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7 Days at the top of the South Island is perfect amount of time to experience it all.
From whale watching in Kaikoura to wine tours in Picton to the unbelievable beaches of Abel Tasman, this itinerary will have you seeing it all!
This road trip is for those that have more time in New Zealand and want to get off the classic NZ road trip itinerary (which is amazing, this is the perfect add on).
Experience a side of New Zealand few do with this epic 7 day Christchurch to Nelson road trip! This itinerary is heavy on the scenery and the outdoor adventure, which is abundant at the top of the south island.
Planning an epic adventure that’s perfect for you will require some customizing, I hope this road trip itinerary offers inspiration and a good jumping off point!
Quick Tips for the Top of the South
🚗 How to Get Around: Compare rental car prices here
🐋 My Favorite Tour: Sperm Whale Watch in Kaikoura
⛰ Best Hike: Queen Charlotte Track Day Hike in Picton
💰 Currency: I’ve listed everything in NZD so you can convert to the current exchange rate. At the time of writing $1 NZD = $0.58 USD. Thus $100 NZD = $58
Christchurch to Nelson Road Trip Itinerary + Map
This epic route showcases the beauty of the top of the south island. You’ll see stunning coastline, beautiful wine regions and the gorgeous Marlborough Sounds. Either make it a looped route by driving back to Christchurch on day 7, or fly from Nelson to your next destination.
Day 1: Christchurch
Day 2: Christchurch to Kaikoura
Day 3: Kaikoura to Picton
Day 4: Picton
Day 5: Picton to Nelson
Day 6: Nelson and Tasman
Day 7: Fly Out
Keep reading to see drive time breakdowns which accommodations and activities to book. I try to only recommend experiences I’ve actually had, so you know you’re getting an authentic recommendation. There won’t be a massive list of hotels in each town because I haven’t stayed in 10+ hotels in each town.
How to Get to Christchurch
The easiest way to get directly to Christchurch from overseas is to fly to Auckland and then take a domestic flight to Christchurch. There are direct flights to Christchurch from the U.S. but they are often more limited and expensive.
What Is The Best Way to Travel Around New Zealand?
The best way to get around New Zealand is to rent a car. This will give you flexibility and autonomy over your trip.
You can easily pick up your car at the Christchurch airport and either return it there or drop it off in another city. Having the car will give you the freedom and flexibility to see as many magical nuggets of New Zealand as possible during your 1 week.
I’ve used Pegasus Rentals and GO rentals before, and have had good experiences with both!
🚗 Browse here to find a deal on car rentals! 🚗
Day by Day Itinerary Breakdown
Day 1: Christchurch
Drive Time: Nada
Your “top of the south” adventure starts in Christchurch! Pick up your rental car and take a day to settle in to NZ.
I’ll save all the in depth details for when the trip really begins…. ⬇️
Day 2: Christchurch to Kaikoura
Drive Time: 111 miles, 2.5 hrs
To maximize your time at the top of the south, I’ve got you hitting the road first thing.
Kaikoura is just a 2.5 hour drive north of Christchurch but feels like a different world. This is where rugged coast meets beautiful mountains.
Kaikoura is a hub of activities! This is the best spot to whale watch in the country and you can do a number of other activities like kayak and hike.
Where to Stay in Kaikoura
Sudima Kaikoura: Located right on the beach with a private fitness center and pool, this is a highly rated, clean, comfortable and modern hotel! You’re a 15 minute walk away from town & they also have their own restaurant. Rooms start at $315 NZD ($183 USD) during the summer season.
Kaikoura Beach Motel: If you’re looking for a great stay at a slightly more budget friendly price point, check out the Kaikoura Beach Motel! It’s just a 2 minute walk from the beach and 15 minutes from downtown Kaikoura. There’s a shared kitchen you can use to cook. Rooms are $160 NZD ($93 USD) per night.
➡️ Find a Deal on Hotels Here! ⬅️
Best Tours in Kaikoura
Kaikoura Whale Watch – The most iconic thing to do in Kaikoura…. watch both sperm and humpback whales! This is my TOP PICK for what to do in Kaikoura!
I had never seen a sperm whale until taking the Kaikoura Whale Watching cruise. This is an amazing 3.5 hour tour that takes you several miles off shore all in the hopes of seeing a sperm whale (and other bonus wildlife!). I truly can’t recommend it enough!
✨ Don’t miss out – make sure to book in advance during the summer! ✨
Swim with Dolphins – Enjoy friendly dusky dolphins with a Dolphin Encounter tour. While I haven’t taken this tour myself, I have a friend who works for the company and another friend who took the tour. Both have gold me glowing reviews of their experience!
If you’ve dreamed of interacting with dolphins in the wild, this is the tour for you!
Visit the Seal Colony – This is an amazing free thing you can do in Kaikoura, watch the seals! The most iconic spot to “seal watch” is the Kaikoura Peninsula walkway. You’ll be able to view the seals at a close (yet still safe! Respect those seals) distance. For more info about how to visit the various seal colonies, check out my in depth post about visiting Kaikoura.
Where to Eat in Kaikoura
For breakfast and a coffee: Flo & Co Cafe
For an iconic NZ pie: Middlehurst Station Farm Store
For seafood: King Tide Eatery
For a casual bar/restaurant: The Whaler
Day 3: Kaikoura to Picton
Drive Time: 97 miles , 2 hrs
Spend the morning in Kaikoura before taking the beautifully scenic drive up to Picton.
Picton is an incredibly scenic and cozy little town at the tippity top of the south island. I’ve got you spending a full day there on day 3, so you can have a chill drive day!
I’ll highlight where to stay and eat in Picton here, and then showcase tours and activities in the day 3 section.
TOP TIP: You’ll drive through the town of Blenheim which many people enjoy for it’s wineries. I personally don’t find much charm in Blenheim and would honestly skip it, which is why it’s not a stop on this itinerary.
Where to Stay in Picton
Bay Vista Waterfront Motel – This is where my partner and his family stayed for 2 nights while I was stuck at work…. and they loved it! Stay in a modern motel room complete with kitchenette and an ocean view. You’ll be just steps from the water. The rooms have little patios for you to sit outside and enjoy the sea breeze. It is a little walk to the downtown but that shouldn’t deter you from this awesome stay!
Beachcomber Inn – This is a much bigger hotel with and it’s located right downtown! Enjoy a room service continental breakfast with views of the water. If you’re looking for a more classic “hotel” feel then the Beachcomber Inn is the spot for you!
Where to Eat in Picton
For breakfast and the best pastries in town: Village Bakery
For lunch or a coffee: Gusto
For a nice dinner with a view: Oxley’s Bar and Kitchen
Day 4: Picton
Drive Time: Nada
Customize: If you’re doing this road trip in under 1 week, cut out this rest day in Picton.
The Best Tours in Picton
Day Hike in Queen Charlotte via Scenic Boat Ride – Hike the iconic Queen Charlotte Track for a day and take in the beauty of the Marlborough Sounds! The boat ride is about 1 hr and scenic from start to finish, we even saw dusky dolphins on our ride! The trail is well maintained and not overly strenuous.
In fact, the Queen Charlotte track is one of my favorite hikes I’ve done in NZ!
Marlborough Region Wine Tour – My partner Nate loved the Picton wine tour. You don’t have to worry about any driving logistics, just about which wines to sample. The 1/2 day tour brings you to 3 wineries and lunch is not included. Nate did the full day tour which included light snacks, he lost track of how many wineries they visisted!
Mail Boat Cruise – This is the tour I missed out on, the iconic mail boat cruise! Enjoy a beautiful cruise and boat tour of the Marlborough Sounds while also on a mission: delivering locals mail!
Hike the Snout Track – This is the best free thing to do in town. You can also hike to the quiet “Bobs Bay” from the Snout Track which is a great spot to hang out on the beach.
Day 5: Picton to Nelson
Drive Time: 86 miles, 2 hrs
Customize: There are so many great stops along the drive! Stop in the cute town of Havolock or Pelorous bridge scenic reserve.
Make sure you stop at the Village Bakery before you head out to Nelson.
Nelson is truly a great base for the top of the south island, which is why I’ve got you spending a few days in the area. I have been living in Nelson this year and it is a great town for outdoor lovers! You can enjoy stunning beaches and amazing hikes all within a 30 minute drive from town center.
TOP TIP: I recommend spending your arrival day in town and then spending your second day going further outside Nelson to the greater “Tasman” area
Where to Stay in Nelson
The Tides Hotel: The Tides in consistently rated one of the best hotels in town! It’s centrally located so you can walk to nearly everything in town. It has everything you could want from a heated pool to riverside rooms! This is the ultimate treat yourself hotel in town!
The Grand Arden Monaco Hotel: My friend and I spent a night in the Grand Arden and had such a fun girls trip! The hotel is made from beautiful brick and it right across from walking trails and the water. While it’s not right downtown (it’s located near the airport, about a 10 minute drive from downtown Nelson), there is one of my favorite pubs located right across the street!
👉 Click Here to Compare Nightly Hotel Rates 👈
What to Do in Nelson
Center of New Zealand Hike – This is a relatively quick 2 mile hike to “the center of New Zealand.” This isn’t the true geographic center of the country, but back in the 1870’s it was used as such.
The view from is great as you can see all of Nelson town and out to the water. The hike is part of the Botanical Hill Loop.
Visit the Nelson Cathedral – If you’re downtown on Hardy or Trafalger street you’ll easily be able to view the iconic Nelson Cathedral. Located up a flight of stairs, this beautiful building overlooks the downtown and is a popular photo spot.
PICS Peanut Butter Tour – Peanut butter lovers unite! I have taken the PICS PB tour 3 times this year and I can’t recommend it enough!
Classic Car Museum – A $19 NZD ticket will get you into the 150 car collection at the classic car museum. Even if you’re not a major car lover this museum is pretty sweet! The cars are displayed amongst artistic “sets” which makes the viewing experience all the more fun.
Keep reading to day 6 to get more amazing things to do in Nelson and Tasman
Where to Eat in Nelson
For an authentic Italian meal – Lombardis Risturante
For Thai food – Nahm Thai Fusion
For the BEST woodfired pizza – Eddyline Pizzaria
For a classy drink – Kismit Cocktail Bar
Day 6: Nelson & Tasman
Drive Time: Variable
Now is your chance to dive deeper into the Nelson / Tasman district! We’ll be going further afield to explore some of the highlights of this area.
Best Day Trip from Nelson
It’s not a question, the best day trip from Nelson is visiting Abel Tasman National Park! This beautiful National Park is a must visit if you’re in the area.
The beaches are golden sand and the water is an inviting turquoise. Not to mention it’s perfect for day hiking, a boat ride or a kayak!
While there are certainly other amazing day trips out of Nelson (like to Nelson Lakes), Abel Tasman is too stunning to miss!
To get to Abel Tasman, you can either book a tour from the town of Kaiterteri or drive out to the park yourself.
From Nelson it’s a 1.5 hr drive to the town of Marahau, which is the start of Abel Tasman N.P.
Once you’re in Marahau, you can either start your adventure by hiking on the coastal track or utilizing the water taxi to take you deeper into the park.
If you like kayaking, you’re in luck! Abel Tasman is a kayakers paradise. We did the 1 day freedom kayak rental and loved having the autonomy to explore. We kayaked to Anchorage Bay which has a stunning beach and a lovely picnic area.
Day 7: Fly Out
Drive Time: Variable
Alas the trip has come to an end!
You can easily fly out from the Nelson regional airport. From the Nelson airport you can connect to any domestic airport in the country.
If you are continuing your road trip south, from Nelson you can drive down the coast and explore the west coast region. Or you can cut across the country and drive back to Christchurch (253 miles, 5.25 hrs).
Itinerary Notes
There you have it! An epic 1 week road trip of the top of the south island! Enjoy a scenic and adventurous Christchurch to Nelson road trip in 7 days, or shorten / lengthen to your desire.
If I were to make this trip shorter, I would cut the first day in Christchurch and also cut a day from Picton. This would make it a 5 day trip!
I hope this itinerary is a useful tool in planning your south island adventure! Happy travels!
Ahoy! I’m Bree and I’ve started this blog to help you plan your next great outdoor adventure. With a background in marine science, I’ve got an aptitude for all things ocean, but you’ll find land based adventures here too! Everything you see here is based on my own travel experience and paid for myself. I hope you stick around!