9 Perfect Destinations for a Long Weekend in New Zealand
Volcano craters, gnarly waves, ancient forests, and a creative spirit are the reasons that New Zealand feels like a world of its own. While the natural wonders are stunning, an even more surprising layer of New Zealand exists. This layer consists of ancient colonies, steampunk exhibits, treetop spas, an entire town preserved in the Victorian period, and much more. Keep reading to discover the rare gems of these pristine islands and plan a long weekend full of unique adventures.
Ōamaru
Begin your quest by meeting residents like the blue penguins. At the Ōamaru Blue Penguin Colony, you can view wild penguins in their cozy nesting boxes where they rest in between trips to the sea. Travelers who visit during nesting season even get the chance to see the penguins raising their chicks.
Roam the Victorian Precinct, New Zealand's best collection of Victorian buildings. Stepping into this precinct feels like time travel, with the buildings, streets, and environment well preserved. The Network Waitaki Victorian Fete is held annually, and a Victorian celebration occurs on the streets. You can find performers on stilts, magicians, and jugglers.
Remain immersed in a realm of imagination and wonder at Steampunk HQ. Here, visitors can explore the steampunk world through the collection of retro-futuristic sci-fi art, movies, sculpture, and sound. For a mix of historical charm and modern comfort, stay at Pen-y-bryn Lodge. Built in 1889, the lodge represents the Victorian architecture of Ōamaru’s past.
Hokitika
Start your adventures at Hokitika Gorge, about a 40-minute drive inland from Hokitika. The most adventurous travelers will be excited to cross the swing bridge, which stretches over a milky turquoise river in front of a mountain. There is something beautiful to see in every direction. Then, attend the quirky National Kiwi Centre to see live kiwi birds. This bird is the national symbol of New Zealand, leading to its locals being called “kiwis”. The Center recreates these iconic birds' natural habitat, where visitors admire them and aquatic creatures in the nearby aquarium tanks.
For a great lodging option, check out Hokitika Fire Station, nestled in the heart of the town. This accommodation offers apartments that are perfect for spending the weekend as a local. Check out nearby Hokitika Beach, where driftwood has been repurposed into art installations. You can find rustic sculptures of birds in flight, symbols, and text along the shore.
Akaroa
To truly understand the unique spirit of Akaroa, walk among mosaic sculptures bursting with color at The Giants House. The garden sprouts beautiful and playful works of art meant to reawaken the soul. With mosaics and sculptures, visitors can expect welded steel and organic art such as vegetables and flowers. To dig into the roots of this small town, head to Akaroa Museum. The museum preserves the peninsula’s social and cultural history through zoology, archeology, and artistic exhibits.
Step back into the present by going on the iconic Akaroa Walk. The three-day walking tour will take you along scenic coastal pathways and ancient totara forests. Hikers will even get the chance to see volcanic craters. Finally, find rest and even more adventure at Te Wepu Pods. This isn’t just a place to sleep, it’s a place to explore. Guests are encouraged to walk the grounds of the southernmost avocado orchard in the world, which is among the vast farmland. The solar-powered pods are full of warmth and comfort, from wood-fired hot tubs to a luxurious linen-wrapped bed.
Raglan
To connect with the beautiful nature of Raglan, stay at Solscape. One of the best parts about this retreat is that it is only a short walk from Manu Bay. This beach is a surfer's paradise, featured in the 1966 film "The Endless Summer." This surfing spot is world-famous for having the longest and most consistent left-hand break. If you don’t surf, picnic on the sand and watch as people glide over the waves.
Explore the town’s food, crafts, and more at the monthly Raglan Creative Market. Amazing smells will pull you in every direction, from the automatic scent of home-dipped candles to the sweet smell of home-baked cupcakes. It’s easy to leave the market with a bag full of local goodies. Finally, enjoy a sunset view and delicious food at the Raglan Wharf. Serving seasonal fare, the restaurant is loved by locals and tourists alike who want their seafood with a side of water views.
Geraldine
Spend your weekend at the Peel Forest Eco Lodge, an eco-lodge about a 20-minute drive from Geraldine that thrives on sustainability and is immersed in 50 acres of forest. After enjoying the serenity of the forest, step out into town and check out New Zealand's best collection of vintage vehicles at the Geraldine Vintage Car & Machinery Museum. Here, you’ll see rare cars from the 1910s onward that can’t be found anywhere else.
After exploring forests and museums full of motor relics, grab a snack at Geraldine Cheese Company. The small-batch cheeses in this shop are made from milk of local Jersey herds and Saanen and Toggenberg goats. The distinct flavors of these cheeses can also be found in a nearby delicatessen, which also offers ice cream. Make sure to leave Geraldine with unique local goods by visiting the Alpaca Centre. The center is full of independent boutique shops that sell a wide range of goods from alpaca knitwear to skincare.
Russell
Russell houses the oldest surviving church in New Zealand, Christ Church. If you attend a Sunday service here, you will be in the possibly oldest building in the country, which is still used for its original purposes. Travelers can discover more local history at the Russell Museum for early Maori and European history. The mission of this space is to inform future generations about past historical events. To truly understand the beauty of this village, you only need to visit Flagstaff Hill. The hill overlooks mountains, islands, and impressive greenery transitioning to the blue sea. Stay at the romantic Eagles Nest villas, situated among a ridgeline that wraps around a valley (making a “nest”).
Arrowtown
One of the best ways to explore Arrowtown is by bike or on a hike at the Arrowtown River Trail from town. The winding path will take you through the forest, streams, and a waterfall. For more nature, stroll into the 1880s at the Chinese Settlement. Though on the islands of New Zealand, this partially restored settlement is a portal to a different culture and time.
See a film at Dorothy Browns, a movie theater, bar, and bookstore. This cinema is known for its arthouse films and delicious wine. Stay in the heart of this small town at the Arrowtown House Boutique Hotel, which mixes luxury with a charming personal touch.
Whitianga
Start your stay in Whitianga by waking up seafront at Beachfront Resort. The resort is secluded enough to be serene, with no traffic noise distracting from the sound of waves, while still only a few minutes' drive away from restaurants and shops. Or, start the day with a soak in The Lost Spring geothermal pools. This location offers a treetop spa, restaurant, and natural hot springs. No matter what visitors indulge in, visiting The Lost Spring feels more like slipping into a fantasy novel than your average vacation.
Take a short ferry ride to Whitianga Rock Scenic and Historic Reserve. Here, you can join a guided tour to learn about the lifestyle of early Maori occupants, or take a walk along the shore to appreciate the beautiful views. To experience more beauty and culture, visit Bread & Butter Gallery, which showcases New Zealand fine art.
Hāwera
Start your exploration from the top at Hāwera Water Tower, which offers bird's-eye views of the town and the coast. Then, get a closer and more intimate look at the town at Tawhiti Museum, one of New Zealand’s most creative museums. With large-scale exhibits of hyper-realistic displays and an operating railway, this is the perfect place for history fans to explore.
Not far away, King Edward Park awaits, with statues, an observatory, and a Chinese garden. For a unique lodging option, stay at The Old Eltham Post Office, a refurbished post office turned quirky guesthouse. The bed and breakfast offers local food to start your day and homemade desserts.
New Zealand is bursting with flavors and experiences that will leave you whole in mind, body, and spirit. The mountains and shorelines that make up these islands are full of rich history that travelers can spend the weekend exploring when they aren’t exploring volcanic craters, soaking in geothermal pools, or tasting local small-batch cheese. Locals add to the unique style that creates the quirky character of New Zealand. Victorian festivals take over the streets, driftwood is repurposed and transformed into sculptures, and steampunk art fills exhibits, all at the hands of residents who want to show how much magic their islands offer.
