Long considered a bucket-list travel destination, New Zealand has so much to offer those who are fortunate enough to make the journey. Made up of two large islands, this former British colony is especially fun to explore if you include at least a few of its most captivating small towns on your travel itinerary.
Most visitors arrive in Auckland, the country’s largest city, and from here grab connecting flights to other New Zealand destinations. Alternatively, they may pick up a car to explore the North Island before taking the three-hour ferry ride from Wellington, the country’s capital, to Picton on the South Island. If this sounds like something you’d like to do, be sure to include at least some of these captivating small towns in your travel plans.
Gisborne
Located on the eastern edge of New Zealand’s North Island, you may already know a little about Gisborne. Known as “Gizzy” by locals, this neat coastal town is one of the first cities in the world to see the sunrise, as well as one of the first to celebrate the New Year. You can also learn more about Māori culture and traditions as well as the lives of the first European settlers at the Tairāwhiti Museum, including details of Captain James Cook’s arrival in 1769. If you enjoy great wines, visit the Gisborne Wine Centre for tastings (the region’s especially good at making chardonnays).
Each year, from December 28 to January 1, Gisborne hosts the Rhythm and Vines music festival, featuring international acts and attracting large crowds to celebrate the New Year with great music and wine. Outdoor lovers should check out Haurata High Country Walks, a series of privately maintained trails that offer views of native forests and farmland. Gisborne’s beaches are also famous for their excellent surfing and provide consistent breaks, with Midway Beach known locally for its beginner-friendly waves.
Kaikōura
The small town of Kaikōura on the east coast of the South Island is renowned for its marine life viewing experiences. Whale Watch Kaikoura is a reputable local business that leads year-round guided boat tours to see sperm whales. You can also learn about the history of whaling at Fyffe House, built in 1842 and now a museum. The Kaikōura Peninsula Walkway follows the shoreline and provides the chance to observe several fur seal colonies.
Each October, Kaikōura Seafest celebrates local seafood including local staples such as crayfish along with live entertainment. Kaikōura’s spectacular mountain backdrop provides opportunities to enjoy outdoor activities like hiking and birdwatching. One of the best routes leads to Kaikōura Lookout with its superb views over the Pacific Ocean and the adjacent Seaward Kaikōura Range.
Wānaka
Wānaka is located in New Zealand’s Otago region on the South Island. Its charming setting on the shores of Lake Wānaka is enhanced by the presence of Mount Aspiring National Park, a stunning mountain region that’s especially popular for hikes and multi-day trekking. Be sure to have your camera ready to grab a shot of “That Wānaka Tree,” a lone willow growing in the lake. While you can see it from shore, hop aboard a lake cruise for a better view. Better still, rent a kayak from a reputable company like Paddle Wānaka.
A great time to visit is over the Easter weekend of even-numbered years when the town hosts the Warbirds Over Wanaka International Airshow. Launched in 1988 and one of the country’s most acclaimed such events, you’ll see heritage aircraft demonstrations and thrilling aerobatic displays. Come winter, ski fields such as the Treble Cone Ski Area and Cardrona provide opportunities for snowsport fans to strut their stuff.
Blenheim
Located in the Marlborough region at the northeastern tip of the South Island, Blenheim is especially well-known for its wineries. The town’s biggest event, the Marlborough Wine & Food Festival, is held each February and showcases regional sauvignon blancs and local cuisine, along with live music. A great way to see some of the region’s best scenery is to bike the Blenheim to Renwick Cycle Trail, stopping at a winery or two along the way. Gentler outdoor pursuits include kayaking along the Taylor River or taking a cruise to enjoy the stunning coastal scenery of the Marlborough Sound region (fishing charters also operate here).
A must-visit for aviation enthusiasts is the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre, which showcases excellent displays of World War I and II aircraft. A walk through downtown Blenheim should include a visit to the impressive War Memorial Clock Tower in Seymour Square, set to celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2028. From the same era, Pollard Park features botanic gardens and walking paths that are worth exploring.
Oamaru
Oamaru is situated on the east coast of the South Island and is known for its well-preserved Victorian-era buildings. Head first to the Victorian Precinct, a heritage area featuring limestone structures erected mostly between 1865 and 1885 that were once used as warehouses and commercial spaces. Here you’ll also find Whitestone City, a living museum which recreates a 19th-century streetscape complete with penny-farthing bicycles, traditional shops, and costumed interpreters. Each November, the town also hosts its Victorian Heritage Celebrations with participants dressing in period costumes.
Talking about dressing up, June’s Steampunk NZ Festival is a unique event that draws cosplay enthusiasts from all over the country. Other historical attractions worth exploring include the graceful Oamaru Opera House, which opened in 1907 and continues to host theatrical shows. Architecture lovers might consider spending a weekend at the Brydone Hotel, built in 1881 and among the oldest hotels in the country. For outdoor adventurers, the nearby Waitaki River provides fishing opportunities, while cyclists can enjoy the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail. Nature enthusiasts should visit the Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony, where they can watch the world’s smallest penguin species return to their nests at sunset.
Whanganui
Set on the west coast of New Zealand’s North Island, Whanganui is notable for the Whanganui River, which holds cultural importance for local Māori communities. The best views of the river can be had from the historic Durie Hill Elevator, completed in 1919 and still transporting passengers to a magnificent scenic lookout point. Better still, the refurbished Waimarie paddle steamer, originally built in 1900, offers fun voyages along the Whanganui River.
This charming town is also fun to explore on foot, with many of its top attractions in the downtown area. Art lovers should visit the Te Whare o Rehua Sarjeant Gallery, which opened in 1919 and features rotating exhibits of both national and international artworks. Queens Park is another lovely place for a walk and is home to the Whanganui Regional Museum, which displays local natural history and Māori treasures. January is a perfect time to visit because Whanganui celebrates its Vintage Weekend, with events like classic car parades, period fashion shows, and live music.
The Final Word
If you’re planning a bucket list visit to New Zealand, these six small towns are definitely worth including on your “Aotearoa” travel adventure. Each boasts an authentic dose of the legendary Kiwi hospitality and heritage that attracts visitors from both home and abroad. From Gisborne’s music festival on the North Island’s East Coast to Kaikōura’s whale-watching tours in the South Island, these six captivating small towns are must-visits when in New Zealand.
