Dunedin travel guide, best FREE things to see, what to do: NZ Jane

Christchurch street art journey

Central South Island, Culture, Culture and Heritage

This post is a pictorial journey exploring street art in Christchurch. Brushing up on your art homework credentials. Your first stop is the Christchurch Arts Centre visitor information site. The ‘i’ site can provide self- guided maps to street art installations, pop up exhibitions as well as commercial galleries.

Street art painted by ROA from Belgium which is located in Dunedin, New Zealand

Dunedin street art: heritage buildings got a serious lick of new paint

Central South Island, Culture, Culture and Heritage, Top picks

It's a brisk -10c in the sunshine (perhaps you better make sure you've a blunt umbrella in the backpack). It’s winter and you are in Dunedin. A great time for a Sunday morning stroll around city streets to observe the best street art in New Zealand. Melbourne better watch out. Inspired use of warehouse space. Dunedin has a new layer to its identity. Dunedin street art is glitter, monochrome, whimsical, challenging and humorous, the gamut of emotion is captured on a brick wall, thank you Dunedin.

Wharariki Beach, Golden Bay, New Zealand

Top ten short walks in Nelson

Active, Central South Island, Family fun

Walks from very easy short strolls to medium walks that are in remote locations. You can stand in an area of fifteenth century adeze (tool) manufacturing, walk in the footsteps of gold miners, visit a settlers graveyard where the mostly forgotten names of nineteenth century Nelson inhabitants are buried and you can experience the pleasure of being in a wildly remote, beautiful part of the South Island. Windswept beaches, extraordinary landforms, heritage and history are all free and easily accessible. Remember to follow the advice of the Department of Conservation. Ensure that heritage areas are left intact with only your footprints and wildlife is treated with respect.

Eight places to go camping on Banks Peninsula

Central South Island, Central South Island Stay, Family fun, Stay, Top picks

New Zealand South Island Banks Peninsula is a perfect getaway from the crowds camping destination. There is the urban vibe of Akaroa if you need a coffee fix or simply a place to relax in a bush setting there are several choices for camping. In Lyttelton you can explore a maritime heritage or browse among the art and craft shops. Several of the camping grounds are open only in the peak season, forward bookings are recommended. There are no designated freedom camping sites on Banks Peninsula. Check travel pack information for further details.

Denniston Plateau & Millerton: abandoned coal mining towns

Active, Central South Island, Culture, Culture and Heritage, Special interest / Focus

Follow in the footsteps of prospectors, a heritage gold and coal mining trail. Today you will be on the trail of a nineteenth century gold miner. You will be travelling north viewing Denniston Plateau to your right as you travel between the mountains and sea delving into the past in Hector, Granity foreshore and Granity Museum, Ngakawau, Millerton, and Stockton. Hector is the home to the Country Music Museum. Visit Granity and witness the action of climate change on a small settlement.