18 Most Secret Places in New Zealand (We're Reluctant to Share)

Last Updated: 24 November, 2024

The Hidden Gems and Best-Kept Secrets of New Zealand

Our Genuine Takes on Local Experiences

The awkward thing about listing the most secret places in New Zealand is that they become no longer secret. Way to go, us! Even so, these hidden gems and best-kept secrets will still take you off the tourist trail to visit marvels that not many people know about (except the locals, perhaps). Find someplace special in Aotearoa with this list of New Zealand’s most secret places! For more activities, head to the 101 Things to Do in New Zealand: The Ultimate List.

Side note: Our insights are from experienced travel writers who have visited these underrated places in New Zealand, as well as a few that have been recommended to us. In other words, we are not generated by AI, yay! Scroll to the bottom of the page to learn more about us.

1. Limestone Creek Glowworm Caves

While caves such as those in Waitomo take all the glowworm glory, the Limestone Creek Reserve near Palmerston North is an awesome hidden gem and alternative. Find a 600 m (656-yard) loop walk where you’ll discover limestone caves, towering moss-covered canyons and displays of glowworms. Take your gumboots or be prepared to get your feet wet on this adventurous walk that has you scrambling through shallow cave streams.

Location: Limestone Road, Apiti, Manawatu-Whanganui, North Island.

2. Ōparara Basin’s Caves and Arches

Tucked away at the top of the South Island’s West Coast, the Ōparara Basin is home to some of our favourite short walks to picturesque arches, caves and Australasia’s largest limestone arch. Those who take the long detour off the main tourist route to get here will be rewarded with spectacular photo opportunities.

Location: 1350 Mccallums Mill Road, north of Karamea, West Coast, South Island.

3. The Moki Tunnel, Republic of Whangamomona and Forgotten World Highway

It’s in the name; the Forgotten World Highway is one of the secret places in New Zealand because, well, it’s forgotten! The winding journey between Taumarunui and Stratford includes highlights like the dark Moki Tunnel and New Zealand’s independent republic in the middle of the North Island, Whangamomona! See other attractions in our 15 Places You Can’t Miss on the Forgotten World Highway.

Location: State Highway 43 between Taumarunui, Waikato and Stratford, Taranaki, North Island.

4. Elephant Rocks, Maerewhenua Rock Art and Vanished World Centre

The Waitaki Valley, following the road between Omarama and Oamaru, holds several secret spots. Forget the popular Castle Hill near Christchurch; the Waitaki Valley has the Elephant Rocks, as well as historical Māori rock paintings at the Maerewhenua Rock Art site. We also recommend popping into the Vanished World Centre in Duntroon to see an array of fossils and skeletons found in the valley: prehistoric giant penguins, dolphins with sharp teeth and more!

Location: State Highway 83 between Omarama and Oamaru, Otago, South Island.

5. Koutu Boulders

Swap the crowded Moeraki Boulders in the South Island for the hidden gem of the Koutu Boulders in the North Island. These perfectly spherical boulders found in the Hokianga Harbour provide a fun photo opportunity and geological marvel. See more things to do nearby using the 10 Best Things to Do in Opononi & Omapere.

Location: 19 Waione Road, Opononi, Northland, North Island.

6. Clifden Caves

And for some South Island glowworm caves and an awesome adventure, find the Clifden Caves near the town of Tuatapere. Follow the markers through the cave network on a two-hour self-guided adventure with limestone features and glowworms to admire along the way. Be aware that you need to be fit and able-bodied to do the required scrambling. Plus, avoid the caves after or during heavy rainfall. See more hidden gems in our 10 Free Glowworm Caves in New Zealand.

Location: Clifden Gorge Road, Eastern Bush, Southland, South Island.

7. Kawhia Hot Water Beach

While it can be hard to find a free spot to dig your own hot pool in the Coromandel’s Hot Water Beach, you surely won’t have that problem at Kawhia Hot Water Beach. Walk over the sand dunes of Kawhia’s Ocean Beach at low tide and start digging in the tidal zone to feel the hot spring water seeping through the sand.

Location: Ocean Beach Road, Kawhia, Waikato, North Island.

8. Tama Lakes

While everyone is walking with the masses on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, go to the quieter side of the volcanoes on the Tama Lakes Track. The day hike takes you to two lakes occupying explosion craters with dramatic backdrops of Mt Ngauruhoe and Mt Ruapehu. We’ve ventured here many times, and it never fails to impress!

Location: Ngauruhoe Place, Whakapapa Village, Manawatu-Whanganui, North Island.

9. Great Barrier Island

One of Auckland’s less-visited outer islands, Great Barrier Island requires a flight or lengthy ferry trip to get there. Either way, you’ll be rewarded with secluded sweeping beaches, a walk to some soothing natural hot pools, and one of the most underrated multi-day hiking trails in the country and one of our favourites, the Aotea Track.

Location: Great Barrier Island, Hauraki Gulf, Auckland.

10. Whirinaki Forest Park

Some of the most impressive primaeval forest on the North Island can be found in the Whirinaki Forest, yet not many people go there. It’s only a 1 hr 15 mins drive from Rotorua to bring you to this lush forest with waterfalls, a lagoon and thriving birdlife. There are several campsite options, including a free campsite, as well as walking trails.

Location: River Road, Minginui, Bay of Plenty, North Island.

11. Ulva Island

Never heard of it? You might have heard of Stewart Island or Rakiura, New Zealand’s third-largest populated island located just below the South Island. Just a five-minute water taxi ride from Stewart Island, you’ll find the predator-free wildlife sanctuary of Ulva Island awash in lush forest, golden-sand beaches and an ungodly amount of birds! It’s a place where you can see and hear kakariki (parakeets) laughing through the forest, where kiwi birds roam in the daytime, where Stewart Island robins hop on your feet, and you’ll find yourself referring to the nature guide leaflet to look up the rest of the creatures you see. Find out more about Ulva Island and Stewart Island in the 20 Incredible Things to Do on Stewart Island.

Location: Ulva Island, Stewart Island, Southland. Access from Golden Bay Wharf.

12. Tutukaka

On the North Island, instead of heading straight up to the Bay of Islands in the Northland region, take a detour along the east coast to the village of Tutukaka. Not only will you find glorious beaches and kauri forest on this scenic highway, but off the shore is one of the best scuba diving spots in New Zealand, the Poor Knights Islands. Experience a wealth of colourful marine life nurtured from the warm currents swept down from the Coral Sea, which you can experience on cruises and SUP tours, as well as through snorkelling and scuba diving. Visit in winter, and you’ll also have the opportunity to snorkel with New Zealand fur seals. Plan your trip to the Tutukaka Coast with the 10 Terrific Things to Do in Tutukaka.

Location: Tutukaka, Northland, North Island, approximately 30km (19 miles) north of Whāngarei.

13. Tuatapere

A small town home to deer hunters and the “Sausage Capital of New Zealand”, Tuatapere is a quirky place in the Southland region and a base for outdoor adventures. It’s one of the less-visited places to experience the Fiordland National Park, yet boasts premium experiences like the multi-day Hump Ridge Track and unique jet boating adventures. You’ll also find some of the most scenic free campsites of the country nearby, as well as free glowworm caves to explore at Clifden Caves (see above). Find out more in the 10 Amazing Things to Do in Tuatapere.

Location: Tutapere, Southland, South Island. Just east of the lower Fiordland National Park.

14. East Cape

This piece of land bulging out of the east coast of the North Island is often too much of a detour for most travellers, but those who take the time to venture out east will be treated to breathtaking beaches, unique wildlife experiences, authentic culture and tranquillity. On a road trip between Gisborne and Opotiki, stop by to feed the stingrays at Dive Tatapouri, walk the longest wharf in New Zealand at Tolaga Bay, see the intricate Māori carvings in Tikitiki Church, and watch the first sunlight hit New Zealand from Mt Hikurangi. Find out more about what to see in the 20 Best Things to Do in Eastland.

Location: East Cape, Eastland, North Island.

15. The Catlins

The coast between the Otago and Southland regions in the South Island is awash in awe-inspiring natural attractions. What’s more, most are free to visit! See the sea lions frolicking at the Waipapa Point Lighthouse, watch the penguins and see the fossilised forest on the rocky shores of Curio Bay, delve into the giant sea caves of Cathedral Caves, and visit a multitude of cascading waterfalls. Plan two to five days exploring this coast and all the 20 Amazing Attractions You Can’t Miss in The Catlins!

Location: East coast of Otago and Southland, South Island. Along the coast between Fortrose and Balclutha.

16. Surf Highway 45

Another highway worth journeying down if you seek the most underrated places in New Zealand, Surf Highway 45 is a coastal highway in the Taranaki region. It’s not all about the surfing, though, as the highway gives you access to quaint towns like Manaia – the “Bread Capital” where the whole town literally smells like freshly-baked bread, and the cool and colourful surf town of Opunake. You’ll also have the opportunity to get a stunning photo of the Cape Egmont Lighthouse while the whole road boasts incredible views of the cone-shaped Mt Taranaki. Check out more stops in the 20 Places to Stop at on Taranaki’s Surf Highway 45.

Location: State Highway 45 between New Plymouth and Hawera, Taranaki, North Island.

17. Hokianga

Around this harbour, with a labyrinth of inlets and waterways, are some of the country’s largest trees, most epic sand dunes and much more. Located on the west coast of the Northland region, Hokianga‘s main yet small towns are Opononi and Omapere. Experience the Māori culture of the Footprints Waipoua tour, where you’ll meet Tane Mahuta, the Lord of the Forest and the largest kauri tree. Check out some perfectly spherical Koutu Boulders (see above). You can also give sandboarding a go down the dunes, as well as head out on coastal, forest and waterfall walks. Learn more in the 10 Outstanding Things to Do in Opononi & Omapere.

Location: Hokianga Harbour, Northland, North Island.

18. Ruahine Forest Park

While most travellers drive non-stop between Wellington and Taupo on North Island, those in the know make a detour to the rugged inland forest and mountains of the Ruahine Forest Park. Home to adventure lodges like River Valley Lodge and Makoura Lodge, it’s an epic destination for white water rafting and horse trekking. The mountain ranges are a local favourite for hiking and hunting, and there are plenty of backcountry huts to get the true New Zealand wilderness experience. Plan your stay in the area using The Complete Guide to Palmerston North and 10 Terrific Things to Do in Taihape.

Location: Between Ngamahanga in the north and Palmerston North in the south, Manawatu-Whanganui, North Island.

More About Secret Places in New Zealand

That’s it for our guide to secret places in New Zealand; for more information about hidden gems and off-the-beaten-track locations, check out the following articles:

Finally, if there’s anything we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in the 101 Things to Do in New Zealand: The Ultimate List.

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.

About The Author

Laura S.

This article has been reviewed and published by Laura, the editor-in-chief and co-founder of NZ Pocket Guide. Laura is a first-class honours journalism graduate and a travel journalist with expertise in New Zealand and South Pacific tourism for over 10 years. She also runs travel guides for five of the top destinations in the South Pacific and is the co-host of over 250 episodes of the NZ Travel Show on YouTube.

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