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.

Lake Pukaki is the jaw-dropping blue lake on the road to Mt Cook, with designated self-contained camping. Free viewpoints, salmon, and backpacker tips.

Lake Tekapo’s milky-turquoise water and dark skies are South Island icons. Free things to do, the lupins, stargazing and honest camping rules for backpackers.

Aoraki/Mt Cook is NZ’s highest mountain and a dark-sky reserve. The free Hooker Valley Track, glacier views, stargazing and camping tips for backpackers.

Methven is the laid-back base for Mt Hutt and the Canterbury foothills. Cheap eats, ballooning, gorge walks and a real small-town New Zealand feel.

Mt Hutt is Canterbury’s top ski field with huge views over the plains. What to know in winter and summer, plus the backpacker base of Methven nearby.

Hanmer Springs is an alpine village built around natural hot pools. Free forest walks, mountain biking, and camping tips for backpackers in North Canterbury.