6-7 Days 1067 km

Highlights

  • Marine Wildlife
  • Abel Tasman National Park
  • Thermal hot springs

Proximity

Discover the diversity of Christchurch, just a 3-hour flight from the Australian eastern coast. Then head north to Kaikoura for some dolphin and whale watching(opens in new window)

Next stop, wine country. Enjoy a sauvignon blanc or two(opens in new window), and relax in the breathtaking Marlborough Sounds(opens in new window). Explore the artisan haven of Nelson and the world-famous Abel Tasman National Park. On the way back to Christchurch visit the charming town of Murchison for a thrilling jet boat ride and unwind in the natural thermal pools and spas of Hanmer Springs(opens in new window).

Day 1: Christchurch to Kaikoura

Christchurch - Canterbury
Dolphin spotting in Kaikoura, Christchurch - Canterbury
see playful dolphins up close
christchurch-canterbury

KAIKOURA

Get up close to marine wildlife in this coastal town

Proximity

  • by car:

    Christchurch to Kaikoura

  • by car:

    SH1: 2h 40 | 180km
    Inland: 3h | 330km

Recommended experiences in Kaikoura

Find out more

Start your journey exploring the stunning gardens and parks of New Zealand's "garden city" before heading north to Kaikoura. Few places in the world can boast of such natural wonders as those offered in Kaikoura. Take time to experience giant whales(opens in new window), playful dolphins(opens in new window) and marine birds(opens in new window) up close.

Book now

Day 2: Kaikoura to Marlborough

Marlborough
Vineyards, Marlborough
Savour wine with a view
marlborough

Marlborough

World-famous sauvignon blanc & one-fifth of NZ's coastline.

Proximity

  • by car:

    Kaikoura to Blenheim
    4 h 30 m | 287 km

  • by car:

    This route is only open from 7.00am - 8.30pm.

Recommended experiences in Marlborough

Find out more

Travel north to Marlborough, New Zealand's largest wine growing region and home of sauvignon blanc. This is the perfect place to enjoy the world-famous wine(opens in new window) and dine on ocean fresh seafood(opens in new window). Explore the Marlborough Sounds with a walk or bike(opens in new window) ride through native forest or meet the local wildlife on a boat cruise(opens in new window).

Day 3: Blenheim to Nelson

Nelson Tasman
Great Taste Trail, Nelson, Nelson Tasman
Explore a region of creativity
nelson

Nelson Tasman

Vineyards and unique artisan culture.

Proximity

  • by car:

    Marlborough to Nelson

  • by car:

    1 h 40 min | 118 km

Recommended experiences in Nelson Tasman

Find out more

Nelson is a town bursting with creativity. Visit the studios of local artists and the World of Wearable Art Museum where art meets fashion. In the afternoon take time to sample Nelson's selection of local craft brews or hop on a bike and follow the Great Taste Cycle Trail through the region's vineyards.

Day 4: Spend the day in Abel Tasman National Park

Nelson Tasman
Abel Tasman National Park, Nelson Tasman
Refresh yourself in nature
nelson

Nelson Tasman

Secluded golden sand beaches and native forests.

Proximity

  • by car:

    Nelson to Kaiteriteri
    1 h 10 m | 65 km

  • Nelson to Marahau
    1 h 20 min | 78 km

Abel Tasman National Park

Explore this coastal paradise by land or by sea.

Find out more

Enjoy the coastal drive from Nelson to the secluded golden sand beaches of the Abel Tasman National Park. Explore the stunning landscapes by foot, bike(opens in new window), kayak(opens in new window) or boat(opens in new window) and refresh yourself in this welcoming environment. 

Day 5: Nelson to Hanmer Springs

Christchurch - Canterbury
Hanmer Springs, Hurunui, Christchurch - Canterbury
Soak up the view
christchurch-canterbury

HANMER SPRINGS 

Natural thermal waters in a resort town

Proximity

  • by car:

    Nelson to Hanmer Springs

  • by car:

    4 h | 300 km

Recommended experiences in Hanmer Spring

Find out more

Take your time as you drive from Nelson with a break in the charming town of Murchison. Get your adrenalin pumping with a Buller Canyon jetboat ride or cross the country's longest swingbridge and see the raging water from above.

Continue on to Hanmer Springs, a destination for relaxation and refreshment. Soak in the natural hot springs(opens in new window) or discover outdoor activities such as forest walks, mountain biking(opens in new window)horse trekking(opens in new window) and trout fishing(opens in new window) before returning to Christchurch, just 2 hours away.

Day 6: Hanmer Springs to Christchurch

Christchurch - Canterbury
Walking the Port Hills, Christchurch - Canterbury
Discover Christchurch in spring time
christchurch-canterbury

Christchurch - Canterbury

New Zealand's "Garden City" – take your time to explore.

Proximity

  • by car:

    Hanmer Springs to Christchurch

  • by car:

    1 h 45 min | 134 km

Recommended experiences in Christchurch

Find out more

Driving south from Hanmer Springs returning to the vibrant city of Christchurch. Take a leisurely punt down the Avon river and the famous botanic gardens(opens in new window) that gave this city its name as New Zealand's "Garden City". 

View the journey

Start Planning your Trip to New Zealand

Plan your Top of the South journey