New Zealand is one of those places where no matter how much you explore, there’s always something else to make your jaw drop. While Auckland and Wellington are must-visits, it’s the small towns on the North Island that really show off the beauty of the islands.
I teamed up with other travel bloggers to bring you the best small towns to visit on New Zealand’s North Island. If you have a favorite that didn’t make the list, feel free to let me know in the comments & I’ll add it as a reader favorite!
I split these guides into the North and South Islands so trip planning is as easy as possible. There’s also a map at the end of each post so you can see where the best small towns are!
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Hahei
Tucked away in the Coromandel is one of the best beachside towns in New Zealand. It’s a popular spot for tourists and locals alike. The white sand beach and sparkling water makes it the perfect place to relax and swim. Hahei is one of the best beaches in Coromandel.
If you are looking our getting out on the water the guys at Hahei Explorer will see you right. They will take you out and around the Marine reserve visiting coastal islands, sea caves, reefs, blowholes, and Cathedral cove. The drivers here are so knowledgeable about the area, including the sea life, and the history. Worth every penny.
One of the main reasons people visit Hahei is the chance to visit Cathedral Cove. It is famous for the naturally formed archway that separates two beach coves and makes for a perfect photo opportunity. It’s a great spot for a swim too. From Hahei, it’s a 45-minute walk along a paved path. You can either park at the top of the hill though parking is limited or park near Hahei beach and walk from there.
If you are looking for somewhere to eat, look no further than the Pour house. Great range of food and they brew their own beer!
The best place to stay is at the Hahei Beach Resort. They offer all types of accommodation from booking a camping spot to living it large in one of the villas. The amenities here are first-class with a cafe and general store on-site, communal kitchen and BBQs, kids playground just to name a few. The added bonus is that this place is right on the beach.
Karangahake Gorge
Located between Auckland and Tauranga, Karangahake Gorge gets a lot of traffic driving past but is often overlooked as a place to visit in NZ. However, it’s one of the best small towns on the North Island.
The main reason I like Karangahake Gorge is for the hiking, but you can do some short walks and get to see some historic sites. The shortest walk is the Windows Walk which gives you some views from high above the river where they used to mine out of. And you’ve got the tunnel walk which you can walk or bike through. And there is no shortage of longer hikes, with sunrise/sunset at the top of Mt Karangahake breathtaking. There are a lot of hikes in Karangahake Gorge for any traveler.
If you enjoy a bike ride, you’ve got a 30km stretch of the Hauraki Rail Trail between Paeroa and Waihi which is nice. It’s the easiest stretch of the trail making it family-friendly. There are several places you can rent bikes from, which most accommodation providers can help with. It also takes you past the Owharoa Waterfall, and Victoria Battery Site (kids will like this place).
Karangahake is tiny, so I like using Riverside Accommodation as a base (they have bikes you can use). Across the road, you have The Talisman Cafe & Crafts for food. But do check the opening hours in advance, as they change a lot depending on demand.
Martinborough
If you enjoy wine, then the historic village of Martinborough is a great place to spend a few days. Surrounded by vineyards, the colonial village is built in the style of an English town, with quaint buildings set around a town square. There are over 20 wineries in close proximity to the village and it’s easy to walk or cycle between them. Martinborough is known for its food and there are several good places to eat, along with a number of nearby winery restaurants – head to Poppies for a delicious platter out in the sun. If you’re lucky enough to be visiting in November, be sure to head to the Taste of Martinborough food and wine festival, which is held in the town.
Most visitors to the town fill their days tasting wines and exploring the nearby vineyards. If you want something more energetic, there are some beautiful walks in close proximity to Martinborough, otherwise, if you have a car, the nearby towns of Carterton and Greytown are well worth visiting. If you don’t mind driving a bit further, the rugged coastline of Castle Rock is very beautiful, or you can visit the lighthouse and seal colony at Cape Palliser, the southernmost tip of New Zealand’s North Island.
Stay at Brackenridge Country Retreat, just outside of town, for a comfortable experience in a tranquil rural setting.
Mount Maunganui
Found on the east coast of the North Island, just a 2.5-hour drive from Auckland, Mount Maunganui is a paradise for beach-lovers and foodies. This town is adorably nicknamed The Mount by Kiwis (the full name can be quite a mouthful) due to the stunningly picturesque mountain at the head of the beach.
There’s a host of great things to do in Mount Maunganui, but the soul of the town is underpinned by it’s great hospitality scene, gorgeous white-sand beach and, of course, the stunning mountain, Mauao.
We’d recommend getting up early to hike to the top of Mauao to avoid the heat. It’s definitely do-able by people of all fitness levels, but it will be challenging if you’re not super active. Expect around 30-40min to reach the top.
Then spend the day lounging on the beach and jumping in the water, before whiling away the evenings in the town. Dine at a range of delicious and eclectic eateries, including Rice Rice Baby and Hello Banh Mi for great Vietnamese, and Roxie’s Cantina for Mexican. When it comes to Mount Maunganui accommodation, the options can be painfully scarce – especially when booking during peak times. The Pacific Apartments are the best beachfront option for most travellers. For budget travellers, we’d recommend Seagulls Guesthouse.
Rotorua
Located on New Zealand’s Northern Island, Rotorua is the country’s getaway to the geothermal wonderland, Wai-O-Tapu Geothermal Hot Springs. It is the largest surface area of thermal activity in the Taupo zone that has one of the highest geothermal activity ratings in the world with bubbling hot springs, mud pots, and geysers. Among the most distinctive features of the Wai-O-Tapu is the Champagne Pool that has a distinct orange line framing the bubbly water that got its name because it resembles a glass of champagne thanks to its bubbly water. It’s one of the best stops on a New Zealand road trip.
Although most of Rotorua’s attractions are based around the geothermal landscape, it’s not the only activity in the area. Other popular things to do in the Rotorua area include traditional Maori villages, such as the Buried Village, Te Puia, or Mitai, as well as thermal baths and mineral pools that are known for their healing features.
Another area that is worth a stop is the Buried Village, which is the excavated ruins of a village engulfed in ash by the Mount Tarawera eruption in 1886 is definitely worth a visit. To grab a bite, make a stop at Amazing Thai Restaurant which has plenty of vegan and vegetarian options on the menu.
If you are looking to spend the night in the Rotorua area, consider booking a stay at Hamurana Lodge. This gorgeous hotel is just 15 minutes away and offers spectacular views of the lake as well as beautiful lush gardens.
Russell
Russell is the oldest and prettiest small town in New Zealand. It has an idyllic location on the water in the Bay of Islands in subtropical Northland with easy access to beaches, coastal hikes, and island-hopping.
Russell was the first permanent European settlement in the country. In the 1800s it was known as the Hell Hole of the Pacific due to the debauchery of the traders, whalers, and sailors it attracted.
Now it’s a relaxed town with beautiful historic buildings. Your first stop should be The Strand to wander along the seafront past the iconic Duke of Marlborough Hotel, which dates back to 1827 and is perfect for a sunset drink.
There are some excellent short walks in the area including up Flagstaff Hill, to Tapeka Point, and along lovely Long Beach (also the best place to swim).
One of the most popular activities is a cruise to the surrounding islands. Explore offers large boat cruises from Russell that include 1.5 hours on stunning Urupukapuka Island. After a busy day exploring, relax in Hone’s Garden with one of their delicious wood-fired pizzas. Or brave the winding 15-minute drive to Paroa Bay Winery for a meal on their hillside terrace overlooking the bay. The Duke of Marlborough Hotel is the best place to stay in Russell, especially if you choose a room with a balcony and sea view.
See this guide to the best things to do in the Bay of Islands for more details.
Tirau
Tirau is known as the Corrugated Iron Capital of the World, but before you think this means it’s all industrial, think again – it gets the title because of the fun signs and cute buildings made from the metal. The high street is full of creations like giant iron elephants and a Pukeko with fluttery lashes and a great taste in footwear. The Public toilets are in a giant iron sheepdog – and far, far more.
Wandering up and down the main street is one of the best things to do in Tirau, but you’re also a short drive to the absolutely stunning natural Blue Spring and, on the way there or back, you have to stop at the privately-owned Tirau Museum. You’ll find everything from petrol pumps to old honey labels – and a few more iron signs. The famous Hobbiton Movie Set is also only about a 20-minute drive from Tirau
The main street is lined with small cafes to try, but the Tucker Bar and Eatery is one of the best places to stop – they aren’t open on a Sunday or Monday though so factor that into your trip.
At just a two-hour drive from Auckland, Tirau is a great place for a day trip from Auckland – or a stop between Auckland and Rotorua. If you do want to stay overnight, try the Tirau Motor Inn in the town itself or, the nearby Okoroire Hot Springs Hotel or, swish Lake Karapiro Lodge.
Waitomo
Waitomo became a famous small town on the North Island because of the local celebrity – the glowworms. While the worms put the town on the map, there’s more to it. The rolling green hills and pristine lakes provide ample entertainment during the day. From hiking to boating activities, you won’t be bored. You can walk to the Marokopa Falls and across the limestone Mangapohue Natural bridge. There are a number of good cafes in town and farms that perform shows as a way to show off the local life and traditions.
Of course, a trip to Waitomo is not complete without a visit to the glow worm caves. Photography is not allowed without special permission as the light impacts the worms. Underneath the beautiful rolling green hills lays a complex labyrinth of caves, underground rivers, and even sinkholes. There are a variety of ways to see the caves since they can be found around the island. We decided to kayak around the lake and into the caves. Tubing through the caves is an option as well. For more adventurous travelers, you can abseil down into the caves. No matter how you get there, it’s impossible not to be in awe of these tiny yet gorgeous creatures.
For a budget-friendly place to stay in Waitomo, check out the Waitomo Caves Guest Lodge and for a more luxurious option, check out Waitomo Boutique Lodge.
Wanganui
Located in the Southwest of New Zealand’s North Island, Wanganui is a beautiful city at the Tasman Sea end of the Wanganui River. It is a 3-hour drive from Taupo and 2 and half hours from Wellington.
During the days of European settlement, Wanganui was an important trading centre and the river was used for transporting goods and people.
Wanganui is a lovely place to stop for road trippers exploring North Island.
The top attraction here is the Durie Hill Tower and Elevator – an earthbound elevator that rises to the top of the hill. There is a long pedestrian tunnel that runs from the road to the elevator built within the hill. The stunning views from above include the coastline, Mt Ruapehu, Mt Taranaki, and the winding river.
The ‘bridge to nowhere’ is a unique bridge across the Mangapurua stream in the Wanganui national park with no roads leading to it. This is a popular tourist attraction for mountain bikers and bush walkers.
The heritage walks and river cruises using paddle steamers are other things to do. There is no shortage of nice eating places with a good spread of interesting cuisine. Caroline’s Boatshed Bar and Eatery are great for a classic breakfast menu with river views from the deck. High-Kut Bistro located in Victoria Avenue offers delicious brunch, lunch, and kids’ menu.
The Browns Boutique Bed & Breakfast and Rutland Arms Inn – both situated in the heart of Wanganui offer luxury accommodation, while Riverside Motel is a good choice with average pricing.
Map of Small Towns on the North Island
Read More about New Zealand
Best Things to do in Wellington
25 Essential Tips for New Zealand
Best Small Towns in New Zealand’s South Island
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What a great selection of towns, each one very different to the others. I really don’t know enough about NZ, although I have it on my list of “must visit” places.. Lots of great info on places to see and things to do, as well as accomdatio info, so I shall be bookmarking this for when I do get there. Love those sheep inspired buildings in Tirau
Having never been to NZ, but always day dreaming about this destination, I can see why there would be endless places to go and things to do here. The landscape is gorgeous and to be surrounded by the ocean makes for some sought out places to see. I especially liked the view of Mount Maunganui. There’s nothing better than getting up high in altitude to take in those panoramic views.
Thanks for sharing those! This has given me a good idea of places to check out on the North Island. I was meant to explore NZ as part of my sabbatical year but my trip got cut short due to Corona. Russell and Rotorua look good to me.
Carolin | Solo Travel Story
I’ve only been to New Zealand once, and it was actually to the north island, I only found out after that most people tend to lean towards the south island. I had a great time in and around Auckland but seeing these towns makes me want to go back and really explore out of the city. The view at Mount Maunganui looks incredible and I love that building in Tirau, so unique and inventive
Loved hearing about these areas and what makes them so special and fun to visit! Each one is very unique and has their own cool things to see and do, definitely something I’ll take note of when I eventually make it to New Zealand.
Have always wanted to visit NZ one day! It looks like there is just so much to do and see!