As someone who has spent three months exploring New Zealand firsthand, I can tell you that no photograph or travel guide truly does this country justice. New Zealand is home to some of the world’s most breathtaking natural wonders, and having wandered its landscapes myself, I can say with confidence that every corner of this incredible country left me with memories I’ll carry for a lifetime. Despite its size, this small Southern Hemisphere gem packs in an astonishing variety of serene locations, and I’m excited to share some of my favourite hidden gems with you here on Thinking Nomads.
Also, for international travelers who indulge in vapes and vaping products, it is worth noting that while vaping is legal in New Zealand and it is highly regulated. Disposable vapes are banned entirely as of 2025. Instead, retailers sell a variety of reusable and refillable vape tools, including ALT vapes. Smoking is also strictly prohibited in all public areas, like shopping malls, workplaces, public transport, and near schools.
If you’re planning a trip to New Zealand on your own, I also recommend reading my guide Solo Traveling in New Zealand 2026: An Adventure Worth Taking, where I share everything you need to know about exploring this incredible country independently, from safety tips to must-see stops and budget advice.
Feilding
Feilding is a 14-time winner of Keep New Zealand Beautiful’s Most Beautiful Town award, and one visit to this iconic location will quickly show you why. Fielding is well known for its picture-perfect Edwardian architecture, historic museums, boutique shopping, and rural charm. Situated just north of Palmerston North, it is the rural center of the Manawatu District.
Furthermore, it is home to Feilding Saleyards, a famous livestock sale that has been held in town since 1880, as well as the weekly Feilding Farmers’ Market. History lovers and motor enthusiasts should visit The Coach House museum and Manfield Racing Circuit, while art lovers will enjoy a relaxing stroll around Feilding’s central business district, where many buildings have beautiful murals adoring their walls, thanks to local artist Eric Brew.
Picton
Picton is a charming coastal village tucked away in a bay in the South Island’s beautiful Queen Charlotte Sound. It is a must-visit destination for wine lovers and budding connoisseurs, thanks to the Marlborough Wine Region, which produces the majority of New Zealand’s wine.
Head to Picton’s harbor to sample deliciously fresh, locally caught seafood and shop around local vendors and stores for the ultimate souvenir gift. For a day of adventure, the neighboring Queen Charlotte Trail offers 44 miles of stunning coastal scenery and a regular schedule of water taxis to head back into town.
Wanaka
With two pristine alpine lakes and the breathtaking Mount Aspiring National Park, it is no wonder that Wanaka has become a natural haven for anyone hoping to explore the stunning, unspoiled beauty of New Zealand’s South Island.
The national park is a classified UNESCO World Heritage Site, boasting looming peaks, cascading waterfalls, and mesmerizing glaciers, and was heavily featured in The Lord of the Rings trilogy. Lake Wanaka and neighboring Lake Hawea offer plenty of recreation activities, including cruising, fishing, and kayaking. End the perfect day out with a delicious meal at any of the cafes and restaurants across town, home to award-winning chefs.
Russell
Russell may be small in size, but it boasts a rich history that makes it a beloved gem to the locals who call this town home. This pristine coastal hamlet is situated in the Bay of Islands in Northern New Zealand, and was one of the first European settlements and the first official capital in the country.
Visitors can enjoy some of the oldest architecture in New Zealand, including the beautiful Christ Church and Ompallier Mission, the country’s oldest church and industrial building, respectively. Nature lovers will enjoy a chartered yacht trip out into the bay to enjoy dolphin spotting before heading to one of Russell’s tumbling waterfall dining spots for a mouth-watering seafood feast.
Hokitika
Hokitika was founded in the 1860s thanks to the discovery of gold in the area. It quickly flourished into a thriving river port, developing a fairly wild reputation. Its proximity to several popular natural wonders on the South Island, including Arthur’s Pass National Park and the draw-dropping Franz Josef Glacier, makes it a prime base location for exploring neighboring areas.
Visitors to this historic town can explore the beautiful architecture and attend popular local events like the Hokitika Wildfood Festival, which celebrates wild food foraged from the West Coast region. The town’s colorful history was recently retold in the Man Booker Prize-winning novel The Luminaries by Eleanor Catton.
Whakatane
Whakatane is often referred to as a jewel of the North Island, thanks to its proud history, culture, and stunning coastal scenery. Considering it is the four-time winner of the New Zealand Sunshine Capital title, it is little wonder why it is considered the ideal escape from the hustle and bustle of busy city life.
Explore local Maori culture at Mataatua Wharenui, a 130-year-old Maori meeting house, and learn more about Maori heritage and history at the Whakatane Library and Exhibition Center. For nature lovers, the nearby White Island is home to New Zealand’s only active marine Volcano and Ohope Beach, one of the best-loved beaches in the country.
Kaikoura
Situated a few hours north of Christchurch, travelers can find the picturesque seaside town of Kaikoura, loved for its eco-friendly attitude, laid-back vibe, and stunning surroundings, where rugged mountains meet crystal blue waters. The town boasts a rich and proud Maori culture, and the name itself is Maori for ‘eat crayfish’, which is the culinary specialty of the area.
Crayfish is caught fresh every day, and cooked at local food trucks and restaurants for locals and visitors alike to enjoy. A hike up the Kaikora Mountains provides spectacular panoramic views of the coast, while a boat trip out of Kaikoura Bay offers prime dolphin, whale, and seal-spotting opportunities.
Conclusion
New Zealand is a destination that truly has something for everyone, and these beautiful towns are just the beginning of what this extraordinary country has to offer. From the Edwardian charm of Feilding to the volcanic drama of Whakatane, each town carries its own unique personality, history, and natural beauty. Having explored this stunning country myself over three months, I can honestly say that no matter which of these destinations you choose to visit, you won’t be disappointed. So pack your bags, plan your route, and get ready to fall in love with some of the most beautiful towns in New Zealand. And when you’re done — come back and tell me which one was your favourite!
Lived in England since 1998 and travelled the world since 2005, visiting over 100 countries on 5 continents. Writer, blogger, photographer with a passion for adventure and travel, discovering those off beat places not yet on the tourist trail. Marco contributes the very best in independent travel tips and lifestyle articles.
