Author: Tim Brewster

The Authentic Guide to the South – South Island Itinerary

The Authentic Guide to the South – South Island Itinerary

Posted by | Feb 10, 2017 | |

The Good South – The Authentic Guide to the South of the South Island Why go South? Nature’s unique environment here is a possibility. One of the globe’s youngest landforms, Aotearoa’s only original mammals were bats with the result that many birds evolved to become flightless due to a lack of predators.  Then there’s the plant life, of which about 80% is endemic. With its relatively youthful age of about 540 million years it’s still shaping itself.  The Southern Alps continue to grow and active fault lines fracture the South Island. The southern part of New Zealand is the least populated...

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Driving between Dunedin and Wanaka

Driving between Dunedin and Wanaka

Posted by | Feb 10, 2017 | , , |

Driving between Dunedin and Wanaka via SH 8 – 277km The drive between Dunedin to Wanaka takes an estimated 3.5 hours with some winding, hilly roads and a number of attractive stop-off options. The journey brings you from the Eastern coastal climate into the dryland region of Central Otago. Central Otago has cold frosty winters and (generally) hot dry summers, with 2017 being an exception with stormy weather and snow on the hills. The climate still remains generally dry however, and the intense sunshine received in the area encourages lots of sunscreen and wearing a hat. The Good South Gems:...

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Driving from Queenstown to Milford Sound

Driving from Queenstown to Milford Sound

Posted by | Feb 9, 2017 | , |

Driving from Queenstown to Milford Sound – 288km Driving: Driver Alert! High accident rate on this road with technical driving skills required.  This driving guide is recommended. Please do not attempt to film or take photos while driving. This is a very popular trip for a number of tourists from all over the world. If in doubt about your technical driving skills in New Zealand please use the bus, hire a driver or fly. Please be aware of other traffic, especially those behind you if you are driving cautiously. With scenic spots, please indicate and ensure you are well off...

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The Great Scone Trail History

The Great Scone Trail History

Posted by | Feb 6, 2017 | , , |

The Great Scone Trail History A good scone  is the benchmark of a worthy kitchen. Without the ability to produce a tasty example of one of the earliest forms of baking, how can a cafe or kitchen expect to be taken seriously? But bolstering those traditional cooking standards have been more modern, even exotic influences embraced in the south. Consider Guilliame Brun, a French baker now living permanently in Wanaka, who was selected as the head judge for the baking goods category of the Upper Clutha A & P Show. Historically parochial and almost in its 80th year as one...

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