Jon Algie 
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
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