What to do and see in New Zealand, New Zealand: The Best Hidden Gems Things to do

October 12, 2021 Emerita Lamoureux

New Zealand (/njuːˈziːlənd/ ( listen); Māori: Aotearoa [aɔˈtɛaɾɔa]) is an island country in the southwestern Pacific Ocean. The country geographically comprises two main landmasses—the North Island (Te Ika-a-Māui), and the South Island (Te Waipounamu)—and around 600 smaller islands. New Zealand is situated some 1,500 kilometres (900 mi) east of Australia across the Tasman Sea and roughly 1,000 kilometres (600 mi) south of the Pacific island areas of New Caledonia, Fiji, and Tonga. Because of its remoteness, it was one of the last lands to be settled by humans. During its long period of isolation, New Zealand developed a distinct biodiversity of animal, fungal and plant life. The country's varied topography and its sharp mountain peaks, such as the Southern Alps, owe much to the tectonic uplift of land and volcanic eruptions. New Zealand's capital city is Wellington, while its most populous city is Auckland.
Restaurants in New Zealand

1. Marlborough Sounds

Picton New Zealand +64 3-577 5587 http://www.marlborough.co.nz/sounds.asp
Excellent
88%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
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5.0 based on 688 reviews

Marlborough Sounds

Reviewed By paulohartson1 - Amersham, United Kingdom

Take the scenic route from Nelson and you'll find laybys at the side of the road that give you stunning views down the sounds

2. Doubtful Sound

Te Anau, Fiordland National Park New Zealand
Excellent
83%
Good
12%
Satisfactory
3%
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5.0 based on 2,296 reviews

Doubtful Sound

Reviewed By Nalacoops1950

Go Orange provide a very professional, organised service and meet their promise of a trip with small numbers on a comfortable boat. Travis and Karina were the guide and.captain for the day, both being amusing, knowledgeable and enthusiastic in making it enjoyable for all, The trip across lake Manapouri is a great start to the day, followed by an interesting bus ride to the harbour. Karina made a few stops showing interesting place on the way. The 3 hours sailing the Sound is full of spectacular mountains, waterfalls and scenery all around. Time passed quickly and at the end you have the pleasure of reversing the bus journey and Manapouri lake crossing to look forward to. It is not a cheap trip but does provide the small personal tour promised in a comfortable boat with enough personal space to view the Sound. We would certainly do the trip again and would recommend it to others. Thanks for a superb and memorable day

3. Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre

79 Aerodrome Road, Blenheim 7272 New Zealand +64 3-579 1305 [email protected] http://www.omaka.org.nz
Excellent
85%
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5.0 based on 1,533 reviews

Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre

The Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre was established to provide a world-class destination for the appreciation of historic aircraft. Some of New Zealand's most respected cinematic and special effects craftsmen have created a dramatic aviation theatre in which original and full-scale replica WW1 and WW2 aircraft, both static and flyable, are presented in all their glory. The museum is home to two exhibitions, "Knights of the Sky" and "Dangerous Skies". The former is on long-term loan from film director Sir Peter Jackson and comprises one of the world's largest collections of World War One aircraft and rare memorabilia. Thanks to Sir Peter's generosity the aircraft have been brought to life in a series of dioramas created by Wingnut Films and enhanced with lifelike mannequins by Weta Workshop. "Dangerous Skies" utilised local talent and features stories from World War Two and takes visitors on a geographical as well as an historical journey.

Reviewed By Wander46757584245 - Dunedin, New Zealand

Amazing display of aircraft - highest level of detail we've encountered worldwide at an aviation museum. 100% recommend !

4. Waimarino Adventure Park

36 Taniwha Place Bethlehem, Tauranga 3176 New Zealand +64 7-576 4233 [email protected] http://www.waimarino.com
Excellent
82%
Good
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Satisfactory
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5.0 based on 709 reviews

Waimarino Adventure Park

Waimarino Adventure Park is situated on the banks of the Wairoa River just 10 minutes from Tauranga city. This tranquil paradise is based around the sport of kayaking and over the past 35 years, Waimarino has become Tauranga’s premier kayaking & recreation location. Waimarino Adventure Park has New Zealand's only kayak slide, The Blob, kayaks, rock climbing, diving boards, Italian Pedallos and plenty more. Grab your swimwear and visit us for a great day of action & fun.Waimarino Kayak Tours offer a great range of kayak tours in Tauranga & Rotorua region including magical glow-worm experiences, fantastic scenery, lake-edge thermal hot pools, catering and transport.Enjoy light refreshments & NZ wine on the edge of Lake McLaren at sunset, surrounded by the ducks &swans. Glide across the calm waters at twilight, before entering our enchanting glow-worm canyon. Our glow-worm kayak tour is truly unique, and a fantastic ‘must do’ experience while in NZ. This glow-worm kayak tour experience is not available in any other location globally. ONLY in Tauranga!Enjoy our kayak tour on scenic Lake Rotoiti, paddle past pohutakawas, (NZ’s Christmas tree) cascading native bush& abundant birdlife along the lake edge. Classic kiwi holiday homes nestle amongst the cliffs & coves. Enjoy the myths and legends of the Maori people linked to Lake Rototiti, before entering the glow-worm cave. Cross the lake to the Manupirua natural thermal hot-pools to relax and reflect on your exhilarating experiences.Please see our website for more information about our park and kayak tour options.

Reviewed By stitches2016 - West Sussex, United Kingdom

Had a brilliant evening!! Cheese and wine on arrival by the river. Then we kayaked along stunning vegetation and trees into some caves to see the glow worms and on our return journey we were fortunate enough to have a full moon to light our way back in the stillness of the evening with occasional night sounds of birds! A very memorable experience.

5. Tawharanui Regional Park

Takatu Rd, Warkworth, Auckland New Zealand http://www.arc.govt.nz/parks/our-parks/parks-in-the-region/tawharanui/
Excellent
86%
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5.0 based on 259 reviews

Tawharanui Regional Park

Reviewed By GaryandLesleyTravel - Auckland Central, New Zealand

Just 85km north of Auckland’s CBD find this beautiful predator free regional park. Several beaches to choose from for the day tripper swimmer, surfer, sun lover or various walks around the peninsula. We enjoyed a great walk on the well pathed Ecology Trail, great native bird life, fauna and forest. Amongst the usuals we saw, Saddle Backs and Bellbirds. On arriving at the top of the forested trail if the tide is low you can drop down through the farmland to the coast and return to the beach / carpark via the beautiful coastline and its rocky outcrops dynamic in colour and design. A great public facility.

6. Tiritiri Matangi Island

Auckland Central, Auckland New Zealand http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/auckland/places/tiritiri-matangi-scientific-reserve-open-sanctuary/
Excellent
85%
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5.0 based on 1,924 reviews

Tiritiri Matangi Island

Reviewed By Escape50291134045 - Auckland, New Zealand

the trip was amazing walking up to the lighthouse to have a break and and seeing native birds fly around you is just amazing even getting to see the little blue penguins and a surprise stingray in the bay.

7. Shine Falls

Heays Access Road, Napier New Zealand
Excellent
82%
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5.0 based on 116 reviews

Shine Falls

Reviewed By sallytd14 - Nelson, New Zealand

The Shine Falls are about 1.5 hour drive from Napier on the road to Gisborne. We were taking our time so you could get there a bit quicker than it took us. You park at a DOC carpark and have an hours walk ahead of you. You would need a reasonable fitness level but in saying that we bumped into several families who were walking with very young (2 year olds!!) that made the entire trip themselves - albeit that they took a bit longer than the one hour. The falls are spectacular and well worth the walk. The walk starts out through a working farm and then meanders into native bush. It is quite hard going in a few places but not what I'd call "challenging". Certainly a must do if you've never been there. The falls are about 60 meters high!!!!!! Fantastico!!!!

8. Glenorchy-Queenstown Road

Glenorchy-Queenstown Road, Mount Creighton New Zealand
Excellent
78%
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5.0 based on 1,928 reviews

Glenorchy-Queenstown Road

Reviewed By Vulcan90049 - Nambucca Heads, Australia

Wonderful drive from Queenstown to Glenorchy,, Great road and Fantastic views along the way,,, lovely little town ship. Well worth the trip

9. Glenorchy Animal Experience

Glenorchy-Paradise Rd Rapid 225, Glenorchy 9350 New Zealand +64 21 252 7753 [email protected] http://www.glenorchyanimalexperience.co.nz
Excellent
91%
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5.0 based on 322 reviews

Glenorchy Animal Experience

Glenorchy Animal Experience is situated on a terrace overlooking Lake Wakatipu surrounded by mountains and stunning scenery. Come and pat, feed, photograph and interact with our many friendly farm animals. From alpaca to Pablo the donkey: something for everyone and suitable for all ages. Daily shearing demonstrations at 2.30pm during Spring, Summer, and Autumn. No Shearing during winter. Souvenir Shop on site.

Reviewed By claires870 - Brisbane, Australia

Got a bag of feed and to begin with the farm to myself! I got treated to cuddles with a baby lamb after their feed ???? Alpacas, llamas, naughty goats, kune kune pigs, sheep, guinea pigs, rabbits Frank the horse Daisy the cow Pablo the donkey Plus Doggos Everyone was super friendly & welcoming! The setting is amazing and who doesn’t want to pet & feed super cute animals?!

10. Whitestone City

12 Harbour Street, Oamaru 9400 New Zealand +64 21 944 561 http://www.whitestonecity.com
Excellent
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5.0 based on 144 reviews

Whitestone City

Learn about our history by taking part in it. Take a tour of the visual tale of our town from the rough-sawn Whitestone beginnings to the polished and finely worked grandeur of our facades that still exist today. Partake of Victorian pastimes or boldly go beyond the curtains to encounter our colourful past. Leisurely repose oneself in the sumptuous surrounds of our parlour.

Reviewed By 13Sue - Auckland, New Zealand

My daughter and I decided to do the Grand tour in Whitestone city. This involved getting dressed up in victorian clothing and being guided around the building by Sandy who provided us with some interesting history of Oamaru as well as snapping photographs of us on our phones. Sandy was very passionate about Oamaru and the history of the area and she spent time ensuring we looked the part which we certainly did! We even attracted a bit of attention as we had our photos taken outside. I loved how we could touch things as we walked around and they even had a Penny Farthing carrousel. I would highly recommend this to dress up fans and history buffs, even those who arent would enjoy this I'm sure. Suitable for all ages.

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