15 Most Beautiful Small Towns in New Zealand
New Zealand is home to stupendously beautiful small towns that are so diverse in sights, stretching from the country's North to South Islands. Each with a special character, they will immerse you into a unique atmosphere in an unforgettable getaway from the hustle of the everyday life. Boasting mesmerizing scapes with pursuits for all levels, these cities offer opportunities to bask along the beaches, soak in views and take in sun-rays on a stroll, and hike diverse terrain including mountain peaks.
These 15 towns welcome with a cool vibe and warm atmosphere veiling eco-friendly attractions and accommodations to suit all budgets and tastes. Their beaches are renowned for sensational sunsets, with surfing, swimming, fishing, and water adventures via scenic cruises and kayak rides.
Queenstown
The "adventure capital of New Zealand" is nestled along the crystal clear Lake Wakatipu on the South Island. You can explore the diverse surroundings through plenty of active or laidback pursuits, from adrenaline-pumping jet-boat rides to relaxing river cruises, and swimming along the shores, or fly fishing. The breathtaking scenery will also follow you throughout the land adventures along the trails within surrounding mountain views on a stroll or days-long hikes.
The area’s iconic rugged landscape is a favorite destination among photographers, picnickers amidst scenic sights, and family visits. The in-town knows its worth, with a boisterous quaint vibe balanced by a Cosmopolitan lifestyle. Its lively streets come lined with fine dining establishments, along with a bustling bar scene. The line-up of cultural events includes the most-popular Queenstown Winter Festival, famed for raucous street parties.
Oamaru
All the scenically-inclined culture fans head to Oamaru, the self-proclaimed "Steampunk capital of New Zealand." The beautiful town houses the country's best collection of nationally-recognized Victorian architecture and offbeat art culture along the streets, under a laid back vibe. Oamaru is home to vibrant natural sights like its renowned penguin colonies, best-spotted via the Alps to Ocean Cycleway.
Take the scenic day trip along this historic track, or the full four-to-six day journey to admire the entire galore of sights, like the extremely rare yellow-eyed penguins at the Bushy Beach. There are also little blue penguins around the harbor district. The town awaits tired explorers with attractions and many boutiques, a prominent artsy atmosphere, and the all-encompassing steampunk scene.
Picton
Picton's tiny scape spreads picturesquely at the doorstep of New Zealand’s wine producing Marlborough. It is ideal base for all new and weathered wine connoisseurs, especially the active types, with enough adventures to fill a vacation. "Epicton" boasts stunning views of Marlborough Sounds from Victoria Domain, and the Queen Charlotte Track for multi-day hike through pristine native forest and round coastal bays.
The postcard port-town sits in the heart of the spectacular Marlborough Sounds, a real paradise for diving, kayaking, swimming with dolphins, or enjoying sights via an atmospheric mail boat cruise. The beautiful boardwalk along the main harbor is aligned with cafes, restaurants, and galleries, along with a 19th-century former convict ship-turned Edwin Fox Maritime Museum.
Russell
The town of Russell is New Zealand's first European settlement and port, formerly known as Kororāreka. Needless to say, it is an attractive scape of rich history, with historical sights like structures, wonderful galleries, and the Pompallier Mission. The French Catholic mission headquarters is the last-remaining, and only of its kind structure in all of Australasia. The historical heart of the country is also home to the oldest surviving Christ Church for another bucket-list item to pay homage.
The very first capital of New Zealand, nestled in the beautiful Bay of Islands is not all about historical architecture. The active enjoy kayaking around the scenic Bay of Islands, fishing, sailing, dolphin spotting, and cycling ventures down the iconic Twin Coast Cycle Trail. Surrounded by golden sand beaches, Russell offers access to days-spent basking along the sands, splashing clear waters, and trekking through the pristine tropical forest paradise.
Wanaka
Wanaka is a truly beautiful town within a picturesque part of New Zealand, at the gateway to the famed Mount Aspiring National Park. The lakeside town sits surrounded by majestic peaks, glacier and ski fields, hiking trails, and waterfalls. Wanaka is a perfect base for exploring the natural delights around the rugged South Island's unspoiled nature.
There is also the namesake river with jaw-dropping backdrop of snow capped mountain peaks and the doorstep to the awe-inspiring park, featured in The Lord of the Rings. Others come for the several ski resorts around, a famous sculpture gallery, and outdoor maze, the Puzzling World. Enjoy the town from a different angle on a scenic cruise or a kayak ride splicing the pristine waters.
Whakatane
Whakatane is a treasure cove for the adventurous souls, nestled within one of New Zealand’s best locales with a telling name of the Bay of Plenty, referring to its immense scenery. The award-winning “Sunshine capital” is epitome of authentic New Zealand, with nature and history under forever-pleasant weather, behind the moniker. Immerse in deep culture at places like the Mataatua Wharenui, the 130-year old Maori meeting house, and the impressive Te Kōputu a te whanga a Toi museum with history on the Maori and European settlement.
There is a vast specter of outdoor attractions like the vibrant Wairere Falls, the famous, partially-damaged Muriwai’s Cave, and the country’s best, Ōhope Beach. The White Island awaits relentless venturers just a boat ride away with a very-active volcano. The coastal town is also the “Kiwi capital of the world,” a scenic home to these endangered native birds and nature, aplenty. While it may be hard to leave the pleasant bay's waters, the country’s scenic swimming galore, the town is also ideal base on a getaway into the upper North Island.
Hanmer Springs
Hanmer Springs is New Zealand's renowned alpine village, perfect for a winter ski vacation or a summer getaway into boundless outdoor pursuits. Following the nature ventures, the beautiful park is home to natural hot springs alongside an award-winning wellness spa to relax any style. Take an evening stroll through the atmospheric downtown, encompassing fantastic a restaurants scene, bars, and comfortable hotels for a good night's rest before a new day of adventures.
The skiers flee-in for the Hanmer Springs ski field with runs for beginners and advanced, and less crowds than the larger fields down south. Enjoy surrounding beauty along the walking tracks, jet boat rides, and mountain bike trails. For anytime pursuits, there is boutique shopping, cafe sits, and laid back entertainment along the streets. The animal park calls for families to interact with local fauna, including wallabies. Follow-up with some adult-time at the local Marble Point winery, amidst gorgeous scenery with wine tastings and scrumptious selection of cheeses.
Akaroa
Akaroa sits perched on the namesake bay amidst appealing scape, veiling deep French and English heritage within. The bay's calm waters call for lazy morning swims to wake up for the day of adventures ahead. Outdoor explorers enjoy 4WD tours into the largest penguin habitat in New Zealand, along with plentiful scenic activities like sea kayaking, sailing, and cycling along the shores.
Akaroa's quaint streets emanate special ambience with colonial architecture, while the artisan galleries and craft stores showcase the best of present-day culture along the Banks Peninsula. Combine history and nature on a stroll around downtown, the heart of a primeval volcano, or choose a relaxing walking track through the gorgeous hills around, for a relaxing pastime. Spend the evening watching hector dolphin play from the beach at sunset.
Bluff
The beautiful town of Bluff, once known as Campbelltown, is perched at the southern tip of the country. It is one of the earliest-inhabited locales by the Europeans, and present day claim to fame for its world-renowned Bluff oysters. The country's oldest continually occupied European settlement is full of pursuits for the nature-starved, and plenty of marvelous architecture for those after rich history. Visit the Bluff Maritime Museum to learn fascinating heritage insights. A peaceful stroll along the world class tracks of Bluff Hill will take you through the region’s fascinating flora and fauna that will imprint in mind. The little town is also idyllic base for a scenic escape into a whole other world of wild natural attractions at the nearby Stewart island.
Feilding
The small town in southern reaches of the North Island is a 16-time winner of "the most beautiful town" title in the country. Its manicured scape and moniker “friendly Feilding” emanate waves of Pleasantville that attract sightseers from around the globe. Fielding's vast offerings in scenic pursuits include the town square, public gardens with an aviary and duck pond, and galleries for the cultured. The town just north of Palmerston North is like a delicious candy in beautiful wrapper, with streets adorned in gorgeous Edwardian architecture in between boutiques and a collection of historic museum, under rural charm. Take a walk along the central business district to sight-see side-building murals by the local, Eric Brew. The foodies rejoice in authenticity and choice at the award-winning farmers market on Friday mornings, with fresh honey from beekeepers, locally grown produce, homemade pastries and freshly-baked bread. The Manfeild Complex encompasses a historic race track, host to many iconic races and racing celebrities, with regular motorsport meets. The equestrian fans enjoy events like dressage, horse races, and the National Miniature Horse show.
Hokitika
The beautiful town on the west coast of the South Island within the rugged Tasman sea was a gold mining community in the 1860s. Today, Hokitika is a gold mine of historical marvels and natural wonders, proximate to South Island's treasures like the Arthur’s Pass National Park and Franz Josef Glacier. The water fans enjoy scenic white-water kayaking at the Hokitika Gorge Scenic Reserve, while the Lake Kaniere Scenic Reserve is ideal for water skiing and fishing.
The stupendous West Coast Rainforest features a 20-meter-high steel platform to stroll around the treetops and sight-see breath-taking sunset at Sunset Point. The town near the namesake river is a thriving port with vibrant history, unique activities and attractions, like the Hokitika Wildfoods Festival with local delicacies of huhu grubs and pigs ears.
Kaikoura
Kaikoura is a beautiful town where its hard not to spot a specie from a corner of the eye no matter where you are. The immediate waters are a-brim with exotic animals like dolphins, whales, and seals. Enjoy a sightseeing cruise or scuba dive amidst the fauna and flora of some of New Zealand's most scenic reefs. Kaikoura sits idyllically nestled within landscape where the county's stunning coastline meets the jagged peaks. The spectacular town boasts an improved coastal road following a devastating earthquake in 2016.
Kaikoura awaits visitors with walkable streets veiled in eco-friendly atmosphere, steep mountains, and wild ocean views. The galore of wet and dry pursuits include swimming, fishing opportunities, and endless hikes, followed by back-in-town attractions that will keep everyone happily occupied for the evening. Enjoy dining on local sea delicacies everyday, like freshly caught crayfish, the lobster of the southern hemisphere.
Mangawhai
The beautiful town of Mangawhai veils a quaint scape, one hundred kilometers from Auckland, that feels completely out of this world. This coastal respite will suit all tastes on a getaway from the hustle and bustle, with laidback and active pursuits amidst immense scenery. Enjoy everything from surfing along the Pacific beaches to swimming in pleasant waters. There is also kayaking around the tranquil harbor, fringed by dunes, and sun-basking along the sands.
Stroll the rugged dunes flanked by quiet bays with wild seas to one side and exceptional range of exotic tree and bird species to the other. Following scenic overload along the Mangawhai Walkways, check-out the local prominent art scene and many galleries along the streets of the creative town that attracts many artists to paint the wild conglomeration of sights.
Raglan
This coastal gem is a revered respite for surfers in New Zealand, only a few kilometers west of Hamilton. Raglan is also the destination for the everyday traveler seeking a respite along the beautiful beaches for simple relaxation under persistent sunshine. The little community boasts a cool vibe and warm atmosphere, with friendly locals to chat-up at eclectic bars or cafes.
The kind weather lends to endless outdoor ventures like hiking to the peak of the mighty Bridal Veil falls, and seeking-out the historic Maori Gardens’ ruins at the Te Toto Gorge. There are also beautiful rainforest-clad national parks all-around, the breathtaking black sand Ngarunui Beaches, and the Manu Bay. Take an evening stroll or sit down along at the beach to watch that sensational sunset.
St. Arnaud
St. Arnaud is a real untouched heaven for adventurers at the doorstep of the magnificent Nelson Lakes National Park. The charming town on the banks of the stunning Lake Rotoiti boasts a scenic drive-in, with many heading for the busy winter season. The nearby uncrowded Rainbow Ski Field has terrain for all levels, while a skating pond is just a short walk from town. The summering tourists enjoy New Zealand's best trout fishing in St. Arnaud, via personal vessel or a fishing charter. The national park is spliced with popular hiking trails for all levels of ventures on an outdoor retreat whether you are a hiker, tramper, backpacker, or a picnicker. There are plenty of huts and shelters around the trails established by the Department of Conservation for day hikers to become one with nature.
These family-friendly towns offer best beaches with sensational sunsets for strolls and picnics, dolphins, whales, and swimming amongst friendly seals. The endless inland ventures include sights like volcanoes, waterfalls, and historical ruins. Spot wildlife from the shores or through dense rainforests, with species ranging from penguins to wallabies, and everything in-between. The townscapes await with envious food scene from the sea, atmospheric cafes, and local bars for some culture immersion. So choose your next beautiful town in New Zealand for an adventure of a lifetime, or explore them all on a country-wide road trip.
