Matthew
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South Island ▷ West Coast ▷ Westport ▷
Denniston Bridle Path
Great views and interesting history at this hilltop mining site that was home to an unbelievably steep railway.
Free, with lots of information boards and old mining equipment about the place.
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South Island ▷ Fiordland ▷ Milford Sound - Fiordland National Park ▷
Roscos Milford Kayaks
Great value for money offered by this product which is a morning kayaking followed by a water taxi back to the port.
Our guide was fantastic and we were able to get close to the penguins and seals.
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South Island ▷ Mount Cook - MacKenzie ▷ Mount Cook ▷
Sealy Tarns Track
A steep climb up a stepped walkway (est 10,000 steps) leads to a small alpine lake and picnic table cited beneath the Huddlestone Glacier with fantastic views of Mt Cook and the valley.
Not for the very unfit though the views from halfway are still sublime.
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South Island ▷ Southland ▷ Owaka ▷
Catlins Surf
Surf hire and lessons in a fantastic location, with the possibility of surfing with Hector Dolphins Nick is the owner, and a very patient teacher.
The lessons are two hours and offer great value for money. The surf is very safe (no rocks) and we were quickly surrounded by a pool of dolphins playing in the waves.
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South Island ▷ Southland ▷ Tuatapere ▷
Clifden Caves
An underground cave system that can be followed from one end to the other.
Free, just take some torches, decent boots and a bit of bravery. It takes over an hour to complete so recommend not going alone and letting others know your plans before you go to the cave site as there is little or no phone reception in the surrounding area.
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South Island ▷ Fiordland ▷ Milford Sound - Fiordland National Park ▷
Lake Marian Track
Just before the Homer Tunnel on the way to Milford Sound this track follows a flowing river before climbing to a stunning alpine lake.
While the track is uphill and bumpy in places, it should be achievable for most and is worth the effort. Take swimming shorts in summer.