Centre of attraction
Brook Sabin and Radha Engling
It may be ‘‘the year of the vaccine’’, but for many, it’s also ‘‘the year of the road trip’’, with Kiwis exploring our backyard in record numbers. One of the best places to hit the road is the Central North Island, a volcanic wonderland full of hidden gems.
We’ve rounded up our favourite secret spots, all close enough for a treasure hunt on four wheels.
Coromandel A hidden relaxation retreat
Deep in Coromandel, surrounded by Jurassic rainforest, is one of the country’s best escapes to clear the mind – and it doesn’t cost the earth.
Wairua Lodge is 20 minutes outside Whitianga, with a series of hotel rooms tucked away in the bush. But the real beauty of this place is what’s outside your room – there is a treehouse bath, a star spa for watching the Milky Way, and a firepit for creating fresh s’mores (you’ll be provided with the ingredients).
The lodge also has an extensive series of walking tracks, with hammocks next to glistening water holes.
Waikato A tea-riffic day
Zealong Tea, just 15 minutes outside Hamilton, is home to the country’s only commercial tea plantation, with more than 1.2 million tea plants. Most remarkable of all, it’s 100 per cent organic.
While taking a tour of the grounds, you can also enjoy high tea overlooking the plantation. Treats include finger sandwiches, wraps, tarts, macarons and carrot cake – among many other surprises.
Bay of Plenty Glow-worm kayak
Tauranga is home to a spectacular canyon of glowworms – but it’s a hidden secret among locals. Thankfully, there is a guided kayak adventure run by Waimarino Kayak Tours that makes this special slice of Aotearoa accessible.
The tour starts at sunset on the shores of Lake McLaren, with cheese and a glass of wine before you set off into the fading light. After a short paddle, you’ll be taken inside the secret canyon, where a symphony of glow-worms light the path like little blue lanterns.
Thankfully, it’s almost impossible to photograph glow-worms from a kayak, meaning this adventure isn’t plastered all over social media – so there aren’t any crowds.
A slice of Bali
It will be many months – at the earliest – before New Zealanders can head to Bali, so why not try Aotearoa’s version tucked away in the Bay of Plenty: Waihı¯ Beach.
The town’s main 9-kilometre surf beach feels like Mt Maunganui 30 years ago; it’s beautiful, never too busy, and has a relaxed, friendly atmosphere.
One of the town’s popular cafes, The Secret Garden, adds to the Bali vibe with little eating huts scattered around a tropical garden.
Ruapehu Blue Duck Station
If you want a winter escape disconnected from the rest of the world, head to Blue Duck Station, which is surrounded by Whanganui National Park. The drive there is exceptionally windy, but it’s well worth the effort.
The remote farm has a series of affordable accommodation options alongside a cafe and activities such as horse trekking, jet boating and kayaking. The hugely popular fine-dining experience known as ‘‘Chef’s Table’’– where a feast is prepared in a luxury kitchen on top of a hill – has closed for winter, but reopens in September.
Rotorua Log off
It’s time to test yourself. Most people have heard of Rotorua’s award-winning tree walk, which is so easy you can even take a pram on it. The creators behind this tourist icon have now constructed something a lot higher and harder – and you need to wear a harness. It’s called Redwoods Altitude and it has 25 bridges, three flying foxes and even a leap of faith at the end (don’t worry, you’re still tied on and fall gently to earth). The course will challenge kids and adults alike.
Hidden hot spring
One of the most isolated hot springs in New Zealand can only be reached by water or air.
Lake Rotoiti Hot Pools has seven pools overlooking the lake, and the easiest way to get there is by jetboat, seaplane or water taxi. It’s worth the effort, especially on a cold winter’s day.
Taupo¯ Aye, aye, captain
It’s time to captain a doughnut! On Lake Taupo¯ , you and five friends can rent a circular doughboat, complete with an electric motor. Grab a few pizzas (or doughnuts) and cruise around the lake for two hours for a catch-up like no other.
East Cape The intrepid road
The trip to East Cape Lighthouse has to be one of the country’s most spectacular roads. While visiting remote communities such as Ruato¯ ria and Te Araroa feels like a step back in time, it’s the road to the lighthouse that will take your breath away – quite literally. You’ll see stock wandering along roads and beaches, before ascending a cliffside road that crumbles into the sea. The 700 steps to the lighthouse is worth the view.
Gisborne Hit the rails
A section of the closed Gisborne to Wairoa rail line is now home to a spectacular railbiking adventure. The enchanting track weaves through thick bush and over bridges, traverses long tunnels and hugs the dramatic coastline.
You’ll be riding a bike connected to the track and you don’t even need to steer or balance; that’s all taken care of. However, make sure to pay a little extra to get an electric bike; it makes the hills a lot easier. The Beach Loop is the best ride and traverses 32km over a half-day.
Hawke’s Bay Weekend of indulgence
While Craggy Range is one of the country’s most iconic wineries and far from a secret, few realise you can sleep among the vines. If two couples join together, it can be surprisingly affordable.
The vineyard has a series of cottages, some of them with two bedrooms, for $495 a night. So, if you gather another couple, you can end up among the vines sipping a merlot for less than $250 a night per couple – which is about the price of a hotel in Auckland.
The vineyard is near Te Mata Peak, and its on-site restaurant is unmissable.
This story was produced as a part of an editorial partnership with Get Out More NZ, encouraging Kiwis to see more of the Central North Island. See: getoutmorenz.com.