Jon Algie 
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
You’ll drive around the shores of Lake Pukaki when driving between Lake Tekapo and Mount Cook (or between Twizel and Mount Cook) and if you’re lucky enough to strike it on a nice day you’ll be blown away by how blue it is. It’s a surreal place to see and is one of the main … Read more
Akaroa is most famous for its harbour-based activities and Banks Peninsula views, but there’s also an awesome waterfall that you can walk to from town. It’s easy to get to and is surprisingly impressive — keep reading to find out more! Getting to Newton’s Waterfall If you feel like a bit of a walk you … Read more
The Abel Tasman Track (AKA the Abel Tasman Coastal Track) is one of nine “Great Walks” in New Zealand. If you want to hike the whole thing it’ll take you a few days. Most people don’t have the time or desire to do that, so an Abel Tasman Track day walk is a great alternative. … Read more
One of my favourite beaches in New Zealand isn’t even located on the coast – it’s in Queenstown! Queenstown Bay, on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, is the perfect place to chill-out by the water. There are plenty of places to sit, trees for shade and stones for skipping, and the whole scene is very … Read more
The tiny, historic town of St Bathans was a lot more bustling during goldrush times. Now it’s a peaceful place to visit on the Central Otago tourist trail (apart from all the ghosts, but more on that later). The man-made Blue Lake sits beside the main street in town and it’s an easy 60 – … Read more
Central Otago, during the goldrush times, was the most economically important region of New Zealand. Towns swelled with prospectors looking to get rich and faded as soon as it became apparent the good times were over. There are many ruins scattered around Central Otago which date back to this interesting point in history, and some … Read more
The short walk to the end of Onawe Pa / Peninsula is a fun thing to do when exploring Banks Peninsula. It’s close to Akaroa (in the small town of Duvachelle) and the views are great — keep reading to find out more! The Onawe Pa Track The track starts at a small car park … Read more
Arrowtown, only 20 minutes or so from Queenstown, has a very different vibe from its famous neighbour. The historic streets are some of the most atmospheric in New Zealand, but it’s also good to get above town for some wide-open views. Tobins Track is short and easy (if you follow my advice at least) and … Read more
New Zealand (especially the South Island) isn’t exactly bursting with fun indoor activities. There are a few though, and Puzzling World in Wānaka is one of the best. It’s a very unique place, full of optical illusions, strange sculptures and the world’s first 3-D super maze. This post contains affiliate links — if you click … Read more