Jon Algie 
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
A trip to Queenstown wouldn’t be complete without getting off the streets and onto a hiking trail. The Queenstown Hill Time Walk has the perfect mix of stunning views and (relatively) easy hiking — keep reading for more details. Starting the Hike I hiked up Queenstown Hill in winter and it was freezing. There was … Read more
Whether you’re planning on hiking the multi-day Abel Tasman Coastal Track or relaxing by a beautiful beach, camping at Totaranui Beach is always a good idea. Totaranui Beach marks the end (or the start) of most people’s multi-day Abel Tasman hiking adventure, but it’s also the perfect place to go if you’re short on time … Read more
If you read my recent post on Goat Bay you’ll know that there are some awesome short walks in Abel Tasman National Park. The coastal track generally takes a few days to complete, so seeing some of the highlights on a short hike is a good idea if you’re short on time (or fitness, money … Read more
If you want to see one of the best beaches in Abel Tasman National Park (and therefore New Zealand) but can’t be bothered with days of hiking, Goat Bay is the place for you. It’s only an hour or so walk away from Totaranui Beach (which you can drive to) and gives you a taste … Read more
Dunedin’s northern beaches don’t see nearly as much tourist action as their Otago Peninsula rivals. Long Beach, around 20 minutes from the centre of the city, is one of the best beaches in the area and has a couple of unique strings in its bow. It’s one of the best beaches in Dunedin for collecting … Read more
Looking for an easy walk while driving to Milford Sound? The 20 minute (if that) round trip hike to the Chasm is a great chance to stretch your legs and get a taste of Fiordland National Park’s pristine tracts of native forest. And there’s also a waterfall thing (if you needed more convincing). The walk … Read more
Calmly nestled between forested hills, Arrowtown couldn’t be further away (in a metaphorical sense) to the bustling, often overcrowded tourist metropolis that Queenstown has become. It is close in a literal sense though. Arrowtown is only 20 km from Queenstown and attracts a fair share of its popular neighbour’s visitors. Once you walk through its … Read more
Due to its remoteness and lack of tourist infrastructure, most people rush through the Milford Sound region without really getting off the main road. Stick around a while and you’ll be treated to some world-class hikes. Hiking to Lake Marian generally takes 3-4 hours. It’s fairly straight forward and the final viewpoint will blow you … Read more
The hike to Earland Falls is a great way to experience the iconic Routeburn Track without the hassle of organising a multi-day trek. The 174 metre Earland Falls is an impressive piece of nature, and the hike there winds through pristine New Zealand bush full of birds, mossy trees and numerous small waterfalls. You can … Read more