9 Best New Zealand Towns For A Weekend Trip
A weekend in New Zealand can be enough time to explore entirely different landscapes and come home feeling like you've truly been away. Rotorua has steam rising from geothermal ground and a deep connection to Te Arawa Māori culture. Napier's streets carry the architectural imprint of the 1931 earthquake and its rebuilding in the Art Deco style. In Akaroa, French street names remain alongside a harbour where Hector's dolphins can be seen, while Arrowtown preserves the remains of its 19th-century gold-mining past. These towns make a weekend feel much longer in the best possible way.
Nelson
At the top of the list is one of the sunniest spots in New Zealand: Nelson. This northwest town nestled on the Tasman Bay in the South Island gets about 2,500 hours of sunshine per year, making it an ideal spot for beach, hiking, and outdoor adventures. Check out Tahunanui Beach for epic kite surfing or kayaking. And be sure to stay at The Hotel Nelson to be within walking distance of Codgers Trail. About 1.5 miles (2.3 km) into this nature hike brings you to the Brook Waimarama Sanctuary, where you can see wildlife like the famous New Zealand kiwi bird and the Tuatara reptile. For some afternoon entertainment, head over to the Nelson Classic Car Museum to see over 150 iconic cars spanning 100 years. When you're in the craft brewery capital of New Zealand, maybe bar hopping is in your itinerary. Stop by The Free House Pub for a wide selection of beers brewed on site. In Nelson, you can hike, soak up the sun, or have a little fun around town for the weekend.
Rotorua
For some of us, a weekend trip isn't worth it without a lot of relaxation. If taking it slow and soaking up the self-care is your style, Rotorua will get the job done. This town is located in the center of the North Island, next to some interesting natural features: centuries-old geothermal waters. This gives the area a unique offering of natural mineral hot springs and spas sprinkled in every corner. One of the most popular places in town is the family-friendly Polynesian Spa with its 28 natural hot mineral pools that are all fed by two geothermal springs. In Rotorua, you won't help but notice the Māori statues and monuments. To dive deeper into Māori culture, head to Te Puia. Located just outside of town, this cultural center has traditional cultural displays like Māori sculptures, music, and even dance performances throughout the day. For a truly historic stay, sleep at the Prince's Gate Hotel. Built in 1897, this ornate estate harkens back to an older time and is conveniently located across from Government Gardens within walking distance of the glistening Lake Rotorua. Rotorua is made for relaxing the weekend away.
Queenstown
Perhaps the most famous town on this list is none other than Queenstown. This high-end resort town is known worldwide for its stunning volcanic peaks that rise out of the water and as the adventure capital of the world. Adrenaline junkies will get all of the stimulation they need from the abundance of bungee jumping, skydiving, and jetboating to do. Stay at the European lodge-style Rendezvous Heritage Hotel Queenstown for lakeside views with wellness and dining on site, and a 15-min walk to town. In town, you can take a leisurely walk around Queenstown Bay Beach or hit The Bathhouse for a sauna, steam room, and swimming vibe. But if getting into the mountains is your vibe, you can drive 20 minutes up the road and hike up the 5,735 ft (1,748 m) Ben Lomond mountain and do the 9.7-mile (15.6 km) round-trip hike. The views are stunning at the top and definitely deliver on the weekend adventure vibes you were looking for.
Taupō
For a weekend away from the hustle and bustle, look to Taupō. This town located in the heart of the North Island, close to the tallest active volcano in New Zealand: Mount Ruapehu. This 9,177 ft (2,797 m) tall mountain has not one, but two ski resorts, making it a lovely spot to spend a weekend in the winter season. You can get there by taking the Volcanic Loop highway that connects you to Mt. Ruapehu, Mt. Tongariro and Mt. Ngauruhoe. But Taupō has more than just volcanic mountains to explore. You can also rent a boat or kayak and take a trip around the secluded coves of Lake Taupō. Stay at the Baycrest Thermal Lodge for the best lakeside views. While you're near Lake Taupō, definitely pay a visit to the intricate Māori rock carvings at Mine Bay. You can stay close to the water by exploring the active geothermal mud pools, craters, and steaming vents at Craters of the Moon. Taupō will stimulate your senses and bring you closer to New Zealand's natural beauty.
Onetangi
Weekend trips are even better when wine and beaches are involved. That's what Onetangi offers. This coastal town on the north side of Waiheke Island is next to one of the loveliest beaches in New Zealand: Onetangi Beach. Stay close to the relaxation by booking a room at the modern Onetangi Beach Apartments. This beach town is less touristy than the others on the island, so you have plenty of space to rent a little scooter or bike and explore. Once you've got wheels, you'll have access to some of the island's best wines. Hop on your scooter and make your way to the Tantalus Estate for a delectable three- or four-course wine tasting paired with lunch. Or if beer is more your vibe, stop by The Heke Restaurant, Brewery & Distillery for a taste of the local Heke Lager. Walk across the street and get a download on the local history at the Museum of Waiheke with its priceless Māori artifacts and memorabilia. If eat, drink, swim, and repeat is on your weekend agenda, Onetangi is the spot to be.
Te Anau
Your weekend could be spent exploring world-class fjords and getting lost in the forest in the adorable town of Te Anau. This South Island town located two hours south of Queenstown, is truly the gateway to Milford Sound, one of the most famous glacial fjords in the world. The town is also located right next to Fiordland National Park, which has 310-375 miles (500-600 km) worth of trails to explore. I recommend doing a day hike on the Lake Marian Track. It's a 3.9-mile (6.2 km) round-trip hiking trail that climbs through moss-filled forests to the top to view a stunning alpine lake. But you don't have to get out of town to enjoy Te Anau. The Fiordland Cinema movie theater has local and international films in a cozy, classy ambience. Have dinner right next door in The Ranch Bar & Grill, which has a tasty selection of local beers, wines, and grub. Then rest at the Radfords on the Lake for a beautiful lakeside accommodation. Te Anau has that perfect mix of serene nature, access to outdoor adventure, and cozy local libations.
Napier
The artsy fartsy people who love culture will adore spending the weekend in Napier. This town off the eastern coast of the North Island has something no other town on this list has: an Art Deco vibe. You can see it for yourself by walking down any of the Art Deco-inspired streets. Emerson Street, in particular, is full of colorful pastel facades, distinctive awnings, and geometric shopfronts that harken back to the 1930s. Keep the artistic vibe going by staying at the Art Deco Masonic Hotel smack dab on the waterfront. Near the hotel is the Marine Parade, which runs along the waterfront and is also wonderful for a slow evening walk after dinner or a brisk cycle. Sprinkled throughout the downtown are wineries, restaurants, cafes and galleries galore that all paint the artistic picture of Napier's local culture. This town is a bit out of the way but is totally worth a weekend trip for those art, wine, and culture lovers.
Arrowtown
It's not hard to imagine that once upon a time New Zealand was a gold mining hub. Arrowtown has that old gold mining town history and feel that is sure to make you nostalgic. When in town, you can go down memory lane at the Arrowtown Chinese Settlement. It features well-preserved 19th-century miners' huts, historic buildings, and historical displays that tell the story of the Chinese immigrants who once worked in the mines. Not far from the settlement is the Arrow River, one of the area's most popular nature spots for hiking, biking, and nature exploration. In town, you can take home your pot of gold by shopping on Buckingham Street, where lovely boutiques and cafes like Provisions of Arrowtown tempt passersby. You can stay close to the action by sleeping in the Shades of Arrowtown, a boutique hotel near the Arrowtown Village Green. Arrowtown will take you back in time while giving you a present look at this unique New Zealand town.
Akaroa
New Zealand has been home to many cultures throughout its history, and French culture is one of them. Akaroa is a shining example of the European influence on the island and how some cultures just stick. When in town, don't skip the French culinary offerings. The Akaroa Farmer's Market is one of the best places to have a croissant and find other French flavors. But walking down Rue Lavaud and Rue Jolie for shopping and coffee will also give you a French experience. Stop by the Akaroa Museum to get a download on the French-Kiwi history that dominates the city. Then, take a walk down to the harbor cruise and see if you can spot any of Hector's dolphins, seals, or penguins. The penguins roll up around dusk, but the dolphins can be seen all day, every day, especially in the summer season (October to April). The accommodations are abundant in Akaroa, but you can stay in a heritage-style accommodation like the charming Akaroa Cottages. This Kiwi town is full of French touches; coming here will certainly fill your senses and feel like a weekend trip well spent.
The Weekend In New Zealand Plans Are Set
Contrary to popular belief, you can have just as much fun over the weekend visiting a smaller town versus a big city. New Zealand has the "it" factor when it comes to small towns that can ground you or make you feel alive. The variety of things you can do is endless. You can eat your heart out at French-Kiwi-inspired restaurants in Akaroa. Or you can get lost in old mining town history in Arrowtown. From relaxing spa and geothermal experiences in Rotorua to adrenaline adventures in Queenstown, you can't go wrong with any of the nine towns on this list.
