9 Stunning Small Towns In New Zealand

The Oceania island nation of Aotearoa, also known as New Zealand, abounds in beautiful towns across a surprising variety of landscapes. To the south of the South Island, Rakiura provides a wild and lush corner of untouched coastal environment. Then, at the westernmost end of the South Island, travellers will find the town closest to the deepest fiord of Fiordland National Park. Switching over to the North Island, folks can also experience the seemingly endless wonders of the UNESCO-honoured Tongariro National Park and the world-class surf break at Wainui Beach. And if they know where to go, visitors can even soak up the soothing vibes of the nation's largest collection of hot springs.

We got you covered. Here are our selections for nine stunning small towns in New Zealand.

Oban / Pā nui o Hau

Set on the eastern coast of Aotearoa's southernmost inhabited island of Stewart Island (or Rakiura in Māori), Oban (or Pā nui o Hau in Māori) is a traditional fishing town surrounded by an abundance of open, pristine nature. The great expanse of Rakiura National Park sits just to the north and west of town, and the Rakiura Track that follows along the coast makes for amazing walks and hikes. Closer to town, Bathing Beach is a sheltered cove that's great for spotting songbirds and taking a swim (as long as one can handle the cool sea water). And to the east, the Ackers Point Track is an easier, well-maintained, and family-friendly walking track that leads to the Ackers Point Lighthouse and provides wonderful opportunities to spot native birds like tītī (or sooty shearwaters) and blue penguins in the wild.

Staying on the east end of Oban, Evening Cove not only provides comfortable accommodations, but also a welcoming "home away from home." Guests can choose from two double studio units, and they have access to special perks like use of the property's boat and wet weather gear.

Manapōuri

As New Zealand's westernmost municipality, it shouldn't be too surprising that the Southland town of Manapōuri takes visitors to the leading edge of some of the nation's most dramatic land and seascapes. After all, Fiordland National Park lies just beyond town limits, and the Circle Track provides a scenic journey into a mixed beech and podocarp forest where it's possible to spot robins, tomtits, tūī and bellbirds. For an even wilder adventure, advanced-level hikers can do the trek up Mount Titiroa and discover panoramic views of the park and Lake Manapōuri on higher ground. And for a closer view of one of the park's namesake fiords, it's a roughly 50 kilometre boat ride out to Pātea Doubtful Sound, Fiordland's deepest and second-longest fiord with three distinct arms, multiple mighty waterfalls, and maybe even a chance to see some of the world's southernmost population of bottlenose dolphins.

Back on the inhabited side of Lake Manapōuri, Cabot Lodge not only provides plenty of the standard comforts of civilisation, but they also set the standard for all-inclusive luxury in Fiordland. The property offers everything from four-wheel drive farm tours, private walking tracks, and lakeview hot tubs to full hot breakfast every morning and posh suites fully equipped with special amenities like complimentary minibars, unlimited wifi internet, deluxe bathrooms (with a bathtub and shower), and super premium bedding.

Glenorchy

Whether travellers want to "lose" themselves in the great expanses of Otago's open nature or find certain locations made famous by The Lord of the Rings cinematic universe, the South Island town of Glenorchy opens up to a wide world of possibilities. For any LOTR super-fans out here, they can book a tour with Pure Glenorchy to reach some of the area's most famous filming locations, including those that the Department of Conservation tends to limit access to the general public. Meanwhile, seasoned explorers craving a wilder adventure can hit the Routeburn Track and do this 33-kilometre Great Walk across the main divide of the Southern Alps. Or, for an easier walk in and around town, the Glenorchy Lagoon Walkway offers a pleasant path by the local wetlands and ample opportunities for scenic photoshoots, including the famous Red Boat Shed at the wharf.

Just south of Glenorchy, and around 45 kilometres (or 28 miles) north west of Queenstown, Blanket Bay is an award-winning luxury lodge that serves as the ideal "base camp" for discerning travellers to the Otago region. Here, guests can expect generously sized rooms and suites with special perks like private balconies and stone fireplaces, fine local cuisine designed by the renowned Chef Dan Reynolds, and healing treatments at their full-service Blanket Bay Spa.

Hanmer Springs / Te Whakatakanga o te ngārahu o te ahi a Tamatea

Up in the Canterbury region of the South Island, about 133 kilometres (or 83 miles) north of Christchurch, Te Whakatakanga o te ngārahu o te ahi a Tamatea (or Hanmer Springs in English) is a leisurely alpine village that takes rest and relaxation quite seriously. Right in the heart of town, Hanmer Springs Thermal Hot Pools & Spa operates New Zealand's largest complex of geothermal hot pools and a spa offering treatments like massages and facials. In case anyone likes to unwind by playing some greens, they can tee off at the 18-hole Hanmer Springs Golf Club and enjoy splendid views of the surrounding mountains. And for those wanting to play in some open snow before winter ends, the nearby Hanmer Springs Ski Area is set to stay open until mid-September, and they provide a nice balance of runs suitable for skiers at all levels.

Whatever visitors decide to do in and around Hanmer Springs, they can rest assured that The St James has gold-standard apartment-style accommodations to make them feel right at home. Even better, The St James provides all guests with unlimited high-speed wifi, complimentary in-room electric blankets, thermal pool towels, and a fully non-smoking environment to make their stay extraordinary.

Featherston / Paetūmōkai

Switching over to Aotearoa's North Island, we reach the town of Featherston (or Paetūmōkai in Māori), the country's one official Booktown that invites visitors to create their own compelling stories as they explore this unique locale. Those wanting to explore on two wheels can take the Remutaka Cycle Trail and ride all the way down to Petone (near Wellington) or out to Martinborough wine country. Then, for folks seeking to experience more of Featherston's bookish nature, they will find a number of adorable local bookstores, including a friendly, cosy atmosphere at Loco Coffee and Books. And for a tastier journey into local culture, it's always worth stopping at C'est Cheese to try some of their comprehensive selection of handmade New Zealand cheeses.

At the north edge of town, Underhill Cottage is a self-contained and fully-serviced boutique bed-and-breakfast that's ideal for individuals and couples seeking a serene environment with ample sunshine and birdsong outside and welcoming homestyle hospitality inside.

Ōakura

Perched on the North Island's strikingly beautiful Taranaki coast, the beach town of Ōakura offers a whole lot to see and do in and out of the water. On dry land, Kaitake Golf Club regularly invites visitors to play their 18-hole, par 71 parkland-style course full of native trees and shrubs. On the coast, Ōakura Beach Recreation Reserve provides a clean, sandy beach for surfers to get out and ride the Tasman Sea waves, and for sunbathers to spread out and catch some rays. And a short drive north leads to Tapuae Beach, a more rugged and secluded beach worth exploring.

Just beyond Tapuae Beach, another local treasure awaits at Okurukuru. This fine local winery has a cellar door and a restaurant where folks can try some of their Pinot Noirs, Sauvignon Blancs, rosés, and sparkling wines, plus they have their own collection of studio apartments and luxury suites to accommodate travellers who'd like to spend more quality time by the vineyards.

Tūrangi

Over the years, Tūrangi has gained a reputation as "the unofficial trout fishing headquarters of New Zealand," yet there's much more that travellers can catch without their fishing rods. But first, it's worth noting that the Tongariro National Trout Centre has a full museum, a native freshwater aquarium, and a 100 year-old working hatchery that lets folks gain a full understanding of the local ecosystem. Should anyone want to get out and go fishing themselves, the Tongariro River is part of the world-class Taupō Trout Fishery that maintains excellent conditions for rainbow and brown trout fishing year-round. And for those wanting to experience other facets of the natural environment, it's a short drive up to Tongariro National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that became Aotearoa's first national park thanks to Ngati Tuwharetoa Māori people sharing this land with the entire nation in 1887. Today, it's home to the spectacular Tongariro Alpine Crossing and the volcanic cone at Mt Ngauruhoe that portrayed Mordor's Mount Doom in The Lord of the Rings films.

After a wild and fun day exploring the national park or fishing at the river, travellers can return to town and stay at The Quarters to enjoy a beautiful riverside setting and a lovely selection of bright and cheery studios, apartments, and houses suitable for groups large and small.

Gisborne / Tūranga-nui-a-Kiwa

Anchoring the remote and rugged Tairāwhiti Gisborne region at the east end of the North Island, the town of Gisborne (or Tūranga-nui-a-Kiwa in Māori) abounds in bright sunshine, big waves, and fascinating multicultural history. For a fully immersive deep dive into the area's backstory, visitors can do the Tūpapa Heritage Trail and follow along with the free companion smartphone app to learn over 700 years' worth of Māori indigenous history while hiking from the Tūranganui River all the way up to the Tītīrangi summit. Once they're back in town, they can also check out the Tairāwhiti Museum and Art Gallery and view a wide selection of works by local and regional Māori artists alongside additional tāonga (or treasures) like textiles and weapons. And in case anyone wants to experience some more natural treasures, they can head east to Wainui Beach for a Pacific Ocean facing beach that's world-renowned for its powerful and consistent surf break.

Located mere steps away from the shores of Wainui, Ocean Beach Wainui is an all-suite boutique inn sporting contemporary beachy-chic design, Bit by Bit eco-conscious personal care products, hypo-allergenic and eco-friendly DreamGreen bedding, and their own Neighbourhood Cantina Mexican restaurant.

Matarangi

Set in the magical coastal wonderland that is the Coromandel Peninsula, about 193 kilometres (or 120 miles) east of Auckland, Matarangi strikes quite the impression as a beach resort town. At the heart of this town is Matarangi Beach, an over four-kilometre stretch of white sand and sparkling-clear Pacific Ocean water that works very well for swimming, surfing, and sunbathing. Right by this beach, golfers can book a tee time at The Dunes Matarangi and play up to 18 holes at this cleverly designed par 71 course. And for folks who want some more unspoiled New Zealand nature, the nearby Rings Beach Loop Track provides a wonderful 4.7 kilometre journey around the local forest and wetlands.

No matter how much or how little guests want to do during their time in Matarangi, The Matarangi B & B makes the ideal homebase for exploring and enjoying this end of the Coromandel. This boutique bed-and-breakfast occupies a waterfront property along the harbour, yet they're also minutes away from many of the area's best beaches, and their plush assortment of suites will make guests feel right at home.

These Stunning Small Towns Open Up to a Wide Array of Uniquely Aotearoa Adventures

Across Aotearoa, travellers can discover all sorts of beautiful natural landscapes that only look better when paired with their rich local culture. At Oban, folks can step out and experience the tranquil scenery of Rakiura National Park. Venturing up to Manapōuri, visitors are within reach of some of the greatest land and seascapes of Fiordland National Park, including the park's deepest fiord at Pātea Doubtful Sound. Anyone wanting a more relaxing getaway can escape to Hanmer Springs and enjoy the healing waters of their geothermal spring-fed pools. Or, for a truly great catch, Tūrangi is always a solid option for exceptional trout fishing. And last, but most definitely not least, Gisborne shines bright with their vibrant Māori culture and top-tier surfing beaches.

These may be small towns dotted across New Zealand, yet they always go big in uniquely satisfying thrills and genuinely warm hospitality.