting)
Cape Reinga: Small Group Day Trip from Paihia, Kerikeri, or Kaitaia (includes sand dunes and 90 mile beach)
Far North New Zealand Tour Including 90 Mile Beach, sand dunes, and Cape Reinga from Paihia
54. Visit Whangamōmona – the nation that elected a goat as its President – on the Forgotten World Highway
Whangamōmona is a tiny township in the middle of the North Island on State Highway 43 – the Forgotten World Highway – that declared itself a “Republic” with its own passport and even elected a goat as its Mayor! Yes I know! Quirky and way off the beaten path, it has an iconic hotel with great food and often live music to enjoy!
A big bonus is if you can visit on “Republic Day” which is held biennially in January where you will see the new mayor being sworn in.
Stay at the Whangamomona Hotel or Whangamomona Campground and enjoy this quirky little gem! One brilliant thing to do is travel the forgotten railway on an old railcart!!
55. Watch the on-again-off-again Aratiatia Rapids
The Aratiatia Dam and Aratiatia Rapids are on the Waikato River near Lake Taupo. You can watch literally thousands of litres of water gush out from the dam gates and turn the peaceful gully into raging rapids.
The dam opens three times a day in winter (10:00am, 12:00pm, 2:00pm) and four times a day in summer (10:00am, 12:00pm, 2:00pm, 4:00pm). The whole family will love watching the water gush from the dam and fill the rapids below. The flood gates are opened 4x a day in summer and 3x a day in winter. There are various viewpoints – including the Top Viewpoint!
Smaller Cities / Towns to uncover – and why
56. Whangarei – Northland
Whangarei is an interesting town with some unusual museums and galleries and good walking on offer nearby.
Unique experiences:
- See the quirky but highly rated Clapham Clock Museum – yes its full of quirky clocks!
- Visit the colorful Hundertwasser Art Centre and immerse yourself in the works of this very visionary Austrian architect that emigrated to this part of NZ. You can also explore the City Centre Street Art walk!
Adventure experience: Go diving at the nearby Poor Knights Islands – it is known for its incredibly clear water! Note that Jacques-Yves Cousteau rated this reserve as one of the top ten places to dive in the world.
Other outdoor experiences:
- Walk from the center to the Whangarei Falls or drive a short distance and make it a short walk. An interesting new option is to go on a Trike Tour to Waterfalls, Beaches & More
- Hike to the top of Mount Manaia – its a great local walk – and I once saw a kiwi in broad daylight up there!
- Whangārei Quarry Gardens – a subtropical oasis created by volunteers in the remnants of a former quarry
History: Enjoy the small local kauri museum and learn about these giants!
57. New Plymouth – Taranaki
A great base for a lot of fun! There are a wide range of outdoor options, and the iconic Mt Taranaki, but also plenty of art galleries and cafes for a rainy day!
Unique experience: Walk to and cross the Te Rewarewa bridge – built like the spine of a whale, it has a stunning view.
Adventure experience: Climb Paritutu Rock – to the top!
Other outdoor experiences:
- Walk the 11km coastal walkway – a gorgeous coastal path with sculptures and ocean views.
- Hike in Egmont National Park with masses of walking options including the Pouakai Crossing.
- Wander in green-flagged Pukekura Park, a 52ha (128 acres) right in the heart of the city.
- Take a photo of Mt Taranaki at Lake Mangamahoe.
History: Taranaki Aviation Transport and Technology Museum – has everything from farming implements to early computers as well as transport. It is highly rated by visitors.
58. Wanganui – Manawatū-Whanganui
Whanganui is known for its arts scene and the river it sits on and its heritage. It is an authentic kiwi town, not regularly visited by tourists, but this is why it is a great place to stop and explore.
Unique experiences:
- Ride the vintage and fascinating Durie Hill Elevator (complete with attendant) and climb the Durie Hill Memorial Tower – you definitely wont regret it!
- Go back in time and learn about the river heritage on the pretty 19th-century paddle steamer Waimarie. I highly recommend going on the “jazz boat.”
Adventure experience: You are close to the Whanganui National Park and the great walk – the Whanganui Journey (which is actually a 3-5 day canoe journey)
Other outdoor experiences:
- Visit the Tarapuruhi Bushy Park Sanctuary – a key native birdlife destination. See rare birds like the saddleback and hihi (stitchbird) and more common natives like the bellbird.
- Spend an afternoon exploring and swimming at volcanic black sand Kai Iwi Beach!
Art and History:
- Enjoy the art at places like the New Zealand Glassworks, the ceramics at Quartz Museum of Studio Ceramics, and the historic Sarjeant Art Gallery with a nationally significant collection of historic and contemporary art.
- See the significant Māori taonga (treasures) at the Whanganui Regional Museum.
59. Gisborne – Gisborne Regions
The first city in the world to see the sun! So go for sunrise on the beach and watch the surfers hard at work.
Unique experiences:
- Slide down the natural Rere Falls rockslide – its soo much fun. Bring a boogey board or tube! Visit the Rere Falls while you are there and walk behind he waterfall.
- Catch a movie at the very unique Dome Cinema
Adventure experience: Two hours away is Ruatoria where you can go on a 4WD adventure to Maunga Hikurangi to see the sunrise and learn about the sacred carved pou you will find there, as well as ancient Maori legends and about the local Ngati Porou people.
Other outdoor experiences:
- Have a go at surfing – lessons are available at Waikanae Beach in town.
- Ride a railbike (or e-bike) along an old railway line along the coast through farmland, a 1.5km tunnel, orange groves etc
History: Explore the history of Tairāwhiti Gisborne on a guided bike tour and learn about early Māori and European settlements.
60. Napier – Hawkes Bay
Not unknown but still often bypassed, Napier is another little gem – good for wine and the art deco architecture due to the rebuild of the town center after a devastating earthquake in 1931!
Unique experience: Walk around the town center and see the wonderful art deco buildings – try a Morning Art Deco Walk From Napier Art Deco Trust
Adventure experience: Head out across local farmland to see the huge gannet colony Cape Kidnappers Gannet, Nature & Sightseeing Tour
Other experiences:
- Sample some of the local wines on this 3 Great Wineries, Gourmet Luncheon, & Tastings tour.
- Hire an E-bike and cycle yourself along the shoreline to a winery! Or take this Self Guided Coast to Vineyards Cycle Tour
- Spend time on the water with this Scenic Rafting trip from Napier – small and easy rapids only!
History: Learn about the devastating earthquake that flattened this town on the Discover Napier Earthquake: Self-Guided Audio Tour
….and finally, very small towns and villages to uncover and why
61. Rawene – Northland
This little village or township is one of the oldest European settlements in the country and has a very relaxed and charming feeling with a mix of history, art, and nature to enjoy. Theres just something about the place! See the Victorian architecture of the houses, the Masonic Hotel, courthouse, and churches and enjoy the Boatshed Cafe & Gallery for coffee, food, and local art – all with those lovely harbour views.
Unique experience: Take the ferry to Kohukohu for a picturesque ride across the harbour and to enjoy the small village and art gallery there.
Other outdoor experiences:
- You are close to walks in the Waipoua Forest with the huge ancient kauri trees, including Tāne Mahuta.
- You can also find the Koutu Boulders which are large, rounded boulders nearby on the Hokianga Harbour.
History: Visit Clendon House – the home of a significant early trader and a witness to the Treaty of Waitangi as he and his wife were instrumental in getting the support of many of the chiefs that signed. (PS he was my great great great great great grandfather too!)
62. Leigh – Auckland region
This is a very chill rural township without tourism but a very lovely little harbor and surrounded by great beaches and snorkelling, as well as a great local pub!
Unique experience: Visit the Ti Point Reptile Park – see all kinds of NZ geckos and skinks.
Adventure experience: Snorkel or kayak in the Goat Island Bay marine reserve – the first marine reserve in New Zealand (1975) and a great success story. Known by locals but not many tourists or travelers get here. Popular things to do are:
- Paddle around the reserve with Clearyak hire at Goat Island Marine Reserve
- Full-Day (2 dives) Scuba Diving at Goat Island Marine Reserve
Other outdoor experiences:
- Mathesons Bay is a beautiful unknown bay perfect for swimming, diving and snorkeling—the water is crystal clear, and the marine life is great.
- While you are there take the Matheson Bay Bush Walk and have a fresh water dip in the swimming hole.
- Take the nearby Goat Island Lookout Walk for views over the marine reserve and island.
History and a lot of fun: Eat and stay at the Leigh Sawmill Cafe – good food, great wine and lots of great music gigs – it really is a fun local scene in an old sawmill building from the 1800s.
63. Taihape – Rangitīkei, Central North Island
Taihape has a slightly quirky, but friendly, genuine rural NZ vibe and has a surprising number of reasons to spend a night or two! Key things to do in Taihape are:
Unique experiences:
- Snap a pic with the giant gumboot sculpture / Have a go at gumboot throwing on the gumboot throwing lane in town
- See a movie at the local Majestic Theatre it will be very different from the usual city cinemas and give you a real community cinema experience
Adventure experience: Go on a top white‑water rafting with Grade 4–5 rapids on this Half Day, Grade 5, White Water Rafting on the Rangitikei River
Other outdoor experiences:
- The Boulders Scenic Half Day Float on the Rangitikei River
- Full Day Scenic Rafting on the Rangitikei River with easy Grade 1-2 rapids only
- Picnic and swim at Papakai & Hautapu River Park
- Hike to Zeke’s Hut (3 hours) in the ancient forest of the Hihitahi Forest Sanctuary and enjoy excellent birdwatching – eg riflemen and kereru
History: Enjoy the small local museum with agriculture, railway and sawmill heritage showpieces.
64. Whakatane & Ohope – Bay of Plenty
Whakatane is a sunny town with great beaches and coves nearby, as well as strong Maori culture. Nearby Ohope is a lovely big white sand beach with views out to White Island and Whale Island.
Unique experiences:
- Go Kiwi Spotting in the Ohope Scenic Reserve with the Whakatane Kiwi Trust for their kiwi night walks from April to July each year – the best time to hear kiwi calling to each other
- Go stargazing at the Norman Izett Whakatane Observatory
Adventure experience: Visit Moutohorā (Whale Island) – a protected wildlife sanctuary with endangered species. You must go on a tour and can do that with Moutohora Island Tours or Diveworks. Enjoy the wildlife, walking and swimming!
Other outdoor experiences:
- Walk the Ngā Tapuwae o Toi Trail – with birdlife, beaches, headlands, pa sites, and coastal views, including the ‘Bird Walk’ section.
- Walk (or drive) up to the Kohi Point Lookout for fabulous views.
- Head to Otarawairere Bay for a quiet secluded beach and track. Park at the Kaputerangi carpark and take the Nga Tapuwae o Toi track towards Ōhope.
- Relax in the Awakeri Hot Springs – natural geothermal mineral pools feeding into a large thermal swimming pool, two kids’ pools and a smaller hot pool shaded by sails.
History: Walk the Whakatane Historic Trail – a walking trail through the town centre and along the river.
65. Martinborough – Wairarapa
A boutique little walkable wine village with world class wine – especially the Pinot Noir! Close to the rugged southern coast of the North Island and its seal colonies and lighthouse
Unique experience: The “Pinot to Palliser tour” – a guided tour to Cape Palliser with lunch + winetasting – a great day where you see the interesting geography of the area, eat at the rural and historic Lake Ferry Hotel, and finish off with wine tasting!
Adventure experience: Patuna Farm Chasm – a three-hour walk through native bush, and down the Ruakokoputuna river, with fossils, stalactites, flora and fauna, and beautiful photo opportunities. You will get wet so dress for it!
Other outdoor experiences:
- Stargazing – this area is now an international Dark Sky Reserve. the stars are fantastic! Go on a Star Safari Stargazing Experience – book with GYG or with Viator
- Walk at Putangirua Pinnacles Scenic Reserve – a Lord of the Rings location where Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli ride along the Dimholt Road to meet the Army of the Dead was filmed. Take the Pinnacles Ridge Track to a lookout with excellent views of earth pillar formations.
Wine: Take a wine tasting tour – there are so many good wineries here! To be recommended are:
Travel Tips for Hidden Gems in the North Island
- Carry supplies and make sure you have enough fuel in case a pump is closed or empty in remote areas
- Check road conditions – especially to some of the hikes
- Respect private land and local communities
- Don’t plan to rush it – you might get there and decide to stop a while!
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