Jon Algie

I'm a South Island local -- born in Timaru and raised in Dunedin. I left the island in 2006 and returned 10 years later. Having seen a good chunk of the world I realised how special this place is -- the most beautiful island in the world! Seven years (and almost 400 posts) later I'm still helping locals and tourists alike plan their trips around the South Island.

6 of the Best Scenic Drives in Queenstown

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This list of the best scenic drives in Queenstown includes some of the top road trips in New Zealand. You’d struggle to drive for long before encountering a good view in these parts, but I’ve organised it all so you’ll have an easier time planning your road trips around Queenstown! This post contains affiliate links. … Read more

Top 12 Lakes in the South Island, New Zealand

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You’ll find some of the best scenery in New Zealand surrounding the lakes of the Southern Alps. From Fiordland National Park to the Nelson Lakes — here are the top 12 New Zealand South Island Lakes! Lake Heron Tucked away in a quiet corner of Hakatere Conservation Park, Lake Heron is beautiful lake surrounded by … Read more

Mount Vernon Park, Christchurch 

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There are heaps of places to visit in the Port Hills of Christchurch, where the main attraction is seeing the stunning views both of the city as well as Lyttleton Harbour and Banks Peninsula.  Mount Vernon Park is a great option — as you’ll see in the photos below! Getting to Mount Vernon Park Mount … Read more

Driving From Christchurch to Lake Tekapo and Mt Cook: The Best Places to Stop

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The drive from Christchurch to Mount Cook is one of the most popular journeys on New Zealand’s South Island. From the South Island’s biggest city you’ll head inland towards its tallest mountain, with heaps to see in between. This post contains affiliate links. If you click one and book a hotel or tour we’ll get … Read more

Sugarloaf Scenic Reserve, Christchurch

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If you’re looking for the best viewpoints in Christchurch you’ll want to head for the Port Hills. There are heaps of great views over the harbour, city and surrounding mountains, and lots of scenic reserves and walking tracks. Sugarloaf Scenic Reserve is great place to see everything the Port Hills is famous for, as you’re … Read more

Where Are the Best Beaches in Christchurch?

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Christchurch, the South Island’s biggest city, isn’t widely known as a beach destination. You won’t find exotic white sand or clear blue water, but there are plenty of interesting beaches in Christchurch, from popular dining / family outing spot Sumner to scenic spots such as Taylors Mistake and Tumbledown Bay. This post contains affiliate links. … Read more

Where Are the Best Beaches in Wānaka?

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Beaches aren’t the first things that come to mind when thinking about Wānaka, an inland mountain tourist town famous for hiking and skiing. Lake Wānaka dominates the area and features some stunning beaches, and nearby Lake Hāwea has good ones too. Looking for the best beaches in Wānaka? You’ve come to the right place! Downtown … Read more