Anytime someone I know is struggling for holiday options, I automatically suggest New Zealand as the place to go, no matter what they’re looking for in a vacay.
Wanna relax with a glorious view? NEW ZEALAND! Wanna enjoy water activities and go on nature hikes? NEW ZEALAND! Wanna taste delicious produce and bevs? NEW ZEALAND! Wanna soak in some culture and learn about history? NZ! NZ! NZ!
But what concerns me is that when people who aren’t familiar with somewhere start formulating holiday plans, they naturally opt for the capital cities and tourist traps and in doing so, they miss out on all the glorious hidden gems. And trust me, New Zealand is FILLED with them!
So to help me get the word out, the good people at Tourism New Zealand put together a trip where I exclusively visited off the beaten path locations across the country to report back on which places should be added to your Kiwi wish list.
11 off the beaten path adventures in New Zealand
1. Tour the Matakana region
When you think of New Zealand, you picture lush green landscapes, rolling hills, exceptional produce, and a charming and friendly vibe — that’s exactly what you get when you visit the Matakana region.
Located about an hour’s drive north of Auckland, the Matakana region offers a unique blend of natural beauty, culture, and laid-back charm that makes it the ideal destination for your New Zealand getaway.
We stayed at the glorious Matakana Retreat, which is what I imagine the afterlife to look and feel like.
The luxurious cabin is situated on the edge of a cliff in a totally secluded area. The glamping tent is fully kitted out with everything you’d need: a comfy bed, a gorgeous deck complete with bathtub, fire pit and BBQ, and the vibes are IMMACULATE.
How’s the serenity at the Matakana Retreat?
Not a bad spot for a bath!
Or a BBQ!
While you’re there, the best way to check out the region is by doing a guided tour where local legends show you all the goods the Matakana region has to offer.
I’d recommend the Matakana Tours which is run by proud locals including the lovely Liz. There are several day tour options on offer, with the choice of visiting boutique wineries, a bee farm, and other stunning sights and activities.
After touring the vineyard at Heron’s Flight, we got to sample the delicious wine offerings, complete with fresh olives.
Next stop on the Matakana Tour was a visit to Brick Bay Wines where you can drink, dine, then go for a stroll along the sculpture trail.
We also got to stop by the Sawmill Brewery and test out the different brews.
It’s peaceful, tranquil, serene, and kitted out with great eats and bevs, gorgeous scenery and friendly folks.
2. Visit the Made Markets in Hamilton
If you’re a market girlie like me, you simply must visit the holy grail of all markets: the Made Markets in the fabulous Hamilton region.
Made is a seven-day indoor market filled with fresh local produce and bakeries plus handmade goods, complete with a section of boutique shops.
It’s a lovely mix of produce markets, artisan eateries, boutique retail, light industrial and commercial spaces.
The Made Markets are open from 10am – 5pm (and 4pm Sundays), and they’re a great way to pickup some local goodies while you’re in town.
3. Do the Hamilton Gardens Guided Tour
Love nature? Parks? History? Culture? Well all of these things are combined at the divine Hamilton Gardens.
Located in the gorgeous Hamilton region, the Hamilton Gardens are a collection of themed gardens, each representing a different culture and time period. They are part of the Hamilton Gardens Trust, and are a popular public space known for their beautiful and diverse garden designs.
Each of the gardens has a theme and story behind it, which the tour guides will explain with enthusiasm during the tour.
This, for example, is the Ancient Egyptian Garden. It’ll have you feeling like you’ve transported back to Ancient Egypt!
During the 78-minute guided tour, you will be taken through the grounds to learn about the different collections, from the Chinese Scholars’ Garden to the Italian Renaissance Garden to the Japanese Garden of Contemplation to the Ancient Egyptian Garden.
They also host seasonal events, educational programs, and community activities. It’s a peaceful and picturesque place, perfect for a stroll or enjoying nature.
4. Stay at the Unyoked Cabin
I’d always wanted to stay at an Unyoked Cabin and New Zealand was the ideal location to pop my cherry!
I stayed at the Aatea Cabin in Raglan, a small coastal town located on the west coast of the North Island of New Zealand, known for its chill vibe, beautiful scenery, and surfing culture.
The cabin is situated on the edge of a mountain and requires some hiking to get to it, but it’s well worth the walk!
The immaculate view from the Unyoked Cabin deck.
Once there, you will feel like the only person in the world as you enjoy the sights of Raglan from your gloriously kitted out cabin.
5. Visit Rotorua
Rotorua has been on my bucket list since the first time I mentally made a bucket list and ooh boi, it did not disappoint!
It’s one of New Zealand‘s most unique and vibrant destinations, known for its geothermal wonders, rich Māori culture, and beautiful natural landscapes.
So fun fact: Rotorua is one of the world’s most active geothermal fields. Yep, you can essentially play around in a volcano and live to tell the tale! Well, not really… but kinda.
One of the ways to take advantage of this marvel of nature is by visiting the Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa, a haven of wellness where you can undergo the traditional healing methods of the Ngāti Whakaue culture.
There are various spa packages you can take advantage of, I recommend the Restorative Journey which is a two-hour cultural wellness experience that’ll have you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
6. Te Rā Guided Experience
Another way to enjoy the geothermal activity and learn more about the Maori culture is by doing the Te Rā Guided Experience at Te Puia in Rotorua.
There, you’ll see the amazing geysers, bubbling mud, explore bushland and see the native kiwi birds, all while guided by experienced Maori tour guides.
The Pōhutu Geyser is the largest active geyser in the Southern Hemisphere and it’s truly a sight to behold!
A geyser is a spring with an intermittent water discharge ejected turbulently and accompanied by steam.
7. Okere Falls
Located just outside Rotorua, the Okere Falls is a must-see destination for some R&R time or adventure time, set to a gorgeous natural backdrop.
Head to the Okere Falls Store for a lush feed and some bevs, then work off your meal by hitting the Okere Falls Track.
There’s also the breathtaking Kaituna River and waterfalls, plus the option of whitewater rafting and kayaking, for the thrillseekers.
8. Tū Te Rā – Summer Matariki Harvest Celebration
I had heard about the sacred Summer Matariki Harvest Celebration and always dreamed of attending one myself, so naturally I jumped at the opportunity to go to Tū Te Rā.
It’s a summer celebration, aligned with the maramataka – the Māori lunar calendar, that celebrates the days becoming longer, the world being nourished by light, and the abundant harvest of this season.
You’ll jump on a bus from their HQ in Rotorua then head to the sacred sight to enjoy a night of rituals and stories of ancient Māori warfare and peace in a feast of culture and cuisine.
It’s such an honour to be invited into this sacred space so please do so respectfully. The Summer Matariki Harvest Celebration at Tū Te Rā is a profound experience that will absolutely stay with me for a lifetime.
9. Bay of Plenty
Craving some beach time? Do yourselves a favour and lock in some time at the Bay of Plenty, where you’ll be able to kick back by the water and enjoy the laidback nature of the North Island’s eastern coast.
Whether you’re catching waves on Ohope Beach, going for a hike on the Mount Maunganui Summit Track or enjoying a lush tasting tour (more on that in a sec!), Bay of Plenty is a stunning spot for your Kiwi getaway.
10. Ōhiwa Harbour Cruise and Oyster Experience
Whether or not you’re an oyster lover, you cannot go past this epic day trip where you’ll get up close and personal with the luxe salty snack in its natural habitat.
The Tio Ōhiwa cruise tour disembarks from the Ōhiwa Harbour, Toi-Kai-Rākau, Eastern Bay of Plenty.
These fresh fishy treats ready add to the lush energy of the day cruise.
What you’re seeing here is the company’s owner feeding and patting stingray, as if they were little puppies. They were actually v cute and friendly!
During the 90-minute tour, you’ll enjoy an interactive experience of oyster shucking and tasting by experienced and passionate oyster farmers.
It’s a unique and memorable day trip for foodies and adventure-seekers visiting the Bay of Plenty or Opotiki area.
11. Stay at the M Social Auckland
If you’re keen on all these off the beaten path ideas but still want to check out the city on your way back to the airport, I’d recommend staying at the M Social Auckland.
We spent one night in Auckland before embarking on our trip across the country.
The M Social Auckland offers a modern and vibrant experience that perfectly captures the energy of Auckland’s waterfront. It’s close to the city but you still get a sweet view of nature.
From the moment you step into the hotel’s stylish lobby, you’re welcomed by a blend of contemporary design and a warm, inviting atmosphere. The rooms are beautifully appointed with sleek furnishings, offering stunning views of the harbour or the city skyline, depending on your choice.
M Social’s dining options are top-notch, with the social space offering a trendy spot for coffee, cocktails, or a light bite, and the on-site restaurant providing a delicious menu that focuses on fresh, local ingredients.
Whether you’re visiting for a short stay or a longer trip, M Social Auckland provides a refreshing and comfortable base, making it one of the standout hotels in the CBD.
So if you’re considering a trip to New Zealand, I’d recommend venturing off the well-trodden path and trying some (or all!) of these unforgettable experiences.
The post I Spent 7 Days In New Zealand: Here’s Every Off-The-Beaten Path Experience Worth Your Time appeared first on PEDESTRIAN.TV .
