Underrated Kiwi tourist spots to visit this summer
Queenstown is breathtaking and the luge in Rotorua is peak family fun. But what about the rest of Aotearoa New Zealand? Show some love for a few of our hidden Kiwi gems this summer picked by the Rockgas team!
It’s the perfect time to get your campervan ready for an epic trip – load it up, fill the watertank, refill the bottled LPG, and grab some snacks for the road.
Whanganui National Park
Bordering the top of the Whanganui River, the Whanganui National Park is a fabulous spot for tramping, kayaking and historical sights. It’s the location for the Whanganui Journey, one of New Zealand’s Great Walks, which takes three to five days. It involves paddling steep gorges, surrounded by lush forests and featuring historical Māori cultural sites.
Akaroa
Oooh la la! Welcome to Akaroa, a small town around 75km south of Christchurch. It has a fascinating history, as the only French settlement in Aotearoa New Zealand and a former whaling base. Take in the French architecture, visit the Akaroa Lighthouse, or take a harbour cruise to spot Hector’s dolphins, seals, penguins and other seabirds. You can swim with the dolphins, kayak, or just enjoy the atmosphere in this charming town.
Hokianga
Around four hours’ drive north of Auckland, Hokianga has beautiful golden sand dunes, a tranquil harbour and ancient Kauri forests. Visit Waipoua Forest and you can see Tāne Mahuta, the largest living kauri tree with its age estimated at between 1,250 and 2,500 years old (open in late November). Try sand dune boarding at Rangi Point, or a relaxing dip at one of Hokianga’s outstanding beaches.
Motueka
Hiking, kayaking, beaches, vineyards – Motueka has everything you could want for a Kiwi summer holiday. It’s often described as the gateway to Abel Tasman National Park, where you can undertake one of our Great Walks, the Abel Tasman Coast Track. Or keep it local to Motueka and enjoy the Sunday Market, boutique stores, handmade crafts and fabulous cafes. The Motueka River is known for its trout fishing, or grab your bike and set off on a section of the Great Taste Trail.
Kerikeri
If you want to explore Northland, Kerikeri is an excellent place to base yourself. You can visit the Bay of Islands, the Stone Store (New Zealand’s oldest stone building), or the local farmers’ market. Rainbow Falls is a particular highlight: a spectacular 27-metre waterfall on the Kerikeri River. And don’t forget to stop for a long lunch at one of the many superb vineyards nearby, including Marsden Estate, Sovrano, and Rogue.
Kahurangi National Park
Get into the wilderness on the West Coast when you head to the Kahurangi National Park. It features some extraordinary walking tracks, including the famous Heaphy Track, one of the country’s Great Walks. The Operara Arches are a must-see if you are in this region – three enormous natural limestone archways formed around 35 million years ago. Nearby, the Honeycomb Hills Caves tunnel system is a protected area, so you’ll need to book a tour to visit it.
Mavora Lakes Park
Get off the beaten track to experience a lesser-known part of Te Wahipounamu, our South West World Heritage Site. Located between Queenstown and Te Anau, the Mavora Lakes Conservation Park features two idyllic lakes in a dramatic mountainous landscape. There is a popular campsite, plenty of outdoor activities, and a 50km four-day walk if you feel like a challenge. The Mavora Lakes Park was the setting for several scenes in the Lord of the Rings trilogy, so if you squint, you can spot the edge of the Fangorn Forest or Nen Hithoel.