Small towns to stop for on a New Zealand roadie

A summer roadie is as much about the places along the way as it is about the journey.

New Zealand is full of interesting little towns that are worth getting out of the car. Here is our selection of pit stops.

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Mangonui

If you travel to the far north, put Mangonui at the top of your list. This charming fishing village is known for its collection of historic buildings, which you can visit on the Mangonui Heritage Trail. Fish and chips at the iconic Mangonui Fish Shop is also a must – located 100 meters from the pier, you won’t get anything cooler.

Puhoi

Just 40 km north of Auckland, you will find the historic village of Puhoi. Established in 1863 by immigrants from Bohemia, the city has retained much of its original character, with its impressive old church, town hall, and small library. Stop for a snack at the 140-year-old Puhoi Pub, and don’t leave without visiting the famous Puhoi Valley Cafe and Cheese Shop.

Featherston

Looking for a summer reading? You will have no trouble finding one in Featherston, New Zealand’s “Booktown” in Wairarapa. The city has what must be the country’s best collection of old and second-hand bookstores, which you could spend hours rummaging through.

Hokitika

After driving down the Great Coast Road between Westport and Greymouth, keep going south and you’ll end up in Hokitika, one of the best gems on the West Coast. Believed to have more galleries per capita than anywhere else in the country, as well as some quirky little restaurants, it’s the perfect place to stop on a rainy day.

Geraldine

This pretty little town in South Canterbury is as nostalgic as pike with jam and cream, which is fitting, considering it’s the birthplace of Barker’s famous jam. Geraldine is any foodie’s dream, so make sure you arrive hungry. Sample some of the variety at Talbot Forest Cheese, enjoy handcrafted chocolates at The Cottage Pantry and Gallery, or stop for lunch at one of the city’s cozy cafes.

Omarama

Omarama is the gateway to Aoraki Mt Cook to the north and Queenstown to the south. But it is worth stopping for a while in this city of union, nestled between picturesque mountains and lakes. Unwind after a long journey with a soak in Hot Tubs Omarama (cold tubs are also offered), and if you can, stay until dark so you can gaze at the stars under one of the country’s lightest spots in the sky.

Moeraki

Moeraki might be synonymous with rocks, but the town of Waitaki, just five minutes down the road to geological wonders, is well worth a stop in its own right. No visit to this laid-back fishing village is complete without experiencing one of the best seafood restaurants in the country, Fleur’s Place. There are also some walking trails where you can see sea lions and yellow-eyed penguins.

Ranfurly

Although not as famous as some of its Central Otago neighbors, Ranfurly is a true gold nugget. Located in Maniototo, most visitors whiz past on two wheels on the Otago Central Rail Trail. But if you’re traveling by car, it’s worth a pit stop to admire the city’s beautiful buildings – Ranfurly boasts the best collection of art deco structures south of Napier.