Jon Algie 
There are some places in New Zealand that will never be the main destinations for tourists. Lake Ruataniwha is one of those. You’ll pass it when driving between Queenstown / Wanaka and Mount Cook / Lake Tekapo and it makes for a nice place to stop for a quick rest or a picnic. If conditions … Read more
The Pineapple Track is a great option if you want to see some stunning views of Dunedin and get a bit of a workout. The Pineapple Track, part of which in the Flagstaff Nature Reserve, is one of the most well-known hiking trails in Dunedin and the views over the city, harbour, coastline and green … Read more
The journey between Queenstown and Mount Cook is a scenic one, and one of the most impressive stretches takes you through the Lindis Pass. It takes around an hour to drive and there are several places to stop along the way. It’s a great place to drive, especially in winter, but make sure to check … Read more
Mount John Observatory is the ultimate lazy person’s viewpoint. You can drive right up to the café at the top of the mountain and from there you can see 360-degree views of the stunning surrounds, including lakes, mountains and the little town of Lake Tekapo. It’s one of the best things to do in Lake … Read more
Lake Tekapo, with its characteristic blue water and mountain surrounds, is one of the top scenic spots in the Mackenzie Basin. The views from the stony beach in front of town are nice, but to really see the beauty of this area you’ll need to head a little further afield. The Peninsula Walkway, located around … Read more
You’ll pass through Fairlie on the drive between Christchurch and Tekapo / Mount Cook — if you have time you should definitely take the short detour to Lake Opuha. This small man-made lake is surrounded by hills and mountains and offers up some beautiful views in its reflective surface. Driving to Lake Opuha Lake Opuha … Read more
The beaches of Golden Bay are famed throughout New Zealand for their soft sands and clear calm water. We explored a few of the beaches in the area after visiting Abel Tasman National Park and were most impressed with Tata Beach. Tata Beach Golden Bay is the gateway to a popular part of the Abel … Read more
Seemingly in the middle of nowhere, down the bumpiest of gravel roads, lies the Oparara Basin, home to a series of arches and caves amidst a wild limestone environment in Kahurangi National Park. Is it worth the journey? Keep reading to find out (although you’ve probably already guessed it is worth it, or I might … Read more
It took us 18 months of living in Dunedin for us to get to Boulder Beach — there are so many beaches close to the city and this is definitely one of the least popular ones. Lack of popularity doesn’t always equal lack of quality though, and Boulder Beach is easily as good as many … Read more
If you’re only in Picton for a short time — maybe you’re on a cruise ship or waiting for the ferry to Wellington — the short walk to Shelley Beach and Bob’s Bay is a good way to kill a couple of hours. From Bob’s Bay you can continue on to the Snout Track for … Read more