15 Hidden Gems In New Zealand — Kiwi Talks Travel (2024)

Updated 4 June 2021

New Zealand has some unbelievable sights that every tourist knows about, but we also have a few hidden gems that aren't so known.

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From towering snow-capped mountains to boat cruises through the Milford Sound, with so much on offer, it's no wonder tourists only see the 'famous' parts of New Zealand during their stay here.

But, what if you could dip your toes in the clearest lake in the world or enjoy a natural spa on a remote island?

Well, now it's time to indulge and take advantage of these places being secluded with no tourists! Below you’ll find 15 hidden gems in New Zealand.

Kai Iwi Lakes

This one is a no brainer. I didn't know Kai Iwi Lakes existed until a few years ago when I went there for a four-day holiday!

Located three hours north of Auckland near Dargaville, these three stunning freshwater lakes were made nearly 1.8 million years ago due to the accumulation of water in depressions of sand! As a result, today you can go swimming, kayaking, jet-skiing, and even trout fishing in the most turquoise water!

As a bonus, there are two places you can stay to enjoy a few days at the lakes; I'd recommend setting up camp at the Pine Beach Campground!

This place is known to only locals at the moment, so take advantage of this and visit one of the best hidden gems in New Zealand before word gets out about how amazing it is!

Blue Pools

When most people organise a trip to Queenstown or Wanaka, they only plan to see Lake Wanaka, Milford Sound, and enjoy activities within Queenstown.

Little do they know that one hour north of Wanaka they can wander through lush forest and end up gazing at pristine turquoise water at one of the most gorgeous hidden gems in New Zealand.

The Blue Pools Track takes you through beech forest and onto a swing bridge that hangs over the Makaroa River. You can stop and gaze at the beautifully coloured water there, or you can continue to the viewing platform overlooking the incredible Blue Pools.

Lake Quill

Unlike most lakes in New Zealand, Lake Quill is located high up in the mountains of Fiordland National Park and funnels into the 580m high Sutherland Falls.

This place makes my hidden gems in New Zealand list because of how secluded it is.

If you take a cruise through Milford Sound, you'll be able to view the waterfall as you go past, but, the only way to see where the lake it and water stream starts is via helicopter. Many helicopter tours can take you throughout the Milford Sound.

Putaruru Springs

You've got the idea now that New Zealand is home to some of the most transparent and most beautifully coloured water in the world, so why not add more to the list?

Another one of the hidden gems in New Zealand you have to see is Putaruru Blue Springs!

Only two hours south-east of Hamilton, along the Te Waihou Walkway, you'll find the spring, which produces nearly 70% of New Zealand's bottled water and is also one of the purest water sources in the world.

The spring feeds from the Mamaku Plateau, where the water takes up to 100 years to filter through; the resulting water is so pure and clean that it produces a beautiful blue colour while being virtually transparent.

Although the water may seem inviting, don't think too quick, as it is 11 degrees Celsius year-round, and you aren't allowed to swim in it!

Lake Taupo Maori Carvings

Everybody has heard of Lake Taupo, but have you ever heard of the hidden Maori carvings?

In the late 1970s, Matahi Whakataka-Brightwell completed his ten-year training period with Maori elders and went back to Lake Taupo to mark the occasion with a beautiful, bold rock carving.

The only way to see the carvings are from the water. Hop on your kayak or boat and make your way to Mine Bay on the western side of the lake and take it all in!

Great Barrier Island

When on a trip to Auckland, most people decide to go to Waiheke Island or Rangitoto Island to experience something different, but not many people head over to one of the most beautiful hidden gems in New Zealand, Great Barrier Island.

The only way to get to the island is by sea or air. You can catch a ferry (4hr 30mins) or hop on a plane for a quick 30-minute flight.

Once you arrive on the island, you will be blown away by the beautiful water and lush greenery.

The best parts about the island? Spectacular views and natural hot springs for you to sit in and enjoy an afternoon! To experience life from above while taking a dip in a natural spa, be sure to check out the Kaitoke Hot Springs Track while you're on the island!

Lake Manapouri

Located at the end of Fiordland National Park is Lake Manapouri.

Although this lake is the second deepest in New Zealand (after Lake Hauroko), it is surprisingly one of the hidden gems in New Zealand that should be known because of its interesting facts and beauty but isn’t.

Surrounded by mountains, Lake Manapouri is an idyllic place to watch the sun go down or even enjoy an afternoon kayak or sail!

Urupukapuka

Located in the north of New Zealand, Urupukapuka Island is the largest of the 140 in the Bay of Islands and quite simply one of the most beautiful, making it one of the hidden gems in New Zealand worth seeing.

As soon as you step off the ferry onto the tranquil island, you will be lost for words. The water is clear, the forestry is lush, and with three campsites to choose from, you can take your time exploring the island!

If you are only planning on spending a day on the island, you'll be happy to know it's a popular stopover point for tour boats headed for the Hole in the Rock, as well as ferries coming and going from Paihia and Russell.

The island is a popular stopover point for tour boats to the Hole in the Rock and is also serviced by ferries for day trips from Paihia and Russell.

Pelorus River

Another place that makes this hidden gems in New Zealand list is the stunning Pelorus River, tucked away between Nelson and Blenheim at the top of the South Island.

When you get there, you'll see a bridge that crosses the river leading to a reserve, which is a perfect starting point for walks.

If you're more of the adventurous type, you should choose the track that leads to a waterfall and rock pool, or you can jump in the river right then and there!

Although you have to cross the river to get to Nelson or Blenheim, Pelorus River is often overlooked, making it a great place to spend the day with no crowds!

Karangahake Gorge

Found at the bottom of the Coromandel between Auckland and Tauranga is the Karangahake Gorge.

I have to admit, I've driven through the gorge many times in my life, but I've never stopped off and wandered through to see what it has to offer.

Not only does the gorge offer up a fantastic river running through, but you can also stroll through the walkways, the tunnels, and even cycle along the Hauraki Rail Trail!

Although it may not be hidden as such because you have to drive through it, the hidden walkways, tunnels, and rich history make it one of the hidden gems in New Zealand worth seeing!

Crucible Lake

One of the most stunning hidden gems in New Zealand is found in the heart of Mount Aspiring National Park in the South Island.

Crucible Lake is an iceberg-studded lake that is surrounded by some of the most charming scenery in all of New Zealand.

There are three ways to get to the lake; by air, by water, or by foot. However, the journey is long and requires an overnight stay to really appreciate the beauty of this part of New Zealand.

If you're brave enough, you can even jump in for a swim!

Farewell Spit

Put down a towel and soak up the sun on the longest sandbar in the world, Farewell Spit.

Situated at the northern end of Golden Bay in the South Island, Farewell Spit is a spectacular 26km strip of sand.

If you're looking for a day of peace, tranquillity, and enjoying the sound of the sea, this is the place for you! Being such a long stretch of sand, you are guaranteed to get some peace with no one around, making it one of the true hidden gems in New Zealand!

Anapai Bay

Everyone knows of Kaiteriteri Bay in Abel Tasman National Park, but a lesser-known secret hidden in the area is Anapai Bay.

If you're the adventurous type, like New Chums Beach, Anapai Bay can only be accessed via foot or boat, which means it is quite literally a hidden gem of New Zealand.

Once you've reached the beach, you will be welcomed with golden sand and clear, turquoise water. If you can't bear to part from the beach, there is a campsite nearby where you can spend the night!

Related: Love beaches? Check out the most beautiful ones in New Zealand!

Te Waikoropupu Springs

Found in the Golden Bay region of the South Island is quite possibly one of the most unique and breathtaking hidden gems in New Zealand.

Te Waikoropupu Springs can be found at the end of a 30min stroll through the bush west of Takaka. The springs aren't just a pretty sight, they also funnel some of the world's most transparent water and are the largest cold water spring in the Southern Hemisphere!

Definitely worth a stop if you are in the Golden Bay area!

Blue Lake

Lastly, this hidden gems in New Zealand list would not be complete without adding the clearest lake in the world, found right here in the South Island!

At the top of the South Island, Nelson's National Park is home to the Blue Lake, the clearest lake in the world! How could you not add this amazing place to your itinerary?

According to research results, visibility in the lake is up to 80 metres, which means the water is almost as optically clear as distilled water, how amazing is that?!

Although the water may be inviting, do not swim in it because it is on sacred Maori land.

Which of these hidden gems in New Zealand are you going to tick off first?

-Jas.