NZ Travel Guides

The South Island has world-class, uncrowded surf – if you can handle cold water. Our top 5 spots from Kaikoura to the Catlins, plus wetsuit and safety tips.

Short on time? These 5 South Island day hikes deliver Great Walk views without the overnight – Hooker Valley, Roys Peak, Key Summit, Avalanche Peak and Ben Lomond.

The South Island’s lakes are next-level blue thanks to glacial rock flour. Our top 5 – Pukaki, Tekapo, Wanaka, Hawea and Wakatipu – plus free things to do.

You don’t need an expensive boat cruise to experience Milford Sound. The best free walks, viewpoints and stops on the Milford Road for budget backpackers.

Fiordland National Park is a vast wilderness of fiords, waterfalls and rainforest. Te Anau, the Milford Road, free walks and how backpackers can explore it.

Dunedin is NZ’s quirky southern city – Scottish heritage, a buzzing student scene, street art, and the Otago Peninsula’s world-rare penguins, seals and albatross.

Lake Hayes has one of the most scenic easy loop walks in the Queenstown area – reflections, autumn colour and a peaceful escape. Free and family-friendly.

Lake Hawea is a deep-blue, peaceful alpine lake just 15 minutes from Wanaka. Free viewpoints, swimming, walks and a calmer base for backpackers.

Wanaka offers the same alpine beauty as Queenstown with a more relaxed vibe. That tree, Roys Peak, free lakeside walks and honest camping rules for backpackers.

Arrowtown is a beautifully preserved gold-mining village near Queenstown. Free river gold panning, Chinese settlement history, autumn colours and walks.