The Most Authentic Places to Visit in New Zealand (and How to Visit Them Like a Local)
You’ve probably already heard about how much there is to do in New Zealand. You’ve also probably seen the same photos of, say, Roy’s Peak in Wanaka, the purple lupins in Lake Tekapo and the glowworms in Waitomo.
But how can you see the highlights and squeeze in an authentic New Zealand experience all in the same trip? In this list, we go over some of the most authentic places to visit in New Zealand, as well as how to experience them like a local!
Table of Contents
1. The Coastal Paradise of Paihia
Paihia and the Bay of Islands are often skipped from the itinerary of travellers in New Zealand due to their “out-of-the-way” location in the Northland region above Auckland. As one of the most authentic places to visit in New Zealand, complete with awesome local experiences on the coast, it’s one destination that you may want to reconsider.
Sail among the bay’s 144 islands, walk among the spiritual kauri forests of Waipoua, and head all the way to the top of the North Island to the Cape Reinga Lighthouse (Te Rerenga Wairua)! Sandboarding down the sand dunes along Ninety Mile Beach is also mandatory.
© NZPocketGuide.com2. The Waves of Ahipara
Forget surfing hotspots like Raglan and Piha, if you want to go where only the locals go, Ahipara is your answer! Get in on the action by taking a surf lesson or simply hit the waves of Shipwreck Bay if you’re already a pro.
Other highlights of this small town at the end of the famous Ninety Mile Beach include horse trekking, beachcombing and road tripping to the nearby Hokianga Harbour.
© NZPocketGuide.com3. A Geothermal Journey in Rotorua
Experience the hypnotic power of bubbling mud in the literal hotspot of Rotorua. Packed with geothermal parks, the city and surrounding landscape are awash with steaming lakes, erupting geysers and hot pools of all sorts of crazy colours.
A great place to start is at the Wai-O-Tapu Geothermal Wonderland, but the list goes on in the 10 Best Geothermal Parks in New Zealand.
© NZPocketGuide.com4. The Breathtaking Fiords of Milford Sound
It doesn’t get more authentic than what nature has created in the glacier-carved fiords of Milford Sound!
Tucked away on the coast down one of New Zealand’s most beautiful roads, Milford Sound is a coastline of dramatic proportions. Catching a cruise is the most popular way to soak in the scenery.
© NZPocketGuide.com5. Queenstown, the Adventure Capital
Not just the capital of adventure, Queenstown is the capital of all things to do! Sure, there’s bungy jumping, skydiving, white water rafting… But if you want to tour a winery or relax in a hot pool with sensational views, go right ahead.
Although Queenstown isn’t the most “local” on this list of authentic places to visit in New Zealand, it certainly has all of the rest, therefore, it’s one of the must-do destinations on your trip around New Zealand. Come on, you were planning on going there anyway, right?
© NZPocketGuide.com6. Lake Tekapo’s Vivid Night Skies and Vibrant Waters
If kicking back is more your style, then you might want to include the little town of Lake Tekapo in your itinerary. Soothe your skin at Tekapo Springs while gazing over the lake’s vibrant blue waters.
When night falls, experience the vivid picture of the stars in an International Dark Sky Reserve, either independently or as part of a stargazing tour.
© NZPocketGuide.com7. The Unique Beaches of the Coromandel
The Coromandel Peninsula on the North Island is home to some of New Zealand’s most iconic beaches, such as Cathedral Cove. See its white cliffs and coastal arch either by walking the trail or taking a kayak tour.
Additionally, don’t miss Hot Water Beach where you can dig your own hot pool in the sand.
© NZPocketGuide.com8. Franz Josef and its Connection to Greenstone (Pounamu)
It’s not just about heli-hiking onto a massive river of ice that makes a trip to Franz Josef worth it – although, that’s pretty cool; it’s about connecting with the Maori culture through traditions like carving your own greenstone pendant (or, as the Maori call it, “pounamu”) to create and meaningful souvenir.
© NZPocketGuide.com9. New Zealand’s Sunniest Side, Nelson and Abel Tasman
Picture-perfect beaches and the city that receives the most sun hours, Nelson and Abel Tasman are definitely worth spending some time in before rushing to the usual highlights of Mt Cook and Queenstown further down the South Island.
One of the most authentic and local ways to experience this pristine part of the South Island is on an exclusive sunrise waka (Maori canoe) paddling tour.
© www.nelsontasman.nz10. Experience it All at a Relaxed Pace with the Locals!
If you’re finding it hard to choose where to go, why not join a small-group tour that covers the best of both the North and South Islands? These tours typically range from 10 to 21 days and offer a laid-back way to experience the real New Zealand.
You’ll get to explore authentic spots, travel with like-minded adventurers, and enjoy the country the way locals do—at a relaxed, enjoyable pace.
With breakfasts included and a great mix of iconic highlights and unique local experiences, it’s an easy and rewarding way to start your Kiwi adventure!
© NZPocketGuide.comMore Authentic Places to Visit in New Zealand
That’s it for our list of the most authentic places to visit in New Zealand and how to experience New Zealand like a local. For more travel advice and places to visit, check out these guides:
- New Zealand Travel Advice: How to Plan a Trip to New Zealand
- 10 Most Underrated Places in New Zealand
- 101 Things to Do in New Zealand: The Ultimate List
Finally, if there’s anything we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in The Best Travel Guide to New Zealand.
Sources:
The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across New Zealand and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:
- Tourism New Zealand (General travel advice - Updated [2025])
- Adventure Mark (Health and Safety Audit - Updated [2025])
- Work Safe NZ (Adventure Activities Guidelines - Updated [2025])
- Department of Conservation (Tracks, hikes, campsites and more - Updated [2025])
- AdventureSmart (Know before you go - Update [2025])
- NZ Māori Tourism (Official Māori Tourism platform - Updated [2025])
- Tourism Export Council New Zealand (Tourism trade association - Updated [2025])
- TIA (Independent tourism association - Updated [2025])
- Tiaki Promise (Care for people place and culture - Updated [2025])
- Council websites and freedom camping maps (Local travel advice region by region - Updated [2025])
Our editorial standards: At NZ Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.
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