New Zealand is a place of raw natural beauty, rich Maori culture and welcoming rural communities. Many small towns are nestled within its breathtaking landscape and offer endless opportunities for exploration. Starting with the North Island and then moving to the South, we uncover the places not to miss across this incredible country.
Read on to see how beautiful New Zealand's small towns really are...
Popular as a base for exploring the Bay of Islands, Paihia offers adventure in abundance. Head to the wharf to book sea kayaking, parasailing, boat trips and more. For an unforgettable experience, take a scenic helicopter tour over the islands with Salt Air – its beachfront helipad is conveniently located near the centre of town. If history is more your thing, Paihia is a short drive to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds where New Zealand's founding document was signed in 1840.
For a perfect day trip from Paihia, take the 15-minute passenger ferry to the historical town of Russell. It was the country’s first seaport and European settlement and has many interesting buildings, including The Pompallier Mission and Printery. The mission was built by New Zealand’s first Catholic priest and is best explored on the popular Coffee Croissant and Culture Tour, which includes pastries on the waterfront veranda. A few doors down you’ll find The Duke of Marlborough, New Zealand’s first licensed hotel which is still operational today.
The discovery of gold in the 1850s brought wealth and settlers to Coromandel Town. The boom might have passed but the Victorian-style buildings, stamper battery and School of Mines Museum help keep its history alive. Don’t miss the charming Driving Creek Railway, a single gauge mountain track which winds through native kauri forest and displays pottery sculptures along the way. For an alternative view of the forest, take a ziplining tour and soar through the lush canopy and over giant ferns.
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This small town has a big Scottish heritage. During the 1850s over 1,000 highlanders emigrated to Waipu and their fascinating story is told at the Scottish Migration Museum. Each January visitors from across the globe attend and compete in the town's most celebrated event, the Waipu Highland Games; a lively celebration of Celtic culture, haggis hurling and traditional dancing. Another huge draw is Waipu Cove, a sandy swathe of beach with shimmering rock pools and a beachside cafe.
Friendly Feilding is a vibrant hub known for its charming Edwardian-style buildings (it’s won New Zealand’s Most Beautiful Town award 15 times). The Coach House Museum offers a fascinating insight into the town's agricultural heritage and features personal accounts of early settler life. Take a guided tour of the Feilding Saleyards (an auction house which has been trading livestock since the 1800s) and be sure to admire the town's clocktower (pictured) which dates back to 1902.
Call in and drop a line at Turangi, the fishing capital of New Zealand. The town sits on the edge of the Tongariro River, famed for its abundance of rainbow trout and world-class fly fishing. Book a trip at the Tongariro National Trout Centre, which has a hatchery and freshwater aquarium, then stock up on delicious pies at the Turangi Bakery. Hiking or biking the Tongariro River trail is recommended, just follow the easy 10-mile (15km) loop for views of river rapids and scrubby bushland.
Sandwiched between the craggy Te Mata Hills and the city of Hastings, elegant Havelock North is the entry point to the wine-producing region of Hawkes Bay. Affectionately nicknamed ‘The Village’ thanks to its community feel, the town has a thriving arts scene and a good selection of luxury hotels and lodges. Walk or drive to the top of Te Mata Peak (pictured), explore the manicured gardens of the grand Duart House and finish the day with a wine tasting at local winery Smith and Sheth.
Named ‘The Sunniest Place in New Zealand’, it's no surprise that Whakatane is a hotspot for outdoor activities. Get acquainted with the area on the Nga Tapuwae o Toi, a looped walking trail which snakes along the coast and passes historic Maori Pa settlements. The town is a short drive to Ohope Beach, a seven-mile (11km) stretch of sand with excellent surfing and birdwatching opportunities. In summer, the popular Whakatane Arts Festival brings together local artists and performers.
Located in the Far North district, Kaitaia is the last major town before entering Northland and Cape Reinga. It has a few interesting attractions; the Karikari Estate, the country’s northernmost vineyard; the Te Ahu Museum, which illuminates the history of the Far North and displays a 500-year-old skeleton from the extinct kuri dog; and over 20 nearby beaches. The renowned Ninety Mile Beach is a great place to dig for tuatua (a native meaty clam) or to watch the breathtaking sunset over the water.
Just an hour north of Auckland, sophisticated Matakana is a big hit with foodies and wine lovers. Take a wine tour to discover award-winning chardonnay and pinot-gris, then stop for a long lunch overlooking the vineyards. Don’t miss Matakana village which has lovely art galleries, brunch spots and wine bars; it’s also home to the wonderful Matakana Farmers' Market (every Saturday) which showcases local produce including artisan cheeses and homemade spreads and preserves.
Once a sleepy fishing village, Raglan is now a surfing paradise which thrums with activity throughout the summer months. Surfers flock here for Manu Bay, believed to have one of the longest left hand breaking waves on Earth. The bohemian and laid-back vibes have attracted many artists and creatives to Raglan, so expect quality art galleries and quirky local boutiques. The area also has a stunning black sand coastline and great hiking to Bridal Veil Falls.
Built to serve those working in the timber trade; Raetihi dates back to 1893. The town has many historic buildings including the oldest theatre in the southern hemisphere and the Ratana Church (pictured) which is perched atop a hill and perfect for photo opportunities. Raetihi is sandwiched between the natural beauty of the Tongariro and Whanganui National Parks so expect adventurous activities like hiking to emerald-coloured volcanic crater lakes. For mountain bike enthusiasts, Raetihi is the closest town to the Mangapurua Track and the Bridge to Nowhere.
Sheep farming has shaped Masterton for centuries and there’s no better place to experience its thrill than at the Golden Shears competition held in the town each March. The globally recognised shearing contest spans three days and attracts masters in the art of wool handling and shearing. Learn more at The Wool Shed Museum, then pop across the road to the Aratoi Wairarapa Museum of Art and History. During Easter the skies around town turn to a kaleidoscope of colour as the Balloon Festival takes place.
Tucked away within the beauty of the Waikato region, Te Awamutu is a must for flower enthusiasts. Between November and April, the fragrant smell of rose blossom lingers as over 2,000 bloom in the local Rose Garden. And between December and February, the Alphra Lavender fields (pictured) come to life in a violet spectacle. Close by is the Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari, a vast conservation area home to rare native plants and animal species; tours can be organised at the visitor centre.
Now we venture to the South Island, and specifically the west coast, where it's rugged, remote and overflowing with wild beauty. Just a handful of small towns dot the shoreline, with Westport being the oldest. The port town was founded on gold mining, but now it is coal that shapes the area. The Coaltown Museum delves into Westport’s maritime heritage as well as its mining roots; there’s an interactive underground mine which offers a glimpse into pit life. Westport has some interesting Art Deco buildings, including the Municipal Chambers.
Te Anau might be New Zealand’s second-largest lake, but the town which shares its name and resides on its banks is perfectly pint-sized. It's the gateway to the stunning Fiordland National Park with its towering peaks, cascading waterfalls and jet-black fjords. Take a boat tour into the Te Anau Glowworm Caves (not to be confused with Waitomo Glowworm Caves in the North Island) and watch the tiny creatures illuminate the subterranean cavern, then visit the bird sanctuary which houses native rare bird species like the flightless takahe and kereru pigeon.
This scenic town in the heart of Marlborough is famed for its wine. The sunny climate is perfect for growing grapes and 85% of New Zealand’s sauvignon blanc is grown here. Around 30 wineries dot the surrounding countryside, so hire a bike and explore on two wheels or take a guided tasting tour. Around town, you’ll find artisan food shops, great restaurants and the Taylor River Reserve (pictured) a conservation area popular with joggers and cyclists.
Say ‘bonjour’ to Akaroa, a little slice of France in New Zealand. The town dates back to 1840 when French colonisers arrived on the island. Their mission was unsuccessful, but they settled in Akaroa and created a home away from home. Expect French street names, French-inspired cuisine (including award-winning Barrys Bay Cheese) and elegant French architecture. Don’t miss a trip to The Giants House (pictured); its whimsical gardens and mosaic sculptures are a riot of colour and fun.
Natural hot springs and plenty of spa hotels make this relaxed resort town perfect for unwinding. Framed by the Southern Alps and surrounded by swathes of dense forest, Hanmer is postcard perfect. The Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa have a complex of thermal waters and offer muscle-melting massages. In winter, the town is popular with skiers, while the summer months bring hiking, horse trekking and bungee jumping.
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Home to around 500 people, Glenorchy is a tiny town with global recognition. A favourite with Hollywood film scouts, scenes from The Lord of the Rings trilogy and The Chronicles of Narnia movies were filmed in this spectacular landscape. Explore on horseback or hike one of the popular trails, then refuel at Mrs Woolly’s General Store, which sells food, local handicrafts and gifts. Don’t leave without snapping a photograph at the red Glenorchy Boat Shed, originally used for storing town supplies.
It’s the stunning sandy beach which makes this small town one of the South Island's most popular. Rent a kayak and explore the pretty bays and inlets or nestle your toes in the sand and relax. The nearby Abel Tasman National Park is a must-visit, with secluded beaches and hideaways that are best explored on a boat trip. If you’d rather stay on land, Kaiteriteri has some lovely scenic hikes including the Kaka Pah Point trail and Withells Walk.
Nestled on the banks of the Arrow River, leafy Arrowtown was established in 1862 as a gold mining settlement. View its heritage buildings on Buckingham Street and peruse the many trendy art galleries and independent shops. The Lakes District Museum and Art Gallery, which resides in the Neoclassical Bank of New Zealand building, delves into the gold rush era and the story of Arrowtown’s mining immigrants. From April to May, autumnal leaves bathe the town in an auburn glow.
Nicknamed the ‘Riviera of the South’ thanks to its picturesque beaches and bays, Riverton/Aparima is one of New Zealand’s oldest towns. The popular Te Hikoi Museum offers insight into its history and the integration between Maori and early European settlers. The town straddles an estuary where dolphins come to feed in the water and surf lovers should head to Colac Bay, a premier surf spot and home to legendary break ‘the Porridge’.
Another west coast treasure, Hokitika is known for pounamu (jade stones) which are abundant in the nearby Arahura River. Local craftsmen use the vibrant green stones to create jewellery, artwork and souvenirs, which can be purchased in town. The heritage trail has 22 historic buildings including the impressive Carnegie Library (pictured), which is home to the Hokitika Museum. In March, the Wildfoods Festival celebrates eccentric local cooking ingredients including fish eyes and venison tongue.
Historic Balclutha stands aside the Clutha River, the second longest waterway in New Zealand. An arched 90-year-old bridge connects both sides of town and is Balclutha's most renowned landmark. The town is a popular base for exploring the Catlins Coast, an area of enchanting waterfalls and mossy woodland which sits against a rugged coastline. For a perfect afternoon, explore the Blair Athol Walkway, a nature trail which starts in town and passes through rhododendron dells and rural farmland.
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Surrounded by fruit farms, orchards and wineries, this Richmond runs on agriculture. To experience the best local scenery and produce, cycle Tasman’s Great Taste Trail, which passes vineyards, craft breweries, cosy cafes and artist studios. The town centre has a large shopping mall; delicious restaurants on Queen Street, including the homely Grape Escape Cafe; and the Old Factory Corner, a shop with locally grown products. During summer visitors can pick their own boysenberry, a hybrid of the raspberry, loganberry and blackberry.
In the Maori language, Kaikoura translates to ‘food’ and ‘crayfish’ and there’s plenty of both in this South Island coastal idyll. Giant sperm whales inhabit the waters year-round making it a premier spot for whale watching and encounters with these majestic mammals. Until the 1960s whales were hunted in the region and Fyffe House, a 180-year-old cottage built upon ancient whale bones, offers an insight into the now illegal trade. Hike to The Lookout for an ariel view of town and its namesake mountains.
The remote Stewart Island lies 19 miles (30km) below the South Island; Oban is its only settlement. A national park dominates the land and the town is home to just 400 people. Birdwatchers flock here to view the rare yellow-eyed penguins and the flightless brown kiwi bird with its distinct curved bill. An unforgettable way to explore the island (and hear its birdsong) is walking the Rakiura Track, a 20-mile (32km), three-day hike which showcases the island's most stunning beaches and wildlife.