New Zealand has never been more popular, drawing travelers from around the globe eager to experience its natural and cultural wonders. But with more visitors come more crowds; so seek out off-beat holiday spots in New Zealand for unforgettable stays.

Discover secluded beaches and spectacular hiking tracks in Mount Aspiring National Park’s mountains, then venture onto Stewart Island to spot native birdlife up close and hike one of New Zealand’s Great Walks: Rakiura Track.

Castlepoint Lighthouse

New Zealand is one of the world’s most charming countries to explore, from relaxing on black sand beaches to hiking through mountainous volcanic crater lakes and discovering hidden paradise. There’s adventure waiting around every corner in this captivating nation.

Castlepoint Lighthouse provides an unforgettable off-the-beaten-path experience. Built in 1913 on a reef, this charming lighthouse provides breathtaking views across Wairarapa coast and beyond. For an unforgettable off-the-beaten-path adventure, visit this historic lighthouse built in 1913 on its own reef and positioned to offer panoramic vistas over Wairarapa coast. Take time to stroll along its cliffs in Castlepoint Scenic Reserve (pause here to post photos on Instagram), fossick for fossil shells on beach below, and explore one of New Zealand’s last beam lighthouses that was originally powered by oil!

Near Orokawa Bay lies one of New Zealand’s most remote beaches: Long Reef. You can hike 1 hour to reach this idyllic stretch, which features natural bush without signs of civilization nearby – well worth the journey!

Catlins region often falls off most travelers’ must-see lists for New Zealand, which is unfortunate, given its wide array of dense rainforests, windswept beaches, seal and penguin colonies, caves and more! Take a full-day tour from Dunedin that visits McLean Falls lighthouse McLean Falls lighthouse wildlife tracking charming coastal villages for just $100 NZD per person; its worth it!

Tunnel Beach

Tunnel Beach is a stunning hidden treasure located just a short drive from Dunedin and accessible by way of an underground tunnel. Boasting stunning cliff-backed shorelines backed by towering cliffs and boasting an amazing coral reef that can be explored during low tide, this picturesque beach is the ideal place for relaxation and unwinding on sandy shores. Plus! There’s even an opportunity to snorkel out here!

New Zealand provides some incredible stargazing spots, from peaceful spots for enjoying sunsets or star-gazing to darker sky reserves in Lake Tekapo and Queenstown. New Zealand also features several exceptional Maori astronomy parks which make for wonderful experiences! These spots allow stargazers to experience nature as never before! Some great stargazing areas in New Zealand include Maori astronomy park in Hokitika; Lake Tekapo (which serves as a dark sky reserve); and outside Queenstown are among the best stargazing locations!

Catlins region, often overlooked by tourists, is a beautiful combination of rugged coastline and lush rainforest, featuring idyllic beaches, seal and penguin colonies, caves and waterfalls. To take full advantage of your trip here, renting a car would allow for easeful exploration.

New Chums Beach

New Chums Beach on the Coromandel Peninsula is an idyllic secluded beach that can only be accessed via walking or boat, making it seem even further removed from civilization and more tranquil than any nearby town. Bound by rolling hills adorned with native bush and lined with pohutukawa trees which bloom brilliant red flowers every summer, New Chums Beach makes for an idyllic beach experience!

New Chums Beach can only be reached on foot, which adds an air of seclusion. There are no amenities at the beach so everything must be brought with from your vehicle – food and water included! Ideally, walking should take two hours either side of low tide since you will need to cross a stream at Whangapoua Beach before reaching New Chums.

Since there are no toilets along the path or at New Chums Beach, it’s wise to empty your bladder before setting out. Park in Mangakahia Drive’s car park before proceeding north along the sand and crossing over a stream (it could be deeper depending on when you visit), eventually arriving at New Chums Beach.

Castle Hill

New Zealand boasts one of the world’s most breathtaking natural environments, yet some parts remain relatively untouched by visitors. Catlins region in Southern New Zealand stands out as a particularly stunning area that remains mostly unexplored; unfortunately it does not receive as much recognition as popular spots such as Dunedin or Queenstown do. Here, one can find dense rainforests, windswept beaches, seal and penguin colonies, caves, breathtaking scenery – making Catlins truly one of New Zealand’s hidden treasures!

Castle Hill, once home to the Crane family of plumbing fame and now managed by The Trustees, offers stunning property that captures the essence of grand gentleman’s estate with gorgeous gardens, 360-degree views and magnificent architecture. Guided tours can also be booked or you can simply wander its grounds at your leisure.

Hokitika on the West Coast of South Island provides an ideal setting for an authentic experience: greenstone (also known as jade and pounamu) hunting on its beautiful beach against a backdrop of towering mountains – something many visitors miss by driving directly to Fox Glacier.