12 Quirkiest New Zealand Towns You Didn't Know Existed

Think New Zealand is just big cities and Hobbit holes? Not even close. Scattered across the country are tiny towns you've never heard of, each with its own brand of strange. While they don't boast large populations, they are outsized in personality, offbeat history, and just the right amount of delightful peculiarities. You’ll find towns with glowworm caves and penguin colonies, others with gumboot-throwing contests, steampunk museums, and even world-famous public toilets. Here are the 12 quirkiest New Zealand towns you didn't even know existed.

Warkworth, Auckland Region

Warkworth might seem like just another small rural town on the North Island of New Zealand, but it's a beacon of creativity and natural wonders. What sets it apart is its unexpected blend of quirky art and outdoor adventures. Warkworth is home to many artists who have transformed the town's spaces into an open-air gallery.

A must-see here is the Sculptureum, an eclectic art-filled wonderland featuring gardens and sculptures. Nearby, the Goat Island Marine Reserve is one of the country's best snorkeling spots. If you're up for some hiking, head to the Mahurangi Regional Park, which offers everything from easy walks to coastal treks. Then there's Parry Kauri Park, which gives visitors the chance to walk among some of the tallest trees in New Zealand.

Russell, Northland

Forget the city hustle and head to Russell, a once-wild 19th-century port town. Its early days were marked by lawlessness and debauchery. Today, however, it's far more laid-back. The waterfront hub juxtaposes its raucous past with serene beaches, like Long Beach, and historic sites.

When in Russell, history is hard to ignore. The Christ Church, dating back to 1835, is New Zealand's oldest surviving church, offering a window into the early colonial days. Just a short stroll away is the Russell Museum, where you can dive deeper into the maritime history that once made this town famous. Don't miss the Flagstaff Hill, offering panoramic views of the Bay of Islands.

Te Anau, Fiordland

Te Anau is the gateway to Fiordland National Park, a region known for its stunning fiords and truly remarkable landscapes. But the town itself also offers plenty of character with a range of outdoor activities to suit all tastes. This includes the Fiordland Vintage Machinery Museum, which showcases an extensive collection of restored machinery.

A must-see is the Te Anau Glowworm Caves, where you can take a boat ride and experience a magical display of glowing worms. The Te Anau Bird Sanctuary allows visitors to observe rare native birds in a tranquil lakeside setting. Then there's the Lake2Lake Cycle Trail, hiking in Fiordland National Park, and boat tours across Milford Sound, which is straight out of Middle-earth.

Oamaru, Otago

Oamaru stands out with its well-preserved Victorian architecture and a unique obsession with Steampunk culture. The latter makes the little South Island town a place that is unlike basically anywhere else in the world. The town hosts the Steampunk HQ museum, showcasing a blend of sci-fi and 19th-century aesthetics. It's eccentric and feels straight out of a time machine.

The town's penguin colony is also a big draw. From the Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony's viewing platform, you can watch the world's smallest penguins waddle up to their nests. In Oamaru's historic precinct, you can stroll through cobbled streets lined with galleries, cafes, and antique shops. Shortblack Cafe is a quaint spot perfect for some coffee during the day.

Akaroa, Canterbury

The South Island's Akaroa stands as a living reminder of New Zealand's European past, with its distinct French influence. The town is a delightful fusion of French and Maori history, evident in its architecture, street names, and, yes, its cuisine. Nestled in an extinct volcanic crater, Akaroa offers some of the most striking views in New Zealand.

Akaroa Harbour is one of the few places in the world where you can find Hector's dolphins, and the boat and kayaking tours are a perfect way to see these creatures up close. The Giants House, an art gallery and garden filled with whimsical sculptures, is another must-see.

Taihape, Manawatu-Whanganui

Taihape proudly proclaims itself the "Gumboot Capital of the World," a title celebrated annually during Gumboot Day. This event, held each March at Memorial Park, features gumboot-throwing competitions—yeah, quirky.

Beyond its gumboot fame, the town is home to the Taihape Museum as well as Paengaroa Scenic Reserve. To this end, culture abounds, whether you are indoors or outdoors. For a touch of local art, the striking mural on the Farmlands store adds a blast of color to the town. Just down the road, the Majestic Theatre, a historic venue, offers local performances and films.

Raglan, Waikato

Raglan's laid-back surf culture may be what initially draws people to this North Island town, but there's so much more worth checking out. Raglan is known for its one-of-a-kind surf breaks, particularly the Manu Bay left-handers, but what really gives it personality is its strong creative community. From vibrant street art to local musicians playing at every opportunity, Raglan has cultivated an artistic, bohemian vibe that stands out on the New Zealand coast. Visitors can learn more at the vibrant Raglan Old School Arts Centre.

Outdoor adventurers find Raglan a treasure trove. Sceinic hikes through the Raglan Walkway or Bridal Veil Falls offer magical experiences. Of course, you'll need to fuel up on Raglan's famous coffee, specifically at Raglan Roast, before you head out on a hike.

Arrowtown, Otago

Arrowtown is a place that feels like a page out of a history book, but it's also a town that has managed to evolve while staying rooted in its past. Once a gold mining hub in the 1860s, Arrowtown celebrates its multicultural heritage. The Arrowtown Chinese Settlement offers a rare look at the lives of the miners who came seeking their fortunes, and this historical site is one of the town's top attractions.

When you've had your fill of history, explore the verdant walking trails around Arrowtown, such as the Arrowtown River Trail or the nearby Remarkables mountain range. Winter transforms the town into a ski lover's paradise, while the Arrowtown Autumn Festival is the highlight of the year due to its gorgeous fall colors.

Whitianga, Coromandel Peninsula

Whitianga is a town that has it all: beaches, history, and an unpredictable streak of fun. One of its oddest attractions is The Waterworks, an outdoor interactive park where everything is powered by water. It's easily one of New Zealand's off-beat experiences.

The nearby 309 Road leads to the Waiau Kauri Grove and Waiau Falls. You can also head to the famous Cathedral Cove, a coastal gem that's only accessible on foot or by boat. It's one of the most photographed spots in New Zealand for a reason, with its limestone arch and clear waters.

Tapanui, West Otago

Tapanui, located on the South Island, is the kind of place that makes you stop and think, "What is going on here?" Tucked away in the rural heart of West Otago, this tiny town's claim to fame is the Tapanui Crater or Landslip Hill, which, while most likely formed by a landslide, looks like a meteor crater. This gives the town an otherworldly vibe.

Tapanui serves as a perfect base for exploring the nearby Blue Mountains. And if you're into fishing, the Pomahaka River is well-known for its abundance of trout. While in town, take part in the Tapanui Golf Club's West Otago Halberg Tournament, a lighthearted local tradition with nearly three dozen participants.

Kaikoura, Canterbury

Kaikoura is where the mountains meet the sea, creating a dramatic backdrop for a town that's anything but ordinary. It's renowned for marine life encounters, with opportunities to see sperm whales, dolphins, and seals. But beyond its natural attractions, Kaikoura has embraced the night sky, earning the International Dark Sky Sanctuary designation.

Start your exploration at the Kaikoura Museum. There, you can delve into exhibits that highlight the region's whaling past and its transformation into a marine conservation hub. Visit Fyffe House, Kaikoura's oldest surviving building, uniquely constructed on a foundation of whale bones. Then there's Kaikoura Beach, where you can lounge before enjoying fresh seafood at the original Kaikoura Seafood BBQ, a beachfront eatery known for its crayfish.

Kawakawa, Northland

A vibrant canvas of creativity and history, Kawakawa is easily one of the North Island's strangest towns in the best way possible. Its main attraction... toilets... Seriously. The town's most iconic feature is the Hundertwasser Toilets. They were designed by Austrian artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser and feature a whimsical mosaic of colorful tiles, irregular shapes, and living trees.

Beyond its artistic flair, Kawakawa offers a range of attractions. The Bay of Islands Vintage Railway runs through the center of town and offers rides on restored trains. The nearby Kawiti Caves showcase stunning limestone and glowworm displays, and the Twin Coast Cycle Trail is a must for bikers.

Final Thoughts

Forget polished resorts and tourist-packed beaches. New Zealand’s quirkiest towns are where the magic truly lives. From gumboot throwing contests and steampunk museums to penguin colonies and glowworm caves, each of these places offers something offbeat, authentic, and unforgettable. They may not always make the guidebooks, but they leave lasting impressions. If you want to uncover the real character of New Zealand, skip the expected and embrace the delightful oddities that make the country so memorable.