11 Of The Most Captivating Small Towns In New Zealand
New Zealand’s landscape is dramatic enough that filmmakers scouting The Lord of the Rings found what they needed in Glenorchy. The wilderness around this small mountain town at the north end of Lake Wakatipu stood in for the gardens of Isengard. On Stewart Island, Rakiura National Park covers 85 percent of the land. That leaves Oban as a modest outpost surrounded by coastal rainforest and granite peaks where kiwi still call after dark. Across both islands, the towns worth seeking out are those where the national park or the surf break begins where the last building ends.
Oban
Situated on the coast of Stewart Island, the southernmost inhabited island in New Zealand’s archipelago, Oban is a town with striking natural beauty. Just beyond the town’s borders, Rakiura National Park covers some 85% of the island’s land mass, includes a vast network of scenic walking tracks leading to dense coastal rainforests and majestic granite mountain ranges, and offers prime opportunities to spot native wildlife like penguins, ruru (native owls), kiwi, and seals. For more adventures in the local wilderness, visitors can take a water taxi to the nearby Ulva Island (also known as Te Wharawhara in the Māori language) and experience this pristine, predator-free sanctuary where birds like the South Island Saddleback, Stewart Island Robin, and Stewart Island Brown Kiwi thrive. Heading back to town, Bathing Beach and Butterfield Beach are pleasant spots to stretch out on the sand and dip into the crystal clear (and admittedly chilly) seawater.
A short walk or bike ride south of Bathing Beach leads to Kaka Retreat, a cozy collection of cottages fully equipped with kitchenettes and central heating that feel extra secluded with their lush landscaping, even though they’re also within easy reach of Oban’s central village.
Waikawa
On the southern Catlins coast in Southland, Waikawa opens up to a landscape of lush rainforests and powerful waterfalls. In particular, the nearby Waipohatu Waterfalls Track guides visitors up to a gorgeous pair of cascades deep in the forest. Also in the area, folks can discover the small yet captivating waterfall at Koropuku Falls. Then, shifting down to the coast, the Catlins Coastal Heritage Trail at Curio Bay follows the path of an ancient Māori trail to a 180-million-year-old Jurassic fossil forest, with the wooden Waipapa Point Lighthouse (one of Aotearoa’s last surviving wooden towers) a short drive west. And a little farther west, Slope Point marks the southernmost point of the South Island and the meeting point of the Pacific and Southern Oceans.
For plenty more quality time at the Catlins coast, visitors can book a stay at Curio Bay Salthouse. This intimate collection of self-contained studio units (and a larger two-bedroom apartment) offers plenty of space and solitude, and they’re conveniently located right by a gorgeous stretch of beach at Curio Bay.
Glenorchy
Venturing up to the north end of Lake Wakatipu in Otago’s Southern Alps, it’s easy to see why the ruggedly beautiful mountain wilderness of Glenorchy has served as a scenic backdrop for feature films like Narnia, The Hobbit, and The Lord of the Rings. In fact, visitors can hike the Routeburn Track to reach the forest near Paradise, which appeared in The Lord of the Rings films as the gardens of Isengard. Another idyllic spot can be found right in town at the Glenorchy Restored Steamship Depot, also known as “The Red Shed,” with its stunning mountain backdrop. Then, folks can head out on the Glenorchy Lagoon Walkway and discover a lovely wetlands sanctuary that’s perfect for spotting birds like black swans, South Island pied oystercatchers, Australasian bitterns, and New Zealand falcons.
Returning to town, guests can rest and relax in epic style at Blanket Bay on the shores of Lake Wakatipu. This luxury resort pairs farm-to-table dining, lodge-style rooms and suites, larger villas, and treatments at the full-service Blanket Bay Spa.
Cardrona
Between Queenstown and Wānaka lies Cardrona, home to one of Aotearoa’s best-known ski resorts, along with a few notable food and drink stops. Of course, winter sports enthusiasts flock here for Cardrona Alpine Resort, a 345-hectare wonderland for skiers and snowboarders offering up to 600 meters of vertical and a balanced mix of intermediate and advanced runs. For more icy fun, Snow Farm NZ operates New Zealand’s only cross-country ski field and a welcoming place for snowshoeing and casual snow play. Then, for something different, Cardrona Distillery offers tours and tastings of its award-winning artisan single-malt whiskies and vodkas. And for those craving heartier sustenance, the historic Cardrona Hotel has been serving wholesome Otago-grown cuisine since 1863.
Whether travelers venture here for the exhilarating ski slopes, the edible (and drinkable) delectable delights, or just the beautiful surroundings, they can make a stay here extra special by renting a home at Mt Cardrona Station. These artfully designed luxury homes provide plenty of room to roam, along with privileged access to community amenities such as 30-kilometer hike-and-bike trails, an extensive hot pool, cold plunge, and sauna complex, and a state-of-the-art gym and fitness complex.
Lake Hāwea
Named for the Māori iwi associated with this rugged stretch of Otago, Lake Hāwea is an appealing base for travelers seeking a mountain escape. Near town, Timaru River Road leads through a leafy beech forest to a perfectly pleasant camping and picnicking space at Timaru Creek. Meanwhile, in town, Lake Hāwea - Scotts Beach makes an inviting launch pad for cool and refreshing excursions on the lake. Then, for those wanting a wilder water experience, The Hāwea Wave is an interesting spot along the Hāwea River where visitors can surf, bodyboard, kayak, and white-water raft. Beyond town, there’s a whole lot more to explore at Mount Aspiring National Park, an ethereal dreamland of massive mountains, verdant valleys, grand glaciers, and wonderful waterfalls spanning both sides of the Southern Alps’ Great Divide.
Back near town, Maungawera Lodge provides a warm and welcoming “basecamp” at their large country home set across 25 acres. Not only do they offer spacious guest suites, but they also offer country-style breakfasts made with locally sourced ingredients, and they can even help organize outings into the nearby wilderness areas.
Picton
Shifting to the north end of the South Island, around 336 kilometers (or 208 miles) north of Christchurch, we reach the sheltered Marlborough town of Picton, a gateway to wine country and coastal scenery. To the south of town, Johanneshof Cellars created New Zealand’s first underground rock cellar in 1993, and they continue to craft high-quality French-style sparkling wines. Or, for those who prefer a more completely carefree experience, Marlborough Tour Company organizes half- and full-day wine country tours that safely whisk guests off to more of the region’s finest wineries. Then, for a feast of beautiful scenery, Bob’s Bay Reserve has a lovely beach for swimming and strolling, while Kaipūpū Sanctuary is a welcoming home for wildlife such as fur seals, penguins, korimako, tūi, wētā, and geckos, accessible by boat.
After a long day touring the region’s wineries or the area’s wilderness parks, Sennen House Boutique Bed and Breakfast is happy to welcome guests back into Picton and provide fine, classically elegant rooms alongside a generous continental breakfast every morning.
Featherston
Between the eastern foothills of the Remutaka Range and the northern shores of Lake Wairarapa, and about 64 kilometers (or 40 miles) northeast of Wellington, sits New Zealand’s “Official Booktown” of Featherston. Long popular with artists seeking an affordable haven for their creative energy, Featherston has developed a reputation as a literary hub, and The Dickensian Bookshop & Tea Rooms makes a strong starting point for exploring the local scene with its lineup of antiquarian and collectors’ books. (And yes, they also host proper high teas with Devonshire cream and cakes.) In addition, Loco Coffee & Books has an eccentric collection of vintage books, children’s toys, and delicious delights like hot chocolate and Havana coffee. Then, for some natural inspiration and fairytale-like vistas, visitors can head out to Lake Domain Reserve and camp by the lake, or venture up to Pākuratahi Forest and ride their bikes on this set of trails that’s officially designated as one of Aotearoa’s 22 Great Rides.
Whether folks are more interested in perusing the special selections of the Featherston’s bookstores or writing their own epic stories in the region’s great outdoors, they can check into The Royal Hotel and enjoy a pleasant stay at this boutique hotel that also has the tasty Brac & Bow restaurant on site.
Ōtaki
Tucked into the Kāpiti Coast District, some 70 kilometers (or 43 miles) north of Wellington, Ōtaki is a strong center of Māori culture and local natural beauty. In town, Toi Matarau Gallery showcases the impressive works of local and regional Māori artists, while the Ōtaki Heritage Museum shares the many stories of the origins and evolution of this community. Moving east, Tararua Forest Park offers a wide range of walking tracks, from easy forest walks to longer hiking expeditions deep into the mountain wilderness. Then, shifting west, Ōtaki Beach offers a prime expanse of Tasman Sea coast for surfing, swimming, kite flying, and simple relaxation.
Once one’s ready to wrap up for the day, Littel Ōtaki provides the perfect good night’s stay with generously sized and comfortably furnished modern motel rooms conveniently located near the Kāpiti Expressway.
Ōpunake
Thanks to its location on the North Island coast along State Highway 45, better known as the “Surf Highway,” Ōpunake is well suited to a beach-focused getaway. After all, a short-ish drive south leads to Kaupokonui Beach, a welcoming campground that also has a fantastic beach for surfing, swimming, surf fishing, and kayaking. Meanwhile, right at the heart of town lies Ōpunake Beach, a great family-friendly beach for swimming, surfing, and picnics. And to the north, Kina Road Beach is a more rugged stretch of shore with a phenomenal surf break suitable for more advanced-level surfers.
A long day at the beach can easily lead to a voracious appetite, and the Greencow Burger Company is perfectly suited to satisfy cravings for burgers, toasties, and other Aotearoa-style beach cuisine classics. And for some more local hospitality, Opunake Motel provides affordable and comfortable rooms that keep guests within easy reach of the best beaches that can only be found along the “Surf Highway.”
Tūrangi
Right in the heart of the North Island’s interior, around 130 kilometers (or 81 miles) south of Rotorua, is the town of Tūrangi and its tremendous trout fishing scene. Yes, really, Tūrangi has a reputation for world-class fishing, and the stretch of the Tauranga-Taupō River in the Kaimanawa Range may be the very best spot to fish for trout. For a deeper dive into local fishing culture and the local environment, the Tongariro National Trout Center has its own working hatchery, a number of interactive exhibits, and even an underwater viewing chamber. But even for those looking to do other things outdoors, Tūrangi places skiers and snowboarders within reach of Mount Ruapehu and its ski fields, as well as the walking tracks and Māori cultural significance of UNESCO-listed Tongariro National Park.
No matter why travelers decide to come to Tūrangi, Creel Lodge provides guests with a very warm welcome and the choice of 19 cozy suites, surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens, with direct access to the Tongariro River.
Matarangi
Matarangi may be a tiny town on the Coromandel Peninsula, located some 204 kilometers (or 127 miles) east of Auckland, but it’s also a town that opens up to some of Aotearoa’s most spectacular stretches of serene white sand shores. Right here, Matarangi Beach extends over 4 kilometers of picture-perfect white sand, ideal for swimming, surfing, casual strolling, and sand play. Mere steps away from this beach, The Dunes Matarangi Golf Club is an 18-hole championship golf course that lets players tee off with perhaps New Zealand’s most beautiful coastal backdrop. Meanwhile, for beach lovers wanting more quality time at the Pacific Ocean, Rings Beach is a stunning, secluded-feeling beach a short drive east, while a slightly longer drive east leads to the illustrious shores of Otama Beach & Reserve that surfers, swimmers, and birdwatchers will absolutely love.
Whenever travelers feel ready to return to town, The Matarangi B&B invites them to kick back and relax in their easy-breezy harbor-view suites, featuring deluxe king beds, bathrooms with extra-large rainhead showers, ensuite coffee and tea, and fast wifi internet.
Why These New Zealand Towns Stand Out
New Zealand may appear geographically removed from the rest of the world due to its location in the South Pacific Ocean, but it’s also a nation that invites travelers to leave behind the troubles of the outside world and experience its many uniquely captivating wonders. To the south of the South Island, Oban opens up to an amazing expanse of temperate coastal wilderness. Heading up to the Southern Alps, Glenorchy abounds in natural landmarks so mesmerizing that Hollywood came calling (and filming!), while Cardrona draws in winter sports enthusiasts from all over with its spectacular ski slopes. Then, there’s Picton, a lovely waterfront village that welcomes visitors to Marlborough wine country.
Switching to the North Island, Featherston is the “Booktown” with its own distinct bookish charm, and Ōpunake offers some of the best surf spots on the wild and wonderful “Surf Highway.” Continuing north, Tūrangi is a surprising treasure trove of adventures for fishing and skiing enthusiasts, and Matarangi makes a very inviting stretch of shore on the Coromandel. Together, these towns show the range of experiences New Zealand offers, from remote coastal landscapes and ski country to literary communities and laid-back beach escapes.
