NZ Travel Guides

Queenstown is famous for expensive thrills – but there’s a whole free side. The best no-cost walks, views, beaches and hikes for budget backpackers.

Abel Tasman National Park has NZ’s most beautiful coastline – golden sand, clear water, native bush. How backpackers can experience it on a budget.

Cape Farewell is the South Island’s northernmost point, next to epic Wharariki Beach with its sea arches and seal pups. Free walks and backpacker tips.

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.