5 Underrated New Zealand Tourist Destinations
Traveling to New Zealand is a fun and exciting experience, but so much of the island is missed because those parts aren’t on the main tourist trail. If you want to see a new side to New Zealand, we recommend you look at the following mountain ranges, highways, towns, and islands. The tranquility and wonder of these 5 places cannot be understated.
Karamea
While moving through the South Island West Coast, most tourists will rush to Punakaiki Pancake Rock to witness the glaciers. However, if you dare to venture north to Karamea, you find an interesting Bohemian town with farms and artsy B&Bs as far as the eye can see.
If you are interested in breathtaking natural attractions, take a walk around Kahurangi National Park and search for the Oparara Basin’s limestone arches that date back 3 million years. You could also check out the Karamea Museum, which showcases a local gold mining, flax milling, and shipping community. Finally, spend a day at Scotts Beach.
The Forgotten World Highway
One of the most exciting journeys you can take throughout New Zealand is The Forgotten Highway. The 148km (92-mile) journey takes you from the Waikato region to Taranaki and features everything from forests to road tunnels along the seemingly endless highway.
You can chart your course via your phone because New Zealand’s 4G is impressive. If you bring a friend, you can view your GPS while listening to podcasts or indulging in a live casino. At every stopping point at a hotel near the highway, you can stamp your passport and visit the attractions like the Pioneer Village, Strathmore Saddle, Makahu Tunnel, and more.
Tutukaka
Instead of heading to the Bay of Islands on the North Island, take a right and go along the east coast until you hit Tutukaka. Within this small little town are the Kauri Forest, endless beaches, and a scenic highway that goes on for miles. It’s also the best scuba diving spot on the island.
Tutukaka is the place to be if you love hiking and surfing because Sandy Bay is one of the best surfing beaches in the Northland region. It’s also a great place to have a picnic. You can also explore Mimiwhangata Coastal Park, Whangaruru Harbour, Whananaki, and the Tane Moana Walkway. Finally, after all the hiking, take a relaxing nap at Whale Bay.
The Catlins
Taking a trip to the Southland Island between Otago and Southland are the multitudes of amazing attractions you can find in The Catlins. Most of the attractions along The Catlins are free to visit, so be sure to take advantage of the low spending cost and see the sea lions!
Within this large area is Fortrose, which has a preserved shipwreck of the Ino Steamship. Matai Falls is only a 30-minute walk through a forest that is adjacent to the Catlins Forest Park. There are plenty of nature-scapes in this area, including McLean Falls, Cathedral Caves, Waipohatu, Slope Point, and Niagara Falls. No, not that Niagra Fall; this one is actually quite small.
East Cape
While the East Cape is quite the detour for more travelers, it’s worth it if you can make it out east to see the most incredible beaches, unbelievable animal life, and an authentic cultural experience. If you’re going to New Zealand for a few weeks, put the East Cape on your list.
You can get to the East Cap by taking a road trip from Gisborne on the way to Opotiki. On the way, you can watch the sunrise from the East Cape Lighthouse, take a trip on Tiniroto Road, and stop at Lake Waikaremoana. If you find the time, snorkel, hike, or surf in the Mahia Peninsula, relax at the Morere hot springs, and finally, bike on the North Island’s incredible bike trails.
