Jon Algie 
Nugget Point Lighthouse, a minimalist little building looming over a surreal clump of rocks scattered in the Pacific Ocean, is one of the top places to see in the Catlins. Scenery on the South Island’s east coast doesn’t get much more dramatic than this — don’t miss it if you’re road-tripping around New Zealand. Nugget … Read more
Tomahawk Beach is at the city-end of the Otago Peninsula and is part of a glistening coastline which features some of New Zealand’s best beaches. St Clair is far more famous, but there is heaps to see at Tomahawk Beach and I reckon it’s a good option for people who love exploring. Tomahawk Beach Dunedin’s … Read more
Looking for something to do on a rainy day in Dunedin? Look no further than the Toitū Otago Settlers Museum. An impressive range of exhibits take you from pre-European times through to the gold boom and even offers a glimpse into life in New Zealand in the 70s, 80s and 90s. The museum covers Otago (a … Read more
Why Walk From Alexandra to Clyde? Maybe you don’t have a car, or you ate too much Christmas dinner and need to burn some calories. Or maybe you heard that the river walk from Alexandra to Clyde is one of the top things to do in Central Otago. Whatever the reason, the Millennium Track between … Read more
Why go to Mitchell’s Cottage? The barren earth and extreme shifts in temperature made Central Otago a tough place to survive. They didn’t have heat pumps and under floor heating back in the late 1800s / early 1900s, a fact I learned on my recent visit to Mitchell’s Cottage. This century old house on a … Read more
This beach, split into three sections (St Clair Beach, Middle Beach and St Kilda Beach) is one of the best inner-city beaches in New Zealand. Dunedin, and its surrounds, is home to so many great beaches and this one is the easiest to access, making it ideal for people who are short on time (and … Read more
Tunnel Beach, surrounded by sandstone cliffs and part of a wonderfully rugged coastline, is one of Dunedin’s most iconic sights. The steps leading to the beach were commissioned by William Cargill way back in 1870s, creating a private paradise for his family to enjoy. These days it’s open to everyone, as long as they can … Read more
Why go to Butchers Dam / Flat Top Hill? The Flat Top Hill Natural Reserve is home to a series of easy, off the beaten path hiking trails close to Alexandra which take in some awesome views over the Roxburgh Gorge and Butchers Dam. If you’re travelling through Central Otago I highly recommend a visit. Butchers Dam … Read more
One of only two castles in New Zealand, Cargill’s Castle is a unique (and very rundown) piece of local history. It’s officially off limits, but you can view it from the street. The castle is derelict to say the least — hopefully it gets fixed up soon! It’s a far different experience than a visit … Read more
Brighton Beach, located 20 km south of Dunedin city, is made up of several bays and beach areas. Together they form one of Dunedin’s best coastal destinations, where you can walk along the sand for miles without seeing anyone, surf world class waves or watch dramatic sunsets. Brighton Beach There are several sections of beach … Read more