It took millions of years for the amber-hued Oparara River to push a path through the old-growth rainforest and towering limestone cliffs – the result is a series of enormous tunnels in the Kahurangi National Park. The Oparara Arch is a staggering 219 metres long and 43 metres high, meaning there’s plenty of space for walking.  

This tangle of trees and dense undergrowth on the slopes of the North Island’s Mount Taranaki is straight from the pages of a fairytale – you half expect a mythical creature to emerge from a cluster of gnarled roots as you walk past. Within its mossy embrace you’ll find winding walking paths, surprising waterfalls and refreshing plunge pools.

These sand-polished orbs have stood sentinel on the shores of Koekohe Beach, an hour drive north of Dunedin, for 65 million years. The calcite boulders weigh several tonnes each and were revealed over aeons as surrounding sedimentary rock slowly eroded – though Maori legend suggests they’re the remains of gourds washed ashore from an overturned canoe.

A little strange and definitely imposing, these proud natural rock formations on the lower tip of the North Island were used as the Paths of the Dead in the film Return of the King. But the trails between them are actually very family-friendly, offering views of Palliser Bay.

It’s tempting to only drive asfar as Paradise then turn back on a daytrip from Queenstown but then you’d miss out on the incredible Earnslaw Burn. The glacial valley holds plenty of waterfalls, bubbling brooks and tussock grass-lined trails but look up and you’ll see the snow-capped peaks of Mount Earnslaw.

This narrow curve of sand extends along the west coast of the South Island for 34 kilometres. Stark and salty in some parts, dense with pines in others, this wetland protects more than 90 species of birds. Though you can explore its whole length on a 4WD tour, there are plenty of shorter walks that take in its most pristine sections.

These crystal-clear pools, near Lake Wanaka, get their icy hue from light refracting on the silky surface. You’ll need to walk around 20 minutes through a beech forest and cross two suspension bridges for a dip.

These inviting rock formations are located just a few hundred metres from the shores of Wharariki Beach, on the north tip of the South Island. Clamber along the rocks or stroll along the pale sand to take them in from different vantage points.

These infinity pools were built more than 80 years ago but a recent refurbishment has returned them to their pristine glory. Tiptoe along the furthermost edge at high tide and it will feel as though you’re walking on water.

It’s a stretch to say this cluster of limestone rocks actually look like delicious pancakes but that doesn’t make these layered stacks any less impressive. From the viewpoint, you can watch the sea steam and spray through several large blowholes.

There’s little more than a campground and a park at this quiet beach, on an arm of land in the Hauraki Gulf. As you’re traipsing the trails surrounding the bay, keep your eyes peeled for peacocks and native birds that many have migrated the short distance from the wildlife sanctuary on nearby Tiritiri Matangi Island.

There’s nothing between you and Tonga when standing on the Cape Brett walkway. One of the furthest reaches of the Bay of Islands area, it’s known among regular hikers for the challenging eight-hour walk, best done over two days.

On the coast near Wellington, Castlepoint is beloved by locals for its sandy surf beaches and distinct coastline. A 100-year-old, candy-striped lighthouse stands watch over reef and rocks below and – during migration season – it’s a great spot to whale-watch. 

The third largest isle in the country – after the North and South, naturally – lies at the bottom of the latter, off the coast near Invercargill. Close to 85 per cent of this triangle of land is dedicated national park and the pace of life here is generally a little slower.

Around every hill and river bend in this region, in the south-east corner of the South Island, you’re guaranteed a vista of natural beauty. It’s little more rugged than the alpine towns around Queenstown but not quite as remote as Stewart Island. First-timers should follow the Southern Scenic Route drive for a taste of the empty beaches that are home to colonies of very relaxed sealions.

The gap in the cliffs off the Dunedin coast can’t really be counted as a hidden gem – it’s hard to miss this incredible arch. But if you stop and follow the steep marked walkway, you’ll get to walk through it to a secluded beach protected by high sandstone walls.

So special is this nature reserve, accessible by ferry from Paraparaumu Beach north-west of Wellington, that you need to check in on arrival. Ideal for a daytrip or an overnight stay, you’ll get to see native kaka birds and other wildlife acting super-relaxed in their natural habitats.