Jon Algie 
It’s a bit shameful that I’ve been running this blog for seven years now and have never written a post about Invercargill. Shameful on my part or is it the city’s fault? A bit of both! I lived there for six months while studying and hated it, and over the last seven years we’ve passed … Read more
Our Tasman Travel Guide will give you a good overview of the region. If you’re looking for posts about a particular area click on one of these links: Nelson | Golden Bay | Kaiteriteri | Abel Tasman National Park | Nelson Lakes National Park Nestled at the top of the South Island and home to … Read more
Barrs Falls is one of the less popular waterfalls in the Catlins, mostly because it often runs dry and there are more impressive (and resilient) waterfalls nearby. We’ve made two trips to Barrs Falls in recent years, one in dry conditions and one after recent rain. This is what we found. Getting to Barrs Falls … Read more
Collingwood is a tiny town of around 300 residents all the way at the northwest tip of the South Island. If you’re travelling there it’s likely for Wharariki Beach and Cape Farewell / Farewell Spit, but there are a few other fun things to do in Collingwood as well as some great places to eat. … Read more
Tākaka is the main town in Golden Bay, a place you’re likely to spend a night or two while exploring the natural wonders nearby. But what’s the town actually like? In this post I’ll show you the best things to do in Tākaka, both in the town itself and the surrounding area (that’s where the … Read more
After the main track closed in 2019 due to flooding, the South Side Walkway became the best option for getting close to this giant of the West Coast. It’s a two-hour walk (or a quick bike ride) through the forest and down to the banks of the river where you’ll get a decent view of … Read more
You can see a good chunk of Fiordland National Park on a day trip from Queenstown — a good option for those with limited time. It’s a long day though, with eight hours of driving if going all the way to Milford Sound. In this Fiordland itinerary I’ll show you the best places to visit … Read more
More of a region than a town, Haast is the first port of call on the West Coast if arriving from Wanaka / Queenstown. Pass through the Gates of Haast, see pristine rivers, windswept beaches and feel the solitude of one of New Zealand’s most remote areas. Here is our list of the best things … Read more
This list of top 12 natural wonders in the South Island showcases the best scenery Te Waipounamu has to offer. I reckon it’s a compelling document to show potential visitors to New Zealand and locals alike the beauty of this special place — the most beautiful island on Earth! Gorges There are heaps of impressive … Read more
Bennetts Bluff has long been a place to stop and stretch your legs on the drive between Queenstown and Glenorchy. Pre 2021 it was a simple roadside lookout but now there’s a short walking trail to a different vantage point — stunning views guaranteed! Getting There The drive between Queenstown and Glenorchy takes around 45 … Read more