It's no secret that New Zealand is uniquely beautiful, with rolling green hills inland and stunning white (or black, depending on the coast) sand beaches spanning our coastlines. It's the picturesque dream that we're known for, and we're proud to call it home.
If you've lived in NZ for a while, you'll already have a few favourite spots on the list to take the family to. Perhaps it's a bach you head to every summer, or a beach you know the waves will be perfect for boogie boarding at - we've all got our little gems that we love to visit.
However, often us Kiwis get a little comfortable with our surroundings and forget to explore the hidden corners of our country that we're so well known for.
This summer, if you're not sure where to go on a beautiful day, check out this list of top 10 hidden locations to visit this holiday season and enjoy exploring something new!
In this blog, we focus on the hidden gems of the North Island, but keep an eye out for out next blog where we cover the infamously picturesque South Island.
A stunning cove that's sheltered from the wind and ocean currents, slightly north of Matapouri, Northland - you can only access this little beauty through a 10-minute bushwalk down a steep hill. But once you make it to the bottom, the water is warm and perfect for swimming and the sand is soft, ideal for a game of on-the-beach cricket.
An often unexplored area of Northland, the Kaipara region harbours a magnificent set of lakes on the west coast. There are three lakes in total (one for skiing, one for swimming and one that is 'tapu' and cannot be accessed), each entrenched with local Maori history. To locals, the lakes are a hot spot to visit on a summer's day, with sun-heated, crystal-clear water to splash about in and a campground on-site if you want to make the trip a slightly longer one.
A gently graded, two-hour DOC walk (great if you're taking the kids along) nestled in the Bay of Plenty Region, offering breath-taking panoramic views of East Cape, Mount Tarawere and Mount Ruapehu. Plus, if you're a fan of our native bush and the bird life that thrives within it, you're likely to catch a glimpse of Tawa tree canopies with robins, bellbirds and kokako. There have even been a few Kiwi spotted, if you're lucky!
Less than a 5km stroll through bushland and alongside a beautiful river bed will bring you to a spring so pure and fresh that the water is bottled and sold. The water takes 100 years to filter up to the surface, resulting in a virtually clear/blue colour that's unreal to look at. Plus, while you're strolling the riverside you'll catch a glimpse of the freshwater trout that live within it.
A natural phenomenon tucked away in the far-north Karikari peninsular, this lake is filled with peat and tannis minerals that have turned the water a sparkling colour, that strikes an uncanny resemblance to Coca-Cola. Bring your togs along, park right next to the lake and jump in to cool off on a hot summer day. Don't worry - the colour of the water is completely harmless.
Hard to believe it, but yep, that's real.
The exact location of the spot is sworn to secrecy, but if you're prepared to go a little out of your way and not afraid of bushwhacking, the risk is worth the reward. We'll give you a hint - head to Anawhata beach and stay high, there's no cleared path so you'll have to hunt around for a natural entry point - but seek and you shall find!
Based in the thermal region of the mid-North Island is the Otumuheke stream and spa park; home to a hot-water stream that flows straight into the great Waikato river. It's a very small and specific area of the river where the cold water of the river-current hasn't mixed with the thermal heated spots, leaving bathwater temperature nooks to bathe in. Take the family, bring your togs and find a spot in the naturally heated watering hole.
As a kid, nothing could beat finding a swimming spot that had enough elevated areas to safely execute the biggest bomb possible straight into the water. If you're traversing the Taranaki region this summer, we'd highly recommend biking to Rimu Street in New Plymouth, taking a picnic with you and spending a day swimming in the hidden spot. The locals in the area are known for being friendly, so if you can't track it down once you get there - just ask!
Of course, after any big day out with the family involving bush treks, off the beaten path routes, sand and surf, you're going to be bringing a little more of the outdoors inside when you get home than you might like. If you do end up with a few outdoorsy stains here and there, don't worry, we've got you covered with our FREE stain guide which you can download below!