Jon Algie 
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
Purakaunui Beach is one of the best and most isolated beaches in Dunedin. Chances are it’ll be quiet when you visit and there are some cool things to see nearby, including a Maori pa (fortified village) with great views, another couple of beaches, the “Arches” and the calm waters of Purakaunui Inlet. Purakaunui Beach This … Read more
Oamaru, with its beautiful coastline and impressive collection of Victorian architecture, is a great place to stop when road tripping around New Zealand. There are heaps of fun things to do in Oamaru, but it’s also a cool place to just sit down, grab an ice-cream and breathe in the old-world atmosphere. This post contains … Read more
New Zealand is home to many scenic roads, but none are quite like what you’ll experience on the way to Anatori. This drive takes you from Golden Bay, AKA the top of the South Island, over to the West Coast. It’s one way in and one way out (the road stops just past Anatori) so … Read more
Golden Bay, at the very top of New Zealand’s South Island, is home to some of the country’s best beaches. Wharariki Beach is considered one of the best places to visit in Golden Bay, due to the photogenic rocks / islands just in front of the beach (or on the beach at low tide). I … Read more
Billed as New Zealand’s only castle, Larnach Castle is a nice place to visit if you want to add some history into your Dunedin explorations. It’s one of the country’s nicest old buildings and is fun to explore – plus you’ll get some great views of the Otago Harbour from the gardens surrounding the castle. … Read more