Make the best itinerary travelling from Christchurch to Kaikōura on a road trip. Whether you’re planning a quick road trip (and just want a few places to stretch your legs), or you’re wanting to really take your time, this guide will help you plan out your preferred stops.
New Zealand is full of fantastic places to visit and the best way to see them is by taking a road trip.
Christchurch is the largest city in the South Island so is a popular tourist spot for travellers, particularly those first arriving down south.
However, the coastal town of Kaikōura is just a 2.5-hour drive away and is just as beautiful (if not even more so). Known for its abundant wildlife and whale sightings, this isn’t a place that you want to leave off your New Zealand itinerary.
We highly recommend you make the drive from Christchurch to Kaikōura, where you’ll come across plenty of spots to visit along the way.
Top 5 Locations to see while Driving from Christchurch to Kaikoura
#1: The Pines Beach
If you’re a fan of beaches, like us, then The Pines Beach should be the first stop on your trip from Christchurch to Kaikōura.
The actual town is also called The Pines Beach (which we’ll admit, is a bit confusing), but both are located in the same place so it doesn’t matter which location you plug into your navigation.
As the name suggests, the beach backs onto a forest so you’ve got the best of both worlds. It’s also one of the quieter beaches along this route, so is the perfect place to relax and take in the views.
Just be prepared for some windy weather conditions and rug up warm.
#2: Amberley
On your trip from Christchurch to Kaikōura, we’d recommend stopping off at Amberley. This charming town is known for its boutique stores, craft shops, and vibrant cafés, making it a great place to wander around.
If you can time your visit with lunchtime or ‘brunch’ then even better, as the food here is fabulous. This area prioritises local produce and you can tell.
During your stop off in Amberley, you can also head to the beach, visit Chamberlain Park, or explore Amberley House.
Although this place is only small, you’ll find a surprising number of things to do here.
#3: Visit Wineries in the Waipara Valley
As you head back onto State Highway 1, you’ll come to the scenic Waipara Valley. This beautiful area is most famous for its fine wines, making it a must-visit whilst driving from Christchurch to Kaikōura.
Interestingly, the vineyards here are the fastest-growing in the country, so naturally, you’ll find a wide range of wines to taste.
Luckily, there are plenty of vineyards to choose from including Greystone Wines, Muddy Water Wines, and Terrace Edge Vineyard & Olive Grove.
No matter which one you choose you’ll have a fantastic experience so make sure you allow plenty of time here.
Because you deserve to kick back for a while!
#4: Enjoy the Views from Gore Bay
If there’s one place you can’t miss during your road trip from Christchurch to Kaikōura, it’s Gore Bay!
It’s just a 10-minute drive from Cheviot and is a great spot for surfing, walking and simply relaxing. With its cliff-edge backdrop (known as Cathedral Gully), relatively calm waters, and stunning surroundings, this place has so much to offer.
Considering this place is undeniably beautiful, it’s surprising you don’t encounter more crowds here. However, that’s always a good thing and we’re not complaining!
If you’ve got enough time, we recommend stocking up on snacks in Cheviot and heading here for a picnic.
#5: Take a Detour to Hanmer Springs for Some Hot Pool Fun!
If you’ve got some extra time on your hands then we recommend taking a detour out to Hanmer Springs!
This place is famous for its hot pools, so make sure you head to Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa. Whether you’re looking to relax in the rock pools, head to the spa or take on a waterslide, there’s something for everyone there.
You’ll also find plenty of other things to do in this town like visiting the local animal park, heading out on a quad bike safari or exploring the area on a Hanmer Rocket.
Hanmer Springs is one of favourite stops on this itinerary so we really encourage you to include it on your road trip if you can.
We have a day tour from Christchurch to Hanmer Springs and if you don’t want to drive, make use of this tour.
Conclusion
As you can see there are plenty of places to visit on your journey from Christchurch to Kaikōura!
Whether you’re looking to relax on a beach or take a scenic walk along the coast, this road trip offers something for everyone.
