Location - New Zealand
Below is a list of all the pages on this website which are concerned with places in New Zealand, or else something to do with New Zealand.
Click on the titles (or the "read more" links) to go to that page.
Lake Rotoiti
In the north end of New Zealand's south island sits the Nelson Lakes National Park. Inside this beautiful park, which includes the northernmost parts of New Zealand's alps, lies Lake Rotoiti. You won't find much development here, nor many overseas visitors, but what you do find is a gorgeous glacial lake surrounded by charming beech forest and peaks which are snowcapped in winter. If boating, fishing, hiking or just relaxing near a nice lake are on the agenda, Lake Rotoiti has much to offer. Read more ...
St Arnaud
If you have your own transport and the time to go wandering, you can end up spending time in some delightful places that might not have been chosen if planning a short trip. For me, one such place is St Arnaud, a tiny town in New Zealand's south island. It sits quietly beside a lake in the Nelson Lakes National Park in the central part of the island's north end, far enough from the popular touring routes to escape the notice of most international tourists. Read more ...
Milford Sound scenic flights
In a country packed with gorgeous scenery and enterprising people, it is not surprising that New Zealand has many scenic flights to offer its visitors. Over a number of visits I've indulged in a few of them, and my favourite would have to be the awesome flight to Milford Sound from either Queenstown or Wanaka (I've flown there from both). On top of the grandeur of Milford Sound, you get a supremely stunning journey across the wilderness of rugged snowcapped peaks of the South West New Zealand world heritage area. And because the flights only operate when Milford Sound has good weather, good views are guaranteed. If I were to live my life again and could only choose one scenic flight, this would be it. Read more ...
Ulva Island sanctuary
When you visit Stewart Island, off the southern tip of New Zealand, it can feel like entering another world - a remote and almost untouched world. Yet it doesn't end there. From Stewart Island you can visit a much smaller and even more pristine island - the wildlife sanctuary of Ulva Island. Read more ...
Skiing the Tasman Glacier
Even the most cheapskate budget traveller will occasionally want to splash out on something luxurious. If you're visiting New Zealand and into skiing, then one luxury to indulge in is skiing the Tasman Glacier, the longest river of ice in New Zealand's southern alps. I did it once, and have never regretted what was a truly out of this world experience. Read more ...
Matai Falls
The Catlins Coast, on the southern edge of New Zealand, is a pleasant region of hills, forests and wild beaches, with some nice waterfalls thrown in. The best known of these - and the one most featured on postcards - is Purakaunui Falls. Getting less attention is the nearby Matai Falls, which I think are just as beautiful to visit. Read more ...
A drive down the Waitaki Valley
The road has an uninspiring name and sees little tourist traffic. But if you enjoy mountains, lakes, dams and charming rural countryside, State Highway 83 is a pleasant journey down the Waitaki Valley, from New Zealand's Mackenzie Country to the coast. Read more ...
Pupu Springs
Places with interesting names usually draw my attention, so when I came across a sign for Pupu Springs I just had to have a look. Despite the unsanitory sounding name, it turned out to be a place of purity and beauty. Read more ...
Staying at the beach in Golden Bay
Last time I visited New Zealand, I checked out the Golden Bay region in the south island's north. As is my habit, I sought somewhere to stay that was out of town and scenic, yet still convenient ... and I found it at Pohara Beach. Read more ...
A great kiwi country pub in Omakau
The Maniototo region is one of my favourite bits of New Zealand - sparsely settled and sparsely visited high plains inland from Dunedin. When exploring this unique part of the south it's good to stay somewhere local, and so I thought I'd mention one of the places I stayed, which I liked. Read more ...
Lake Ohau
New Zealand's south island has some beautiful large lakes. Vistas of pristine waters and snowclad mountain backdrops are associated with names like Tekapo, Pukaki and Wakatipu. Just as beautiful but less well known is Lake Ohau - almost undeveloped, and just far enough from the main roads to miss being seen by passing traffic. Read more ...
Comfort on a budget in Christchurch
For comfortable budget accommodation in New Zealand, the BBH hostel chain is an option for those wanting basic comfort and privacy without a hotel price tag. Here I share one of my three favourites - Dorset House in Christchurch. Read more ...
Wanaka River Jetboat Journeys
I've written before about experiencing the beauty of New Zealand's Matukituki valley by car. Another great way to enjoy this spectacular valley near Wanaka is a jet boat trip with Wanaka River Journeys. Read more ...
Mt John Observatory at Lake Tekapo
An observatory may not be on everyone's travel itinerary, but if you pass through Lake Tekapo in New Zealand's south island then a visit to the Mt John Observatory can be worth doing. You don't need to be an astronomy buff to become lost in wonder at what you may see. Read more ...
Easy kiwi walking on the Rakiura Track
Imagine deserted beaches, quiet inlets and bays, lush primordial forests, roaring creeks, and gentle hills. If being immersed in this environment for a not-too-hard three day hike sounds appealing, then you might like the Rakiura Track on New Zealand's Stewart Island. I certainly did. Read more ...
The coldest town in New Zealand
Curiosity is a great motivator, and when applied to travel it can provide the reason for some interesting journeys. My desire to find out why it gets so cold in Ophir took me on one such journey to a starkly beautiful and somewhat chilly place. Read more ...
The Queenstown to Glenorchy road
Could this be the most scenic drive in New Zealand? In a country abounding in quiet roads and beautiful scenery, such a claim is ambitious. Yet many consider this drive along the edge of Lake Wakatipu to be the best in the country. Read more ...
Relaxed and natural Stewart Island
Visiting some places can leave a lasting impression: one you can still feel years later without needing holiday photos to trigger memories. For me, one such place is Stewart Island, off the south end of New Zealand's south island. Read more ...
Te Anau Wildlife Centre
New Zealand has some great native birds you won't find anywhere else, however many of them are rare or endangered, and hard to find out in the wild. You could pay to visit some sort of zoo or wildlife park, but a cost-free alternative is to visit the Te Anau Wildlife Centre. Read more ...
NZ budget accommodation in comfort
Backpacker hostels have really taken off in New Zealand. But what if you're a solo budget traveller who is of an age where sharing a dormitory no longer appeals? Fortunately, New Zealand has options for solo travellers wanting the comfort of a private room, but without the expense of hotels or motels. Read more ...
St Bathans: ghost town with a non-human tour guide
St Bathans is an old gold mining town in New Zealand, and with a population these days of only seven (or five) it is often referred to as a ghost town. I enjoyed being shown around this charming place by a guide who wasn't human ... but it's not as it sounds. My guide had fur and four legs, and was a dog named Jack. Read more ...
Maniototo: a different New Zealand
The Maniototo region is a part of New Zealand's south island between Dunedin and Queenstown which is bypassed by most foreign visitors. This is a shame, as they are missing out on a beautiful part of the country that's distinctly different from the rest. Read more ...
Matukituki Valley, New Zealand
One of my many favourite parts of New Zealand is the Matukituki Valley, located near Wanaka in the south island. Apart from a gravel road and some sheep farms lower down, there is no development up this spectacular valley which curves towards the Matterhorn-like Mt Aspiring. Just rugged snow capped mountains, a sparkling crystal clear river, and enough serenity to help with appreciating it. Read more ...
Elephant Rocks, NZ
Having once studied geology, interesting rock formations often find their way into my travel itinerary. Elephant Rocks in New Zealand was no exception ... plus I wanted to see if they really look like elephants. Read more ...
