A coastal road trip is always a joy, and flying into Christchurch and driving up to Nelson is pretty magical as New Zealand ones go. Hire a car and head up from the east coast up to the northernmost part of the South Island for some of New Zealand’s finest scenery and fun.
Christchurch
Charming Christchurch is the perfect place to begin your trip, make sure you allocate some decent time to see it properly before hitting the road. It’s the only city where a visit to the library is an absolute must (trust us, you’ll understand when you visit) plus there’s the Botanic Gardens, Port Hills, Ziplining and Mountain Biking, the incredible new Riverside market complex, gorgeous hiking trails, Art Gallery, New Regent Street (with a mandatory stop at Rollickin Gelato), great new shopping areas, and the sombre but beautiful Canterbury Earthquake National Memorial.
Hanmer Springs
This is a must-stop for families, but those without kids will love it too. The incredible Thermal Pools and Spa complex is a great place to pass a whole day soaking in warm mineral laden waters, having a massage or riding hydroslides, lazy river and the aqua thrill ride, if you have offspring in tow. But there’s much more to Hanmer than this famous attraction. The area also has some beautiful walks - looking up the road you really feel like you’re on set on an American alpine-based movie as the main street hits the picturesque foot of the Alps. If you have time to take the coastal route from Christchurch on the way up, Cathedral Cliffs will blow you mind
Kaikoura
You can either keep driving towards Nelson Lakes National Park and head north that way, or divert to Kaikoura and up the east coast if you haven’t been there before. Kaikoura is truly stunning and sitting on its pebbled beach looking up to the mountains is a wonderful experience. It’s best known for its crayfish but we’re in love with the cheese they make there too - and of course you have to get out on the water to watch whales and swim with dolphins; this is one of the best spots in the country for it.
Marlborough/Tasman
Obviously this part of the country is best known for its wine, and there really are moments when all you can see is vines. Take some time to explore Blenheim, one of the birthplaces of this industry in New Zealand - then progress to Nelson, the heart of hop growing in New Zealand (also well-known for wine, cider, kombucha, seafood, cheese, mushrooms, and chocolate products). Further up, Golden Bay is deservedly revered for its natural beauty. Check out the rugged coastline and towering arches of Wharariki Beach; millions of years’ worth of stalactites and stalagmites at Ngarua Caves; the clear blue waters of Te Waikoropupu-Springs; and - of course - famous Farewell Spit.
