10 Whimsical Towns in New Zealand
New Zealand, a country known for its dramatic landscapes and cultural history, is composed of two main islands: North Island and South Island. While tourists often flock to famous cities like Queenstown or Auckland, New Zealand’s smaller towns offer some of the most whimsical and unexpected experiences. Whether it's unusual architecture, quirky festivals, or deep-rooted local traditions, these ten towns reveal a side of New Zealand that goes beyond the ordinary tourist trail.
Whangarei
Whangarei is New Zealand’s northernmost city, located just off State Highway 1—a key stop for those heading toward the Bay of Islands. The city begins near the coastal Whangarei Heads, extends inland through its bustling urban center, and culminates at the Hatea River Walkway. Whangarei stands out for its blend of heavy industry and an unexpected arts scene. Its quirkiness is evident in its collection of unusual sculptures, public art installations such as the towering ‘Waka and Wave’ sculpture, and the city's fixation on clocks, which adds a curious charm to its streets.
Begin your visit at the Whangarei Art Museum, a cozy venue featuring rotating contemporary art exhibits, standing out against the nearby industrial surroundings. Next, visit the Claphams National Clock Museum, which showcases a collection of clocks illustrating the history of timekeeping over the centuries. Finally, ascend the steep path to Mount Manaia, where breathtaking panoramic views offer a striking perspective of the volcanic landscape contrasting with the tranquil harbor beneath.
Kaikoura
Kaikoura lies along the eastern coastline of the South Island, tucked between the Seaward Kaikoura Range and the Pacific Ocean. The town starts at the mouth of the Kowhai River and follows the rocky coast to the Peninsula Walkway. Kaikoura’s quirkiness stems from its extreme proximity to marine life, where seals, whales, and dolphins can often be seen without even leaving the shore. The town's name, meaning 'eat crayfish,' adds to the peculiarity, as the local cuisine revolves around the sea, with roadside stalls selling freshly caught crayfish cooked on the spot.
For must-see stops, start with the Peninsula Walkway, a picturesque trail along the cliffs where seals often lounge on the rocks below. Next, explore Fyffe House, a pink building that used to be a whaling station. Finally, embark on a whale-watching tour, where you'll frequently see giant sperm whales and pods of dusky dolphins, highlighting Kaikoura’s deep and unique connection with the ocean.
Oamaru
Oamaru is located on the South Island’s eastern coast, beginning along the Waitaki River and extending to its harbor. The town is defined by its distinctive white limestone buildings, which give Oamaru a historic feel, but what makes it truly whimsical is its unexpected embrace of the Steampunk subculture. This genre blends Victorian industrial aesthetics with futuristic technologies, turning Oamaru into an unlikely hub for an artistic movement that you wouldn’t expect to find in rural New Zealand.
Start your visit at Steampunk HQ, an eccentric museum housed in an old grain elevator, where you will find contraptions like the “Infinity Portal” and bizarre industrial sculptures. Next, wander through the Victorian Precinct, where shops, galleries, and cafes fill old stone buildings, preserving the town’s 19th-century aesthetic. Finish at the Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony, where you can watch the world’s smallest penguins return from the sea at dusk.
Hokitika
Hokitika is situated on the wild West Coast of the South Island, beginning at its famous driftwood-strewn beach and extending inland to rainforests and the Hokitika Gorge. The town, once a booming gold mining center, now thrives as a destination known for its greenstone carving and the annual Wildfoods Festival, where adventurous eaters can sample everything from huhu grubs to fried scorpions.
Begin with a visit to Hokitika Gorge, where a brief walk leads to a swing bridge crossing the milky blue waters. Then, visit a local greenstone workshop to watch artisans craft pounamu into detailed pieces, reflecting Maori heritage. If you arrive at the right time, enjoy the Wildfoods Festival, sampling unique local dishes and reinforcing Hokitika’s image as a town full of surprises.
Martinborough
Martinborough sits in the Wairarapa region, just beyond the Remutaka Range, and culminates in a grid of streets laid out in the shape of a Union Jack, a layout that sets the town apart from most others. Known for its boutique vineyards and small-town charm, Martinborough’s quirkiness also stems from being entirely centered on wine culture. It’s one of the few places where you can cycle from one family-owned vineyard to another within minutes it feels like a living, breathing wine village in the middle of rural New Zealand.
To experience Martinborough’s flavor, start with a visit to Poppies Martinborough, a winery where you can not only sample local wines but also enjoy a curated wine platter in the sun-drenched garden. Next, head to the Martinborough Wine Merchants, a wine shop that doubles as a wine-tasting room with bottles from dozens of local vineyards. Finally, take a stroll through the town square, where you can visit the Martinborough Museum to learn about the region’s early European settlers and how the town's wine legacy came to life.
Hanmer Springs
Hanmer Springs is a small alpine village located in the Canterbury region, along the Waiau River and framed by towering mountains. Its whimsy comes from the fact that this tiny village is built almost entirely around thermal waters, making it a spa town unlike any other in New Zealand. The mineral-rich hot springs have been drawing visitors for over a century.
Begin your trip at Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa, where you can enjoy soaking in natural hot springs and a variety of pools, such as sulfur pools and aqua therapy. If you crave adventure, visit Thrillseekers Adventures nearby for jet boat rides on the Waiau River. Conclude your day with a walk through Hanmer Forest, exploring its ancient Douglas firs, winding paths, and tranquil spots to take in the scenery.
Tirau
Tirau is a small town in the South Waikato District, along State Highway 1, best known for its unusual obsession with corrugated iron. The town is instantly recognizable for its large, corrugated iron sculptures that stand like sentinels outside the town's many shops and cafes. Nearly every building on its main street features some form of corrugated iron artwork, with the most famous being the giant dog and sheep buildings, which serve as the town’s information center and a wool shop, respectively.
Start your exploration at the Big Dog and Sheep Buildings, where you can see these massive sculptures up close and learn about the town’s love for corrugated iron. Next, visit The Castle Pamela, a toy museum housed in a medieval-style building. It has one of the largest collections of dolls and toys in New Zealand. Finally, wander through the town’s many antique stores and gift shops, where you will find everything from memorabilia to locally made crafts.
Feilding
Feilding is a rural town in the Manawatū-Whanganui region, known for its classic New Zealand farming roots. The town sits near the Oroua River and is marked by its beautifully preserved Edwardian buildings. What makes Feilding whimsical is its proud agricultural identity, highlighted by the fact that it hosts one of the largest livestock sale yards in the Southern Hemisphere, right in the town center. Every Friday, you can watch the spectacle of livestock auctions as farmers from all over the region gather.
Essential stops in Feilding include the Feilding Saleyards, where you can take a guided tour to learn about the history of farming in the region while seeing the action firsthand. Next, visit the Coach House Museum, which houses a collection of horse-drawn vehicles, farm equipment, and exhibits detailing Feilding's agricultural heritage. Finally, stroll through the Feilding Farmers Market, held in Manchester Square, where local vendors sell fresh produce and handmade goods, giving you a true taste of rural New Zealand life.
Motueka
Motueka is a small town in the Tasman region, situated near Abel Tasman National Park. It runs along the Motueka River and extends to the coast, where orchards and vineyards are spread out. The town’s charm comes from its relaxed, bohemian vibe and its artistic connections, along with the abandoned Janie Seddon shipwreck, which has become an unexpected tourist draw. The rusty shipwreck is just offshore and is best viewed at low tide when you can walk closer to the deteriorating hull. It's a popular spot for both photographers and history enthusiasts.
To explore Motueka’s quirks, start with Motueka Sunday Market, a lively spot where you can find everything from local arts and crafts to produce and vintage finds. Finally, take a detour to Toad Hall, a café and local favorite known for its organic produce, live music, and eclectic garden atmosphere.
Paihia
Paihia is located in the heart of the Bay of Islands, near the Waitangi River. This town is the perfect base for exploring New Zealand’s maritime history, but what makes it whimsical is its intimate connection with the sea and the historic Waitangi Treaty Grounds, where New Zealand’s founding document was signed. Paihia also has an eccentric side, as seen in its annual "Birdman" festival, where participants jump off a wharf in quirky homemade flying contraptions.
Begin your journey in Paihia with a visit to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, a site of immense historical significance where you can explore the meeting house, waka (canoe), and interactive museum exhibits. Next, take a boat tour through the Bay of Islands, where you can see the famous Hole in the Rock formation and swim with dolphins in the open water. Finally, visit Paihia Wharf, where you will find local shops and eateries.
New Zealand’s smaller towns are brimming with character. Take Whangarei, for example, where a heavy industrial backdrop meets vibrant public art and quirky clock museums. In Kaikoura, the town’s deep connection to marine life creates an experience that merges natural beauty with playful culinary traditions centered around crayfish. Lastly, Oamaru embraces an unlikely fusion of Victorian charm and the Steampunk subculture, transforming it into a haven for the creatively inclined. These destinations highlight New Zealand’s playful spirit and its ability to surprise visitors at every turn.
