When I got to New Zealand, my friends listed places like Taranaki, Hamilton, and Palmerston North to avoid. Naturally, I went straight to them!
I’m a big fan of hidden travel gems, and New Zealand’s stunning islands often get overlooked. But trust me, no matter where you go there, nature will blow you away.
Here are some hidden gems from New Zealand’s North Island that I fell in love with while living there.
Exploring Rings Beach in Coromandel
Auckland’s a great base for weekend escapes. In just a few hours, you can reach stunning beaches. The Coromandel Peninsula boasts turquoise waters, cave kayaking, and soft white sands, unlike the black volcanic beaches on the lower west coast.
Hot Water Beach is known for its hot sand pools, drawing lots of tourists. If you prefer less crowded spots, drive a bit further to Rings Beach on the Peninsula; Bluff Road there is amazing.
When I visited in January, the peak summer season, only a few people were there.
Exploring The Old Coach Road, Ohakune
Ohakune is a quirky spot in New Zealand’s North Island worth a visit. Famous for its giant carrot statue, the town comes alive in ski season while staying calm in the summer.
Nestled at the foot of Mount Ruapehu, it’s a perfect spot for exploring Tongariro National Park and its renowned hike, a must for nearly every visitor.
The Old Coach Road offers a leisurely half-day cycle or walk with stunning mountain views, tunnels, and historic bridges. This scenic route lets you step back in time, tracing the path once traveled by horse and coach before the railways linked in 1908.
If you don’t feel like climbing or have spare time in Ohakune, consider renting a bike to enjoy the scenery.
3. Plimmerton, Porirua
Waking up in Plimmerton to seagulls and waves, I momentarily forgot I wasn’t still in southern England.
When I lived in Wellington, Plimmerton was my escape for a laid-back weekend. Just a short train ride away, it feels like stepping back in time. There’s not much to do, but Moana Lodge is perfect for relaxing between island adventures.
Explore Rotorua’s Majestic Redwoods
Rotorua might not quite fit a “hidden gems” list as it’s a top North Island tourist spot. Known for its incredible geothermal activity and rich Maori culture, it offers a lively atmosphere and a distinctive sulfur smell you’ll soon get used to.
Whakarewarewa Forest, filled with towering Californian Coast Redwoods, is perfect for hours of cycling, hiking, and exploring tree-top bridges. Plus, it smells better!
I’m eager to visit a hidden gem—a volcano in the ocean. You can take a helicopter from Rotorua to White Island, where smoke rises dramatically. It’s an active volcano and an epic detour if you have the time and budget.
5. Discover Whangamomona on the Forgotten Highway
Have you ever heard of a goat as president? Whangamomona had one! I visited this quirky place and even voted for a cat in their last “election.”
In 1989, amid boundary disputes, a small town declared itself a republic. Every two years, it celebrates Republic Day where anyone can run for president, and the population spikes by 1000%. You can even snag a Whangamomona passport!
The Forgotten Highway is a thrilling drive, sometimes down to a single lane, through landscapes more like prehistoric jungles than typical North Island hills. With quirky stops along the way, it’s truly one of New Zealand’s hidden gems.
6. The Pouakai Crossing, Taranaki
Taranaki earned a top spot in 2017 by Lonely Planet largely due to this stunning multi-day hike. While the Tongariro Crossing is more famous, this trek offers tarns, marshes, mountains, and incredible views. I only saw about 30 people along the way, so it’s a much quieter adventure.
The Mount served as a stand-in for Mount Fuji in The Last Samurai, thanks to its snow-capped beauty and picture-perfect reflection. While you can trek to the top some days, I chose not to since the summit is sacred to the Maori.
Cabins around the park offer a $10-a-night stay, perfect for disconnecting and enjoying Aotearoa’s fresh air. The region’s main city, New Plymouth, is among my favorites; visiting during an event or festival is always a good idea.
7. Utea Park, 90 Mile Beach
Many skip Northland, the region above Auckland, since it’s considered “out of the way.” Those who do visit often come for the serene blue waters of the Bay of Islands.
We stumbled upon Utea Park by chance after a long dirt road drive. This quirky beachside campsite among sand dunes offers tent spots and cabins. The sunset was amazing, beers were cold, and with just twenty others around, it felt like we had one of the world’s longest beaches to ourselves. Falling asleep to the waves was a delightful surprise.
Cape Reinga, at Northland’s northern tip, is where two oceans meet. It’s a culturally vital Maori site.
8. Whangarei & Falls, Northland
Whangarei, New Zealand’s northernmost city, is perfect for a road trip pit stop. Surrounded by lush nature, it’s great for stocking up before heading further north or camping on 90-Mile Beach. Don’t miss the nearby waterfalls, just a short walk from the city center.
Explore Tawhai Falls in Tongariro
If you’re like me and sprain your ankle before New Zealand’s top hike, don’t worry! Tongariro has lots of shorter trails.
The road to Whakapapa Ski Resort offers parking for short hikes to stunning falls and views. A hidden gem is Tawhai Falls, perfect for cliff jumping into the refreshing pool or simply enjoying a picnic surrounded by nature.
10. Discover Hamilton & Gardens, Waikato
Waikato boasts some of New Zealand’s top attractions, like Raglan for surfing, the Waitomo glowworm caves, and the Hobbiton movie set.
Hamilton often gets an unfair bad rap online, but during a sleepy bus ride, I saw a charming spot I thought was Hamilton. Intrigued, I decided to book a two-night stay on my return trip.
I soon realized it wasn’t Hamilton, but I was set on enjoying my weekend. I strolled by the river, relaxed by Lake Rotorua, and admired the stunning Hamilton Gardens with their global influences. While donations are welcome, there’s talk of an entry fee—but it’s definitely worth a stop, even if you’re just passing through. I can’t see why this city gets a bad rap.
11. Castlepoint, Wairarapa coast
Near the end of my New Zealand trip, I visited stunning Castlepoint with my friend Amanda. We rented a vacation home through Book a Bach for the long weekend and hit some less-traveled roads to get there.
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This place is off the beaten path, but perfect for a real escape. We played board games, stargazed without light pollution, and caught a stunning sunrise over the lighthouse and bays at Castlepoint. Truly remote and magical!
New Zealand offers endless attractions, but if you’re on a short trip, you’ll likely visit just the main spots. With more time or on a WHV like me, explore the lesser-known gems—despite mixed reviews, places like Palmerton North are worth checking out!
