Written by Mod Fam on June 20, 2019
Things to do in Queenstown: Eat, Play, Run
Hiking . New Zealand . Outdoor Recreation . Running . Travel . Worldwide TravelFor our post on what to do in Queenstown, we picked a few of our favorite spots for our last few days in country, including the Cow Restaurant, the esplanade, walking downtown Queenstown, and the Ben Lomond Scenic Reserve just outside of town.
Written by Mod Fam on June 20, 2019
Queenstown Restaurants: The Cow
New Zealand . Travel . Worldwide TravelOur favorite of all Queenstown restaurants is the Cow, a small, dimly lit “pizza and spaghetti house” tucked away in one of the alleys of central Queenstown. Fresh baked bread, delicious dishes, and a warm and inviting location make this one of Queenstown’s best out-of-the-way restaurants.
Written by Mod Fam on June 19, 2019
Moeraki Boulders
Hiking . New Zealand . Outdoor Recreation . Travel . Worldwide TravelThe Moeraki Boulders are a must-see stop on the coastal route between Dunedin and Christchurch or a drive from Dunedin to Queenstown. If you’re staying close by, it’s worth visiting the Moeraki Boulders and the town of Moeraki as a destination all its own, and there’s plenty to do along this stretch of the South Island’s East Coast.
Written by Mod Fam on June 15, 2019
Things to do in Dunedin, New Zealand
New Zealand . Travel . Worldwide TravelAny South Island road trip should include a stop in Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula. You’ll find a variety of activities that rivals Christchurch and Wellington. The peninsula juts out into the Pacific, home to yellow-eyed penguin colonies and albatross, enormous sea-going birds that fly to the tip of South America and back to nest.
Written by Mod Fam on June 12, 2019
What’s on Wellington: Things to do in Wellington
New Zealand . Outdoor Recreation . Running . Travel . Worldwide TravelWellington has something for everyone. The city boasts numerous green spaces like the sprawling botanical gardens at the top of the famous cable car route and the hiking paths near Matairangi and the Mount Victoria Lookout. Miles of shoreline include sandy beaches, piers, and self-guided tours near downtown. Trendy restaurants serve up fresh takes on classic dishes. Public art fills the streets and the broad, walled canvases of downtown buildings.
Written by Mod Fam on June 7, 2019
New Zealand Cities: Picton New Zealand
New Zealand . Travel . Worldwide TravelWe set aside day seven of our 14-Day New Zealand Itinerary for the scenic drive through Nelson wine country to Picton and the ferry docks and the ferry ride to Wellington. There is a lot to do along the Northernmost stretch of the South Island, and you could easily add an extra night or two in wine country at an AirBnB or other local accommodations. Blenheim and Nelson and the region are rapidly developing the region’s vineyards, and the growth is obvious; new vineyards connect the more established estates all along route 6, almost until the hills leading into Picton.
Written by Mod Fam on June 1, 2019
Abel Tasman Coast Track – Great Walks NZ
Backpacking . Hiking . New Zealand . Outdoor Recreation . Tent Camping . Travel . Worldwide TravelIf you’re thinking of either a long day hike or a longer, overnight trek, add Abel Tasman National Park to your list of stops on your two week trip. We’ve hiked the Milford Track, one of New Zealand’s Great Walks, and many shorter treks throughout the South Island. The scenic views, secluded beaches, and dense native bush of Abel Tasman make this one of our favorite areas to hike and camp (and we have a lot of favorites in New Zealand!).
Written by Mod Fam on May 28, 2019
New Zealand Itinerary – Brunner, Waiuta, and Motueka
Hiking . New Zealand . Outdoor Recreation . Travel . Worldwide TravelWe planned day four as a driving day to cover about 1/3 of the length of the South Island, from Hokitika all the way to Motueka, on the South Island’s North Shore between the Abel Tasman National Park and the wine-growing region of Nelson, Picton, and Blenheim. If you have a little more time, you could easily break this into two segments and stay in Reefton, the first town in New Zealand and all of the Southern Hemisphere to receive electricity. You can easily cover the distance with a few fun stops in less than a full day.
Written by Mod Fam on May 24, 2019
New Zealand South Island Road Trip – Hokitika
New Zealand . Outdoor Recreation . Tent Camping . Travel . Worldwide TravelHokitika is known for its greenstone shops and other tourist attractions. Originally a gold mining town in the 1860s, Hokitika was once one of the most populous New Zealand cities. Even though the original industries have faded, it has become a popular tourist destination along the West Coast, and we recommend spending at least half a day checking out the historical downtown area and gray sand beaches.
Written by Mod Fam on May 19, 2019
Tour New Zealand – South Island Itinerary: Fox Glacier
Hiking . New Zealand . Outdoor Recreation . Travel . Worldwide TravelThe mountain villages of Fox Glacier and Franz Josef provide access to the two most accessible glaciers on the West Coast. You can easily spend a full day exploring the glacier nature walks and the villages that thrive on the summertime tourist economy. At Fox Glacier, the hike to view the receding glacier has more than doubled since we first started visiting in 2003, due to the stunning retreat of the glacier.