Jon Algie 
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
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