Jon Algie 
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
The main road between Dunedin and Milton doesn’t make for the most interesting of journeys, but head towards the coast via gravel roads and you’ll see some rarely visited pieces of Otago coastline. While it’s more of a local experience than something I’d recommend to tourists there are some great views on offer at Bull … Read more
Kaka Point has long been a favourite with locals looking for an escape from city life in Dunedin. Sun, sand and a laidback atmosphere greet travellers to this tiny village with a view of Nugget Point, one of the South Island’s most revered coastal features. We’d passed through Kaka Point a few times but never … Read more
The main road between Blenheim and Picton is about as nondescript as roads in the South Island get — perfect if you’re in a hurry to catch a ferry! If you’ve got a little longer and would rather travel the scenic route the journey via Port Underwood is a great option. You’ll get to see … Read more
Hidden away by the side of the road and with no signs to pointing towards it, Depot Creek Falls is a more impressive waterfall than some of the more popular ones nearby. I’ll show you how to find this hidden spot as well as a few tips on what else to see along the Haast … Read more