Author name: Ernesto

Collingwood is the last village before the wild far north of the South Island – gateway to Farewell Spit, Wharariki Beach and total remoteness. Backpacker guide.

Tākaka is Golden Bay’s funky main village – markets, music, swimming holes and a gateway to Abel Tasman and Te Waikoropupu Springs. Backpacker guide.

Golden Bay sits beyond a winding mountain pass at the top of the South Island. Te Waikoropupu Springs, wild beaches, hippie towns and backpacker camping tips.

Fox Glacier is the quieter West Coast glacier with a free valley walk to the viewpoint, plus Lake Matheson’s famous mirror reflections. Backpacker guide.

Franz Josef Glacier is NZ’s most accessible glacier. The free valley walk to the viewpoint, free parking, hot pools and backpacker tips for the West Coast.

Hokitika is a creative West Coast town near the stunning Hokitika Gorge and a free glowworm dell. Pounamu (jade), wild beaches and backpacker camping tips.

Greymouth is the West Coast’s biggest town and the end of the TranzAlpine line. Pancake Rocks nearby, wild beaches, brewery tours and backpacker tips.

The TranzAlpine train crosses the South Island from Christchurch to Greymouth via Arthur’s Pass. Route, scenery, and how backpackers can do it on a budget.

Murchison is a tiny river town between Nelson and the West Coast, famous for white-water kayaking and total quiet. A genuine off-the-radar backpacker stop.

Kaikoura is where the mountains meet the ocean and whales feed year-round. Free seal colonies, coastal walks, crayfish, and honest freedom camping rules.