There’s no better place to hang in summer if you’re a local than at Queen’s Park Gardens. Located in the centre of Invercargill and right next to the museum and art gallery, this is the place to catch up with friends and kick a ball around.

If you’re from the south then you’ll love a good brew, and thank goodness local brewery Invercargill Brewery churns out amazing beers all year round! My favourite is the ‘Wasp’, a delicious honey pilsner.

Invercargill’s favourite swimming spot since the mid 19th Century, Waihopai River is the place to be seen in the summer if you’re a local. Swim, boat, dive and swing (on a tree rope), you can do it all at this amazing place.

I love this Stewart Island cafe and bar as much as the locals do. This place has fantastic breakfasts, lunches and dinners in its 19th century cottage looking down on Halfmoon Bay. The drinks are delicious, served quickly and a great way to finish the day exploring Stewart Island.

I love this place for its location (its situate on an old airfield!) and the wartime aviation memorabilia that is dotted around the space. The meals are big and delicious, the coffee is roasted to perfection and the staff are simply lovely!

Whenever you ask a local where to stay in Punakaiki they always say "The Rocks!". That’s because this place truly rocks … With spectacular views of the ocean, amazing service and a delicious breakfast every morning, it’s easy to see why this place is a local favourite.

For a bit of exercise that’s not too stressful on the heart, locals love the Nikau walk. An easy and breezy 50 minute stroll across the Kohaihai River is good for the body and the soul!

With views overlooking the mighty lake and with amazing outdoor seating, it’s hard to beat the Matheson Cafe. I love their amazing gourmet pizzas, huge breakfast menu and perfectly roasted coffee.

Not only do I love Whanake Gallery & Espresso Bar but the locals love it too. A boutique gallery and cafe, the food and coffee here are just perfect. The service is quick and friendly, although not too quick that you don’t get to explore the amazing gallery!

A ridiculously good Indian restaurant in Westport (would you believe?!), The Copper Pot does a mean lamb vindaloo. Great authentic food and service, it’s always a guaranteed great night out here.

A new favourite of mine, I love Kadett for their fabulous coffee, amazing Grizzly bagels, cakes from Cakes by Anna and the inspired space. A great place for chilling with friends or doing some work on the laptop.

A brand new bar on St Asaph Street, The Space Academy is a superb spot for a drink and bite to eat. This inspired space also has a cafe, hairdresser and mini library too!

A great new international-style bar on St Asaph Street, Mish Mash is a "mish mash" of flavours from around the globe. Grab a cocktail, sit down and relax whilst watching the world go by.

A glorious drinking establishment on Durham Street, I love When for their ridiculously good range of whiskies, beers and wines. A wonderful laid back affair, expect excellent customer service and tasty food.

A new local favourite, Wolf at the Door is the latest cafe / bar by the guys and girls who run Morning Magpie. A superb spot for a coffee, bite to eat or beer.

The amazing Queenstown restaurant has started a branch in Dunedin and the locals couldn’t be more excited about it. Bringing an Asian taste infusion to the central city, there’s a lot to love about this place including the cocktails and amazing salads.

The fabulous new restaurant and bar in Queenstown, Public is brought to you by none other than the Wai Dining group. The focus here is fresh and locally sourced produce and meats. It’s all about sharing plates here so make sure you bring a group of mates along with you to join in the good times!

A superb place for breakfast, brunch or lunch. I love The Standard Kitchen for their amazing eggs on toast, freshly roasted coffee and friendly staff. This new cafe is well worth visiting!

St Kilda beach is the most consistent surf break in New Zealand. I love the café lined promenade and white sandy beaches – both a great for people watching. The Salt Water Pool is certainly a highlight – it opened in 1884 and is still going strong!

Aramoana is a beautiful white sandy beach. It’s a fantastic little township with boardwalk and lovely walks along the sea. I love this beach because the swimming is great for all ages and the township has loads of classic Kiwiana homes.

Blueskin Bay is an estuary full of cockles (aka Southern Clams) which have become a big NZ export. A great place for fishing for the cockles, as well as oysters and other fish, Blueskin Bay is a great place for bonfire too.

This campsite is perfect. Located on the shores of Lake Wanaka, this DOC managed campsite is easy to access and is a great quiet campsite for the family. There’s loads of fun to be had including motor boating, fishing and water skiing.

This Glenorchy campsite is truly fantastic! Located on the shores of Lake Wakatipu (New Zealand’s longest lake), Kinloch Campsite is the perfect spot for swimming, kayaking, fishing, boating and picnicing. There’s even a nearby lodge for shopping, showers and home cooked meals.

Cardrona Hotel is a superb pub with spectacular views of the mountains. I love this hotel for its gold rush history (it opened way back in 1863!) and the open fire is the perfect place to cosy up and enjoy a delicious home style meal.

The Pig and Whistle is a classic English-style pub serving delicious roasts, coupled with fantastic Kiwi service and hospitality. Great for locals and visitors, Pig and Whistle seves over 17 different tap beers and there’s always sport on the big screen.

The Speight’s Ale House is a historic Dunedin pub. Serving only the finest Speight’s ales brewed on site, expect only the best from one of my favourite Dunedin pubs. I particularly like the meals, including lamb shanks and blue cod – yum!

Not just a plce selling wines and spirits, I love Pembroke for their excellent service, takeaway bottles of booze, and amazing platters. They’re hearty, value for money and delicious. Try the hot smoked salmon with creamy horseradish mayo and ciabatta.

My favourite pub in Arrotown, this garden bar is an instant classic. Great for families (there’s a sandpit and playhouse!) and a perfectly romantic place for two, this place has all round fantastic atmosphere.