Jon Algie 
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
The road to Milford Sound is one of the most well-worn tourist trails in New Zealand. Most visit on a day trip, but hang around a little longer and you’ll be treated to some awesome hikes. The Key Summit Track, part of the 2-4 day Routeburn Track (a New Zealand “Great Walk”), will get you … Read more
Dunedin Railway Station is a must-see when touring around the southern city’s historic downtown area. This impressive piece of history, completed in 1906, is also home to a weekly farmers market and is the start-point for several scenic train rides. Dunedin Railway Station Constructed of dark basalt (with Oamaru Stone facings) in the Flemish Renaissance … Read more
Why visit the Mirror Lakes? The drive from Te Anau to Milford Sound takes you through some awesome alpine scenery. A visit to the Mirror Lakes makes for a great chance to stretch your legs and see some of the world class nature this region is famous for. It’s a short distraction from the road … Read more