The saying “it’s about the journey, not just the destination” is so true for New Zealand. In New Zealand, there is so much diversity in the landscapes, and it doesn’t take long to get from “somewhere” to the “middle of no-where”. If you know anything about New Zealand, you’ve probably heard of the major cities and attractions like Auckland and Queenstown, or Milford Sound. New Zealand is also known for adventure activities like bungy-jumping, “zorbing”, and amazing surfing on the picturesque beaches. But today we’re sharing seven of our favorite gems in New Zealand that are a just a bit off the beaten track.

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1. Tawharanui Beach

This crystal clear water and white-sand beach is one of our favorite places to camp near Auckland! It’s about 1-hour drive from the city center and it’s worth the drive. It feels so tropical and the beach stretches for miles. The main beach can get a little congested on the weekends and holidays, but walk north up the beach and around the point and it will feel like your own tropical, private beach. Bring your surfboard and your snorkel! There is also a campground here, which puts you within walking distance to ocean.

***These photos above, and a few others on this post, were taken with our Go Pro Hero 5 Black. We love that it’s waterproof and we can easily record our adventures!* Check it out here on Amazon! ***

2. Lake Waikaremoana

Let me start of by saying that I love this place. Before we moved to Gisborne, this was one of the places we were told we MUST visit! We finally decided to go for a long weekend for our 1-year anniversary. And I’m so glad we did! It’s a huge lake, which covers 21 sq miles, or 54 sq kilometres, with waterfalls cascading into it and around it. We borrowed a little tin boat, loaded up our camp gear and set up our tent by the lakes edge. The water is crystal clear and there are several very cool hikes in this area, including one of New Zealand’s “Great Walks”. Hike through caves, to waterfalls, or up to the bluffs over looking the lake.

Related: 15-day North Island Itinerary

3. Hamarama Springs, Rotorua

Located outside of Rotorua, this is a spring-fed river that pours into Lake Rotorua. It pumps out 4.5 million gallons an hour! The river color is the real gem here though. Turquoise like you have never seen! It’s an easy, short walk through the touring redwood trees along the river and back.

We visited here on a recent trip to Rotorua, and discovered it is now $18NZD to access the spring. If you don’t feel like spending the cash, exit the car park and turn left. You’ll see another gravel carpark along Lake Rotorua. This is where the river feeds into the lake, and you can still see the amazing crystal clear water. My personal favorite: there’s a rope swing and you can swim in the freezing turquoise water. I. Love. Rope swings.

4. Lake Rotoiti Hot Pools, Rotorua

This gem is only accessible by boat. These are natural, mineral hot springs that fill spa pools on the edge of Lake Rotoiti. Soak in the hot pool and then jump off the dock into the lake to cool off, or sit by the newly renovated picnic area. Repeat until relaxed. It’s about $20 for the day for adult. When we are away from Rotorua, this is what we dream about.

Like this photo? We love our GoPro! Check it out here on Amazon! *

5. The Drive to the Rob Roy Glacier

Wanaka is a small town north of Queenstown, and a hidden gem in itself in my opinion. But travel northwest out of Wanaka, past Treble Cone, and through the valley. You’ll drive along a crystal clear stream with mountains on each side, with waterfalls cascading down. Stop and enjoy the view, walk over the swing bridges, wander up to waterfalls, and then keep on driving. Eventually, you’ll get to a car park and there is a hike up to a Rob Roy Glacier from there. The Rob Roy glacier track is definitely a well-known hike, but remember what I said about the journey? This is definitely the case here.

Related: Wine Tasting in Queenstown

6. Mercer Bay Loop, Near Piha

This is a section or off-shoot of the famous Hillary Trail that we think is a gem because of the huge bluffs with windswept bush, and sparkling black sand beaches.

The Mercer Bay Loop Track, which is not part of the Hillary Trail, takes you down to a bay with black sand and caves. It’s a steep climb not for the faint of heart, but it’s seriously one of our favorites! There’s a reason we take our visitors to NZ here!

The track is steep, and zigzags down the cliff. At times you’ll be on all fours, scrambling over rocks or using a rope to lower yourself down. (James always carefully tests the rope to make sure it’s secure.) This trail is definitely best when it’s dry. We’ve done this in the rain and getting up and down was difficult, and not to mention scary at times. At one point, I think James tied a rope around my waist just in case I slipped… (don’t tell my mother).

Once you’re down, the black sand is beautiful and there are caves to explore when the tide is low. Getting back up the track is surprisingly easier than coming down. Now, this is an unmarked and unofficial trail, so hike at your own risk.

You can read more about this loop, safety and whereabouts here: https://www.newzealand.com/ca/article/amazing-mercer-bay/.

7. Tongariro Alpine Crossing

Not quite as “hidden” as some of the other gems we have talked about here, this is a huge alpine crossing after all. It’s probably more popular then some of the places we have mentioned too, but I think it’s worth a nomination as a gem due to it’s unique topography and all around massiveness. Located in the central north island, this walk will take you up over the range between Mt Ngauruhoe and Mt Tongariro for about 20 kilometers. We have been told (and have seen pictures) that at the top there are breathtaking views of the Red Crater.

Unfortunately, when we got the top we were completely clouded-in! We sat on the top and ate our lunch in the freezing rain, praying the cloud would lift, but to our dismay the cloud did not lift. We did see the Emerald Lakes and Blue Lake on our way down. We parked our car and booked a shuttle that dropped us off at the start of the hike. At the end of the day (when you’re blistered and sore) they’ll pick you up on the other side of the crossing and deliver you back to the car. This is hands-down the most challenging hike I have ever done, and I highly recommend it!

What would add to this list?

Happy Traveling,

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