It’s really easy to bypass the underrated spots in New Zealand and go straight to the really popular spots. You know, the ones not exactly trending on social media. I get it. There’s only so much time and popular spots are popular for a reason. They have the best of something, epic views or something unique. Sometimes though, getting off the beaten track, even just a bit proves to be the best track to follow.
It’s hard to believe in a country as beautiful as New Zealand that there are some places that get bypassed. There are some places like everywhere, you blink and you miss it but there are many spots that just deserve a little open-mindedness and a chance!
There are benefits from getting off the track a bit:
- Way less busy as there are not as many visitors.
- You meet locals and learn about the locals
- Sometimes you can save a bit of money but still support local businesses
In this blog post, I’m sharing a few spots in the south island of New Zealand that I feel are underrated. All I can say is go with an open mind, give it a chance andddd keep an eye on the weather. Things are more fun when it’s not rainy!
Underrated spots in the south island
Kurow
The first on my underrated spots in New Zealand list is Kurow. Home of the legendary New Zealand Rugby player, Richie McCaw, this town is a cute place to be. It’s quiet but friendly and has the beautiful braided rivers of the Waitaki River on its doorstep. Kurow is also an area growing in the wine industry. It is central to the east coast and the Inland Road, SH 8, making it the perfect spot to stay for a weekend getaway.
I’ve been to Kurow a few times and have always enjoyed my time there. A few things I suggest doing:
- Walking up Kurow Hill. The walk is a quick but steep 45 minutes up the hill with stunning views over the Hakataramea Valley and braided rivers. The track starts at 13 Grey Street in Kurow.
- If you want a cruisey quick walk, try the Duntroon Wetland walk 20 minutes from Kurow. It’s about 30 minute round trip and 1.5 kms. You could tie this in with a walk around the Elephant rocks
- Cycle part of the Alps to Ocean cycleway. You can really just go as far as you want and turn around. A ride to Otematata is 44 km, one way, with Aviemore in the middle or a cycle to Duntroon is 27km. Find more information here about bike rentals and tours.
- Do some wine tasting at Ostler Vineyards or River-T Estate.
- Experience a unique accommodation 20 minutes down the road with Valley Views glamping
- Check out the elephant rocks near Duntroom and be amazed at this cool geological feature!
- Get out for a jet boat ride on the Waitaki River. Take things are your own pace with Braided River Jet boating
- Learn about the Aviemore hydro station and hydro dam 10 minutes down the road
Mount Somers
I consider Mount Somers the gateway to the high country. The town is right off the inland route 72 but only 30 minutes down the road into the mountains are stunning high country lakes, hiking tracks, and a spot that was featured in the Lord of the Rings movies!
Mount Somers is a great spot to base as it’s quite central in the Mid Canterbury area. To the south, you have the Peel Forest area and the Mt Hutt area to the north. Here are a few spots and things you don’t want to miss!
- Dine-in at the Stonecrubie with locally sourced ingredients and dishes created by their award-winning Chef de Cuisine, Sean. The Stonecrubie also has gorgeous chalets if you decide to stay over and dine.
- Go for a hike! There are quite a few to choose from but the walk to Woolshed Creek hut is my best recommendation. There is an option for an easier or much harder hike to the hut so there’s something for everyone.
- Explore the Hakatere conservation area. The scenery in this area is simply stunning with the Ashburton Lakes dotted around. Take time to bird watch at Lake Clearwater, walk around Lake Camp or if you’re brave enough, take a dip!
- See a Lord of the Rings film set and walk up Mt Sunday
Twizel
Twizel is a great place to explore, relax and stay. The Southern Alps tower in the background and Twizel is central to five lakes that make for a great photo opportunity. With lots of cafes and restaurants, you won’t go hungry, especially after a couple of hikes! Twizel has become a new favourite area of mine. I just love the atmosphere and open space in Mackenzie country.
- Unwind and relax at the gorgeous and very beautiful and instagrammable High Country Cabin
- Take a walk, paddle or boat ride on Lake Ruataniwha
- Walk the Twizel River Trail. It’s a 24 km return walk but you can also do shorter sections
- Stargaze! Twizel is in the dark sky reserve so there is very little light pollution and on a clear night, the sky is absolutely amazing
- Get out hiking in the Ben Ohau range. There are numerous walks around the lake and in the surrounding mountains. DOC has a nice long list of them here!
- Twizel is also part of the Alps to Ocean cycleway which takes you partway around Lake Ohau.
- Book a lord of the rings tour! Yup, all you LOTR fans can get a full-on tour of the sites used in the iconic movie! One Ring Tours has some pretty fun tours that you can take!
cheviot
Ok so Cheviot, pronounced with a chev sound or shev sound not really sure, is a town you’re not going to want to just drive by. Cheviot is very much your rural local New Zealand town and definitely an underrated spot in New Zealand. It’s welcoming and has its fair share of hidden gems. This is a great spot for a weekend getaway or a stop on a south island road trip. Here are a few things to put on your list:
- Surf or wander the beach at Gore bay
- On the way to Gore bay, don’t forget to stop at the Cathedral Cliffs. These are yet another geological wonder of New Zealand and are placed against an amazing ocean backdrop.
- Look out to rolling farmland and the Hurunui River while glamping at Tawanui Farm canopy camping
- Snap some photos at St Anne’s Lagoon, 3 minutes up the road from the town.
- Find some unique gifts at Gifts and Finds in the town of Cheviot
- Stop in at Mt Beautiful for a wine tasting
- Get your adrenaline pumping on the Hurunui River with the Energy Jet.
Westport
Westport typically isn’t a place on the top of everyone’s ‘to explore’ list. In the past years, the town has been hit by some devasting flooding and in some ways is still in the recovery phase. However, situated right by the Tasman Sea, the area has stunning seascapes, ocean wildlife and an abundance of nature. I find Westport is a great place to get away from everyday hustle and bustle’ and a chance to really find and appreciate the beauty of where I am. Westport tourism has a great brochure here with all the stops in town.
- Take an afternoon walk to the Cape Foulwind lighthouse and Tauranga Bay. The walk is easy and 1.5 hours one way.
- See the seal colony at Tauranga Bay
- Spend some time bird watching at the Buller River Tip heads or the Orowaiti Lagoon. Westport NZ has put together an awesome guide for bird watching around Westport
- Explore the Charming Creek walkway less than an hour from Westport
- 20 minutes from town, explore the picturesque Buller Gorge and take a walk
2 Responses
Really glad you included Westport, we had a great time there. A local business operator told us it’s a real struggle to get tourists to their town. one of our favourite walk trails in NZ is just north of Westport as well, the wonderful Charming creek track.
I have heard of Charming creek track I just haven’t walked it yet! I can’t believe it! I quite like Westport and the west coast. It’s not as flashy as other parts of the country but I think they are certainly worth stopping at! 🙂 Thanks for reading!