This things to do in Christchurch post was originally posted in September 2017 and was updated after my recent trip the city. Upon entering the centre of the city for the first time since the 2010 / 2011 earthquakes, it became obvious what a long shadow those natural disasters still cast over Christchurch. This city … Read more
Located in the Christchurch — Mount Cook — Queenstown corridor, one of the most beautiful areas of New Zealand, Lake Tekapo is home to mountain vistas, a slightly overrated church and some of the world’s clearest night skies. We’ve visited this place a few times over the last couple of years and can now finally … Read more
Queenstown is known as one of New Zealand’s most beautiful towns (at least in terms of scenery), but what are things like when you leave the comfort of town for the winding roads to Glenorchy, Paradise and Kinloch? This drive, and the walks you’ll want to do in-between driving, features some classic New Zealand mountain … Read more
If you’re looking for an off the beaten path area in New Zealand with stunning mountain views, lonely gravel roads stretching into the distance and way fewer tourists than you’d find in the more popular regions, consider a road trip through the Hakatere Conservation Park. Located only a couple of hours from Christchurch (or four … Read more
The Coromandel Peninsula features some of New Zealand’s most unique coastal features, including Cathedral Cove and Hot Water Beach. It’s also home to some of the country’s top beaches, and New Chums Beach is getting a reputation as a place not to miss. The viewpoint above the beach is definitely the highlight — it requires … Read more
The only way to truly appreciate Wanaka and its immediate surrounds is to see it from above. There are several world-class hikes close to Wanaka, including Roys Peak, Isthmus Peak and Diamond Lake / Rocky Mountain (with Rob Roy Glacier being a little further afield). Do you want to go hiking in Wanaka but aren’t … Read more
Nothing seems to get news-commenting New Zealanders more riled up than a negative story about freedom camping. The source of all that is evil and wrong in our otherwise perfect society can be traced back to freedom campers. Apparently they use and abuse our beautiful country while spending next to nothing (which is in no … Read more
I recently returned to Wellington, a city I called home for four years, for a day of sightseeing, catching up with old friends and way too much eating and drinking. It’s New Zealand’s second coolest city (after Dunedin of course) and is full of historic buildings, cool cafes and the country’s premier museum. A day … Read more