Christchurch to Marlborough Drive: Kaikōura, Blenheim and Camping

Route, distance and time

State Highway 1 leaves Christchurch north through Waipara and the Hurunui, over the Hundalee Hills to the coast near Kaikōura, then follows the coast and climbs inland over the Ward hills to Seddon and Blenheim. The distance is about 335 kilometres, with Kaikōura roughly 180 kilometres from Christchurch and 2.5 hours away.

The coast road beyond Kaikōura was rebuilt after the 2016 earthquake and still has reduced speeds, bridge works and the occasional slip after rain, so check the NZTA Journey Planner before you leave. The driving day planner helps you set a day that suits your vehicle.

Waipara, Hanmer Springs and the Hurunui

The Waipara Valley, 50 minutes north of Christchurch, is a wine region known for riesling and pinot noir, with cellar doors and cafes along the road. Cheviot, further on, is a small town with a pub and a campground, and Hanmer Springs is a detour to the west for hot pools.

The Hurunui has sheep and cattle on the rural roads, and you should watch for stock and slow down for blind corners. The wildlife and livestock road safety guide has more on driving in the countryside.

Kaikōura

Kaikōura sits between the sea and the Kaikōura Ranges, with a seal colony at Point Kean and a larger one at Ohau Point, where pups play in a waterfall pool in winter, and whale watching and swimming with dolphins from the harbour. Crayfish is the local specialty, with roadside caravans selling it fresh, and the Kaikōura Peninsula Walkway gives views over the town.

Holiday parks and campgrounds in Kaikōura book out in summer and over school holidays, so reserve ahead. Keep a safe distance from the seals, which can be aggressive when disturbed, and never stand between a seal and the water.

Blenheim and the wine region

North of Kaikōura the road passes the Clarence River and Ward, then drops into the Awatere and Wairau valleys, which are the heart of Marlborough's wine country, known for sauvignon blanc. Blenheim is the main town, with cellar doors, restaurants and a cycle path through the vineyards, and a campervan stays outside the cellar doors if the driver is not drinking.

Remember the drink-driving limits, which are strict, and use a tour or a taxi if you plan to taste. The alcohol and fatigue driving guide covers the rules. Holiday parks in and around Blenheim are an easy base.

Picton and the Sounds

Picton, 30 minutes north of Blenheim, is the ferry terminal for the North Island and the gateway to the Marlborough Sounds, with boat trips, walks and the Queen Charlotte Track. If you are catching the ferry, book the vehicle ahead, and the Cook Strait ferry guide covers the sizes and costs.

Freedom camping in Marlborough is limited to a few places and needs a certified self-contained vehicle, and the freedom camping in Marlborough guide lists the rules. Holiday parks in Picton and the Sounds are the easier choice for a night before the ferry.

Planning the drive in KiwiCamping

Down this coast, KiwiCamping lists DOC campsites, huts and holiday parks, and its iPhone filters narrow them to campervan access and facilities. Shortlist what appeals, arrange the stops into a trip, and the app gives you the distance for every pair of neighbours and a forecast at each place. It does not track closures or give directions, so NZTA remains the source for road status.

The app leaves DOC reservations to DOC's own booking pages. Downloading it is free, with in-app purchases on top.

Places along the way