Jon Algie 
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
Thunder Creek Falls is, in my opinion, the best waterfall to visit on the road between Wanaka and the West Coast. It’s also one of the most accessible large waterfalls in New Zealand (although you can only see it from across the river) — the viewing platform / river’s edge is just a two minute … Read more
Located around an hour from Wānaka, on the road to the West Coast, the Blue Pools Track is one of the best short walks in Mount Aspiring National Park. The Blue Pools is a clear, calm section of the Blue / Makarora rivers — it’s some of the most pristine and inviting water you’ll see … Read more
Fantail Falls, named after one of New Zealand’s cutest birds, is a small waterfall located a few minutes’ walk from the main road between Wānaka and Haast. It’s one of several easily accessible waterfalls in the area and is worth a quick look — watch out for the sandflies though! Fantail Falls We had no … Read more
You don’t need to take a scenic flight over the Southern Alps to get the perfect view of this stunning chain of mountains — just make sure you fly into (or out of) Queenstown Airport and hope for clear skies and a window seat. Flying Out of Queenstown Airport We were seated on the left … Read more
For amazing views of Otago Harbour you’ll want to experience the drive along the narrow hilltop roads of the Otago peninsula. Highcliff Road has to be one of New Zealand’s most scenic city roads — from there you can see right down the peninsula, harbour and various small suburbs (as well as parts of central … Read more
Milford Sound is one of those places in New Zealand that you really shouldn’t miss. It looks spectacular enough from the foreshore, but chances are you’ll want to take a Milford Sound cruise to really experience it properly. These generally go for two hours and take you out through the shelter of the sound to … Read more
Tucked away between Doctors Point and Purakaunui Beach, Canoe Beach is one of Dunedin’s most hidden gems. Overlooking this small, calm bay is Mapoutahi Pa / Headland, affording stunning views over both Canoe Beach and Purakaunui Beach. Walking through the Arches to Canoe Beach One way to access Canoe Beach is to park up at … Read more