Four South African nature escapes that feel like New Zealand
South Africa and New Zealand sit on opposite sides of the planet, but they share a rare quality: wildly diverse landscapes packed into compact areas. For South Africans craving the dramatic peaks, emerald valleys, and crisp air of New Zealand – without the long-haul flight – these local escapes come remarkably close.
New Zealand's Southern Alps are famous for their jagged ridgelines and alpine trails. South Africa's Drakensberg range offers similar drama. Towering basalt cliffs, misty peaks, and winding hikes through indigenous forest make this a high-altitude escape with serious Kiwi vibes. Cathedral Peak and the Amphitheatre in Royal Natal National Park echo the cinematic beauty of Fiordland.
Take a look here: #drakensbergmountains
This lush, misty region could easily be mistaken for New Zealand's North Island. Rolling hills draped in afro-montane forest, hidden waterfalls, and cool, wet weather make Magoebaskloof feel worlds away from the dry bushveld most associate with South Africa. It has a similar charm to Rotorua or the Coromandel Peninsula – just swap geothermal springs for fern-covered ravines.
Take a look here: #magoebaskloof
Perched high in the Amathole Mountains, Hogsback is a forested hideaway full of Tolkien-esque wonder. With its mossy paths, waterfalls, and dense woodland, it's reminiscent of New Zealand's Fiordland forests or the mystical trails of the South Island. Local legend says it inspired Tolkien's Middle-earth, and walking its paths, you won't doubt it.
Take a look here: #hogsbacksouthafrica
For something that mirrors the rugged, open spaces of New Zealand's South Island high country, the Cederberg hits the mark. Stark rock formations, clear mountain pools, and star-strewn skies evoke the feeling of tramping through Otago or Canterbury. There's a raw, remote beauty here that satisfies the urge to roam wild.
Take a look here: #cederbergwildernessarea
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.
Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Citizen
an hour ago
- The Citizen
Motorists urged to be cautious as snow falls across Eastern Cape
Snow covered fields, roads and mountian passes in the Eastern Cape. The Eastern Cape Transport Department has also urged motorists to take precautions on the road. Picture: Screengrab of video. The Eastern Cape Transport Department has urged motorists to exercise caution on the roads. The department shared videos with The Citizen showing snow-covered fields and hills. The road surface has a layer of snow on it. Snow Eastern Cape Transport Department spokesperson Unathi Binqose said the Wapadsberg Pass on the R61 between Nxuba (Cradock) and Graaff-Reinet is not yet closed. 'However, motorists are urged to use that road only if they really need to, and in doing that, proceed with caution. We are keeping a close eye on other mountain passes as well. 'We are keeping a close eye on other mountain passes as well. Meanwhile, the N6 road Komani (Queenstown) and Cathcart is closed due to a truck accident that spilled hazardous chemicals on the road. The road will be closed for a period of time,' Binqose said. WATCH Snow in the Eastern Cape The Eastern Cape Transport Department has urged motorists to exercise caution on the roads after snowfall in the province. Snow covered fields, roads and mountian passes in the Eastern Cape. Vids: Unathi Binqose #Snow #EasternCape @TheCitizen_News June 9, 2025 ALSO READ: Snow, disruptive rain and severe thunderstorms to sweep across country Joburg Meanwhile, the Johannesburg Emergency Services (EMS) says no major incidents were reported in the city following the intense cold front, which is sweeping across the country, including Johannesburg in Gauteng. South Africans will continue to experience wintry conditions, with a cold, wet, and windy start to the week in the country. This is due to a strong cut-off low sweeping across the country, accompanied by snow, as a high-pressure system rides in behind a cold front. However, conditions in Gauteng are relatively calm, with no snow, and the South African Weather Service (Saws) says it will be cool in places in the north, otherwise partly cloudy and cold, becoming cloudy with isolated showers and rain. ALSO READ: Winter wonderland: Snow expected in Gauteng next week Alert Joburg Emergency Services spokesperson Robert Mulaudzi urged residents to continue taking precautions during the cold spell. 'Residents are urged to continue to look after all heating devices, things like heaters, braziers, paraffin stoves not to leave them unattended while in use so that we can be able to prevent fire incidents which might occur during these extreme cold temperatures. 'From our side as the City of Johannesburg Emergency Management Services together with our disaster management monitoring teams and all our specialised teams are monitoring all seven regions of the city for any emergencies,' Mulaudzi said. The Johannesburg Emergency Services (EMS) says no major incident were reported in the city following the intense cold front which is sweeping across the country including Johannesburg in Gauteng. Robert Mulaudzi explains. #Johannesburg #ColdFront @TheCitizen_News — 𝙵𝚊𝚒𝚣𝚎𝚕 𝙿𝚊𝚝𝚎𝚕 ⚡️ (@FaizelPatel143) June 9, 2025 Weather warnings The Weather Service has issued two orange and six yellow level warnings for several parts of the country, with warnings of very cold, wet and windy conditions, including snow for several parts of the country. Localised flooding, road closures and icy conditions are also expected in some areas. NOW READ: Eskom winter outlook: Here's how many days of load shedding to expect in SA
The Citizen
3 hours ago
- The Citizen
Germiston audience inspired by blind man's Kilimanjaro climb
Shrouded in darkness, a formation of eight men climbed the face of Kilimanjaro. Second from the front, Gerhard Ferreira walked with great effort, willing his body to take the last strides to the top of Africa's highest peak. Gathered in the Katse Room at Ebotse on May 29, members and guests of the Garlands Ladies Luncheon Club listened in awe as Gerhard, a blind mountaineer from Lakefield, recounted his 54-year-long journey that led him to stand on top of the world on August 4, 2001. ALSO READ: Nature lovers invited to adventure at Melville Koppies At the age of 16, Gerhard's world went dark when a degenerative condition claimed his vision. Starting from humble beginnings, the father of two's career includes countless accolades, such as becoming one of the country's first programmers. He went on to become manager of quality management and coaching at Standard Bank's Corporate and Investment Bank. Despite being visually impaired, his vigour and lust for life have taken him on a series of whirlwind adventures. Under the guidance of his running partner and lifelong friend, Denis Tavakin, Gerhard has won two bronze medals at the Comrades Ultra-Marathon, two bronze medals at the Two Oceans Marathon, and two silver medals at the New York City Marathon. 'Whether it is bungee jumping or battling rapids, there is very little that scares me,' he said, with a hint of his wicked wit tugging at the corners of his mouth. 'Perhaps it is my die-hard approach to life or merely the fact that I cannot see the dangers or challenges before me that have pushed me beyond my comfort zone.' Zeroing in on his trek to become one of the first three South Africans to reach Uhuru Peak, at an elevation of 5 895 m, Gerhard said that the climb was not only a physical challenge due to extreme conditions but also tested every inch of his will. 'Uhuru means freedom in Swahili,' he said. ALSO READ: Melville Koppies get new paths for adventure 'Freedom of movement and the ability to grow beyond physical limitations were something that I had to quickly adapt to if I wanted to live a life of independence. Navigating through life in darkness became second nature. 'However, trudging through dense vegetation, covered in mud, and steadily making my way up a mountain that stretched beyond the clouds were the moments that cemented my will to live without limitations.' Detailing his adventure, Gerhard told the Garlands how the most encouraging words during the climb came from his patient guides, who routinely told him, 'It's not too far.' 'As humans, we are so fixated on our goals that we grow impatient when it takes a little longer to see the results,' he said. 'This could lead to despondency and frustration, but if my journey has taught me anything, it is to focus on putting one foot in front of the other. 'Every step inches you forward. Take the time to examine the end destination and take stock of how far you have come, but do not linger there. ALSO READ: Treat your family with some adventure at Melville Koppies 'Again, focus on every step, and before you know it, 'it is not too far,' becomes 'lift your hands, you have made it to the top.' The Garlands Ladies Luncheon Club will meet again on June 26. For more information about the club and its monthly meetings or to become a member, email club president Margie Kostelac at margie.h@ At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The South African
13 hours ago
- The South African
Kerishnie Naiker recalls freak accident that left her in a wheelchair
Former Miss SA Kerishnie Naiker has reflected on the first anniversary since a freak accident that left her temporarily wheelchair bound after dislocating both ankles. The 51-year-old beauty queen suffered a serious fall after bumping into a tourist at Cape Point in May last year. After undergoing intensive rehabilitation, she slowly regained mobility, but with limitations. In 1997, Kerishnie became the first South African of Indian descent to win Miss SA. In an Instagram post over the weekend, Kerishnie Naiker reflected on a year of intense rehabilitation since her horror accident at a Cape tourist destination last year. Sharing footage of her time in hospital, she shared: 'Adaptability is an art and an advantage. The focus has not once been on the negligent, selfie-addicted tourist, but rather on being solution-driven and healing. Earlier this month, Kerishnie claimed she had '28% sports ability' and also revealed she experienced nerve damage in her toes. According to Kerishnie Naiker, she suffered a serious fall last year after bumping into a tourist on a steep flight of stairs. She shared: 'I was accidentally tripped by a tourist while she was taking photographs. While on the stairs from the lighthouse at Cape Point, she walked backward into me, tripping me down two steps. She tried to get the lighthouse in focus and took one step too far'. The beauty queen dislocated both her ankles and had to undergo an intensive rehabilitation programme. Kerishnie Naiker has shared a health update after a freak accident. Images via Instagram: @kerishnie_naiker In light of the accident, Kerishnie Naiker has used her platform to share the lessons she learned from the experience. She shared: 'I feel it imperative to use this platform to reaffirm that we: 'Do not take photos at the peril of others or ourselves 'Are observant, cognizant of our surroundings, and situationally aware 'Savour every moment and take it all in without having to witness it all through a lens 'Are mindful, kind, and not oblivious of the well-being of others.' She added, 'Too many are dying while taking selfies and recording reels, and others are getting injured and killed by their negligence.' Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 . Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp , Facebook , X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
