#1 Puheke Beach

34.8 S 173.3 E

Puheke Beach is a stunning long, white, sandy beach in the far north (Karikari Peninsula). It's sand dunes are home to lots of seabirds and we have seen dolphins swimming around in the bay. Not many people bother gong to this beach so its often deserted.

#2 Wai-o-tapu geothermal pools

38.4 S 176.4 E

The Wai-O-Tapu geothermal pools are located in Rotorua, an area well known for geothermal activity. Their beautifully coloured pools are caused by sulphur rising to the surface and settling there.

#3 Franz Joseph Glacier

43.4 S 170.2 E

The Franz Joseph Glacier is a beautiful glacier that is approximately 7000 years old and is an impressive 12 kilometres long. It's one of New Zealands two most famous glaciers, the other one being Fox Glacier, and since the late 1880s has retreated about three kilometres.

#4 Abel Tasman National Park

40.9 S 173 E

The Abel Tasman National Park is a stunning blue water kayaking hotspot whilst also being the smallest national park in New Zealand. its also great for walking, relaxing, snorkelling, touring by boat and swimming.

#5 waitomo glowworm caves

38.2 S 175.1 E

The Waitomo Glowworm Caves are an extensive cave system which is home to the unique New Zealand glowworm. Tours go through two of the levels passing through the Cathedral where famous singers and choirs have performed and the streams below to admire the beauty of the glowworms from a boat.

#6 Tekapo Canals

43.8 S 170.5 E

The Canals run from lake Tekapo to Lake Pukaki, and Lakes Pukaki and Ohau to Lake Benmore. That's over 150 kilometres of turquoise water coloured by "rock flour" suspended in the water. It's glacial water which makes it pretty cold as well. There is also great fishing along the canals.

#7 Lake Brunner

42.6 S 171.4 E

Lake Brunner is an amazing place to go fishing, swimming or do watersports. It is the warmest lake in the South Island because it feeds of the Arnold river instead of a glacier. Its my happy place :)