Are you looking for hidden gems in New Zealand?
Below is my selection of 12 wonders off the beaten track in New Zealand: lakes, beaches, rock formations…where you won’t cross path with big touristic buses. In some places I even had the place all to myself!
Content
Going off the beaten track in New Zealand
First let’s start by saying that crowds in New Zealand are not bad. We are not talking about Europe capital cities’ crowds, or Niagara Falls crowds… even the main attractions are bearable.
But if you are looking for alternatives, for hidden gems where you won’t find big coaches full of tourists, below is my selection (with my own definition of off the beaten path). You may find New Zealanders and people who did research like you but not as many tourists and no big buses
- How many people when I visited?
I was alone - Where –
South Island, West Coast
Not far from Punakaiki (the Pancake Rocks) - Main town in area –
Greymouth – see accommodation options
but you can also stay around Punakaiki – see options - Why visit?
I can’t believe how many people are at the Pancake rocks, yet almost no-one visit this beach. The rock formations along the walk and the sea-stacks are stunning. Geology lover and photographer will absolutely love it.
You can even see a colony of starfish! - Access –
Easy access by car + 30min walk on the beach to reach the sea-stacks
Only visit around low tide, otherwise the beach gets covered with water - How long to plan?
2h – and if you can have low tide at the same time as sunset, bingo!!!! - See more pictures
2 – Omarama Clay Cliffs – New Zealand off the beaten path
- How many people when I visited?
Around 10 people - Where –
South Island, Central
Not far from Lake Pukaki - Main town in area –
Omarama – see accommodation options - Why visit?
Once again, Lake Pukaki is not far, yet not many people visit the cliffs (although it is becoming more and more popular).
The wall of pinnacles is very impressive and with beautiful colors.
You can admire it from the walking path, walk inside and be surrounded by giants. - Access –
Off the main highway Road 8 between Pukaki and Omarama, via Quailburn road and then Henburn road
The last 7km are unsealed and some sections are quite bumpy so drive slowly
Then it is a 15min walk slightly uphill to enter the pinnacles - How long to plan?
I stayed for 1h as I was amazed by the location, which is very photogenic - See more pictures
Need to rent a car in New Zealand?
My tips:
- Compare prices on my favorite platform: Discovercars.com – one of the best rated comparison sites!
- Prefer a car with enough power for the mountain areas
- Consider their full coverage option – it for peace of mind!
- Book early to have a large choice of vehicles!
3 – Matai Bay – Off the beaten track NZ North Island
- How many people when I visited?
There were only 3 other cars in the area.
It is a little more popular with many locals during the Summer holidays. - Where –
North Island, East Coast
At the end of the Karikari peninsula, just South of the Cape Reinga region - Main town in area –
Kaitaia – see accommodation options – zoom out on the map to see quiet accommodations on the peninsula - Why visit?
2 beautiful circular coves with Matay Bay and Waikato bay.
The flat sandy beaches and the swimming are enjoyable.
Plus you can climb on the head between the 2 to admire their perfect shapes. - Access –
Paved road all the way to the beaches
40min drive from Kaitaia and 30min drive from Mangonui - How long to plan?
There is a camping area, so if you are self-contained you can spend a night here
4 – Mangapohue Natural Bridge
- How many people when I visited?
Around 10 - Where –
North Island
Only 15min drive from the famous Waitomo caves - Main town in area –
Waitomo is small but very close to the caves – see accommodation options
Hamilton is the main town in the area – see accommodation options - Why visit?
I don’t understand why so little people drive past the caves to reach the natural bridge and further the Marokopa falls. Those were 2 of my favorite attractions in New Zealand. But it is better that way as the carparks are not large.
At the bridge you walk into a canyon to discover an enchanting place with a 17m high natural bridge and vegetation taking over around it. - Access –
Good road from Waitomo and 10min walk on easy track to the bridge.
Then you can climb stairs for other perspectives - How long to plan?
Plan 30min
All those amazing locations are included in my ebooks with maps to see if you need a small or a big detour to include them into your road trip itinerary.
Plan your dream trip in New Zealand thanks to my guide
- 12 maps to easily plan your itinerary
- 200+ pre-selected locations
- GPS coordinates direct to the carparks
- Winter tips to make the most of your time
- 285+ original photos to help you choose
5 – Hokianga River – New Zealand off the beaten track
- How many people when I visited?
This is the less off the beaten track location of this list. There were a little bit more people but compared to Cape Reinga nearby, it was very quiet. - Where –
North Island, West Coast
South of Cape Reinga - Main town in area –
The small town at the harbour mouth is Opononi – see accommodation options - Why visit?
It is such a charming area with small towns, a beautiful harbour /river, sand dunes on one side (reachable by boat), and rock formations on the other.
Don’t miss the Signal station walk for incredible views of the Hokianga River’s mouth - Access –
Easy drive from the main highway through the Northlands - How long to plan?
You can just drive by and do the 20min walk at Signal station or stay overnight and take a boat to the sand dunes, and discover the Koutu boulders (similar to the Moeraki boulders in South Island).
6 – Matapouri Bay
- How many people when I visited?
A little bit more than other locations but spread along the beach.
It would be busier during the New Zealanders’ Summer holidays. - Where –
North Island, East Coast - Main town in area –
The main town is Whangarei – see accommodation options – zoom out of the map to see options closer to the sea - Why visit?
Spectacular white sand beach with a perfect hourglass shape.
There is a walking loop to some rock formations and to Whale Bay that you can complete at low tide.
It is also known for its Mermaid pools – but the hike to get there is extremely steep and not well indicated. Be aware! - Access –
Easy drive, large carpark - How long to plan?
a short stop to admire the beach or 1h to several hours to do some walking around
Where to stay in New Zealand?
My favorites on North Iceland:
- In Auckland, to explore the vibrant city – see best rated accommodations
- In Rotorua, to visit the geothermal parks – see best rated accommodations
- In Wellington, to feel the vibe of the capital city – see best rated accommodations
- In New Plymouth, to admire Mount Taranaki – see best rated accommodations
My favorites on South Island:
- In Kaikoura, for dolphins and whales – see best rated accommodations
- In Queenstown, for the mountains – see best rated accommodations
- In Dunedin, to explore the Catlins – see best rated accommodations
- In Lake Tekapo, to admire Lake Pukaki, Mount cook and the Dark Sky – see accommodations
- …
7 – Lake Ohau – Off the beaten path in New Zealand South Island
- How many people when I visited?
Just a few at the campsite nearby - Where –
South Island
South-west of Lake Pukaki - Main town in area –
Twizel – see accommodation options - Why visit?
Everybody stops at Lake Pukaki and Lake Tekapo. And they are both beautiful.
But if you are looking for even more splendid alpine scenery, you can drive the detour to reach the sparkling Lake Ohau. It is such a tranquil place!
In winter it is a small ski area. - Access –
20min drive from the main road, paved and easy - How long to plan?
At least 1h to relax and meditate in the scenery
I don’t drink coffee 
But I also like other drinks and sweets!
Do you like the free content you find on my blog? All my tips and practical information, without intrusive advertising…
8 – Historic Tauranga Bridge
- How many people when I visited?
3 other cars - Where –
North Island
Stop on the main road (road 2) on the way to Gisborne - Main town in area –
the road starts in Opotiki and ends in Gisborne – see accommodation options in Gisborne - Why visit?
Beautiful road with lush vegetation.
The historic bridge is a nice place to stop and stretch your legs on the long drive to the East Coast.
From the bridge you can enjoy views of the river with green landscapes and ferns escaping from it. - Access –
Winding road but easy drive. - How long to plan?
Plan 30Min
10min walk down to bridge, or longer hikes possible.
9 – Lake Gunn – Nature Walk and view
- How many people when I visited?
10 people on the Nature walk, and only 4 at the viewpoint - Where –
South Island, West Coast
On the road to Milford Sound - Main town in area –
Te Anau – see accommodation options - Why visit?
Everybody rushes to Milford Sound and they stop mostly at the same places: the mirror lakes, the chasm, Eglinton valley…
But my favorite stop was totally overlooked by everyone: Lake Gunn
At the South end, you can enjoy a beautiful walk through the forest. It is enchanting but views of the lake are limited.
I recommend also stopping at the picnic area at the North end for open views of the whole length of the lake. - Access –
Easy drive to Milford Sound, carparks right by the road - How long to plan?
45min for the Nature walk and 10min stop at the view
10 – Tolaga Wharf
- How many people when I visited?
A few tourists and locals fishing. - Where –
North Island, East Coast
North of Gisborne - Main town in area –
Gisborne – see accommodation options - Why visit?
Tolaga bay is not famous for its beach. But it has a very long (600m) historic wharf taking you overwater with views of the cliffs
And not far is the Cooks cove walkway with incredible views of the coastline - Access –
Easy drive, large carpark - How long to plan?
30min to enjoy the bridge
Plan a few hours if you enjoy part or the whole Cooks Cove Walk.
11 – Cable Bay
- How many people when I visited?
A little bit more than other places I listed but there was a wedding party when I visited… - Where –
South Island, North coast - Main town in area –
Napier – see accommodation options - Why visit?
Cable bay is quite a unique place in New Zealand.
It is a shingle beach created by strong current. It creates a connection to Pepin island. On the other side is a marine reserve. - Access –
Smaller road for the last few kilometers but easy. - How long to plan?
30min to walk around or longer
And keep track of your own trip!
12 – Elephant Rocks and Heritage Trail
- How many people when I visited?
2 other cars - Where –
South Island, close to South East shore - Main town in area –
Oamaru, the Victorian town – see accommodation options - Why visit?
Visit only if you are passionate about geology or the Chronicles of Narnia.
The Heritage Trail will take you around interesting rock formations and geological features, as well as old maori art.
The most famous of all the stops on the trail is the Elephant Rocks, giant boulders on farming land (bring closed shoes).
See more photos - Access –
Smaller roads but all paved - How long to plan?
2h to stop everywhere – start at the museum in Duntroon
or 20min to explore the Elephant rocks only
New Zealand off the beaten track – extra destinations
As I said at the beginning, the definition of ‘off the beaten track’ varies from one person to another.
Here are a few other destinations that felt off the beaten path to me despite being surrounded by a few more people. But since I adooooore them, I wanted to list them for you:
North Island
- Cape Palliser – see my article
- Castlepoint – see my article
- Bridal Veil Falls – see my article
- Dawson falls on the slopes of Mount Taranaki
South Island
- Wharariki beach – see my article
- Nugget point lighthouse – see my article
- Truman track
- Lake Manapouri (outside of the Doubtful Sound cruise departure and arrival hours)
All the locations listed in this article are included in my eBook. It helps you easily plan your road trip:
Plan your dream trip in New Zealand thanks to my guide
- 12 maps to easily plan your itinerary
- 200+ pre-selected locations
- GPS coordinates direct to the carparks
- Winter tips to make the most of your time
- 285+ original photos to help you choose
Want to see more of NEW ZEALAND?
PREVIOUS:
Top Things to do in NZ North Island
NEXT:
How to plan your New Zealand road trip
