These Towns in New Zealand Have the Best Main Streets

From its volcanic mountains to its lush hills to its unspoiled beaches and sparkling lakes, the island nation of New Zealand is home to many natural wonders. The North Island offers geothermal marvels and rolling farmland, the South Island boasts the dramatic Southern Alps. The culture of the New Zealand reflects its dual heritage, which combines Māori traditions with European influences. There is a discernible charm that, in some ways, is best expressed in the nation’s small towns, where nature and community spirit come together to form a unique experience for residents and visitors, who have an appreciation for the outdoors.

This article examines seven towns with populations under 50,000 that are home to some of the best, unique main streets that one will find in all of New Zealand. Arrowtown is a former gold mining settlement, Cambridge is known as, “Town of Trees and Champions,” Wanaka has its alpine vistas, Martinborough is marked by its Union Jack street, Oamaru stands out with its quirky Steampunk HQ, Te Anau is valued for its lake and national park and Whanganui for its Victorian and Art Deco architecture. Join the tour of these small New Zealand towns and discover all the island has to offer.

Arrowtown

Set along the banks of the Arrow River in a valley enveloped by mountains, the village of Arrowtown is a picturesque destination. During the fall months, the foliage is something to behold, a medley of red, orange, and yellow shades. The downtown area features many well-preserved 19th-century buildings and charming cobblestone streets. Arrowtown’s main street showcases Gold Rush-era architecture and has a vintage vibe. Be sure to visit the Arrowtown Bakery and Café, known for their classic mince pies, and the Remarkable Sweet Shop, with their handmade fudge. Annual events like the Arrowtown Autumn Festival celebrate the area’s heritage with parades, markets, and performances. Historical landmarks include the Lakes District Museum and Gallery, the Chinese Settlement, and the Arrowtown Jail.

Cambridge

Cambridge's main street has the charming feel of an English village, lined with colonial-style buildings and boutique shops. Popular downtown spots include Over the Moon Dairy Company, known for their cheeses, and Paper Plus Cambridge, a bookstore. The town is nicknamed “The Town of Trees and Champions” because of its tree-lined streets and its annual equestrian events, like the New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Awards. Nearby, Cambridge Stud is a renowned farm with a distinguished history of breeding champion racehorses. The Waikato River flows alongside Cambridge, which is surrounded by lush farmlands. Notable landmarks include St. Andrew’s Church, a stunning Gothic Revival building, the Cambridge Museum, and Lake Karapiro.

Wanaka

Lying along the shores of Lake Wanaka, with the Southern Alps as a backdrop, the town boasts stunning waterfront views. Wanaka’s main street is marked by modern alpine-style architecture. The town has a real alfresco vibe, with cafes and restaurants spilling onto the sidewalks. The Cardrona Distillery has excellent spirits. Wanaka is a haven for outdoorsy types, with access to Roys Peak Track, hiking trails, and panoramic vistas. Blue Pools Track offers water views. Sticky Forest has some of the best mountain biking trails in the area. Of course, the lake offers all the water activities. Historical landmarks include Wanaka Station Park with its historic gardens, Rippon Winery, and Puzzling World for its designs and illusions.

Martinborough

The Huangarua River runs near the town of Martinborough, which is surrounded by vineyards, rolling hills and big sky. The downtown’s center is designed in a Union Jack layout, adding to the Martinborough’s unique charisma. The main street is populated by wine tasting rooms and cafés, such as the Palliser Estate and the Knucklebone Coffee Bar. Visitors should consider the Martinborough Hotel, a Victorian historical landmark. The Ata Rangi Vineyard is another to explore, given their history as pioneers in sustainable winemaking. The Claremont Water Tower is another period building. Wellington offers guided wine tours, where one can sample award-winning selections for the region. Another tip from the locals is to look for fresh produce at the cafés.

Oamaru

Oamaru not only boasts stunning Pacific views, but also features a charming creek flowing through the town. The main street is renowned for its Victorian architecture and limestone buildings. Steampunk HQ is a unique art gallery showcasing sculptures and designs with a steampunk theme, a subgenre of science fiction. Its influence reaches beyond the museum through the annual Steampunk Festival, which includes workshops, performances, and costumes, attracting visitors worldwide and adding an eccentric flair to the town’s culture. The Oamaru Opera House, an Edwardian architectural gem, along with the Totara Estate—recognized as the birthplace of New Zealand’s frozen meat industry—are significant historical sites. Additionally, attractions like The Whitestone Cheese factory and limestone sculpture galleries in the Victorian precinct are essential stops for visitors.

Te Anau

Lying along the shores of Lake Te Anau and bounded by Fiordland National Parks, is the town of Te Anau. There is even a river flowing out of the lake that meanders through town and the area is enveloped by unspoiled wilderness. While Te Anau’s main street has a serene vibe, it remains distinctive in its focus on eco-tourism. Historical landmarks are the Fiordland National Park (the visitor’s center offers a rich history of conservation), Te Anau Bird Sanctuary, is focused on native species and the historic boats tour through groups such as Fiordland Historic Cruises, will not disappoint. Glowworm cave tours and the Outdoor gear shops of Fiordland expeditions are worth a stop.

Whanganui

Whanganui's main street showcases a mix of Victorian and Art Deco architecture, surrounded by a lively arts scene with many local studios and galleries. Highlights include Chronicle Glass Studio, famous for its stunning blown-glass artworks. The town's annual Open Studios event attracts visitors who explore local galleries and see artists at work. Additionally, the Whanganui Festival of Cultures celebrates the town’s diversity. Don't miss historical sites like the Durie Hill Elevator, the country’s only underground elevator. The Whanganui Regional Museum, home to Māori artifacts, and the Sarjeant Gallery are also worth a visit.

Parting Thoughts

These small New Zealand towns showcase the diversity and charisma of the nation’s culture. Their main streets blend rich histories, natural beauties, thriving art and culture scenes, which should land them on anyone’s bucket list. From gold rush era towns to mountain visits to shimmering lakes and mighty rivers, the island nation is beckoning.