Recognised for its clean and green environment, New Zealand is made up of many beautiful landscapes – from vast mountain chains to grand volcanoes, from flowing rivers and contemporary museums to expansive caves, fiords, lush rainforests, grassy plains and rich thermal areas.
Get off the beaten track to find lots of hidden gems that are waiting to be explored:
The result is a luscious natural space full of light and warmth. The marble altar comes from the Catholic church where he was an altar boy.
The TreeChurch is set at the heart of more than a hectare of sculpted gardens that Barry created himself. Initially, a private property Barry was persuaded to open it to the public in 2015. With capacity for 120 guests, the TreeChurch hosts many weddings. (Image: Ohaupo TreeChurch)
The boat is often escorted by the region’s diverse wildlife, including bottlenose dolphins, as it makes its deliveries along the intricate coastline. A born and bred Marlburian, Bindy’s favourite part of the job is the people she gets to meet, as well as their precious cargo – it’s not uncommon for goats, pigs and sheep to make the trip. Having seen every nook and cranny of the coastline, Bindy’s favourite spot is Tawero Point, where a number of the Sounds come together. (Image: The Mail Boat)
Gore’s Hokonui Moonshine Museum opened in 2000 to preserve the region’s colourful history of illicit whiskey-making and consumption. In 2021 the museum will open its first operating distillery to produce Old Hokonui Moonshine – made to the original recipe – on site. Using third-generation local grain growers to harvest barley and a bespoke art still’ commissioned especially for the project, the region’s reputation for unique moonshine continues. (Image: goredc.govt.nz/)
In 2017, the hall was forced to stop hosting concerts after a noise complaint. At the end of 2019 Barrytown Hall won the dispute and were given the green light to continue holding live gigs after a crowdfunding campaign to soundproof the venue.
During the campaign, a sign at the hall read: “When leaving, please remind our neighbours that drunk people have loudly been leaving this establishment long before they decided to buy houses next door.” (Image: Barrytown Hall/Facebook)
While it may seem macabre, Mahalski sees his collection as a celebration of life and the interconnectedness of all beings, a concept he explores in the intricate bone sculptures he makes and displays in the final room of the museum. Also on display are Mahalski’s collections of cultural ephemera, strange vintage books, and other curiosities, many sourced from the Otago region. (Image: Royal Dunedin Museum)
Underhill Valley is owned and hosted by Jessie and Craig Moon, who live on the property along with their young children. The earth house was created by Jessie’s father over many years. Every element was hand-crafted – down to the iron-hinges on the large wooden doors. Jessie spent her childhood planning what this little house would look like with her dad. A fairy-tale come true, Underhill Valley is a very special place for the family and its guests. (Image: CanopyCamping/Facebook)
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