New Zealand's Five Forgotten Best

Church of the Good Shepard, Lake Tekapo church

You can't go wrong when choosing an itinerary for New Zealand.  Popular tours and guidebooks do a great job of highlighting some of New Zealand's best sites; the Milford Sound, Wine Country, the Bay of Islands, Rotorua's thermal pools...the list could go on and on.  However, some of the best places to visit in New Zealeand are a little off of the beaten path.  All are places you should visit in New Zealand.  If you are lucky enough to spend an extended amount of time in the country, or you are visiting for a second (or third or fourth) time, consider visiting these "forgotten" wonders of New Zealand.    

Stewart Island

1. Stewart Island- Arguably the best place to hike in New Zealand (there are many "great walks" throughout the country), Stewart Island's location has kept many from visiting the island.  Located off of the South Island's southern tip, Steward Island is home to a population of less than 500 permanent residents.  It is precisely this isolation that has made Stewart Island such a great place to see the wilderness of New Zealand  If you want to experience New Zealand's most pristine and virtually untouched country, plan to visit and hike Stewart Island.

Caught on a Moeraki Boulder

2. Moeraki Boulders- Located on the South Island's East Coast near the village of Moeraki are a series of unusual boulders. The boulders, which are nearly perfect spheres in shape, are scattered throughout Koekohe Beach.  Some of the boulders are almost 6 feet in diameter and were created by simple wave erosion.  The boulder's are not reason alone to book a trip to New Zealand.  However, their location near Highway 1 make them an easy stop and great photo opportunity.  Be careful if you try to stand atop the boulders--if you time the waves incorrectly, you may end up losing your shoes to the ocean like I did!

White Island, New Zealand

3. White Island -New Zealand's only volcanic island, Steward Island is located on the Bay of Plenty near Whakatane.  Though you will have to endure an hour and half boat ride over rocky seas to get to White Island, you will get to walk the island and get see the volcano and it's effects on White Island up close.  The still-active volcano has created a landscape that looks like war-zone on another planet.  Touring White Island is also a more personalized way to see New Zealand's geothermic activity compared to tours in Rotorua. 

South Island West Coast

4. The Rustic West Coast-  Popular South Island itineraries often visit Christchurch, Queenstown, and the Milford Sound for those looking for a quick overview of New Zealand.  Unfortunately, these routes overlook the rustic and sparsely populated western coast that shouldn't be missed by anyone visiting the South Island.  A driving route from Westport to Queenstown gives one the opportunity to see the Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers, the pancake rocks, Hokitika (which is the best place to buy New Zealand jade), a rugged and stunning coastal road, and countless of other hidden "gems." 

Lake Tekapo, New Zealand

5. Lake Tekapo- Lake Tekapo, with it's clear waters framed by the snow-covered Southern Alps, is New Zealand at it's best; laid back with breathtaking beauty.  The lake, which is located near the center of the South Island, is a great place to relax and take in New Zealand's dramatic scenery.  One of New Zealand's most photographed landmarks, the Church of the Good Shepard, is also on the shores of Lake Tekapo (see photo at top). If you are looking for more adventure, consider a bike or horse tour of the area, a scenic flight around Mt. Cook, or a visit to the Mt. John Observatory on a clear night.