Islands are special places—they’re home to unique species, one-of-a-kind environments, and incredible communities. Aotearoa New Zealand is no exception—with 52% of its species found only there and countless diverse environments and regions across its more than 600 islands, it is an ideal destination for anyone looking to experience the beauty that islands have to offer.  

Aotearoa New Zealand just joined our Island-Ocean Connection Challenge, pledging to help us holistically restore 50 globally-significant island-ocean ecosystems from ridge to reef by 2030. This represents a significant step in our mission to fill the world with thriving, biodiverse islands for nature and people! In honor of their amazing commitment, which includes ambitious projects to restore Maukahuka Island and the Chatham Islands, we wanted to encourage you to experience this beautiful country for yourself–like a local.

Our Community Liaison, Julie Alach, is based in Orewa, North Auckland, but grew up in Aotearoa’s rural and wilder areas. An avid outdoorswoman and sea kayaker, she is the perfect spokesperson for the beauty that this gorgeous country has to offer. 

We asked Julie to use her expertise to share her five favorite places to visit. Her recommendations will help you experience Aotearoa like a real local, with authentic outdoor adventures for you to enjoy!

1. The Hauraki Gulf and its associated marine park are located off Aotearoa’s North Island and are dotted with stunning islands—many of which showcase successful conservation in action.

What Julie says: My own backyard. You can’t beat exploring the beautiful (and many pest-free!) islands by kayaking and boating. Kayak camping on our pest-free islands is my favourite way to enjoy the beauty and biodiversity of the Hauraki Gulf. For example, there are over 70 species of seabirds (c. 20 percent of the world’s seabirds) are found in the gulf; 27 of these breed in the region. Of these, 16 species are found only in New Zealand and five are found only in the Hauraki Gulf. 

Read more: New Zealand Nature Fund  

2. The Ōkārito area is a small settlement that was, once upon a time, a gold mining boom town. Now a tiny village, Ōkārito features gorgeous rambling walks and hikes through its mountainous landscape with its astonishing views of snow-capped peaks. 

What Julie says: On my list of favs probably because this was the first place I got to work with kiwi, the rarest of the five species too, the Rowi. The dramatic West Coast environment with the stunning Southern Alps as a backdrop makes it one of my list of top 5 places to visit. 

Read more: Department of Conservation Website

3. Nelson Lakes National Park is located on the north part of the South Island. Its spectacular glacier-sculpted valleys are the perfect backdrop for skiing and trout fishing. 

What Julie says: It is especially beautiful in winter with snow capped mountains, no crowds, and big friendly long fin eels you can feed at the end of the jetty.  

Read more: Nelson Lakes Feature

4. Matukituki Valley area is home to South West New Zealand World Heritage Area, and harbors a profound sense of remote wilderness. Crowned by the monumental Mount Aspiring, Matukituki Valley features walking routes that can take you right up to New Zealand’s stunning glaciers. 

What Julie Says: I love the spot where it starts changing from the West Coast environment to the Otago environment around the Makarora area, with plenty of stunning short walks. I’ve been lucky enough to spot some rare birds such as the Yellowhead/ Mohua, the Orange-fronted parakeet/ Kakariki karaka, and I always see the cute little Rifleman/ Tītitipounamu bird here. 

Read more: Department of Conservation

5. The mighty Kaipara Harbour is not just the largest harbour in Aotearoa—it’s the largest in the Southern Hemisphere. With five large rivers and more than 100 streams, Kaipara Harbour features stunning mangrove forests, shifting sand flats, and waterfalls. 

What Julie says: This is where I’m from, and it’s a part of me.  I’m not giving away my favourite location of the Kaipara because I don’t want it getting busy! 😊 It is a little trickier for visitors to access but they will see it if they drive the quieter roads from Auckland to Whangarei. 

Read more: Wikipedia