Explore Local Travel Spots in New Zealand

Nestled as far as you can get from everywhere else, New Zealand is a dream getaway for those with an adventurous spirit.

Boasting stunning natural landscapes, interwoven with extensive cycling paths, fringed by beautiful beaches, and featuring vibrant cities, this country offers an abundance of options—so many that planning your itinerary can be quite a challenge.

That's why we reached out to a trio of our most informed correspondents connected to New Zealand for their insights on where they like to vacation in their homeland. If you're considering an off-the-beaten-path tour of New Zealand, this is your starting point.

Pristine waters and a unique atmosphere: Golden Bay

Naomi Arnold is a journalist and author based in Nelson.

The geography of Golden Bay is a true reflection of its essence. Shaped like a wide C at the northwestern tip of New Zealand’s South Island, it’s a paradise of lush forests, pastures, quaint towns, rivers, and beaches, all surrounded by two national parks, the Ramsar protected bird sanctuary of Farewell Spit, and the ocean.

With just one road leading in and a population density akin to Mongolia, Golden Bay exudes an alternative spirit and a remote charm. In the 1970s, it attracted a wave of hippies, especially to Tākaka, which still radiates a relaxed vibe with its meditation retreats, hippie communes, and famous trance music festival. Many travelers overlook it while racing through New Zealand in rental cars, but the delightful experiences along the coast—from the serene golden Tata Beach to the rugged western Wharariki Beach—make it far more than just a day trip from the regional center of Nelson.

In the heart of Tākaka, Wholemeal Café has been delighting diners with hearty dishes for nearly fifty years. Close by, Pohara Beach Top 10 Holiday Park is a popular choice for families and budget-conscious travelers. For those seeking a luxury experience, the beachfront Adrift in Golden Bay stands as the region’s sole five-star lodging. Be sure to experience the astonishing clarity of the water at Te Waikoropupū Springs.

From Nelson, it takes a two-hour drive over Tākaka Hill, which rises to 791m (2595ft). Take your time: the road features 257 turns, as my friend Adam once noted, with some curves approaching 320 degrees. This hill effectively shields Golden Bay from excessive outside influence.

Exactly how the locals prefer it.

A rugged, authentically Kiwi escape: Ngawi

Travel blogger and entrepreneur Anita Hendrieka, who grew up in New Zealand, is now based in the Albanian Riviera.

You won’t find a more quintessential Kiwi beach anywhere else.

Ngawi, situated at the southern tip of the North Island (about an hour and a half from Wellington) in the Wairarapa region, is a beloved local spot known for its striking black-sand beaches and rugged shoreline. With a small population of just 40 residents, it offers a tranquil and wild environment—perfect for reflection and disconnecting.

This remote coastal village serves as a vital fishing hub, where you'll notice many old boats and rusty tractors parked on the beach, ready to collect the day’s catch. On your way to the lighthouse, you can spot the Cape Palliser seal colony, with seals roaming everywhere: weaving through bushes, lounging on the sand, resting on rocks, and even hiding in the beach parking lot.

I suggest visiting Ngawi on the weekend to enjoy some classic fish and chips from the Captain’s Table food truck. If you’re looking to extend your stay beyond a day trip, consider camping just outside of town at Waimeha Camping Village. This beachfront site offers ocean views and vistas of the Kaikōura Ranges, along with a barbecue area and bar for guests—making it the perfect base for exploring the area (as there are no official hotels or motels in Ngawi itself).

South of Ngawi lies the Cape Palliser Lighthouse: after ascending its 258 steps, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the rugged landscape and the Pacific Ocean. On a clear day, you might even spot the South Island in the distance.

To the north, you’ll find the Putangirua Pinnacles, ancient towering rock formations that served as a filming site for the Lord of the Rings series (specifically the Paths of the Dead in Return of the King). When you explore the Pinnacles’ forested trails, it becomes clear why Peter Jackson chose this stunning location for filming.

It’s genuinely out of this world.

Dolphins, a fossil forest, and the region’s own “Niagara Falls”: the Catlins

Craig McLachlan is a seasoned guidebook author for Dinogo Planet, currently residing in Queenstown.

Living amidst the bustling alpine resort of Queenstown, surrounded by majestic mountains and serene lakes, we cherish our escapes to the sea. Nestled in the southeastern corner of the South Island, completely overlooked by State Hwy 1 and largely unnoticed by international tourists, lies the captivating Catlins coast.

At Curio Bay during low tide, you can stroll across a remarkable fossil forest of petrified trees dating back about 180 million years. Arrive at dusk, and you might catch a glimpse of a hoiho (yellow-eyed penguin) returning from its fishing expedition. Dolphins frequently visit Curio Bay and can often be seen from the beach. Further east at Surat Bay, giant sea lions lounge on the sand; maintain a safe distance if they open an eye to observe you, as a close encounter could be dangerous.

The Catlins, or Te Akau Tai Toka, is charmingly eccentric. Standing just 60 cm (2 ft) high, Niagara Falls earned its name from a surveyor with a good sense of humor (who had experienced the real falls). Stop by the Niagara Falls Café in the historic schoolhouse for some of the finest chowder around. The Lost Gypsy Gallery in Papatowai is filled with fascinating creations and curiosities. For an authentic Kiwi experience, stay at the local pub, the Catlins Inn in Owaka, and enjoy a beer at the bar.

On the brief walk to the lighthouse at Nugget Point, you’ll encounter rugged cliffs and sharp islets known as the Nuggets, while seals and sea lions rest on the rocks below, and seabirds cry overhead as they soar.

The Catlins offers a refreshing change of pace.