Newzealand Hidden Top 12 Tourist spots

From turquoise ocean to ice cap lakes, sand dunes to mountains, New Zealand's stunning landscapes and natural terrain is amazing whichever corner you decide to explore.

Things to see and do in New Zealand

Divergent scenery and unrivaled culture mean there is a wide range of things to see and do while travelling around New Zealand. Here are some ideas to help plan your trip.

Newzealand Hidden Top 12 spots

New Zealand has plenty of beautiful landscapes. Find your way to the best spots, from popular Instagram destinations to off-the-beaten-track treasures. Let us take you on the road less travelled to discover some of New Zealand's best hidden gems.

The Nelson Tasman region in New Zealand

Top 6 things to do in Nelson Tasman

Visit the Nelson Tasman region to explore three different sunbathe on golden beaches, national parks, and savour the local wines.

1. Motueka Saltwater Baths, Nelson Tasman

Built in 1930 the Motueka Salt Water Baths may have been the first-ever enormous pool the world has ever seen. Aim to visit high tide in the early morning or sunset and there’s a fine chance that you’ll have it completely to yourself, so you can drill your walking on water.

2. Explore Abel Tasman National Park

Abel Tasman National Park is Located near the top of the South Island and is convenient by cruising, walking, or kayak. The isolated bays of the Park are perfect for hovering and sea kayaking, also offering opportunities to see the seals and dolphins who regularly play in these sea side. If you prefer to travel over by land, the Abel Tasman Great Walk follows the water's edge through native bush alongside limestone cliffs and along golden beaches.

3. Skydive over both the North and South Island

Take to the skies to skydive over Abel Tasman National Park, where you can see both the North and South Islands of New Zealand. The terrain will take your breath away as you fly over pinnacle, bush-clad hills, rivers, orchards, vineyards and golden beaches. Or, if you prefer to appreciate Nelson Tasman’s beauty from the inside of an aircraft, there are plenty of helicopter and scenic flights on offer. 

4. Experience a white-water rush

The ride to Murchison from Nelson City is a must-do for anyone who loves a dose of adventure. The Murchison ‘four rivers plain’ offers some of the best all-grades white-water kayaking and rafting in New Zealand, world-class fly fishing and an memorable jet boating experience through the Buller Canyon.

5. Discover local art

Nelson Tasman is domicile to one of the wide ranging numbers of working originator and galleries in the country, and art in every form is represented here. From writers and creators, glass-blowers, painters, sculptors, jewellers. it is easy to see the extensive of passion for the arts in the region. Visit a local market, gallery or studio and buy a unique gift directly from the artist who made it.

6. Visit the home of hops and sample beer

Due to its perfect blooming conditions, Nelson Tasman is the home of all of New Zealand's hops, and to the South Island’s first profit oriented winery. It's also the craft brewing capital of the country and has been named the Top Cider City in the world by National Geographic. Spend the day exploring and sampling the local product or visit during annual festivals such as March Fest, Beervana and the New Zealand Cider Festival.

Northland & Bay of Island - New Zealand 

Top 6 things to do in Northland and the Bay of Islands

A equatorial wonderland of islands, marine life, dammara forests and Māori myths and legends, Northland is an beyond belief place to visit.

1. Learn about the Treaty of Waitangi

Take a accomplished tour through the ancient Waitangi Treaty Grounds where you can be challenged by Māori warriors, admire the giant waka (Māori war canoe) and broad views over the Pacific Ocean before enjoying a substantial meal cooked in a hāngī (earth oven). Discover mesmerizing exhibitions and state-of-the-art learning spaces at Te Kōngahu - Museum of Waitangi.

2. Dive into the Poor Knights Islands

Just coastal from Tutukaka lies the Poor Knights Islands – rated one of the top 10 diving sites in the world. Explore a mecca of colourful underwater plants, diverse fish life, and rocky volcanic crag. Go scuba diving or diving with Dive! Tutukaka, or explore via stand up paddle-board.

3. Explore the top of the North

The Tasman Sea summit the mighty Pacific Ocean at Cape Reinga, the northernmost tip of New Zealand, a must-see when in New Zealand. Near the tip of Cape Reinga are the Te Paki Sand Dunes, the largest of their kind in the Southern Hemisphere. While the scramble to the top is a challenge, it’s made all worth it with the stimulation rush of surfing down them via boogie board. Not far is Ninety Mile Beach, a seemingly never-ending stretch of sand stretching along the western tip of the North Island. Officially a highway, the best way to explore the beach is by guided coach tour from Kaitaia or Paihia.

4. Visit the Whangārei Falls

Located 10 minutes driveway from Whangārei City centre, you'll find the wondrous Whangārei Falls. A 26m high waterfall encircled by park, indigenous New Zealand bush and walkways. Other renowned walking tracks and waterfalls in the Northland region include Rainbow Falls, Mount Manaia, Te Paki Coastal Track, and the Cape Brett Track.

5. Discover the Waipoua Forest

Commence on an intimate tour with Footmark Waipoua, one of two New Zealand experiences featured in Lonely Planet’s guide to bona fide travel ‘Code Green: Experiences of a Lifetime‘. Come face to face with Tāne Mahuta – God of the Forest and New Zealand's largest Kauri tree. Experience the ancient forest with local Māori guides and learn how the woodland plays an important role in the lives of local Māori and the eco-system.

Learn more about our kauri forests and kauri trade at the Kauri Museum. 

6. Northland Journeys

Explore the region more with Northland Journeys on the Twin Coast Discovery Highway. Choose from one of seven half-to-full day road and water-based journeys that give self-drive visitors a reason to stay longer, see more, and do more along the way. Discover the roads less travelled - spectacular coastlines, marine reserves, kauri forests and two oceans that collide make the North an iconic destination.