Whether you’re looking for an adventure of a lifetime, or you just want to unwind on a secluded beach, New Zealand certainly won’t leave you disappointed. Here are some truly amazing off-the-beaten track destinations to help you in your summer quest.
Earnslaw Burn
Although this alpine region is among the most popular destinations in New Zealand, you can still get off the beaten track and enjoy it in solitude. Located on the Glenorchy, 40 kilometres from Queensland, Earnslaw Burn is a glacier and one of the locations where The Hobbit was filmed.
After a challenging hike of four to six hours, you’ll have an opportunity to admire beautiful waterfalls that the glacier has created and retrace the footsteps of Bilbo and his company. In addition, there’s a variety of activities that you can try, including horse-riding through river crossings and unspoiled beach forests, paragliding in the Glenorchy area, and kayaking in some of the most beautiful waters of New Zealand.
Himatangi
The coastal climate providing plenty of sunshine, high temperatures, beautiful sun-drenched sandy beaches, and almost no rain will welcome you to Himatangi. You can get to know the small local community, learn how to surf among the waves and explore the coastline that was once a Maori gathering place.
The Maori used to catch fish and shellfish there, and then they would leave the shells in piles known as middens, thus creating the archaeological record of the place. If you head inland, you’ll come across a series of lagoons and the oldest middens in the area. Other activities that you can participate in are hiking, fishing, whitebaiting, bowling, golfing, camping or just relaxing and sleeping.
Mokoia Island
The Mokoia Island, which is just 1.35 square kilometres large, is located in Lake Rotorua, on the North Island. You can access the Island only by joining a small boat tour group, since it’s considered sacred by the locals. The Mokoia Island has the reputation of the location where the most famous love stories have taken place.
This area is also renowned for its many natural wonders, including the eruption of a rhyolite lava dome approximately 200,000 years ago and many geothermal springs, one of them being the famous Hinemoa pool or Waikimihia, as the locals call it. You can go on a cruise around the island, soak in the Waikimihia pool and find out more about the Maori history.
Mount Hikurangi
Mount Hikurangi is located southwest of the East Cape, on the North Island and it’s the area of the highest non-volcanic peak of New Zealand. If you’re ready for an adventure, you can hike for seven hours following the Mt Hikurangi Track and reach its peak. However, keep in mind that this is quite an endeavour, so make sure to be fit and prepared for undertaking it.
Mount Hikurangi is considered sacred by Ngati Porou Maori, since they believe that it’s the resting place of Maui’s waka (canoe). While you’re in Eastland, you can explore the wild Urewera national park, known for many lakes and unspoiled forests, or enjoy panoramic views from the East Cape Lighthouse.
Waipu Caves
If you’re ready to try something daring, then exploring the Waipu Caves is right up your alley. Since there aren’t paths and tracks in the cave that you can follow, you’ll have to go through water, mud, and narrow passages. Don’t worry about getting a bit dirty – there’s a cold shower waiting for you outside the cave. If you ever imagined what a cave would look like, the Waipu Caves will be just like that – stalactites hanging from the ceiling, bones of birds, bats, reptiles and amphibians lying around and pitch dark.
After exploring the caves, you can go bird, dolphin and whale-watching. Make sure to include a decent camera in your equipment to take some truly memorable pictures of the local flora and fauna at its finest. You should also take some time to visit the nearby Waipu town and discover the Waipu history at the local museum.
Rere Falls
Down the Wharekopae River you’ll come across the beautiful Rere Falls and the Rere Rock Slide, one of the main attractions in the area. The running water of the Wharekopae River has smoothed the rocks, thus providing tourists with the opportunity to slide on boogie boards and inflatable mattresses.
The picturesque Rere Falls are on the other side of the river and you can walk behind its cascading water. Afterwards, relax and enjoy the view by having a picnic next to the Rere Falls. While in the area, you should visit the New Zealand’s National Arboretum Eastwoodhill, where you can take a look at both the exotic and native trees, shrubs and other plants.
Summertime is the perfect period to pack your bags, get your free transfer car, and explore the secret natural wonders that New Zealand has to offer. This land of countless breath-taking sites won’t make it easy for you to choose some of them, but whatever choice you make, you won’t regret it.
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