Road trip views of the road and mountains in the Southern Alps, New Zealand.

Welcome to New Zealand South Island Travel Insider Guide, your source for the best things to do in South Island, New Zealand.

We’re absolutely thrilled that you’ve landed on our “About Us” page and are interested in what we have to share.

My name is Oli, and I’m the driving force behind the New Zealand South Island Travel Insider Guide. After travelling to over 50 countries around the world and extensively for over 20 years in New Zealand, I can honestly say that there’s nowhere quite like the South Island of New Zealand. It stole my heart and became my absolute favourite place on Earth.

Oli posing for a photo at Lake Matheson New Zealand

Let me introduce you to Geoff, my partner in life and in this incredible venture. Geoff has deep roots on the South Island, with ancestors hailing from this magnificent land. Even though he was born on the North Island, his childhood overflowed with cherished memories of exploring Nelson/ Tasman and the West Coast with his family.

Male hiker walking at the start of the Abel Tasman track

Together, we’ve spent over two decades living and travelling across the South Island. We’ve taken every opportunity to explore this incredible region. Whether as a couple, as part of a group, or as a family, we’ve embarked on countless adventures on our personal journey through the South Island.

We’ve experienced the thrill of backpacking, the joy of camping under starry skies, and the indulgence of luxury travel. We’ve been fortunate enough to enjoy business trips that allowed us to delve even deeper into the wonders of the South Island. And yes, we’ve even spent nights sleeping in our trusty car, immersing ourselves fully in the freedom and spontaneity of the open road.

River and bush view at Kohaihai campsite.
Our camping adventures in New Zealand’s South Island

This diverse range of experiences has shaped our understanding and appreciation of the South Island in truly invaluable ways. We know firsthand what it’s like to explore its majestic landscapes, encounter its unique wildlife, and immerse ourselves in the rich cultural tapestry of its towns and cities.

And that’s how the New Zealand South Island Travel Insider Guide came to be. After working in marketing, writing and the travel industry for over 20 years, we’ve decided to focus our efforts on promoting the place we feel the most passionate about – the South Island.

With our expertise in travel and travel blogging, we are committed to sharing our insights about this extraordinary region so you can make well-informed decisions on where to visit.

Everything you read on our website is based on our first-hand experiences. Our aim is to share these experiences with you, providing insights and guides that can only be gained through personal exploration.

We strive to provide you with comprehensive information and authentic photos (taken by ourselves) about the places we’ve visited, the sights we’ve seen, the adventures we’ve had, the best things to do, hidden gems uncovered, reviews, and be your trustworthy and reliable source of insider travel tips.

Female walking on sand dunes at Wharariki Beach, Golden Bay.

Our goal is to inspire you, spark your wanderlust, and ensure that your journey through the South Island becomes an extraordinary adventure.

Our mission is to assist you in crafting your perfect itinerary for your trip to the South Island.

Thank you for joining us on this exciting exploration of the South Island of New Zealand.

Whether you’re seeking adventure, solace in nature, or unforgettable moments with loved ones, we’ve got you covered!

Whether you’re an international or domestic traveller or a local South Islander, let us inspire you to discover New Zealand South Island and go on this unforgettable journey together!