9 Hidden gems

Just 50 metres of the coast between Kaiteriteri and Marahau near Abel Tasman National Park lies Split Apple Rock. Made out of granite the rock looks just like its name implies, an apple that has been cut in half. 

Photo by @savissavvy(opens in new window) on instagram.

High in the mountains of Fiordland's Milford Sound sits Lake Quill. Surrounded by cliffs, this lake is a true hidden gem.

Photo by @jasoncharleshill on Instagram. 

35 kilometres south of Rotorua is Kerosene Creek, where a hot spring and freshwater stream meet, allowing you to bathe and relax all year round. Photo by @petiteloudy on Instagram.

Take a boat trip or kayak to the 10 metre high Maori rock carvings on Lake Taupo. These carvings depict a visionary Maori navigator who guided the local tribes to the area over a thousand years ago.

Photo by @bruceypix(opens in new window) on Instagram.

Take a short walk through a redwood grove to visit the deepest natural fresh water spring in the North Island. The colours of the crystal clear spring will be sure to amaze. 

Photo by @gsieuw on Instagram. 

Take in the view at one of the most impressive waterfalls in New Zealand. Marokopa Falls is located in Tawarau Forest, a few kilometres drive away from the popular Waitomo Caves.

Photo by @emilient on Instagram. 

Gaze in wonder at the Punakaiki pancake rocks and blowholes, where columns of water shoot skyward from rocks that resemble giant stacks of hotcakes.

Photo by @elodie.merley(opens in new window) on Instagram.

Follow a small forest track from Makarora Road and discover the clear blue swimming pools. This is the perfect spot to stop if you are travelling between Lake Wanaka and the West Coast.

Photo by @ellenproject(opens in new window)s on Instagram.

Access the remote Waikawau beach through its unique tunnel. This tunnel was finished in 1911 by three men using picks and shovels. 

Photo by @brittany_trask(opens in new window) on Instagram.