Camping guides
New Zealand’s most-loved sights (and 5 lesser-known alternatives)
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There’s no doubt New Zealand is home to some of the world’s most beautiful landscapes, but as the old saying goes, with great beauty comes great popularity – so what if you’re looking for the more off-the-beaten-path destinations that still pack a pretty punch?
Fortunately, there are plenty of lesser-known spots to rival New Zealand’s most popular destinations, from hiking Mt Barrosa instead of Roy’s Peak to visiting the secluded Amethyst Hot Springs instead of Hanmer Springs. Ready to discover a few new tranquil locations across New Zealand? Let’s hit the road.
1. You’ve probably seen photos of Roy’s Peak..
Offering panoramic views across Wanaka Lake and Mount Aspiring, the steep six-hour return hike up Roy’s Peak requires a good level of fitness. You’ll be climbing 1300 metres with no flat or shaded areas, so make sure you take plenty of water and snacks. Due to its increasing popularity, and that Instagram shot, Roy’s Peak is incredibly busy, so it's good to start early and avoid the crowds. But beware that Instagram photo is not actually the top – the peak is a further 30 minutes, but well worth the final push!
2. …but have you heard of Mt Barrosa?
If you prefer a similarly steep and challenging climb without the huge crowds, then Mt Barrosa is the ideal choice. Located in Canterbury’s Hakatere Conservation Park, Mt Barrosa is a comparatively short 3.3 kilometres (one way), but with an impressive elevation gain of 825 metres, you’ll certainly be huffing and puffing up this one. At the summit, you’ll not only be rewarded with beautiful views across the Southern Alps – Aoraki/Mt Cook included – but will also find plenty of semi-precious stones, including agates and amethyst, scattered around the place.
3. You’ve probably heard of Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools…
Need some time to just relax? The thermal pools at Hanmer Springs are the perfect way to spend any lazy day. You can soak in the hot mineral springs with mountain views, only a couple of hours from Christchurch. There’s even a dedicated pool for kids with a ‘lazy river’ and slides, or you can head to the adult-only pool for some blissful silence. Private pools are available too, though they’ll cost you extra.
4. …but how about a soak in Amethyst Hot Springs?
Are you looking for the same relaxing experience as Hanmer Springs but in an all-natural environment? Amethyst Hot Springs may just be the answer to your bath-time prayers. They’re located on the west coast of the South Island and ‘find’ is the key word here, given the hot water moves underground. Start by walking 20 minutes along the Lower Wanganui River, then dig. Previous visitors have made things slightly easier by positioning arrows to help you along the way. The deeper you dig, the hotter it gets, but you’ll be well rewarded with your very own private (and free) thermal pool.
5. You’ve probably heard of Milford Sound…
When visiting Fiordland National Park, in New Zealand’s South Island, you’ll no doubt find your way to Milford Sound. The easiest way to explore the fiord is by boat, which will take you nice and close to the sheer cliffs and gushing waterfalls. To see the more remote areas, however, you’ll have to set off on foot and hike New Zealand’s most popular Great Walk – the Milford Track. Part of it can be done as a day hike, but the full multi-day walk will have you discovering lakes, waterfalls (including one of New Zealand’s longest) and a pristine wilderness.
6. …but why not visit the Queen Charlotte Sounds?
Located in the Marlborough Sounds and easily accessible from Picton, Queen Charlotte Sounds is a breathtaking natural wonder that you won’t forget anytime soon. It also tends to boast better weather than Milford, which is much further south. You can explore by postie boat, helping to deliver packages to remote residents, and learn how the locals created New Zealand’s first predator-free island. Like Milford Sound, you can also do some hiking here, with the Queen Charlotte Track offering a multi-day hike (seven days, to be specific) or a beautiful day hike. The multi-day hikes are cheaper here than in Milford and, as a bonus, you don’t even have to carry your pack – a boat will bring it to the next overnight stop.
7. You’ve probably heard of the Coromandel Hot Water Beach…
The hot water beach, on theCoromandel Peninsula, is only 17 kilometres from Auckland and has long been a must-visit stop for travellers. The appeal here is digging your own natural hot pool before sitting and listening to the sound of the ocean. It’s best to visit the beach two hours either side of low tide as this is when the hottest sand has been left exposed. To find the best spot, walk down towards Hot Rock at the southern end of the beach, where both the Maori and Orua springs can be dug into. And if you don’t carry your own spade (which is fair enough), you can easily rent one from the local cafes.
8. …but Kawhia Hot Water Beach is
If you don’t fancy sharing your sandy, hot-water pool with strangers, then head to Kawhia Hot Water Beach on the North Island’s remote west coast. Here, on this breathtaking stretch of coastline, you’ll enjoy prime views of the Tasman Sea. The trick to finding the Te Puia geothermal areas is to look for the heated water bubbling up through the sand, then dig. You won't be able to rent a spade here so be sure to bring your own. And, if you get lucky with low tide in the afternoon, you can relax while enjoying a beautiful west coast sunset. Unforgettable.
9. You’ve probably heard of Tongariro Alpine Crossing…
If you’re after an iconic hike that isn’t too challenging, then the Tongariro Alpine Crossing ticks all the boxes. It’ll have you travelling just south of Lake Taupo, on the North Island, and hiking across three volcanoes past emerald lakes, old lava flows and steaming craters. It’s truly a unique and wondrous hike, though it is one way, meaning you’ll need to arrange transportation from the finish (you’ll park your van and be taken by bus to the start). This is essential hiking for any Lord of the Rings fans as you’ll walk next to Mt Doom (Mt Tongariro, technically). It’s easy, of course, to see why this is New Zealand’s most popular day hike, but unfortunately that also means crowds.
10. …but have you tried tackling the Pouakai Crossing?
Shake the crowds and head to the North Island’s south-west corner; soon enough, you’ll see the Pouakai Crossing. By setting off on a day hike, or the longer, multi-day Pouakai Circuit, you’ll explore Egmont National Park and take in continuous, breathtaking views of Mt Taranaki, the Ahukawakawa Swamp and Bells Falls. Though this hike is the same length as the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, it’ll take a little longer – roughly 7–9 hours. You can walk the crossing in either direction, though there’s less climbing if you start from Egmont National Park Visitor Centre and walk towards Mangorei Road.
