Ahead of the curve: 4 Travel experts reveal where adventurous Kiwis are travelling

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  Travel and Leisure on Tue, Aug 26th, 2025 by The New Zealand Herald

Kiwis are swapping the crowded attractions for hidden gems in search of deeper connections with New Zealand’s landscapes and people

The Covid‑19 pandemic forced New Zealanders to look inwards. With international borders closed and a global travel market in turmoil, domestic tourism surged to an unprecedented level. But the surge was not merely a rebound; it was a shift. In a recent New Zealand Herald feature, a number of travelers and industry experts explained why Kiwis are increasingly turning their holiday calendars toward off‑the‑beaten‑path destinations—remote coastlines, small mountain villages, and countryside retreats that promise more authentic, immersive experiences than the familiar tourist circuits of Queenstown or Rotorua.

From “the big four” to “the little ones”

The “big four” of New Zealand tourism—Queenstown, Rotorua, the Bay of Plenty and the South Island’s Fiordland—have long been the mainstay of tourist itineraries. But the Herald article shows a steady migration to places that are still off‑the‑map, if not literally. Examples abound: a family of five from Auckland moved to the remote township of Haast in 2022 to run a small B&B, while a couple from Wellington bought a timber cabin on the coast of Golden Bay to escape the noise of city life. Even seasoned travel writers are taking new routes: one blogger’s recent road‑trip began in the rugged backcountry of the West Coast and finished on the hidden beaches of the Far North.

Why this change? “We’re looking for depth, not just a view,” says a 32‑year‑old freelance photographer who has been living in the Catlins for the past year. “I want to feel the land, the people, and their stories. It feels more real when you’re not in a tourist hotel that has been designed for a thousand visitors a year.”

The appeal of deeper connections

The article identifies three main reasons for the trend. First, authenticity: travelers now crave genuine interactions with local communities. In places like the Māori settlement of Waimana on the West Coast, tourists can stay on a marae and learn about traditional carving and the stories of the sea.

Second, wellness and reflection. Many respondents to a survey conducted by the New Zealand Tourism Board reported that they choose quieter, more natural environments for stress‑reduction and to reconnect with themselves. A small cluster of “wellness retreats” in the Hauraki Plains has emerged, offering yoga, mindfulness and farm‑to‑table meals made from local produce.

Third, sustainability. With concerns about overtourism in the South Island’s alpine valleys, many Kiwis prefer destinations that are less pressured. Travel experts note that this trend aligns with a broader push for responsible tourism. “We’re moving away from carbon‑heavy flights and large tourist buses, and toward cycling, walking, or even small‑scale charter boats,” a tourism consultant told the Herald.

How the industry is adapting

The article goes on to explain how local operators are capitalising on this shift. Many remote accommodation providers are joining national “community tourism” networks, offering experiences that are both profitable and low‑impact. “We’ve got an agritourism farm in Waitaki that now hosts weekend workshops on cheese‑making and beekeeping,” says a 45‑year‑old farmer who also runs a bed‑and‑breakfast.

The tourism sector is also embracing technology. A new app launched in late 2023 allows travelers to find hidden spots, book directly with local hosts, and read real‑time reviews from other “off‑path” visitors. The Herald’s investigation reveals that this app has already helped over 10,000 people discover less‑known beaches, waterfalls and even a secluded hot‑spring in the Kakanui Mountains.

Challenges and the road ahead

While the trend is growing, the article does not shy away from potential pitfalls. Infrastructure remains a limiting factor; many remote spots still lack reliable roads or broadband. Moreover, the sudden influx of visitors can strain fragile ecosystems if not managed properly. A conservation officer on the West Coast warns that “a little too much footfall can damage native vegetation and disturb wildlife.”

The Herald also points out that the “off‑the‑beaten‑path” label can be misleading. Some of the hidden gems are only just gaining popularity, and without proper regulation, they could quickly become the next big tourist attractions, creating the very problems they seek to avoid. Some local councils are now piloting “tourism caps” and “green fees” to protect their most vulnerable environments.

A deeper relationship with the land

Ultimately, the story the Herald tells is one of transformation—both for New Zealand’s travel industry and for the people it serves. By choosing less‑traveled routes, Kiwis are rediscovering their own country in a way that feels intimate and sustainable. Whether it’s a four‑day hike along the Rakiura Track on Stewart Island, a week‑long stay in a sheep farm in Canterbury, or a weekend of kayaking in the Hauraki Gulf, travelers are looking to create memories that are rooted in place rather than packaged.

As the article concludes, the new generation of Kiwi travelers isn’t merely avoiding the crowds. They are actively seeking places where they can feel the pulse of the land, engage with the people who call it home, and leave a smaller footprint. It’s a shift that could set a new standard for tourism worldwide—one that balances curiosity with responsibility, adventure with respect, and discovery with stewardship.