Jon Algie 
Mountain areas in New Zealand generally require you to do some uphill hiking to see the best views, but luckily there is an easier option in Queenstown. Skyline Gondola, located a short walk from downtown Queenstown, takes you up a forested hill above town. From there you’ll see an amazing view over Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu … Read more
Doubtful Sound (which is a fjord, not a sound) is possibly the most beautiful place in New Zealand. It’s similar to the far more popular Milford Sound (also not a sound) but the experience is very different. To visit Doubtful Sound, you’ll need to go on a tour, which first takes you across Lake Manapouri … Read more
Fancy driving along New Zealand’s highest main road? With great height comes great views, and the road from Queenstown to Wānaka certainly has those. The Crown Range is known for its tight curves and sweeping vistas – here’s everything you need to know about driving the Crown Range between Queenstown and Wānaka (or Wānaka and … Read more
The most famous spot on Banks Peninsula is surely Akaroa, but did you know there’s a great beach and stunning coastal views on the southern side of the Peninsula? Tumbledown Bay (and Te Oka Bay, which is right next door) is a bit of a detour from the main Christchurch to Akaroa road but it’s … Read more
The most iconic (and surely the best) day hike in Queenstown takes you above Lake Wakatipu to the summit of Ben Lomond, one of many mountains which tower over Queenstown. There are so many amazing views on the Ben Lomond Track, but the hike isn’t without its difficulties, especially in winter. Keep reading for more … Read more
One of two main lakes in Nelson Lakes National Park, Lake Rotoroa is a pretty place to stop when driving between Christchurch and Nelson. If you want to do some hiking I’d recommend heading to Lake Rotoiti instead, but as far as scenic lunch spots go you’ll be hard pressed to beat Lake Rotoroa (and … Read more
Everyone loves a good photo spot, especially one that you don’t need to hike to and won’t cost (much) to see. It also helps if there is ice-cream in the vicinity. Wānaka Lavender Farm has all of those things, and much more. By the way I’m writing you’d think I was paid to post this … Read more
Ship Creek, just north of Haast on the main West Coast Road, is home to some short walking tracks which will get you amongst unique coastal scenery. We hiked the “Dune Lake” track — it only took around 45 minutes and the views along the way were very different than the other spots we visited … Read more
There are heaps of places to stop on the short drive between Dunedin and Oamaru, and Waikouaiti Beach and the nearby Matanaka Farm Buildings is one of the best. Keep reading for more information about these little-visited gems in Coastal Otago. Waikouaiti Beach You’ll pass through the small, nondescript town of Waikouaiti when driving between … Read more
One of the most unique beaches in New Zealand is found on the scenic stretch of road between Dunedin and Oamaru. Koekohe Beach, which hosts the surreal Moeraki Boulders, is an interesting place to stop and a visit doesn’t have to take long at all. It’s a special piece of nature, and seeing it at … Read more