Jon Algie 
Lake Tekapo, and the surrounding area, is home to some of the best scenery in New Zealand. It’s a great place to visit at any time of year, but if you happen to be there in summer (especially early summer) you’ll be greeted to a colourful treat – lupins! We went searching for lupins in … Read more
Timaru is a town most people pass through rather than spend the night. But even if you’re visiting on the way to somewhere else (most likely somewhere better) there are still some fun things to do in Timaru. Most of these centre on Caroline Bay, one of the better “city beaches” in New Zealand, but … Read more
If you want to see some great views of Banks Peninsula and the scenery around Akaroa, you won’t want to miss the Otepatotu Scenic Reserve. It’s right by the main road above Akaroa (Summit Road) and the walk up the hill through the forest opens out to some amazing views. Otepatotu Scenic Reserve While the … Read more
There are so many walks in Queenstown to choose from, so it’s lucky you stumbled on this post! I’ll help you choose the perfect hike in Queenstown, from the easy (and very scenic) walks in Glenorchy and Paradise to the demanding day hike up to the summit of Ben Lomond. The great thing about hiking … Read more
If you’re looking for a nice short walk in Akaroa with great views and something a little odd at the end, consider hiking the Children’s Bay Walkway. It’s fairly easy (although, ironically, children may struggle with the uphill nature of the track) and you can easily walk there from town. Children’s Bay Walkway This short … Read more
The road to Lake Heron branches off from the main Hakatere-Potts Road, meaning it’s a bit of a detour from the road to Mount Sunday (which is why I’m assuming you’re in this region in the first place). It’s a stunning drive though – there are a few other lakes to see on the way … Read more
If you want to see some typical Central Otago scenery (think massive rocks, barren landscapes and wide-open spaces) the drive to Fraser Dam is a great option. You’ll head into the hills above Alexandra to Fraser Dam, a manmade lake created in the 1930s which provides water for irrigating the farms and properties in the … Read more
Lake Ohau — another scenic New Zealand lake! There are dozens of lakes in New Zealand which I’d recommend visiting, especially in the Canterbury High Country region. You won’t have time to visit them all (even if you’re based in New Zealand like I am), so you’ll have to pick and choose. Will you choose … Read more
Bluff, a small town south of Invercargill, has always been known as the bottom of the South Island. It’s actually not – that crown goes to Slope Point (an hour away in the Catlins region) but I guess it’s the southern most town and it’s worth visiting for the views from Bluff Hill. Stirling Point, … Read more
When driving through the hills around Akaroa you’ll have the chance to take some detours to different bays and beaches. We haven’t visited them all yet, but I can highly recommend a trip down to Okains Bay or Le Bons Bay. Or, you could do both if you have the time, but one is probably … Read more