Christchurch
- Kaikoura
184 km (115 miles)
Approximately 2.25 hours
Road Conditions: Motorway/State Highway
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 surf beaches of Woodend, Waikuku, Leithfield and Amberley. Waipara is known for its vineyards and olive groves – an excellent place to pause for refreshment. From Cheviot you can detour to Gore Bay to see the fascinating cliff formations. The impressive scenery of the coastal ranges accompanies the rest of the way to Kaikoura.
Kaikoura is a base for wildlife experiences of all kinds – it’s also a great place to eat crayfish. A whale watch tour can take you to see Minke, Humpback and Southern Right whales mixing it with dolphins and orcas. You can also walk to see fur seal colonies and spy on big seabirds such as mollymawks, albatross and petrels.
Scenic Highlights
Christchurch Botanic Gardens
Founded more than 140 years ago, the Christchurch Botanic Gardens has many special areas to explore.
The wildlife of Kaikoura
The Shoreline Walk from Point Kean leads you to colonies of fur seals and sea birds. Pack a picnic and a camera.
Christchurch Cathedral
Following a large earthquake in February 2011, a large portion of the Cathedral was damaged including the west end and tower.
Activities
Christchurch - Canterbury
Dolphins (5),
Galleries (6),
Museums (8),
Whale Watching (1)
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