New Zealand is full of hidden gems. While this beautiful country is well known for its diverse landscapes, stunning beaches, and unique tourist attractions, there are also a plethora of charming small towns that are worth visiting.
If you are looking for a laid-back and relaxed atmosphere where you can experience New Zealand’s small town hospitality, we’ve got 12 of the best small towns in New Zealand listed right here, each one offering a unique and unforgettable experience.
Whether you are looking to explore the historical sites, are here for the outdoor adventures, or simply want to relax and enjoy the local wine, there’s a small town in New Zealand waiting to capture your heart.
Over many years of traveling throughout New Zealand, I’ve discovered dozens of cute and charming little towns that I wouldn’t have known about without stumbling upon them or a recommendation from friends. So I’m passing my knowledge on to you, so you can consider adding these fantastic towns to your New Zealand itinerary and check them out for yourself.
» Looking for more inspiration along the route? Check out our guides to Auckland, Milford Sound, Queenstown and Te Anau. Find the best time to visit New Zealand and our top tips for renting a car.
» Check out these 25 Unmissable New Zealand Tourist Attractions.
12 Charming Small Towns in New Zealand
1. Russell
Russell, also known by the Māori name Kororāreka, is a picturesque seaside town on the North Island. It’s located in the Northland Region of New Zealand (referred to as the far north) in an area called the Bay of Islands, and exudes the charm of a historic seaside village.
Situated on a Peninsula, you can take a passenger ferry from the nearby town of Paihia or drive around the coast to get to Russell.
As New Zealand’s first seaport and European settlement, this historically significant town still retains its original layout and quaint architecture.
As you walk around the lovely town, take in two of New Zealand’s oldest surviving buildings. The Pompallier Mission is a historic printery and tannery built by Roman Catholic missionaries in the nineteenth century. While the Christ Church is the country’s oldest surviving church.
Then head up Flagstaff Hill for the best view. Don’t miss the Russell Museum to learn about the town’s history, from local Maori to the arrival of European settlers and whalers.
There’s plenty of cafes and souvenir shops selling bone carvings, greenstone and intricate wooden carvings. With so much history and village charm, it’s easy to see why Russell and the Bay of Islands is one of the best places to visit in New Zealand.
» Try this tour while you are there: Bay of Islands: Russell Historical Tour with Ferry Ticket
Where to Stay in Russell
Although visitors usually stay in Paihia, Russell is the quieter alternative. So book at least one night to enjoy the town with fewer tourists, especially the early morning and evening. For affordable luxury, we recommend the iconic Duke of Marlborough. This historic hotel is located right on the waterfront with a restaurant overlooking Kororareka Bay. Read Review on Tripadvisor.
2. Coromandel Town
Coromandel Town is a charming coastal town. Located on the Coromandel Peninsula on the North Island, the town is mainly known for its rich gold mining history, which is reflected in its heritage sites and museums. It’s also home to many local artists.
Visit the town’s art galleries and studios, where you can view and purchase local artwork, crafts, and handmade goods. Stop at one of the fantastic local restaurants to sample fresh seafood. And explore the Northern Coromandel Peninsula – from beaches to the forest.
The scenic drive from Coromandel Town along the coast provides breathtaking views of the rugged coastline, pristine beaches, and lush forests. Visit local bays or take a drive to the stunning east coast beaches.
There’s plenty of beach walks and forest hikes to choose from. The New Chums Beach Walk is a personal favorite, leading to arguably one of the best beaches in New Zealand.
Take a ride on the Driving Creek Railway, a narrow-gauge mountain railway that offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape and showcases impressive engineering and art installations. Or head to Waterworks for a fun day at one of the most quirky theme parks you’ll come across.
Where to Stay in Coromandel Town
Located a 5-minute walk to town, the Anchor Lodge Motel offers cozy rooms, most of them with views of the sea or bush. There’s a seasonal outdoor heated pool with a BBQ, a spa pool, and free bike hire.
3. Tīrau
Tīrau is considered one of New Zealand’s charming small towns due to its unique and quirky attractions, including the iconic corrugated iron art installations, cozy cafes, and welcoming community.
With a population of just under 900, the town sometimes feels like it has more visitors than residents. Located in the Waikato region of the North Island, Tīrau is a popular place to stop for those traveling between Auckland and Rotorua.
As soon as you arrive, you’ll be greeted with the town’s iconic corrugated iron sheep and dog buildings, which are popular photo spots for visitors.
There’s also a variety of boutique shops and galleries, offering locally made crafts, art, and souvenirs, as well as a selection of cozy cafes to try homemade treats and experience the local hospitality.
Explore the town’s history at the Tirau Museum or sample homemade ice cream at One Road Ice Cream Company.
Tirau is located in close proximity to attractions such as the Blue Spring at Te Waihou Walkway, Hobbiton Movie Set, and the Kaimai Mamaku Forest Park that you can explore once you’re done soaking up the town’s distinctive and quirky character.
4. Taihape
Nestled in picturesque landscapes of the Rangitikei District, Taihape has a rural charm and community oriented spirit that captures the essence of Kiwi hospitality. The town has a population of around 1,800 people and boasts a beautiful rural landscape, native bush and the Hautapu River. It’s an ideal place to stop if you’re traveling between Auckland and Wellington.
Taihape is famous for its annual Gumboot Day festival, featuring quirky events, entertainment, and celebrations centered around the town’s unique claim to fame as the “Gumboot Capital of New Zealand.”
For the flower lover, November is a great time to visit for a chance to see the beautiful gardens around town. While outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy activities such as hiking, cycling, white water rafting, horseback riding and trout fishing.
There is also the Taihape Museum, based in the original Methodist church, which is a great place to gain a deeper understanding of culture and local history of the town. It’s open on Sundays from 11am to 2pm, or by request.
Taihape is an ideal destination if you’re looking for an offbeat New Zealand travel experience in nature.
Where to Stay in Taihape
River Valley Lodge is a special place located on the banks of the Rangitikei River just outside of Taihape. It’s a great base for local activities such as rafting and horse treks or simply enjoying the outdoors in solitude. There’s a variety of accommodations plus a cafe, bar and sauna on site.
5. Martinborough
At just an hour’s drive from Wellington, Martinborough is an absolute gem with a population of just over 2000 people.
Renowned for its vineyards, wineries and culinary delights, Martinborough is a popular destination for wine enthusiasts and foodies alike.
With over 60 vineyards on your doorstep, you can take part in wine tastings, vineyard tours, and cellar door experiences, to sample the region’s renowned wines and learn about the winemaking process. Being a compact area with relatively flat terrain, renting a bike is a great way to explore the cellar doors and scenic countryside on a nice day.
Martinborough also features a charming village square that is loosely shaped on the Union Jack with a square at its center. It has a hipster flair with a small-town charm and the shops are all super cute, even the butcher shop. Explore the fresh cafes with vibrant mural walls, rustic bakeries and boutique shops selling unique items.
Overall, Martinborough’s reputation as a premier wine destination, combined with its picturesque surroundings and inviting village atmosphere, makes it an ideal destination for those seeking a wine-focused getaway and a taste of New Zealand’s prestigious wine country.
» Tour to try: Martinborough Foodie Half Day Tour
Where to Stay in Martinborough
Located in the center of town, The Vicarage Martinborough offers a charming self-contained cottage set in private gardens with a patio and BBQ facilities. Parehua Resort is another great choice with a fantastic location and panoramic views of the Wairarapa wine-growing region.
6. Akaroa
Akaroa is a quaint and picturesque seaside town on the Banks Peninsula of the South Island, a 1.5 hours drive from Christchurch.
This small town is wonderful, chaos-free and the perfect place to experience French Heritage in New Zealand. It was founded by French settlers in 1840 and is New Zealand’s only French settlement which is still seen throughout the town today.
As Canterbury’s oldest town, the colonial architecture, heritage sites, and cultural attractions add to the town’s distinctive character. Featuring colorful historic cottages, boutique arts and crafts shops and al fresco cafes serving French cuisine, the town is just perfect for exploration and will steal your heart with its charm and peaceful nature.
You can take a scenic boat tour of Akaroa Harbor to see Hector’s dolphins, the world’s smallest and rarest dolphin or enjoy a guided tour to see adorable little native penguins at Pohatu Bay.
Enjoy a relaxing stroll around the town. Be sure to visit the Giants House, a beautiful historic house full of vibrant artwork, terraced gardens and sculptures.
And for the food lover, the town has a farmer’s market every Saturday from October to April where you can try local produce from around the peninsula. There’s also Barry’s Bay Cheese where you can sample a range of handcrafted cheese, and Pot Pourri Fudge with over 50 flavors of cream and butter fudge with free tastings.
» Tour to try: Akaroa Full Day Sightseeing Tour from Christchurch
Where to Stay in Akaroa
For an overnight stay, French Bay House is a gorgeous renovated cottage in a fantastic location. For a budget-friendly option, the Akaroa Criterion Motel offers rooms with a balcony or patio overlooking Children’s Bay and within walking distance to town.
7. Lake Tekapo
Lake Tekapo offers a blend of small-town charm and natural beauty, perfect for a quiet getaway in one of the most beautiful places in New Zealand. It’s fringed by the Southern Alps and perched on the edge of a lake, known for its striking turquoise water. It feels as though you’ve stepped into a postcard.
The town is small but has a variety of local shops, charming cafes and restaurants. I especially like the Greedy Cow cafe for good coffee and nice food.
Just over the pedestrian bridge is the Church of the Good Shepherd, one of the country’s most photographed stone churches that sits on the lake shore with mountains in the backdrop.
Late November to early January draws visitors from all around the world to see the lupins in bloom around Lake Tekapo. While the winter months are the best time to visit for stargazing, snow capped mountains and fewer tourists.
Lake Tekapo is part of a UNESCO Dark Sky Reserve and one of the top spots in the country to see the Southern Lights (Aurora Australis), with little light pollution and clear nights. Head to Mt John Observatory to witness the remarkable night sky and if you’re really lucky maybe even the Southern Lights.
Where to Stay in Lake Tekapo
The 4.5-star Peppers Bluewater Resort – close to the shores of the lake – has great views, a restaurant and large comfortable air-conditioned rooms. The Grand Suites Lake Tekapo is a lovely modern property offering rooms with views over the lake and mountains.
8. Cromwell
Located in the heart of the Central Otago wine region, Cromwell is a small town that really packs a punch. It’s easy to spend more time here than you think would be possible, due to the large number of wineries you’ll find in Cromwell and nearby Bannockburn and Gibbston Valley.
The town has over 30 cellar doors and wineries, orchards and fruit shops where you can sample the region’s award winning wines and local produce on your own or by joining a wine tour from Queenstown. Either way, you’ll get to take a scenic drive through the surrounding vineyards where you can learn how the grapes are grown and tour the vineyards.
Although established by gold miners with a history stretching back to the 1800s, today Cromwell is known as the “Fruit Bowl of the South” for its production of stone fruit, which is marked by a big fruit sculpture at the entrance to the town.
Be sure to visit the Cromwell Heritage Precinct, affectionately called ‘Old Cromwell Town’, where you can explore preserved or reconstructed historic buildings from the gold rush era.
For nature enthusiasts, the town sits alongside the beautiful Lake Dunstan which is the starting point for scenic walking and cycling paths.
The Lake Dunstan Trail is one of the best in the region. This 42 kilometer (26 mile) path connecting Cromwell and the historic town of Clyde, takes you along boardwalks, over suspension bridges and around rock walls with spectacular views and glimpses into the area’s history.
» Book your: Lake Dunstan Cycleway Bike Rental With Return Luxury Shuttle
Where to Stay in Cromwell
For location and a high standard, you can’t beat the Marsden Lake Resort. It’s right on Lake Dunstan, a 10-minute drive from town, with a bar and restaurant on site. For something a bit more low-key, The Central Gateway Motel is a good choice, a 5-minute walk to Old Cromwell Town.
9. Arrowtown
Next up is Arrowtown – a historic small town located just 20 minutes from Queenstown that will make you feel like you’ve journeyed back in time.
The town has a population of just over 3000 people and is mainly known for its historic gold mining past and quaint town center. A variety of boutique shops, offices and cafes occupy historic buildings left from the gold rush era, each of them offering a glimpse into the region’s rich heritage.
Visitors can check out the Arrowtown Chinese Settlement, a small partially restored village that was created for the Chinese miners in the 1860s and tells the story of the Chinese gold miners in the area. Along Buckingham Street, the town’s main street, you can see the old merchant houses.
The town is also popular for its network of walking and hiking trails that run along the picturesque Arrow River, many offering stunning views.
Arrowtown is one of the best places to experience autumn in New Zealand. In fact, one of the most popular events in Arrowtown is the annual Autumn Festival, held in the final week of April.
The town comes together to celebrate the end of summer and the coming of Autumn colors, featuring live music, food, games and a parade. A fun event for the whole family.
Where to Stay in Arrowtown
Arrowtown has several accommodation options to choose from. Shades of Arrowtown and The Arrow Hotel are both good options, as is Millbrook Resort (the latter an award-winning 5-star luxury resort set on one of the country’s top golf courses).
10. Glenorchy
Glenorchy is the perfect destination if you are looking for a charming and rustic small town. Known for its little red shed, famous Lord of the Rings filming locations and hiking trails, Glenorchy offers a wonderful blend of remote wilderness, picturesque landscapes and outdoor adventures.
Situated at the top of Lake Wakatipu, surrounded by beech forest and bordered by snow capped mountains, Glenorchy is the ideal place to get off the beaten path and immerse yourself in nature. From thrilling jet boat rides to horse back riding through river valleys and some of the country’s top hiking trails, there’s plenty of memorable things to do in Glenorchy.
For instance, Glenorchy is the gateway to Mt Aspiring National park and popular multi-day hikes such as the Routeburn track and Greenstone and Caples tracks. There’s also many beautiful day hikes and short walks with mountain and lake views.
With a population of under 600 people, Glenorchy is the ideal destination for nature lovers looking to get away from the hustle and bustle.
» Tour to try: Lord of the Rings Scenic Half Day Tour from Queenstown
Where to Stay in Glenorchy
For an overnight stay, the Glenorchy Retreat Apartment is in the perfect location. This cozy one-bedroom apartment has everything you need including bikes you can use and free private parking.
11. Wanaka
Wanaka is a little larger than the other towns we’ve covered so far with a population of about 10,000 people, but earns a spot on our list for its laid back outdoorsy vibe, lack of fast food joints and peaceful landscapes.
Just an hour’s drive from Queenstown, I think of Wanaka as Queentown’s cool cousin. With mountains, lakes and some of the best hiking trails in the country it’s the ideal base for adventurers and nature lovers.
In fact, Wanaka is home to the popular Roys Peak Track and that Instagram famous viewpoint. The Cardrona ski field is also nearby making the town an ideal base for skiing in winter.
Perched on the edge of Lake Wanaka, the town is filled with wonderful cafes, delicious restaurants and cute boutique shops. I like Francesca’s for dinner, Big Fig for breakfast and Lake Bar for lunch. For a low key option, the Food Truck Park on Brownston Street has a nice selection of food at reasonable prices.
Grab a photo of That Wanaka Tree, try local wine at Rippon Vineyard and visit the Lavender Farm – be sure to try the homemade lavender ice cream! And if it’s raining or you want to have a chill evening, head to Cinema Paradiso. This iconic movie theater is quirky, cozy and has the best cookies.
Where to Stay in Wanaka
The Edgewater Hotel is a beautiful resort-style property right next to Lake Wanaka. It has spas, a tennis court and a concierge to help organize your activities. In the town center, the Wanaka Hotel is a great location with most rooms having views of the lake and mountains.
12. Hokitika
Hokitika is a great little town that offers visitors a glimpse into the laid-back West Coast lifestyle. Here, you’ll find beautiful landscapes, cafes and restaurants, quirky art galleries and unique things to do. It’s an ideal place to stop when traveling between Arthurs Pass and the West Coast glaciers.
The town is known for its rich history of gold mining and jade carving, with local workshops and galleries showcasing its cultural heritage. The nearby Hokitika Gorge is a must-visit destination for anyone in the area. A short walk through lush rainforest takes you to a rocky gorge with vibrant turquoise waters and stunning natural scenery.
Visit the rugged beaches strewn with driftwood and grab a photo with the rustic Hokitika sign at sunset. Explore the treetops of an ancient Rimu and Kamahai forest on the West Coast Tree Top walkway, visit the glowworm dell after dark or feed the eels (it’s strangely fun), and meet New Zealand’s iconic kiwi birds at the National Kiwi Centre.
Additionally, Hokitika hosts the annual Wildfoods Festival in early March, where visitors can sample a variety of unique and exotic foods and local delicacies.
Where to Stay in Hokitika
The Beachfront Hotel Hokitika is in a great location right near the beach. The rooms are clean and spacious, many with ocean views. For something a little different, the Hokitika Fire Station Boutique Accommodation is the town’s historical fire house that has been converted into 5 luxury holiday apartments, each one with its own unique style and character.
Conclusion
From the quaint town of Tirau, famous for its corrugated iron murals, to the breathtaking beauty of Lake Wanaka – these 12 charming small towns in New Zealand are filled with warm hospitality, history and adventure. So if you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle and experience the relaxed atmosphere of these hidden treasures, be sure to add them to your travel bucket list. You won’t regret it!
Travel Planning Guide
🚗 Where should I book my rental car?
Renting a car is one of the best ways to get around New Zealand. Public transportation can only get you so far, even in the cities. I always rent with Discover Cars, which checks the prices of all major rental car companies, so you get the best rates.
🚐 What about a campervan?
Renting a campervan is a fantastic way to experience the more remote areas of New Zealand. I really like JUCY because they have a big range of vehicles and locations around the country, which offers more flexibility with pick-up and drop-off. I also like Motorhome Republic, which compares all the campervan options available in NZ.
🎟 Where should I book my tours?
Tours are a great way to experience New Zealand’s top attractions while learning about the area and culture through local guides. We always use Viator and Get Your Guide to find the best tours.
🛏 What’s the best way to book my accommodations?
For hotels and vacation rentals, Booking.com or Expedia.com are the best sites. You can also book through TripAdvisor. If you’re considering renting a house instead, try VRBO which often has good deals.
🛩 What’s the best site to buy flights to New Zealand?
For finding the best deals on flights to New Zealand from around the world, I recommend Kayak.com.
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Heather is a travel enthusiast living in New Zealand with her family. She writes about living in and enjoying travel to New Zealand.