10 Amazing New Zealand Hidden Gems You've Never Heard Of
Posted by Maris on 16th Jan 2024
We attest that you haven't seen all ten of these Kiwi Gems, which include secluded islands, freshwater lakes, virgin forests, and unexplored beaches.
1. Ulva Island, Southland
Ulva Island is a 266-hectare island refuge located near Paterson Inlet off the northeastern coast of Stewart Island.
From Golden Bay or Halfmoon Bay, Ulva Island (called Te Wharawhara in Mori) is only a short boat trip away. As one might expect, it is an open sanctuary under DOC management that is abundant in natural species.
Savor a melodious meander along one of the island's pathways, which span from short shoreline excursions to multi-hour expeditions into the jungle, often affording views of fur seals, sea lions, and yellow-eyed penguins.
2. Oparara Arches, West Coast
Explore an old jungle on a 2-kilometer (return) route that leads to the Oparara Arches in Kahurangi National Park. The massive limestone arch is part of the Honeycomb Hill Caves Specially Protected Area in the Oparara Basin and is reachable by individuals with varying levels of fitness.
3. Mount Stokes, Marlborough Sounds
At 1203 meters, Mount Stokes is the highest point in the Marlborough Sounds and a great place to acquire a distinctive perspective of a stunning landscape. Following a hike through the forest, you will reach a subalpine environment. Powelliphanta is a large carnivorous snail that is unique to New Zealand. Beware of it.
4. Castlepoint, Wairarapa
The Castlepoint lighthouse, the pinnacle of the Castlepoint Scenic Reserve, is an exquisite piece of art. Wairarapa's Castlepoint is a favorite spot for fur seals from New Zealand, dolphins, and sometimes even baby whales. The drive from the town of Martinborough is ninety minutes.
5. Boundary Stream, Hawke's Bay
Boundary Stream's "mainland island" is home to the largest waterfall in Hawke's Bay, as well as rare fauna, fascinating geology, and unusual species.
When the northern Hawke's Bay conservation area was established in 1996 to restore the natural habitat of numerous threatened native species, the predators that were exterminated were responsible for the current abundant Boundary Stream birdlife.
Boundary Stream is also the site of the magnificent Shine Falls, the highest point in Hawke's Bay at 58 meters, and an enormous 800-year-old mata tree.
There are several of family-friendly walks that snake through the nearby woodland, or for a lengthier excursion, consider the three-hour loop to the amazing limestone outcrops of Bell Rock.
6. Stewart Island, Southland
The third island in New Zealand's main chain, Stewart Island is beautiful, solitary, and sometimes overlooked by tourists. Stewart Island, home of New Zealand's Great Walk, the Rakiura Trail, is one of the best places to watch kiwi in the wild. The International Dark Sky Association named it an International Dark Sky Sanctuary (IDA) because of its breathtaking night skies.
7. Putangirua Pinnacles, Wairarapa
In the southern North Island, in the Wairarapa district, are the odd landforms known as the Putangirua Pinnacles. You can stroll the short, easy trail that follows a streambed to the base of these beauties, or continue to the lookout for amazing views of Cape Palliser and Lake Onoke.
8. Marokopa Falls, Waikato
Savor the view at one of the most beautiful waterfalls in New Zealand. Marokopa Waterfall is located in the Tawarau Forest, a short distance from the well-known Waitomo Caves.
9. Cape Brett, Northland
The Cape Brett Trail is a challenging overnight trip in New Zealand that rewards hikers with breathtaking coastal vistas. The bookable hut is an excellent place to stay the night before returning the following day on the 16 km (one-way) hike through the native bush.