7 Overlooked Towns In New Zealand Worth Visiting
New Zealand is a very diverse country, comprising the North Island and South Island. It boasts beaches, mountains, gorges, caverns, lush rainforests, black-sand beaches, ancient Maori culture, British traditions, culinary oddities such as Marmite, regional colloquialisms, and much more. There are many overlooked towns, such as Wellington, where you can visit and be amazed at their extraordinary sights and sounds. New Zealanders are known as Kiwis, after the flightless Kiwi bird, which is their national symbol. All of the little towns below have a distinct history, and travelers will enjoy exploring the land and waterways, as well as the quirky features of each destination. Adventure seekers, foodies, art lovers, passionate birdwatchers, or those who simply travel to discover new sights, will all find something to love in these often-forgotten towns.
Whanganui
Whanganui is one of the older towns in New Zealand, with the Whanganui River running through it. This long and winding river, the longest navigable river in New Zealand, provides much pleasure for both visitors and locals. Jet boats, canoes, rafts, or kayaks, you can navigate the river whichever way you like best. There are 200 rapids along the river, but they are not high rapids, so it is easier to navigate for those exploring for the first time. You can also enjoy a river cruise along the river on the restored, coal-fired paddle steamer called Waimarie.
There are two national parks, Tongariro National Park and Whanganui National Park, and a fantastic set of cycling trails connecting them. You can choose an easier track just for a day trip or spend a few days on a more complicated route. For example, the Ohakune Old Coach Road track will take you through old railway viaducts and the original cobbled road that carried people in horse-drawn coaches to the trains. For birdwatchers, there is an abundance of native birds to see in this area. You may even be lucky enough to hear the North Island brown kiwi call out in the evening!
In the downtown area, there are several iconic buildings to visit, including the Royal Whanganui Opera House, which was built in 1900. The Sarjeant Gallery, operating since 1912, is a treasured art gallery housing 8,000 pieces of European and New Zealand art, as well as archival items. The Whanganui Regional Museum showcases both Maori and colonial era artifacts, and explores the culture and spiritual heart of this town. Glass art is famous here, so be sure to stop by the New Zealand Glass Works, where, if you book far enough in advance, you can take a workshop and make glass art yourself. Then, for lunch or dinner, stop at the Rutland Arms Inn, a classic English pub with tasty food. It was established in 1859, and you can also stay here overnight in one of their comfortable rooms. Or dine at High-Kut Bistro for a delicious brunch or dinner.
Taupō
This town was built around Lake Taupo, a clear, sparkling lake. It is a resort town where people come to enjoy the beach, fish, or kayak, taking pleasure in the water. Soothe both your body and soul in the geothermal hot pools at Taupo Thermal Springs. For sure, you will want to see the volcanic landscape of Tongariro National Park and the Ngātoroirangi Mine Bay Māori Rock Carvings. These spectacular contemporary carvings are 46 feet above the surface of Lake Taupo, and you can only get there by boat. Departing from the Taupo Boat Harbour, you can take a cruise, kayak or jet ski in, or even go by electric sailboat. Completed by two carvers in 1980, they are a sight to behold!
When you have built up an appetite for a great family-style restaurant, head to Dixie Browns. It is right on the lake, where you can view the mountains as you savour the creative menu, including Grilled Haloumi and Pear Salad or Benmore Smoked Salmon Wrap. If you are a gourmand, check out Embra. This new contemporary restaurant features a chef who combines British and French influences to showcase fresh New Zealand produce, such as Mt. Cook Alpine salmon, and prepares typical Kiwi cuisine. Served with local beers, wines, and cheeses, it truly showcases the New Zealand lifestyle and culture.
If you like luxury and want a wonderful lodge stay, please consider Tongariro Lodge, a trout fishing lodge on Lake Taupo, where you can escape and feel pampered. You can experience heli-hiking, fly fishing, white-water rafting, enjoy a spa pool and tennis court while staying in a private villa. It is an experience curated just for you. Alternatively, closer to town, the Hilton Lake Taupo offers a comfortable luxury overnight stay with stunning scenery.
Rangiora
Located on the South Island, this town is an original farming community. However, it also has a thriving shopping scene. From this town, you can ride the Coastal Pacific Train, a stunning railway journey squeezed along the eastern coast between the mountains and the sea. Watch for dolphins and whales, and enjoy the wild and beautiful beaches and rugged mountains as they pass by. North of Christchurch, this town has many great stores. Forage and Clay is a pottery studio and floral shop where you can buy candles, ceramics, potpourri, fairy wands, and more. Laneway Home has clothing for babies and kids, home decor, popular brands, jewelry, bags, and artwork, all under one roof, curated collections to allow you to shop with pleasure. TAD Design is a designer boutique for women who like fashion and stylish clothing. A vibrant new cafe serving breakfast and lunch, Fools of Desire will surprise you with their Baghdad eggs, Banofee French toast, and spiked housemade lemonade. Another great choice is The Ottoman, a Turkish restaurant serving delicious kebabs, salads, mezze platters, pizza, and more. If you enjoy bed and breakfasts, you will be happy to stay at Casa Wisteria, a private home located close to downtown.
Kerikeri
Kerikeri has a rich history, as it was the land of a famous and much-feared Maori warrior chief, Hongi Hika, in the 1800s. He allowed missionaries into the area, though. Visit Kerikeri Mission Station, also known as Kemp House. It is the oldest European building in New Zealand, dating back to 1822. The Stone Store is nearby and remains a functioning store, the oldest stone building in the country. These buildings, when you visit them, will show you the relationship that was formed between the Maori chief and the Europeans who came to this country and were called Pakeha by the Maori tribal chiefs. Nearby, the town of Rainbow Falls is well worth a visit. These beautiful, stunning falls are 88 feet high, and after a rain, they shimmer with a rainbow effect. There are walking tracks, platforms for viewing and hearing the thunder of these majestic falls, and you can go swimming in the pool below the falls. If you are a wine lover, you will appreciate Sovrano Estates, an Italian family-owned winery that offers visitors wine and liquor tastings. If you plan to stay overnight, check out Wharepuke Subtropical Accommodation. It is a fantastic setup of cottages, a restaurant MĀHA, an art gallery, a print studio and a Sculpture Park, all set together in 5 acres of large, lush, subtropical gardens.
Waihi
Waihi has a rich history of gold and silver mining and is known as New Zealand's 'heart of gold' due to the Martha Hill mine. Moreover, the town boasts Waihi Beach to enjoy, bush to explore, trout fishing, and especially the Karangahake Gorge. There is a trail that allows you to walk through the old train tunnels and explore the history of the trains. The early settlers mined gold in the gorge in 1872, and it is still being mined in Waihi today. For lunch, stop into the Gold Rush Cafe and enjoy tasty food. Or the La Grignette Artisanal Bakery, with its all-buttery French pastries, tarts, breads, and meat pies baked daily, is an excellent place for breakfast or lunch. You will appreciate a visit to Waihi Waterlily Gardens. This 5-acre water garden, developed over the years, features over 20 ponds. Originally a dairy farm, it is now a beautiful venue to explore at your leisure. The wide varieties of waterlilies are colorful, in a tranquil setting, and you will enjoy the peace and serenity of this lovely garden.
Picton
Usually known as the town for the ferries that connect the North and South Islands, this town of Picton is right on Queen Charlotte Sound, with a busy harbour. Visiting the Picton Heritage & Whaling Museum will provide you with an understanding of Maori heritage and the early whaling industry in this area. At the Edwin Fox Maritime Museum, you can go inside the hull of the oldest merchant ship in existence, built in 1853, and learn all about its past. Picton is also located right in the Marlborough wine region. Tour a winery for the day and taste the excellent wines this region is known for. With an all-day tour, you will visit 6 or 7 wineries and taste the best they have to offer, and have a nice lunch.
For typical New Zealand fare, go to the Bakehouse Cafe where you will find cranberry, chicken and pork belly pies, raspberry lemmingtons and other favorites. Another bakery for delicious treats and a famous steak and blue cheese pie is Picton Village Bakkerij. Dutch treats, such as Oliebollen (flavorful Dutch fruit doughnuts), are fantastic and can't be found anywhere else.
Foxton
On the north island in the Horowhenua region, lies the little town of Foxton, which is unique in its Dutch heritage. It is located on the west coast of the island, on the Manawatū River, and was once a bustling hub with a thriving flax industry. It was once a wetland, and the Maori and settlers lived here side by side. In the middle of Foxton, you can visit the Te Awahou Riverside Cultural Park, where you will find two essential museums. Te Awahou Nieuwe Stroom, the Maori museum and cultural center, and the National Dutch Museum. You will learn how these two cultures coexisted in harmony and made this town a unique place. Close by is Foxton Beach, with lots of activities like a wakeboard park, and the world-famous Manawatū River Estuary. It is home to over 100 species of birds and is a wetland of international significance.
On Main Street in Foxton is the De Molen Windmill, a replica of a 17th-century working Dutch windmill, with a cafe nearby. The cafe serves Dutch food with a Kiwi fusion, and they use flour from a windmill to make their baked goods, making it an interesting place to eat. The Foxton Bar and Eatery offers a diverse menu, specializing in Indo-Kiwi cuisine. Deconn Flair Unique Gifts & Co. is where you can find a gift for yourself or a friend.
New Zealand is a magical land of adventure and excitement. Black water rafting through underground caves, extreme adventure sports like bungee jumping, seeing a Maori war canoe, you can find it all in New Zealand. New Zealand's culture is distinct. Although it is close to Australia, it is a different place entirely. Kiwis have their own unique lifestyle, and this land is stunningly beautiful, capturing your heart. These little towns each have their own special charm, and you are sure to have fun discovering them.
