Jon Algie 
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
Oamaru is best-known for its Victorian architecture, steampunk style and penguins. But are there any good beaches in Oamaru? Yes, and you’re about to find out where they are! Friendly Bay Friendly Bay is the beach right in the heart of Oamaru. Only a few minutes’ walk from the old town, it features calm, clear … Read more
Dunedin, Ōtepoti, Edinburgh of the South. UNESCO City of Literature and home to some of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in the world, the South Island’s second largest city has countless things to offer both local and overseas visitors. We live in Dunedin and have published over 50 posts about it on here during … Read more
There are lots of interesting rock formations in the South Island, from boulders lying on beaches to clay cliffs, organ pipes and a rock that looks like a split apple. For maximum ease most are named after what they look like. Check out our top 12 rock formations in the South Island, New Zealand! Cathedral … Read more