7 Cutest Small Towns In New Zealand For 2025
New Zealand is arguably famous for its cinematic scenery and blockbuster landscapes, but the real magic often lies in its lesser-known spots—the places you find when you don't rush, you take a detour. You meander into a small bakery that smells like heaven, or stumble upon a view that makes you forget to check your phone. The seven cutest small towns in New Zealand for 2025 capture that exact feeling. From Arrowtown's golden autumn foliage to Akaroa's French-style harbour and Russell's pastel-hued houses to Hanmer Springs' alpine village charm, these towns prove that cute isn't just a look—it's an atmosphere. Whether it’s the shops, the scenery, or the smiling faces, you’ll be asking yourself why you don’t already live in one.
Akaroa (Canterbury)
Akaroa is more like a slice of France transplanted into a New Zealand harbor. The French settled here in the 1800s, and the town still keeps its Gallic charm with such street names as Rue Lavaud and French flags fluttering above old colonial buildings. Strolling along the waterfront is like strolling through a postcard, especially if you catch a glimpse of Hector's dolphins playing in the bay. Tourists can grab freshly cooked fish and chips at Akaroa Fish & Chips and walk through the Giant's House—a whimsical, mosaic-shrouded garden and gallery that's juicily over the top. It is all vibrant, cozy, and oddly romantic. Lastly, visit the Akaroa Lighthouse, which has a long history that draws tourists from all over.
Arrowtown (Otago)
Arrowtown is as if a painting has received life. It is made up of roads lined with trees that incandesce gold when autumn hits, and a square within the town comprised of weathered gold rush cottages, so one cannot help but fall head over heels in love. The Lakes District Museum gives you a close-up view of the town's mining history and contains one of the nation's best-preserved Chinese miners' villages. Buckingham Street is the center of it all—lined with charming cafés, galleries, and boutiques like Provisions of Arrowtown Cafe. Be sure to visit Patagonia Chocolates for some of the best hot chocolate you'll ever taste. If you're there in April, the Arrowtown Autumn Festival has the whole town abuzz with color and celebration.
Russell, Bay of Islands
Russell is a town with heart and history. Now notorious in the 19th century as the "hellhole of the Pacific" for its raucous mariners, today it's not. The oceanfront is straight out of a postcard, lined with palms, old buildings, and eateries with front-row seats to the sea. Stop by the Duke of Marlborough Hotel—it's been taking in travelers since 1827 and still serves a killer seafood platter. The town's Christ Church, Kororāreka Russell, is New Zealand's oldest, and if you want a view, climb the Flagstaff Hill track just at the back of town. It's peaceful, walkable, and full of stories.
Clyde (Otago)
Clyde is small, even for small towns, but it's got character ten times bigger than itself. The old town center is full of 1860s stone buildings. Oliver's Restaurant is a stop that's a must, whether you're staying overnight or not. The town also marks the end of the Otago Central Rail Trail—a bike ride through breathtaking landscapes of Central Otago. You don't need to ride it all to soak up the mood; Clyde's serene charm and sun-baked streets will loosen your foot off the pedal. Clyde Cinema is a cabin-style movie theater that just so happens to be a local favorite for visiting movie lovers. On weekends, the local market hums with fresh produce, handmade goods, and friendly chatter that adds to the town’s cozy, lived-in feel.
Hanmer Springs (Canterbury)
Hanmer Springs is renowned for one thing above all others: soaking. The hot pools here are globally famous, and there's no greater experience than sliding into a hot pool ringed by snow-dusted mountains. Most people spend time at Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools, boasting hot mineral springs, rock pools, and water slides for a relaxing time under the sun. But Hanmer Springs boasts more than just spa resorts. You can enjoy a forest walk through the Hanmer Heritage Forest Trust, where redwoods rise above hiking trails mere minutes from the village. Similarly, Conical Hill is an easy walk with a grand reward—panoramas of the entire valley. And when hunger strikes, go to MK Restaurant for something a little special with minimal fuss. It's warm, relaxed, and unmistakably romantic.
Havelock (Marlborough)
Havelock dubs itself the green-lipped mussel capital of the planet—and it's not far wrong. At the head of the Pelorus Sound, this small town is all about seafood, scenery, and taking it easy. The Mussel Pot is where to head and where to make an educated guess about green-lipped mussels cooked every which way. Stroll up and down Havelock's Marina and take in the boats gliding in and out, or take a mail boat trip into more remote corners of the Marlborough Sounds. Main Street is pretty compact for some art galleries like The Gallery Havelock. There are also stores like Albannach Crafts that sell local handicrafts, perfect for browsing at a relaxed pace.
Cromwell (Otago)
Cromwell is relaxed and rural, and it is easy to fall in love with. The Old Cromwell Historic Precinct lies along Lake Dunstan and is like stepping back in time. There are old stores now containing shops like Rachel Hirabayashi Gallery & Emporium and The Tent House, with ducks padding along the waterfront for good measure. It is also right at the center of Central Otago's wine region—pinot noir and sweeping scenery. Stop by Carrick Winery Restaurant or Scott Base Vineyard for a tasting. And if you happen to be there in summer, grab some fresh stone fruit at a roadside stand—they're famous for it.
Finishing Thoughts
Whether you adore historic towns, hot springs, dolphin spotting, or just finding the perfect pie, New Zealand's small towns have a way of getting under your skin. Perhaps they lack skyscrapers and nightclubs, but they've got the rest: character, charm, great food, and space to breathe. In 2025, skip the cities. Take the scenic route instead—and let towns like Arrowtown, Akaroa, and Hanmer Springs show you New Zealand's softer, sweeter side.
