14 Most Charming Small Towns in New Zealand

New Zealand, an island nation on the Pacific Ocean, is believed by most as an journey junkies paradise. Each attraction and train on this beautiful land seems to induce vacationers to get out further.

Caving, skydiving, bungee leaping, snowboarding, mountaineering – title it and likewise you shall have it. Blessed with invigorating pure magnificence, New Zealand prides itself in being a traveler’s favorite. Apart from all this brilliance there are moreover a handful of terribly charismatic small cities in New Zealand which is likely to be a must-visit.

14. Oamaru

The self-proclaimed ‘Steampunk capital of New Zealand’, Oamaru is acknowledged for its Victorian construction, laid once more ambiance, offbeat paintings custom, and naturally, penguins. Most friends come to grasp the penguin colonies nonetheless maintain a bit longer and also you’ll come to admire the artsy vibe, the varied boutique outlets, and the all-encompassing steampunk scene.

Additionally, the final word stop on the Alps to Ocean Cycleway, it’s possible you’ll take a day journey to a part of the historic monitor or drawback your self to the entire 4-6 days journey. Spot the terribly unusual yellow-eyed penguins at Bushy Seashore or spot the little blue ones throughout the harbor district.

13. Taihape

For the frequent man, Taihape is the “Gumboot capital of New Zealand”, nonetheless, this simple metropolis is nicely a mecca for adrenaline junkies and horticultural lovers. Should you’re a keen gardener (or not), pay a go to to one among many 4 fundamental gardens within the realm – Kiri Kiri, Rongoiti, Titoki, and Waltoka.

For one factor a bit (or a lot) further adventurous, attempt white-water rafting, abseiling, jet boating, and horse driving. And, whilst you’re proper right here, do stop for a selfie with the large gumboot!

12. Wanaka

A picturesque lakeside metropolis on New Zealand’s unspoiled, rugged South Island, Wanaka known as after the namesake river and offers views of snow capped mountain peaks as a backdrop. At its doorstep is the awe-inspiring Mount Aspiring Nationwide Park which is residence to a variety of waterfalls, glaciers, and majestic peaks – the place has moreover been featured in The Lord of the Rings.

A couple of ski resorts are nestled near the park and easily exterior town is the well-known sculpture gallery and outside maze, the Puzzling World. Fishing, cruising, and kayaking are frequent sports activities actions proper right here.

11. Gore

As soon as modern as a result of the “Chicago of the South,” Gore is significantly of a darkish horse. A dreamland for the lovers of paintings, nature, second-hand procuring, and nation music, town was as quickly as a hotbed for illegal whiskey manufacturing – go to the Hokonui Moonshine Museum to get a crash course on the historic previous of the enterprise and the way in which it acquired right here to an end.

Host to the New Zealand Gold Guitar Awards, this simplistic metropolis is glued to its nation music custom. Go fishing for brown trout on the Mataura River or drive a quick distance to Mandeville to benefit from a journey on a restored Tiger Moth and gape on the airplane’s eye view of the countryside that spreads beneath you.

10. Raglan

Usually referred to as New Zealand’s shopping haven, the coastal metropolis of Raglan is located a variety of kilometers from Hamilton, the fourth largest metropolis within the nation. Nevertheless, when you’re not large on the sport, the little group will be residence to a wonderfully weathered surrounding that offers you mountaineering options to the peak of the mighty Bridal Veil falls or traversing a bit extra to the Te Toto Gorge that houses the historic Maori Gardens’ ruins.

Benefit from the cool vibe and take within the nice ambiance dotted with warmth hearted residents, eclectic bars and cafes, and a great deal of attractive sunsets by the seaside.

9. Whakatane

An actual gem within the enticing Bay of Loads, a number of the picturesque areas on New Zealand’s North Island, Whakatane prides itself in being the “Sunshine capital.” In reality, it has gained that title 4 events to indicate its authenticity. Discover the Mataatua Wharenui to hunt out regarding the Maori meeting residence that’s practically 130 years earlier and perhaps moreover the Te Kōputu a te whanga a Toi, a formidable museum dedicated to the Maori and European settlement.

Go to the Wairere Falls and the well-known partially-damaged Muriwai’s Cave. Spend a day at Ōhope Seashore, reportedly most likely the best within the nation.

8. Bluff

Virtually on the very southern fringe of New Zealand, Bluff, as quickly as usually referred to as Campbelltown, is the place you’ll uncover the world-renowned Bluff oysters. Regarded as a result of the gateway to the shut by Stewart island, this little metropolis was one among many earliest to have been inhabited by the Europeans and is the oldest recurrently occupied European settlement within the nation.

Don’t miss a go to to the Bluff Maritime Museum and naturally, a stroll alongside the world class tracks of Bluff Hill to admire the fascinating pure world that surrounds you.

7. Akaroa

Perched on the bay of the an identical title, Akaroa is an attention-grabbing metropolis with a historic French and English inhabitants nestled within the heart of a primeval volcano. Come proper right here for the historic previous and construction and maintain for the range of actions that town has to provide resembling 4WD tour to mainland New Zealand’s largest penguin habitation, sea kayaking, crusing, biking, and naturally, the chance to determine the hector dolphins. There are moreover a variety of strolling tracks throughout the house must you’d want to find the enticing hills.

6. Picton

On the doorstep of New Zealand’s wine producing gem of Marlborough, Picton can be a metropolis for budding wine connoisseurs. However, that’s not all. In reality, the range of actions that this small metropolis offers practically pushes you to name it Epicton! Go on a multi-day hike on the Queen Charlotte monitor or benefit from attractive views of Marlborough Sounds from Victoria Area.

Wreck Dive into the waters at Marlborough Sounds or for one factor light-hearted, benefit from kayaking, a mail boat cruise, or simple swim with the dolphins.

5. Russell

As soon as usually referred to as Kororāreka, town of Russell was the first European settlement and port within the nation. When proper right here, go on a kayak tour throughout the Bay of Islands, uncover the historic constructions and nice galleries, go to Pompallier Mission, the one remaining building of the French Catholic mission headquarters and the one one amongst its sort in Australasia.

Pay your homage on the Christ Church, the oldest surviving church within the nation. For one factor further thrilling, go fishing, crusing, dolphin recognizing, or cycle the really magnificent Twin Coast Cycle Path.

4. Kaikoura

A picture-perfect coastal metropolis situated a variety of hours north of Christchurch, Kaikoura is understood amongst friends for its marine mammals, eco-friendly lifestyle, and its panorama that brings the nation’s attractive shoreline shoulder to shoulder with its jagged mountains. Famend for its fishing options, town is stuffed with actions to take care of you occupied.

Spot dolphins, whales, and completely different distinctive marine species on a cruise or be part of them with a wetsuit and scuba dive amidst a variety of the best reefs in New Zealand, or simply take a strolling tour spherical this spectacular metropolis.

3. Hokitika

Positioned inside proximity of the namesake river, Hokitika gained popularity within the 1860s as a gold mining metropolis. At present, it sits terribly close to many pure wonders of South Island such as a result of the Arthur’s Move Nationwide Park and the Franz Josef Glacier. Whereas exploring the realm, it is advisable to go to the Hokitika Gorge Scenic Reserve and enjoy white-water kayaking within the realm.

Stroll the 20-meter-high steel platform to stroll throughout the West Coast Rainforest treetops and breathe out your worries as you watch a breath-taking sunset at Sundown Level. There are moreover options to go water snowboarding and fishing at Lake Kaniere Scenic Reserve.

2. Mangawhai

Although solely 100 kilometers from Auckland, New Zealand’s largest metropolis, Mangawhai appears as if a complete world away from the hustle and bustle of such an unlimited metropolis house. When visiting this metropolis, benefit from shopping on the Pacific seashores or cherish a satisfying swimming and kayaking experience via its tranquil harbor which is fringed by sand dunes.

Moreover, these sand dunes are your good probability to admire the range of excellent tree and hen species found within the realm. And, it is advisable to experience the great Mangawhai Walkways.

1. Queenstown

Nicknamed as a result of the “journey capital of New Zealand,” Queenstown sits on the banks of the pristine Lake Wakatipu, South Island. Being on the sting of the waters offers town a bonus of having fun with host to fairly a number of actions – soothing boat cruises, power-packed jet boating, mountaineering, strolling, bungee-jumping, skydiving, white-water rafting, and completely something!

Undeniably, a number of the splendid cities in New Zealand, Queenstown is quaint and relaxed however vibrant and buzzy come night time. The town streets are dotted with fine-dining consuming locations and cafes and town calendar is stuffed with cultural events all 12 months lengthy, along with the colossal Queenstown Winter Pageant.