8 Most Underrated Towns In New Zealand
The most obvious and popular reason to go to New Zealand is because of The Lord of the Rings. Many would naturally visit the proud mountains, humble pastures, and verdant forests of Middle-Earth made real thanks to New Zealand’s vibrant landscapes. But Aotearoa (the Māori name of New Zealand) is more than a movie. It is the many small towns that embody the indigenous cultures of a diverse and wondrous people. It is the beautiful villages and settlements that carry the memories and collaborations/confrontations between the Māori and foreigners. The rugged and dynamic landscapes certainly have been prioritized and highlighted in many era- and genre-defining films, but one ought not to neglect the most underrated towns in New Zealand.
Wanaka
For those who wish to see the snow-haired mountains of New Zealand, head over to the resort town of Wanaka. Situated at the southern tip of a lake sharing its namesake, Wanaka provides impeccable access to the Mount Aspiring National Park, one of the biggest national parks in New Zeland and a region of the Southern Alps teeming with glaciers and beech forests. Skiing is a much-needed and much-loved activity in Wanaka, and the Treble Cone and Cardrona ski resorts offer the gear and opportunities you desire for snowboarding and hiking up the snowy ranges. You can even undertake a zipline through the mountains at the skyline ridge.
If climbing Wanaka's high peaks isn't your thing, you can explore the outdoor maze or the deep canyons nearby, or visit the sculpture gallery at Puzzling World. Vintage cars and antiques enthusiasts might enjoy the National Transport & Toy Museum, while others may prefer the scenic beauty of Wanaka Lavender Farm in bloom. Don't miss local events like the Warbirds over Wānaka air show from March 29 to 31, the Rhythm & Alps music festival at the end of December, or the Festival of Colour from April 4 to 7. Be sure to reserve accommodations at West Meadows, the Oasis Yurt Lodge, or Oakridge Resort Wanaka.
Raglan
Approximately 25 miles from Hamilton in the Waikato region, visitors can embrace the waters of the Tasman Sea at Raglan. As a coastal town renowned for the black sands of Ngarunui Beach, hard-core surfers and beachgoers can experience all manner of seaside amusements at Manu Bay (also known as The Point, much like the surf-popularizing movie, Point Break). Travelers can ascend the summit of the extinct volcano known as Mount Karioi. From there, you can gaze out at Taranaki Maunga, one of the North Island's tallest mountains.
You can also explore the Te Toto Gorge Track, historically used by the Māori as indicated by the remaining stone walls along the path, to admire Bridal Veil Falls. Alternatively, cycling through the Pipiwharauroa Trail offers a view of wind turbines at the Te Uku windfarm. In addition to the area's natural attractions, Raglan features several cultural spots, notably the Raglan & District Museum with its surfing memorabilia and apothecary artifacts. Overall, Raglan provides a variety of excellent accommodations and activities for visitors to enjoy during their stay in the North Island, including Raglan Backpackers, and options for surfing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and waterfront lodging.
Whakatane
Located in the Bay of Plenty Region, Whakatane has plenty of amenities—cultural and natural—that will keep you wanting for more. From the placid waters of Ōhope Beach to historically significant pā sites along Ngā Tapuwae o Toi, or the 'Footprints of Toi', visitors will never get bored while seeing what Whakatane has to provide. As the Kiwi Capital of the World, one can find these adorable, terrestrial birds at the Moutohorā Wildlife Sanctuary on Moutohorā/Whale Island, as well as spot dolphins and blue penguins.
Another must-visit island is Whakaari/White Island, an active marine volcano cherished by the Māori and the Ngāti Awa tribe. Additionally, the Whirinaki Te Pua-a-Tāne Conservation Park is rich in biodiversity and is home to several unique species believed to be the living children of Tāne Mahuta, the Māori forest god. The local iwi, Ngāti Whare, act as kaitiaki (guardians) of these ancient forests. In October, look up at the night sky to see Matariki, the Māori name for the Pleiades. Just 57 miles from Tauranga, consider staying at the Whakatane Hotel & The Craic Irish Pub.
Akaroa
Akaroa is a flourishing town in the Banks Peninsula with an unusual history. Only about an hour and a half from Christchurch, the architectural setup of the town—from French bistros to the French cuisines and buildings along Rue Jolie and the Rue Lavaud —make it feel like you are walking through Paris. That is because Akaroa was supposed to be a new administrative center for France in 1840 and annexed from the rest of Aotearoa. Although the French never succeeded in their plans, they did leave behind a lingering influence in the culture and structure of Akaroa.
Aside from the French influences, visitors can explore other attractions in Akaroa. The Ōnuku Church is a striking example of combining Christian architecture with Māori carvings. The Akaroa Museum highlights the adventures of William “Bully” Hayes, a notorious pirate from the mid-19th century, and tracks the voyage of Frank Worsley, captain of the Endurance during Shackleton’s ill-fated Antarctic expedition. Nearby, the whimsical Giant’s House showcases charming sculptures and mosaics set in terraced gardens. Accommodation options like Newton Heights Bed and Breakfast and Tresori Motor Lodge & Apartments ensure visitors feel welcomed and valued.
Picton
Lounging in Marlborough Sound and Queen Charlotte Sound, the town of Picton (also known as Waitohi) is a utopian haven for travelers of all shapes and species. Within the islands and inlets of Marlborough Sound, specifically, you will be amazed by flocks of little blue penguins and pods of Hector’s dolphins congregating in the waters. There are also often humpback whales, orcas, tuatara reptiles, and the endangered saddleback bird gathering about, which EcoWorld Aquarium occasionally rehabilitates.
In the town itself, the Edwin Fox Maritime Museum, formerly a 19th-century cargo ship ferrying convicts from Europe to New Zealand, serves to illustrate Picton’s past. It even highlights the famous Captain James Cook’s visit to Queen Charlotte Sound. Meanwhile, the Picton Heritage and Whaling Museum discusses the whaling industry of the town through extensive Māori artifacts. On your way to swimming on the waves and surfs of Waikawa Bay, you may come across the stylistically impressive Waikawa Marae (Ko Waikawa Te Marae), a meeting house showcasing the Māori influence of Waitohi. Should you wish to stay a while at Picton/Waitohi, do so at the Kippilaw-House, The Juggler’s Rest, or The Villa.
Kaikōura
The coastal town of Kaikōura is a great place to eat crayfish (quite literally, the town got its name from the Māori words “kai” meaning food and “kōura" meaning crayfish). Outside of the crayfish, Kaikōura promotes opportunities for visitors to watch the seasonal arrival of sperm whales and dolphins from the Pacific Ocean. One can even observe a colony of fur seals basking on rock platforms at the Kaikōura Peninsula’s tip.
Because the village is sandwiched between the Pacific Ocean and the Seaward Kaikōura Range, Kaikōura is a breadbasket of local biodiversity and ecotourism, notably through the ecozip adventures, the Mount Lyford ski area, and the Clarence River rafting experiences. The town is so rooted in whaling that the 1800s Fyffe House was literally built on the foundations of whalebones. If watching live whales from a boat or an airplane will not excite you, then perhaps walking beside llamas during Llama Trekking will thrill you. There is much to see in a village only two hours away from Picton/Waitohi. Wherever you wish to explore, be it on land or across the tides, find accommodations at the Nikau Lodge, the Dusky Lodge, or Sudima Kaikōura.
Hokitika
At the mouth of the Hokitika River, visitors can settle down in “The Place to Regenerate,” Hokitika. The town flourished with the “Australian invasion” of miners seeking gold in the nearby Taramakau River. Hokitika is also renowned for being a traditional source of pounamu (greenstone) at the Arahura River. On New Zealand’s West Coast overlooking the Tasman Sea, one can take photos of the Hokitika beach sign made out of random bits of wood that spell out “Hokitika,” from the Māori term meaning “return in a straight line.” Along the shores, take care when traversing the “Hokitika Bar”—a sandbar that shifts with every tide and has caused many a shipwreck in early times. Most of all, Hokitika’s most iconic and celebrated event is the Wildfoods Festival, held at the end of summer.
Consider visiting the historic Carnegie building which houses artifacts and articles of Hokitika’s past, or explore the Pounamu Pathway for an immersive storytelling experience. You might also fancy venturing into the Glow-worm Dell, an area that glows with bioluminescent glory at night. But you ought to spend your lovely nights at the Kaniere Hotel, the Woodland Glen Lodge, or Amberlea B&B.
Queenstown
Feel royally jolly in the regal settlement of Queenstown. About 41 miles from Wanaka, Queenstown invites travelers to the crystalline expanse of Lake Wakatipu, its waters perfectly reflecting the formidable Southern Alps. At least four ski areas and resorts offer several routes and activities in the Southern Alps, such as Soho Basin, Coronet Peak, and The Remarkables. While traversing and visiting the region’s vineyards and historic mining towns, you might feel pangs of nostalgia from the mountainous background and rolling pastures and hills. That is because Queenstown has been the setting for various movies, most especially The Lord of the Rings trilogy, the Narnia movies, and even Mission: Impossible 6.
Beyond typical screen references, visitors can explore scenic routes through Kiwi Park, enjoy stargazing in Queenstown’s clear and pristine atmosphere, or take gondola rides for panoramic views of the landscape. Queenstown offers numerous activities, such as bungee jumping off Kawarau Gorge Suspension Bridge or jet-boating on the Shotover and Dart Rivers. However, the first and most important thing to do in this South Island town is to relax in luxurious accommodations like Stay of Queenstown, Kamana Lakehouse, or Mercure Queenstown Resort.
Do not feel shocked by the Māori’s ferocious Haka and the overwhelming population of sheep compared to the number of human beings. In Aotearoa, all these rugged and dynamic features are there to welcome to towards the most underrated towns in the twin-island country. Feel elated and excited to mingle with adorable kiwis in Whakatane. Let history come to life in Akaroa, or let yourself experience a surfing challenge in Raglan. Take photographs of all the famous filming locations in Queenstown, and strike gold and other gems in the rejuvenating town of Hokitika. Last but not least, discover richness and vitality in the North and South Islands of New Zealand, where Middle-Earth came into being.
