You’ve probably not heard of Taranaki Falls and Tama Lakes, but when I mention they are in Tongariro National Park, you may know. Just gotta find some time and money for it … Oh and the cover pick of me sitting on one of the docks was made at Lake Rotoroa, it’s that stunning! The number one hike to do for my next visit to New Zealand would be the Travers Sabine Circuit that runs through this park. There are various lakeshore tracks too so you will not be disappointed visiting. We hiked to Bushline Hut and stayed overnight but you can also easily do this in a long day hike. Not up for hiking? Both Lake Rotoiti and Lake Rotoroa can be reached by car and the view from the parking lot is already incredible. Unspoiled, quiet en with lots of great hikes. Which is a shame because it is one of the most amazing national parks there are in New Zealand. Most busses don’t go here and few people make the detour to go here while driving from Abel Tasman further down south. One of the most gorgeous but relatively unknown places in New Zealand, is Nelson Lakes National Park.
THE MOST UNKNOWN WHITE HOW TO
Even though we were short on time as we planned on doing the Abel Tasman Coastal Track, we were happy that we dedicated some time to this unique piece of nature! Go to the DOC website to find out how to get here and where you can walk and find the water. It is said the be the clearest water in the world and I was stunned by the beauty and colors in it. We only heard about Te Waikoropupu (Pupu) Springs from a local while visiting Takaka up north on New Zealand’s Southern Island and she told us we couldn’t leave the area without admiring the clear water of the Pupu Springs.
THE MOST UNKNOWN WHITE FULL
A full blog on how to get there can be found here. Really, if you have a vehicle and some spare time, make this a number one priority.
The lupins were in full bloom and it was incredibly photogenic. We were the only ones there (and it was nearly end of December) and had a blast.
So, what are the Clay Cliffs about? Well, they are some incredible rock formations that were formed some 2 million years ago and are made out of various layers of silt and gravel, brought here by rivers running through the area long ago. You’ll need a car to get here so the herds of backpackers will not make it most lilely. Or do as we did and camp overnight, even better! More information about this track can be found on the DOC website or on our blog about Lake Daniell and its sandflies…Īlthough they are mentioned in Lonely Planet, the Omarama Clay Cliffs don’t get too much visitors so I’d still call them one of the most amazing unknown places in New Zealand. The Manson Nicholls Memorial Hut is at the lakeside and a great spot for lunch before you head back. The track from the parking lot is 8.4 km one way and will take you some 3 hours to complete. Well it sure was! Although I think this one will be popular in weekends and holidays, we didn’t see anyone on the track and we visited early December. We were advised to do this hiking track by a Kiwi who lives in Holland and he promised us that it would be awesome. OK to actually get here you will have to walk a bit but oh my, Lake Daniell is gorgeous. If you have just a little more time, make sure to visit the places below, they receive far less visitors than the well trodden places and are equally beautiful, or maybe even better! Here are my favorite unknown places in New Zealand: Which is of course possible but it’s not ideal, especially if you want to get off the beaten path and see more than just the regular tourist spots. Most people think they ‘can do New Zealand’ in a couple of weeks. Ever since my first visit to New Zealand in 2002 I have been deeply in love with the country. Without having to drive for days, you will find yourself surrounded by glaciers one day, in the middle of Fiordland the next and on white sandy beaches the day after.
Let’s be honest here, only few other places in the world can beat New Zealand for its natural beauty. The most beautiful unknown places in New Zealand