Summary
As remote as one can be, New Zealand is an ideal destination for those harboring a passion for exploration.
Characterized by breathtaking natural landscapes, interwoven with extensive biking trails, beautiful beaches, and enhanced by vibrant urban centers, this nation embodies a diverse array of offerings, making it a challenge to determine what to include in one’s itinerary.
Consequently, we consulted three insightful correspondents well-acquainted with New Zealand for their recommendations on preferred vacation spots within their home country. If you seek an off-the-beaten-path exploration of New Zealand, commence your journey here.
Crystal-clear waters and alternative vibes: Golden Bay
Naomi Arnold is a journalist and author residing in Nelson.
The distinctive geography of Golden Bay epitomizes its essence. Located in a broad C-shape at the northwestern tip of New Zealand’s South Island, it is a sanctuary of lush bush, fields, quaint towns, rivers, and beaches, all bordered by two national parks, including the Ramsar bird refuge of Farewell Spit and the ocean.
Being accessible by merely one road, coupled with a population density akin to Mongolia, Golden Bay radiates an unconventional atmosphere and an exceptionally secluded quality. Since the 1970s, it has attracted free spirits, and particularly in Tākaka, which retains a tranquil ambiance featuring meditation retreats, alternative communities, and a celebrated trance music festival. Many tourists overlook this hidden gem while racing through New Zealand; however, its myriad pleasures, from the serene golden Tata Beach to the rugged western Wharariki Beach, make it worthy of significantly more than a mere day trip from the central hub of Nelson.
In Tākaka, the Wholemeal Café has provided delicious, hearty meals for nearly half a century. Nearby, Pohara Beach Top 10 Holiday Park is highly regarded among families and budget travelers. The beachfront Adrift in Golden Bay provides the region’s sole five-star accommodation for those wishing to indulge. Ensure not to overlook the chance to witness some of the clearest waters ever recorded at Te Waikoropupū Springs.
Traveling from Nelson, the bay can be reached within two hours via Tākaka Hill, ascending to 791m (2595ft). Proceed cautiously: the road comprises 257 curves, as a friend of mine once observed, with certain hairpins nearly completing a full 320-degree turn. This hill serves as a significant barrier, protecting Golden Bay from excessive outside influence.
This is precisely how the locals prefer it.
A rugged and truly local Kiwi getaway: Ngawi
Travel blogger and entrepreneur Anita Hendrieka grew up in New Zealand and is currently based in the Albanian Riviera.
It would be difficult to discover a more authentically Kiwi beach than Ngawi.
Situated at the southernmost tip of the North Island (approximately an hour and a half journey from Wellington) in the Wairarapa area, Ngawi is a beloved destination thanks to its unique black-sand beaches and rugged coastal views. It offers a serene and unspoiled environment, boasting a resident population of merely 40 individuals. This locale serves as a retreat for those seeking clarity and a digital detox.
This secluded beach community is a significant fishing area, revealing numerous vintage boats and their rusting tractors stationed on the sands during the day, poised for daily harvests. Following the pathway to the lighthouse, you will encounter the Cape Palliser seal colony, home to a variety of seals seen scurrying between the foliage, lounging on the sand, basking on the rocks, and even resting in the beachfront parking area.
A visit to Ngawi during the weekend is highly recommended; you can savor some traditional fish and chips sourced from the Captain’s Table food truck. For those wishing to extend their stay beyond a day, accommodations are available at Waimeha Camping Village, located just outside the town. This beachfront property, featuring ocean and Kaikōura Ranges views, offers barbecuing facilities and a bar for guests and serves as an ideal base for exploring the surrounding area (no official hotels or motels are situated in Ngawi itself).
To the south of Ngawi lies Cape Palliser Lighthouse: after ascending its 258 steps, you will be rewarded with panoramic vistas of the untamed scenery alongside the Pacific Ocean. On a clear day, a view of the South Island may also be possible.
Located to the north are the Putangirua Pinnacles, ancient towering rock formations featured in the filming of the Lord of the Rings series (depicted as the Paths of the Dead in Return of the King). As you traverse the Pinnacles’ forested trails, you will understand why Peter Jackson selected this exceptional site for filming.
The experience is genuinely extraordinary.
Dolphins, a fossil forest and the other “Niagara Falls”: the Catlins
Craig McLachlan is a long-serving GoTravelDaily guidebook author residing in Queenstown.
Residing in the bustling alpine resort of Queenstown, surrounded by mountains and lakes, we relish opportunities to escape and visit the sea. Nestled in the southeastern corner of the South Island, completely bypassed by State Hwy 1, the remarkable Catlins coast remains largely unknown to most international travelers.
At Curio Bay during low tide, you can explore an intriguing fossil forest of petrified trees that date back approximately 180 million years. Arriving at dusk may allow you to witness a hoiho (yellow-eyed penguin) returning from a day at sea. Dolphins frequently visit Curio Bay and can often be observed from the shoreline. Further east at Surat Bay, large sea lions bask on the sand; maintain a respectful distance if they open an eye to observe you, for interaction may not end favorably.
The Catlins, known as Te Akau Tai Toka, offer a beautifully eccentric experience. Standing at a mere 60cm (2ft), Niagara Falls was humorously named by a surveyor familiar with the genuine article. Be sure to stop by Niagara Falls Café located in a historic schoolhouse for some of the finest chowder available. The Lost Gypsy Gallery in Papatowai presents an array of captivating creations and oddities. For an authentic Kiwi experience, consider staying at a local pub, the Catlins Inn in Owaka, and enjoy a beverage at the bar.
While walking to the lighthouse at Nugget Point, take in views of rugged cliffs and charming islets known as the Nuggets, while observing seals and sea lions resting on the rocks below and seabirds gliding above.
The Catlins offers a refreshing escape.
