A spectacular place. The best way to see Cascade Saddle is by walking it. It takes between 1-2 days to cross it and is located between the West Matukituki and the Dart Valleys. Best experienced during summer!

An amazing Blue Pools walk, this track will allow you access to the most beautiful views of the river gorge, beech/tawhero forest and the Young river. It’s a 7km return track walk, and well worth giving it a go!

Haast Pass is a spectacular 140km of State Highway 6 and is a historical route between Central Otago and the West Coast. If you’re a bit lazy or just don’t want to get out of the car, this is a spectacular drive and a great way to see Otago!

Butterfields Wetland Walk is a small loop track around the Butterfields Wildlife Management Area. I love it for bike riding and mountain biking and is a spetacular slice of Otago.

No bookings required at Slyvan Campsite, but you better get in quick, because this place is super popular and you may in fact miss a spot for the night! There are loads of fun, family-friendly activities here including nice walks and spots for fishing.

A seven hour hike is well worth it for discovering some of the country’s best natural hot pools. The Welcome Valley Hut is a welcome site after a trek up the Copeland Valley. A must do for all locals and tourists.

The Franz Josef Glacier is simply stunning. See it up close by walking the 5.4 km return track (which takes approximately 1.5 hours). This glacier (along with the Fox glacier) is one of the best things to do in NZ, and it’s free!

One of the more popular destinations on a tourist’s to-do list, Lake Matheson is a spectacular sight on the West Coast. There’s a lovely 40 minute walk to take to get up close to the lake and has amazing lake views and reflections. It’s one of the best lakes in NZ!

Fox Glacier is superb. This free and popular tourist attraction should be on every New Zealander’s bucket list. I love it for it’s history and the educational boards at the base of the glacier. Listen closely, and you may hear it move deep under ground! Best way to view this glacier is by helicopter.

If you’re willing and experienced, the ultimate way to see Franz Josef Glacier is on the Alex Knob Track. Take the four hour climb up to the Rata Lookout and see the glacier in all its glory!

The best coffee on the West Coast is at Matheson Cafe. I love their espresso along with their amazing breakfast menu.

This Westport cafe totally rules. The coffee is beyond delicious, and I love the amazing space and al fresco dining.

Not only does the Salmon Farm cafe selling salmon galore, but they make an excellent espresso. Freshly roasted and perfectly made, this place is great.

Freddy’s is an amazing place for coffee, breakfast and lunch. The staff here are really friendly and service is always swift. I love it.

If you’re on a road trip in Te Anau, make sure you stop off at Sandfly Cafe. This place is the best place for amazing espresso. It’s a laidback cafe with plenty going on to keep you entertained.

A wicked cafe in Te Anau, Olive Tree know how to make a great coffee. Couple your espresso with one of their amazing meals, and you’re good to go!

Not only is the food, service and atmosphere second-to-none in Invercargill. but the espresso is ridiculously good! Even Nigella Lawson thinks so

A great cafe and bar, Ziff’s is a superb place for coffee. They can not only satisfy your coffee needs but they’ve got you covered with their amazing breakfast and lunch menu too!

Stella’s Cafe is a great place. I love this Hokitika cafe because they really know how to make a mean espresso. They’re even trying out organic milk at the moment so fingers crossed they keep using it!

After a 400 day closure, Tommy Taco is back! You can now find them in a permanent location corner of High and Lichfield streets. They’ll be serving the same amazing tacos and even burritos every day of the week!

I love Exchange Cafe. Using only local and mostly organic ingredients, chef Aliesha churns out sublime salads, sandwiches and sweet treats every week day. This place rules.

A superb place to go for facials, massages and manicures, I love this brand new day spa in the central city. It’s a place for relaxation and results-driven treatments.

A brand new cafe under CoCA gallery, Lux is a superb place for coffee, breakfast and lunch. I love the slick service and the fact that it calls an art gallery home!

A specialty coffee spot on Princes Street in Dunedin, I love Vanguard for its amazing breakfasts and lunches, as well as their locally roasted coffee. This place rules - it’s a massive space so can cater for big groups too.

A wicked wee cafe on Carroll Street, Wolf at the Door is the little sister to Morning Magpie. I love it for the coffee, delicious breakfasts and dark, cave-like atmosphere.

I love this restaurant for its dynamic and exciting vibe, superb hospitality and customer service, and amazing food. The decor is bright and stunning too. A must visit if you’re in Queenstown or Dunedin!

A perfect haunt for students, this cafe is located opposite the University Library. Serving Supreme coffee and excellent snack-style food, Dispensary and awesome wee hangout.