A South Island, New Zealand Road Trip: From Valleys of Vines to Scenic Seascapes
This 200-mile road trip starts at the top of the South Island and ends in its largest city, Christchurch. Explore the endless coastlines, sprawling vineyards, and breathtaking mountain ranges. Discover the South Island’s best kept secrets and experience the regions gastronomy, wildlife, and ever-changing vistas on this epic journey.
Getting There
Take the Interislander ferry from Wellington to Picton or fly into Blenheim Airport. You may also start South and work your way up State Highway 1 along the East Coast.
Stop One: Explore the Waterways of the Marlborough Sounds
The Marlborough Sounds contain over 20% of New Zealand’s coastline, so it’s easy to find a tranquil and uncrowded bay to explore. Hop on a scenic boat or helicopter transfer to Bay of Many Coves Resort, tucked into a secluded cove in the Queen Charlotte Sound. One, two, and three bedroom contemporary apartments are thoughtfully built within the native bush and blend in effortlessly with the surrounding environment. Here you are truly one with nature - there’s no need to set an alarm as the chorus of endemic birds will wake you as the sun is rising.
This luxury lodge is perfect for the active traveler as there are a multitude of adventures at your doorstep. Spend your days hiking or cycling the Queen Charlotte Track, kayaking the deep teal waterways, or simply sipping Sauvignon Blanc on your private balcony. Cruise around with local Chef and Skipper, Grant Orchard, who built his boat Katabatic by hand in pursuit of his late father's dream. Drop a line, hook a fish within minutes, and shortly after you’ll have it for lunch. Along with the just-caught fish, enjoy greenshell mussels the size of your hand and freshly baked focaccia paired perfectly with homemade pepper and eggplant bruschetta. At night, hit the trails onsite to seek out little blue penguins and hundreds of glow worms. Afterwards, soak in the cedar hot tub under the starry Southern sky.
Stop Two: Sip Sauvignon Blanc in the Marlborough Wine Region
After exploring the sounds, drive a half hour from Picton to Blenheim. Weave through rolling hills and farmland, where growers sell hazelnuts, honey, olive oil, and cherries. Thanks to sunny days and a dry climate, vintners have incredible success producing world-famous Sauvignon Blanc, in addition to other varietals including Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. There are over 30 cellar doors to visit in New Zealand's largest wine growing region.
Stay at Marlborough Lodge, a 1901 Victorian convent converted into a luxurious country estate. Ideally located in the heart of the Marlborough wine region, guests may take advantage of the complimentary bikes and pedal to the cellar doors nearby. While on the manicured property, join a guided tour of the grounds with the head gardener and learn about the produce that is incorporated in your meals. The culinary team highlights what’s in season and dinner is enhanced by the celebrated wines from down the road.
If you do not have the time to spend a few nights within this beautiful region, you may always drive from Picton to Kaikoura and stop at a wine estate, or two, for lunch. Some of my favorites include Nautilus, Wairau River, Brancott Estate, and Saint Clair.
Stop Three: Snow-capped Mountains & Seaside Sights in Kaikoura
On the drive from Blenheim to Kaikoura, State Highway 1 continues through valleys covered with impeccably kept rows of vines. In less than an hour, the road hugs the rugged coastline, with the wild Pacific on your left and snow-capped mountains to your right. This picturesque area is deemed the “maritime Serengeti” as the ocean is a haven for wildlife.
Not far offshore, the seafloor plunges as deep as the towering mountains on land. Whales, dolphins, fur seals, and giant albatross thrive in these nutrient-rich waters. From swimming with dolphins to kayaking with seals, you truly can immerse yourself in nature. Surfing, mountain biking, hiking, fishing, and whale watching are also popular activities.
Hapuku Lodge is set between the stunning Kaikoura Seaward Mountain Range and the pounding sea, just a few minutes north of the village of Kaikoura. Live out your childhood dream and hide away in a hand-built tree house above a canopy of native trees. Below, olive groves, orchards, and an expansive deer farm span the property. Executive Chef and MasterChef Finalist Fiona Read creatively uses the bounties from the land as key ingredients in her delectable spread. For the foodies, you must try the local delicacy and the creature that gave the region its name, the saltwater crayfish (crayfish = kōura in Māori).
Last Stretch to Christchurch
Finish your road trip with a 2 hour and 45-minute drive from Kaikoura to Christchurch. On this stretch, you will pass even more wineries, glacial rivers, forested mountains, and windswept beaches. Take your time so you can stop frequently to appreciate the views, to peer into the deep waters in search of whales, and to take photos that probably won’t do real justice to the wonders around you.
Continue your adventure in the city of Christchurch or connect to countless destinations on the South Island. The combination of the spectacular sights, the delicious food and wine, and the revitalizing excursions are undoubtedly the ultimate Kiwi experience.