Jon Algie 
If you’re a fan of this blog you might have already seen our Top 12 Cities / Top 12 Towns in the South Island posts. Those contain towns and cities that have multiple places to eat, drink and sleep — places you’re likely to spend a night or two. This post is a little different. … Read more
The southern coastline between Invercargill and Tuatapere is an underrated part of the South Island. Riverton is our favourite spot along that scenic section of road, with its beaches, viewpoints and small-town atmosphere making it a great place to explore. Looking for the best things to do in Riverton? You’re in luck! Riverton Rocks Beach … Read more
The Southern Alps, with its snowy peaks and glistening lakes and rivers, is the star attraction for nature loving visitors to the South Island. Full of hiking trails below, over and around mountains of all shapes and sizes, the Southern Alps has 11 entries on our top 12 mountains in the South Island list, the … Read more
The South Island is better known for its above-ground natural wonders, but head into its shadowy depths and you’ll find plenty of interesting caves to explore. Our top 12 caves in the South Island include sea caves, glow worm caves and heaps more! Wharariki Beach Caves There are a few small caves at Wharariki Beach, … Read more
New Zealand’s South Island is a paradise for people who love getting up close to nature — mountains, rivers, beaches, lakes and waterfalls (and so much more). We’ve been exploring this island for over six years now and have finally whittled down our favourite waterfalls to a top 12. Our list of the top waterfalls … Read more
Opened in 1999, the Otira Viaduct is one of the more interesting pieces of road engineering in the South Island. The Otira Viaduct Lookout takes full advantage of its location with amazing views over the viaduct and the rugged scenery surrounding it. Don’t miss it when driving through Arthur’s Pass! Otira Viaduct Lookout The Otira … Read more
In 2021 a storm destroyed the road out to the further reaches of the Queen Charlotte Track. There are now several lodges along that stretch that can only be reached by boat (or foot), and Lochmara Lodge is one of them. We stayed there for two nights, hoping for a relaxing time amidst the beauty … Read more
Learning about New Zealand’s gold mining history is the main reason to visit Reefton, a small town tucked away off the main tourist route on the West Coast. It’s known as the “Town of Light” as it was the first town in the Southern Hemisphere to have public electricity — these days Reefton is a … Read more
Like the teeth of a snarling beast, thousands of stalactites guard the entrance to Rawhiti Cave. It’s accessed via a steep and muddy track through the forest a short drive from Tākaka — a great place to seek out on your next trip to Golden Bay. Getting to Rawhiti Cave The track starts a 15-minute … Read more
Cape Farewell, the northern-most tip of the South Island, is a place pretty much everyone who visits Golden Bay will have on their itinerary. You’ll get a decent look at it from close to the car park but keep reading and I’ll let you know where to go for the best views. Cape Farewell Viewpoint … Read more