Our best kept secrets

New Zealand has many amazing places to go and there are heaps of ways for you to enjoy them. But how do you choose where? Sometimes you need a local to show you the best spots. Check out our list of best kept secret outdoor places and find out what the locals recommend.

Karikari Bay Track

This very short track takes you to a long, white sandy beach on Northland's Karikari peninsula.

Oparara Basin short walks

The Oparara Basin is considered one of the finest features of Kahurangi National Park. An old forestry road provides access for walkers, cavers and other wilderness enthusiasts.

Whirinaki Forest Park

There is something for everyone in Bay of Plenty's Whirinaki Forest Park, from mountain biking to hunting to exciting adventure races, all with a back drop of untouched forest beauty and amazing native birdsong.

Broken Hills Recreation Area walking tracks

Coromandel's Broken Hills Recreation Area has a number of walking tracks through old mining sites.

Clifden Caves

Explore the limestone caves and view the stalactites and glow worms within this rare Southland cave system.

Raetea North Side campsite

The campsite is located at the northern foot of Northland's Raetea Forest and is set in one of the last remaining lowland coastal forests.

Motatapu Track

The Motatapu Track is a new and demanding, 34-kilometre, three- to four-day alpine tramp for experienced parties. It follows much of an historic route that linked the Wanaka and Arrowtown areas.

Awarua Wetlands

Southland's Waituna Lagoon (part of Awarua Wetlands) was the first place in the world to be officially recognised under the Ramsar Convention.

St Paul's Rock

Follow this track to St Paul’s Rock above the Bay of Islands town of Whangaroa to see spectacular views of the harbour.

Wangapeka Track

It’s a 4-6 day moderately difficult tramp along the Wangapeka Track in Kahurangi National Park.

Puketi & Omahuta forests

Podocarps and Kauri are home to many rare native birds in Northland's Puketi and Omahuta forests.The forests provide a range of walking, tramping and camping opportunities.