Jon Algie 
If you only have time to visit one waterfall in the Catlins, make it McLean Falls. The various tiers and pools, surrounded by lush forest, combine to make this one of the most beautiful waterfalls in New Zealand. It’s easy to access and, if you time your visit right, you could have it all to … Read more
Moke Lake, located down a bumpy gravel road, is the perfect size to comfortably walk around in a couple of hours. It’s surrounded by golden hills which reflect perfectly in the calm waters — it’s fairly off the beaten path and is one of the best short hikes near Queenstown. Walking Around Moke Lake From … Read more
There are lots of hikes in the Queenstown area, most of which feature mountain views as their biggest hook. Bob’s cove is different. This lush green landscape features several stunning lake beaches, paths lined with native forest and a couple of atmospheric ruins. There are also some incredible mountain views — this is Queenstown after … Read more
Now that the inner city has been reduced to ruins, Christchurch’s more scenic attractions have become far more appealing. Getting out of the city and onto a beach is your best bet for a fun afternoon in Christchurch, and New Brighton Beach is one of the best (and most accessible) beaches close to the city. … Read more
Humboldt Falls, one of New Zealand’s tallest waterfalls, makes for an easy side-trip while driving to Milford Sound. It’s located down a 17 km gravel road (Hollyford Road) and there are a few other places to see along the way. Humboldt Falls crashes 275 metres to the valley below — you can’t get all that … Read more
With the inner city still in ruins six years after the 2011 earthquake, the glistening coastline of Banks Peninsula is a welcome escape. Hiking in Christchurch is best experienced (or so I’ve heard) on the Taylor’s Mistake to Godley Head Track, where you’ll see black sand beaches, towering cliffs and sweeping coastal views. Keep reading … Read more
Escaping the city on a sunny day is always a good idea, especially in Christchurch where the city centre isn’t exactly a relaxing place. Sumner Beach is the ideal Christchurch beach getaway. There’s an esplanade to walk / cycle along, caves and viewpoints to explore and some nice bars and restaurants to relax in. Sumner … Read more
This short hiking trail takes you through a mossy forest to the shores of Lake Gunn — it’s a great little detour from the road to Milford Sound. The walk only takes around 20 minutes and is an awesome thing to do just before sunset (after which you can sleep at the nearby DOC camp). … Read more
Moeraki, a sleepy seaside village an hour’s drive from Dunedin, is best known for its surreal set of beach boulders. The Moeraki Boulders are a couple of kilometres from the village and attract heaps of tourists, and most of them skip the village and surrounding attractions. There are a few really cool things to do … Read more
There are several scenic roads branching out from Queenstown, but for me the 45 km stretch of tarmac between Queenstown and Glenorchy stands out from the crowd. This picturesque road skirts the pristine shores of Lake Wakatipu and is surrounded by mountains — it’s stunning at any time of year but it really comes alive … Read more