Take 5 days and experience the upper South Island's breathtaking beaches, ancient forests, spa resorts and alpine villages.
In one short journey you'll discover just how naturally blessed New Zealand really is. Don't forget to try the local product in the sun-drenched wine-growing centre of Blenheim.
- Relax and indulge your senses in Hanmer Springs
- Nelson Lakes National Park
- Sample the fresh crayfish in Kaikoura
- The surf beaches of Amberley, Leithfield, Waikuku and Woodend
- Lewis Pass and the beech forest at Maruia Springs
Start: Christchurch
Finish: Christchurch
Duration: 5 days
Day One - Christchurch to Hanmer Springs
The South Island’s largest city, Christchurch is an entertaining mixture of refined lifestyle and cultural excitement. The tranquil Avon River meanders through the city, historic buildings house a lively arts community and restored trams make it easy to get around. Visit heritage sites, museums and art galleries, and enjoy the highly developed restaurant scene.
The trip north takes you past the beaches of Woodend, Waikuku, Leithfield and Amberley, which are wide open and foaming with surf. Waipara is known for its vineyards and olive groves – an good place for a rest stop! The highway continues through farm land and gentle hill country, crossing the Hurunui River and passing through Balmoral Forest. The last part of your journey follows the Waiau River.
Continue onto Hanmer Springs where you will stop for the night.
Day Two - Hanmer Springs - Murchison
Hanmer Springs is a destination for relaxation and indulgence. You can soak in the hot springs or treat yourself to a range of spa therapies. Outdoor activities include forest walks, horse trekking, trout fishing, jet boating, bungy jumping and golf.
Lewis Pass takes you through beech forest to Maruia Springs, where you can enjoy a hot soak. At Springs Junction you’ll turn onto State Highway 65 – a beautiful section of road that leads you through the enchanting Maruia Forest, which has New Zealand’s largest natural population of Kakariki (a native parakeet). At Murchison you can find out about the massive earthquake that shook the region in 1929. The Buller River is your companion all the way to St Arnaud.
The alpine village of St Arnaud sits on the edge of Lake Rotoiti against an amazing backdrop of mountains. It’s the perfect base for exploring the Nelson Lakes National Park, which has many magnificent hiking trails. Local adventure operators offer you a choice of kayaking, river rafting, mountain biking, horse trekking and 4WD motorbiking.
Tonight you will Britz It! in Murchison.
Day Three - Murchison to Blenheim
Today you will travel from Murchison to Blenheim. For most of the journey to Blenheim, you’ll follow the Wairau River. Stop for a break and by the river for lunch or try your luck at catching a trout from the river! If you fancy stretching the legs there are walking tracks that lead from the Wairau River Valley into the Mount Richmond Forest Park.
Continue driving to Renwick, which is surrounded by vineyards – you cant miss them and it will be clear that your Britz Campervan has led you to wine country!
Continue driving onwards to the town of Blenheim. Blenheim is the heart of this wine-growing area. Tonight if you don’t feel like dining in your Britz Campervan get out and sample some of the cafes, restaurants and pubs that this town has to offer.
Stay in Blenheim tonight.
Day Four - Blenheim - Kaikoura
Today continue on State Highway 1. This will take you through the coastal foothills, and then out into the picturesque Awatere Valley. In the township of Seddon you’ll find authentic New Zealand crafts. The Lake Grassmere saltworks is an interesting stop - the ponds turn coral pink in late summer. After the small town of Ward, the road turns toward the awesome beauty of the Pacific Coast. Just north of the Ure River is a road that leads to the walking trails of the Sawcut Gorge. You must lunch at The Store where the road hits the Pacific Coast. This is a great spot for a break where you can take in the awe inspiring views while enjoying wholesome kiwi fare.
Kaikoura is a base for wildlife experiences of all kinds – it’s also a great place to eat New Zealand crayfish! Take a whale watching tour and you will see Minke, Humpback and Southern Right whales mixing it with dolphins and orcas. Take a walk to see fur seal colonies and check out the big seabirds such as mollymawks, albatross and petrels.
Tonight stay in Kaikoura.
Day Five - Kaikoura – Christchurch
Today travel south which will take you along the edge of the rugged coastal ranges. Take a detour to Gore Bay to see the fascinating cliff formations. The landscape becomes more gentle as you approach Waipara – a region known for its vineyards and olive groves. The last leg of your journey takes you past the surf beaches of Amberley, Leithfield, Waikuku and Woodend.
Head further south you will enter Christchurch where you will return your Britz Campervan.