7 Off-The-Grid New Zealand Towns To Visit In 2025
New Zealand’s seclusion is a national inside joke. A quick online search for “maps without New Zealand” will turn up dozens of world maps from prestigious cartography firms that have inexplicably omitted New Zealand, and the country’s good-humored residents have made a meme of their frequent erasure from the map. And while it’s a shame that many of these wonderful towns are unknown and therefore underappreciated, it’s a win for travelers seeking seclusion.
If you truly want to get away from it all, New Zealand is just about as far away as you’ll ever get. If you’re planning a visit to Australia, that Land Down Under, these seven off-the-grid New Zealand towns to visit in 2025 are havens of solitude that you’d do well to check out, too.
Akaroa
Driving through the patchwork of English and Maori place names that make up New Zealand’s countryside, it may come as a surprise to stumble upon a town chock-full of French. But in Akaroa, an hour and a half south of Christchurch by car, you’ll find a little-known New Zealand lore: in the mid-19th century, France attempted to colonize South Island. Nothing much came of the attempt, but it’s because of that ill-fated project that visitors to this seaside town can pick up a baguette at the French-inflected Akaroa Farmers Market or enjoy an exquisite French dinner with harbor views at Ma Maison.
There’s more here than French cuisine, though. Photographers will find much to enjoy at the Onuku Church, where neither the natural setting nor the meshing of English and Maori architectural styles could be any more picture-perfect. Wildlife is also abundant: tour operators take visitors to sea hoping to spot Hector’s Dolphins, one of the smallest and rarest species in the dolphin family. You can also take a tour to the New Zealand mainland’s largest colony of Little Blue Penguins with Pohatu Penguins, run by a local family that’s fought tirelessly to protect the local penguin population for decades.
Hokitika
Like many of the prettiest small towns in New Zealand, Hokitika offers both natural and cultural diversions. This Gold Rush town was a busy port in the mid-19th century, but these days it’s better known for its artsy flair and easy access to some of South Island’s best outdoor adventures. You’ll find local artisans taking advantage of the area’s abundant greenstone (often referred to here by its Maori name, pounamu) — but you’ll also find one of the island’s most scenic hikes in the Hokitika Gorge.
But the natural beauty of this town doesn’t end with the brilliant turquoise waters of Hokitika Gorge. The nearby Glow Worm Dell is a truly unique natural feature, and the lush temperate rainforest of Lake Kaniere Preserve offers hiking, biking, and kayaking opportunities. Finally, if you’re itching to catch a glimpse of New Zealand’s national bird, the National Kiwi Center is the easiest way to spot these nocturnal birds without an all-night stakeout.
Kaikoura
Located in the far north of South Island, Kaikoura is best-known for its marine attractions. It’s one of the best places in New Zealand to go fishing, and, as in many small seaside towns, whale and dolphin watching are tourist mainstays. If taking a boat out isn’t your preferred way to admire the alpine scenery, Kaikoura tour operators also offer helicopter “flightseeing.”
On land, visitors to Kaikoura aren’t far from the Mt. Lytford Ski Area in the wintertime, and in the warmer months, you can learn about a classic Kiwi industry at The Point Sheep Shearing. Ever wondered what goes on in a shearing shed? Here’s your chance to get an inside look at one of the most quintessentially New Zealand businesses.
Picton
Although New Zealand’s waters aren’t exactly tropical, there are excellent beach days to be had here. Many of those are in the fishing village of Picton, set at the mouth of a sheltered bay that supports the local fishing industry as well as sea kayaking and sightseeing cruises. It’s also the most popular jumping-off point for the Queen Charlotte Track, a 44-mile hiking and mountain biking trail along the coast.
But it’s also a place of rich history. The Edwin Fox Museum is the final resting place of the last ship ever used to transport British convicts to Australia, and the Picton Heritage and Whaling Museum educates visitors about the town’s whaling industry and the region’s Maori culture.
Raglan
The lion’s share of visitors flock to Raglan for one thing only: some of the world’s best surfing. This lively North Island surf town is renowned for its waves, with one of the longest uninterrupted breaks on earth, and its striking black sand beaches. Naturally, many of the town’s attractions cater to its surfer clientele, but there are also land-based activities to enjoy.
If you’re not a surfer and you don’t fancy a surf lesson, climbing nearby Mt. Karioi or taking one of the area’s many mountain biking trails might appeal. And if all of that sounds too exhausting for a serene holiday, it’s also just a great place to relax. bohemian surf-town vibe of the compact downtown makes it a fun place to people-watch, browse local businesses, and take a moment to relax. If there’s anything besides waves that Raglan has to offer a visitor looking for a retreat, it’s the sense that there’s no need to hurry around here.
Taihape
Within New Zealand, Taihape is best-known as the country’s “gumboot capital.” If you, like many international visitors, don’t know what that means, get ready to learn: this proudly agricultural town pays frequent tribute to these rubber boots through art installations and local festivals. That’s thanks to a Kiwi comedian who selected Taihape as the hometown of his gumboot-wearing alter ego, a stereotypical New Zealand farmer, and it’s the town’s pride to this day. Those lucky enough to be in town the Tuesday after Easter will be able to witness this in action at the annual Gumboot Day celebrations.
But this local quirk isn’t all there is to Taihape. It is an excellent jumping-off point for whitewater rafting on the Rangitikei River. The Hihitahi Forest Sanctuary preserves what is reportedly the largest swath of remaining mountain cedar forest in New Zealand; hiking trails abound, too. The Mangaweka Bridge is also the only cantilever road bridge left in New Zealand.
Wanaka
If your vision of New Zealand looks like expansive fjords or lakes ringed by snow-capped mountains, make your way to Wanaka. This town on the banks of Lake Wanaka is just about as picturesque as New Zealand gets, and no matter the season, there’s something worth checking out in this serene alpine town.
Winter? Hit the slopes or take an off-roading tour of the Cardrona Valley by quad. Summer? The adventurous type might want to try scaling a waterfall via a system of cables with Wildwire Wanaka, and those who prefer more relaxed outdoor recreation can kayak or swim in Lake Wanaka. Stay in a Geo-Dome at Cross Hill Lodge & Domes for an especially unique Wanaka experience. For outdoor enthusiasts and scenery fiends, there’s no better spot.
Roughly 78% of New Zealand’s landmass is uninhabited, and thanks to its sparse population, much of its natural beauty is relatively untouched. When a small town manages to hang on in the fringes of that pristine wilderness, it will often grow to become one of the most relaxing, scenic, and off-the-grid spots you’ll ever visit. If you’re looking for tranquility, there’s nothing for it but to get yourself to New Zealand — stat.
