Jon Algie 
The road between Takaka and Totaranui is a treasure trove of beaches, sweeping views and short hikes. Wainui Falls is, in my opinion, the best place to stop along this scenic route. This short hike takes you through some pristine New Zealand bush and the powerful waterfall makes for a great payoff. The Hike to … Read more
Baldwin Street, AKA the world’s steepest street, is a strange tourist attraction in suburban Dunedin. Walking up Baldwin Street isn’t too hard and it’s worth it to see an obscure world record. There are also good views of Dunedin’s green surrounds from the top. The World’s Steepest Street It looks like the word is well … Read more
Why Freedom Camp in Arthur’s Pass National Park? Arthur’s Pass National Park is one of the most naturally beautiful regions of New Zealand and staying there for a night or two allows you to explore it at a relaxed pace. There are two freedom camping areas close to the tourist village and they are ideal … Read more
Why Visit Devils Punchbowl Falls? The road through the centre of New Zealand’s South Island (between Christchurch and Greymouth) makes for one of the nicest drives in the country. There is so much natural beauty to admire, and at the top of that list is the incredible Devils Punchbowl Falls. It’s a short hike to … Read more
This surprisingly impressive waterfall is just a short drive and hike from downtown Dunedin. The track to Nicols Falls makes for an excellent (and often muddy) place to hike through wild New Zealand bush. You can also hang around until after dark to see glow worms on a nearby track. The Hike to Nicols Falls … Read more
If you’re planning on hiking in Mount Cook National Park and want to sleep for free nearby, consider Lake Poaka. You don’ t have to have a self-contained vehicle (unlike a lot of other freedom camping spots), which makes Lake Poaka a great place to freedom camp near Mount Cook for people with all types … Read more
Dunedin’s beaches always look better from above, and some of the best elevated coastal views in (or just outside of) town are on the hike to Heyward Point. It’s an easy (ish) two hour hike through farmland and is fairly off the beaten path — it’s one of the best things to do in Dunedin … Read more
Why Hike the Kea Point Track? The hike along the Kea Point Track (roughly 1 hour return) ends at a viewpoint where you’ll see some of Mt Cook National Park’s most marvellous mountains, including Mount Cook and Mount Sefton. It’s a lot shorter than the more well-known Hooker Valley Track, making it a good option … Read more
Short walks in the Sandymount Recreation Reserve put you face to face with some of Dunedin’s best coastal views. One takes you up to the top of Sandymount for an awesome view over Allans Beach and Hoopers Inlet and the other to a slightly less elevated lookout. The longer track to Lovers Leap and the … Read more
Smails Beach, located a short distance from Dunedin’s city centre, is one of over 25 beaches in Dunedin that are worth visiting. You’ll get some great views of the beach from the road leading to it (and from the Karetai Road Track) and there lots of other beaches, walks and viewpoints nearby. Wondering why you … Read more