Jon Algie 
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
A short drive from Motueka you’ll find a glistening stretch of river surrounded by mossy rocks and trees. Walk a short distance to the top of the track and you’ll see that river emerge from a small cave opening. This is the Riuwaka Resurgence and it’s a fun (and very easy) place to visit when … Read more
Our Otago 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: Dunedin | Oamaru | Waitaki Valley | Wanaka | Queenstown | Arrowtown | The Catlins | Central Otago | South Otago Otago is the best of the … Read more
Broad Bay is a small harbourside settlement roughly halfway along the Otago Peninsula, Dunedin. It’s right in the middle of some incredible scenery, and luckily there are hills to climb where you’ll see it all unfold. Check out the best things to do in Broad Bay! Harbour Cone The Harbour Cone Track, one of the … Read more
Stewart Island, New Zealand’s third largest island, is moored a short distance off the southern coast of the South Island. An hour by boat (or a 15 minute flight), Rakiura Stewart Island is a haven for hikers and bird lovers, or anyone looking for a unspoilt island paradise in New Zealand! Things to Do in … Read more