Jon Algie 
North Canterbury, roughly the area between Christchurch and Kaikoura, certainly isn’t the most popular region of New Zealand. Most people drive straight through, but there are some cool things to see including Gore Bay (and the Cathedral Cliffs), Manuka Bay and Hurunui Mouth. There are several places to camp in North Canterbury — we chose … Read more
We’re always on the lookout for unique natural wonders (luckily we live in New Zealand so we never have to go far!), so when we saw a picture of the Cathedral Cliffs overlooking Gore Bay we knew we had to go there. It turned out to be a really easy detour from the main highway … Read more
Here’s a situation you’ll encounter a lot when travelling in New Zealand. You’re on your way to your destination when you see a sign pointing to a beach, a lake or some other cool sounding place you’d never heard of. You can’t follow every turnoff or you’d never get where you’re going, but it’s always … Read more
The winding road to Titirangi Bay offers up many opportunities to see the Marlborough Sounds from above. There are countless great viewpoints, calm coves and rocky beaches as well as the Queen Charlotte Track. The highlight of this scenic drive, for us at least, was Titirangi Bay. Not only was it our favourite beach in … Read more
Looking to stretch your legs and see one of the Marlborough Sounds nicest bays up close? Stop off at Elaine Bay — it’s on the road to French Pass and Bulwer — and hike the track to Piwakawakawa Bay. You can also walk (or drive) to the other side of the bay for more great … Read more
Driving the road to French Pass should be on every traveller’s Marlborough Sounds itinerary, but what can you actually see when you get there? The little settlement is nothing special (and in peak season it’s tough to even get a park there), but the French Pass Lookout Track takes you to an awesome viewpoint as … Read more
Located (almost) at the tip of the South Island, Waipapa Point Lighthouse is right at the end of the region known as the Catlins, one of New Zealand’s most sight-filled stretches of coastline. It’s a bit out of the way but is definitely worth the gravel road drive to get there. Visiting Waipapa Point Lighthouse … Read more
There aren’t many DOC campsites (AKA cheap places to camp) on the West Coast, so if you want to sleep close to Fox Glacier / Lake Matheson and you’re on a budget you’d better head to Gillespies Beach. It also helps that it’s a beautiful place, with views of the Southern Alps and awesome sunsets. … Read more
Roaring Billy Falls is one of three accessible (and very scenic) waterfalls along the Haast Pass, the road which takes you to the West Coast from Wanaka. Walking to Roaring Billy Falls It’s a short forest walk (10-15 minute) to the banks of the Haast River, where you’ll need to walk over plenty of stones … Read more
The walk to Cathedral Caves is one of the best experiences you can have in the Catlins, but you’ll have to time it right or risk disappointment. You can only visit Cathedral Caves at low tide (or two hours before high tide and one hour after it), and it is often closed during bad weather … Read more