Jon Algie 
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
Somewhat overshadowed by nearby Franz Josef Glacier, Fox Glacier is definitely worth hiking to if you’re travelling along the West Coast of New Zealand’s South Island. You’ll hike through a scenic, glacier carved valley to a viewpoint close to the glacier. You can’t set foot on it (without joining a tour) but the view is … Read more
Have you ever seen a photo on Instagram that inspired you to visit a place? Ever since I saw a photo of Mount Cook reflecting in the calm waters of Lake Matheson I’d wanted to see it for myself. There are two keys to a successful mountain reflection though — a clear day and an … Read more
A short, sandy track separates Cannibal Bay and Surat Bay, two of the best beaches in the Catlins. There are some interesting things to see along the way, including viewpoints, tidal pools, sea lions and some of the bluest water you’ll see in this part of New Zealand. Cannibal Bay We parked at the south … Read more
The words “glacier” and “hot pools” don’t seem like they belong together, but this is the new age and magical things can happen when electricity is involved. Sitting there in your private hot pool, surrounded by rainforest, the mechanics of how your glacier fed pool came into existence will be the furthest thing from your … Read more
The 90 minute round trip walk to Franz Josef Glacier is one of the best short hikes in New Zealand. The track, which cuts through a glacier carved valley, has a few highlights, including three side by side waterfalls, the Franz Josef Glacier viewpoint and the elevated view from Sentinel Rock. Update 2021: Most this … Read more
The long stretch of beach known as Bruce Bay is the perfect place to stretch your legs and grab a coffee while driving up the South Island’s West Coast. The beach itself is great, but the group of wind-worn trees at the north end give it that extra something special. If you’re really lucky you might … Read more