Christchurch to the West Coast, Kaikoura and Hurunui: 16 day outdoors, food and wine itinerary

Your journey begins in Christchurch, where you will collect your Britz campervan and ease into life on the road. After a flight, this gentle first day is all about getting organised without rushing. Use the time to familiarise yourself with the camper setup, pick up groceries and settle into the rhythm of the trip before heading into the more remote stretches of the island. 

Things to do in Christchurch 

Keep today light and practical. Stock the fridge, check your clothing layers and make sure everything is easy to access before tomorrow’s alpine drive. If time allows, enjoy a relaxed wander or a casual meal in the city before returning to your camper. Starting slowly makes a real difference on a longer campervan road trip, especially if this is your first time travelling this way in New Zealand. 

Where to stay in Christchurch 

North South Holiday Park is a smart first-night stop. It is close to the airport, works well for campervans and gives you a straightforward base to settle in before the adventure properly begins.

Today you leave Christchurch and cross the Canterbury Plains toward the Southern Alps, entering one of the most scenic early stretches of this Top of the South Island journey. It is a day of dramatic contrasts, with broad open farmland giving way to alpine passes, then rainforest and lake country as you descend toward the West Coast side of the divide. 

Where to stop between Christchurch and Lake Brunner / Moana 

Arthur’s Pass Viaduct lookout is the essential stop on today’s drive. The views here are big, rugged and unmistakably South Island, with the viaduct threading through a steep mountain landscape that feels engineered and wild at the same time. It is an ideal place to pause, stretch your legs and appreciate just how quickly the scenery changes once you leave Christchurch behind. 

Things to do in Lake Brunner / Moana 

Once you reach Moana, slow the pace right down with time on the Lake Brunner Scenic Trail. Depending on the weather and your energy levels, you can explore on foot or by bike. The lake has a quiet, reflective feel that makes it a lovely contrast to the mountain pass you have just crossed. For dinner, Hotel Lake Brunner is a welcoming local choice and a fitting place to enjoy your first proper evening on the road. 

Where to stay in Lake Brunner / Moana 

Lake Brunner Motor Camp is the obvious overnight base. Right beside the lake and well set up for campervans, it lets you soak up the peaceful atmosphere and wake to one of the West Coast’s most relaxing landscapes.

With a short drive ahead, today is designed to maximise exploration time. You will head toward Greymouth and continue south to Hokitika, a town known for its creative spirit, pounamu heritage and easy access to forest and coast. It is a rewarding day for anyone who likes a mix of culture, food and outdoor adventure. 

Where to stop between Lake Brunner / Moana and Hokitika 

In Greymouth, include a stop connected to the Māwhera story at Pounamu Pathway / Māwhera Pā. This is a meaningful place to understand local Māori history and the importance of pounamu in the region. Before you travel, it is worth checking its current operating status, as availability can change. Even if timings do not line up, keeping Greymouth as a cultural pause adds depth to the day. 

Things to do in Hokitika 

Once in Hokitika, start with lunch from Hokitika Sandwich Co., a handy casual stop for refuelling between activities. Then head to Polish and Pan for a hands-on local experience that taps into Hokitika’s creative and pounamu traditions. Later in the day, make your way to the West Coast Treetop Walkway & Zipline near Lake Mahinapua. Walking high through the forest canopy gives you a striking new perspective on the region’s lush landscape, while the zipline adds an extra hit of adventure if you feel like turning up the pace. 

Where to stay in Hokitika 

Hokitika Holiday Park is a comfortable and convenient place to stay. It works well as a campervan base and keeps you close to town, the coast and tomorrow’s route north. 

Although the drive is relatively short, this is one of the fullest sightseeing days of the trip. You will combine aerial mountain views, bright river scenery, classic West Coast hospitality and one of the country’s best-known coastal landmarks, all while keeping the actual time behind the wheel low. 

Where to stop between Hokitika and Punakaiki 

Start the day with the Precision Helicopters 6 Glacier Flight if the weather cooperates. Seeing the glacier country and the Southern Alps from above adds a real sense of scale to the region. Back on the ground, visit Hokitika Gorge, where intensely coloured water and native bush create one of the coast’s most photogenic stops. In Greymouth, break up the drive with a Monteith’s Brewery lunch and tour, keeping in mind your responsible-driving plan if anyone is tasting beer. Continue to Punakaiki for Pancake Rocks & Blowholes, ideally timed around high tide for the best show. If hours and energy allow, the Paparoa Experience is another worthwhile stop for insight into the area’s geology, culture and environment. 

Things to do in Punakaiki 

After the main sights, give yourself time to simply enjoy Punakaiki’s coastal mood. Evening is a beautiful time to wander, listen to the sea and watch the light soften around the limestone landscape. This is one of those places that rewards staying overnight rather than just ticking off the headline attraction. 

Where to stay in Punakaiki 

Punakaiki Beach Camp is a standout option for a campervan stay. Its setting near the beach suits the spirit of this outdoor itinerary perfectly and lets you enjoy the coast after the day visitors have gone. 

This is the biggest travel day of the trip, but it still remains within a comfortable touring range and rewards you with a noticeable shift in scenery. The rugged drama of the West Coast gives way to inland lakes, rural valleys, galleries and the golden-sand gateway to Abel Tasman National Park. 

Where to stop between Punakaiki and Marahau 

Lake Rotoroa makes a scenic photo stop and is a lovely place to pause briefly before continuing north. For lunch, Moutere Hills Restaurant is a strong choice, especially if you are ready for a long, relaxed meal after the morning drive. Continue with a stop at Michael MacMillan Studio & Gallery. Before reaching Marahau, stretch your legs at Riuwaka Resurgence, where the forest, clear water and marble landscape make a refreshing final stop. Because this is the longest driving day, keep your timing realistic and feel free to trim one stop if you would rather arrive in Marahau with more daylight and less pressure. 

Things to do in Marahau 

Marahau marks the beginning of the Abel Tasman section of your food and wine itinerary and outdoor itinerary. Once you arrive, settle in and enjoy the relaxed coastal feel of the village. For dinner, head to took Hooked in Marahau, 

Where to stay in Marahau 

Marahau Beach Camp is an excellent overnight base. Staying here means you are right on the edge of Abel Tasman National Park, which makes tomorrow’s adventure feel easy and unrushed.

Today showcases why this route is such a rewarding Top of the South journey. Most of the day is spent immersed in Abel Tasman National Park, where golden beaches, clear water and native bush create one of the most appealing coastal landscapes in the country. Afterwards, you continue to Golden Bay to position yourself for tomorrow’s tidal tour. 

Where to stop between Marahau and Collingwood 

Road stops depend largely on the timing of your Abel Tasman experience and tomorrow’s Farewell Spit departure. If time allows, have a look around Tākaka on the way north. It is a good place to break the drive and get a feel for Golden Bay before continuing on to Collingwood. Keep an eye on the clock, though, as a full day in the national park can make for a long but rewarding day. 

Things to do in Collingwood 

Your headline experience is the Gourmet Platter tour in Abel Tasman National Park, a full-day outing that combines time on the water with food and coastal scenery. If you would prefer a shorter option, the Marine Reserve Express is an excellent half-day alternative. After the park, continue north and enjoy dinner at the Mussel Inn, a much-loved Golden Bay stop that fits the trip’s food focus beautifully. 

Where to stay in Collingwood 

Collingwood Holiday Park is the practical choice tonight. It keeps you close to tomorrow’s Farewell Spit departure point and helps minimise driving on a day already full of activity.

Farewell Spit is one of the most distinctive landscapes on this Christchurch road trip, and today’s schedule revolves around the tides. Flexibility is key, but that is also part of the appeal. The remote dunes, birdlife and windswept coastline feel completely different from the rest of the trip. 

Where to stop between Collingwood and Nelson 

After your Farewell Spit Tours experience, you can break the drive south with a stop in Tākaka and a pause at the top of Tākaka Hill walkway for wide views over the surrounding landscape. If your tour departs late in the day, do not force the drive to Nelson. Staying put in Collingwood is the better option if it helps you avoid winding roads in fading light. 

Things to do in Nelson 

The main event today is Farewell Spit Tours, which opens up a fragile and fascinating environment not accessible by ordinary road travel. If you do return to Nelson afterwards, keep the evening low key and enjoy the sense of having reached another distinct corner of the Top of the South Island. 

Where to stay in Nelson 

If you make it back to Nelson, stay at Tākaka Beach Holiday Park. If your Farewell Spit tour runs later and a return to Nelson feels rushed, Collingwood Holiday Park remains the safer and more relaxing backup for the night. 

Today links Nelson and Marlborough with a pleasing mix of action, seafood, maritime history and coastal walking. The drive is comfortable, and the stops make it feel like much more than a transfer day. 

Where to stop between Nelson and Picton / Waikawa Bay 

Start the day with a Peak View Range Experience session for clay target shooting, then continue toward Havelock for lunch at Mills Bay Mussels. From there, carry on to Picton for a visit to the Edwin Fox Maritime Museum. If you still have the energy, finish the day with either the Tirohanga Track or the Snout Track for elevated views over the Marlborough Sounds. 

Things to do in Picton / Waikawa Bay 

Picton’s compact waterfront setting makes it an enjoyable place to spend the evening. After a varied day, simply strolling the foreshore and enjoying the harbour atmosphere can be enough. It is a gentle lead-in to tomorrow’s water-based experiences. 

Where to stay in Picton / Waikawa Bay 

Waikawa Bay Holiday Park is a handy campervan base for the night, with easy access to Picton while giving you a slightly quieter place to park up. 

With very little driving required, today is all about making the most of Marlborough’s waterside experiences and regional flavours. It is one of the easiest days in the itinerary, giving you time to enjoy each activity without feeling rushed. 

Where to stop between Picton and Spring Creek 

Most of the day is spent in and around Picton, so the stops are local rather than point-to-point. Begin with breakfast at Picton Seabreeze cafe & Bar, then take your time around the foreshore before heading out on the water. 

Things to do in Spring Creek 

Join Wilderness Guides for a morning kayak and experience the sounds from water level, where quiet inlets and marine life feel especially close. Afterwards, grab a bite from Toastie Lords in Picton before your Seafood Odyssea cruise. This combination makes for a very Marlborough kind of day, with scenery and seafood taking centre stage. If any alcohol is served as part of your afternoon experience, be sure your driving is done for the day. 

Where to stay in Spring Creek 

Spring Creek Holiday Park is a convenient overnight stop that positions you nicely for a more land-based Marlborough day tomorrow.

This is one of the signature food and wine itinerary days on the trip, but it still keeps an active outdoor feel. Wetlands, cycling, vineyard lunching and aviation history all feature, giving the day a nice balance between indulgence and exploration. 

Things to do in Blenheim 

Start with the Grovetown lagoon walk for an easy nature-based outing, then join a half-day cycle tour with Explore Marlborough. This is also one of the best ways to visit wineries responsibly, since you are not driving between tastings. For lunch, settle in at Allan Scott or Harvest, both of which fit well for a leisurely winery meal. In the afternoon, head to Omaka Museum for a change of pace before dinner at Gramados. 

Where to stay in Blenheim 

Blenheim Bridges Holiday park is a practical and comfortable base for campervans, keeping you within easy reach of both the wineries and town facilities.

Today’s drive follows one of the most striking coastal routes in South Island New Zealand, where sea and mountains sit dramatically close together. It is a road that rewards patience, regular breaks and a camera always within reach. 

Where to stop between Blenheim and Kaikōura 

Follow the cultural artwork trail as you head south and pause only in safe stopping areas, including Paparoa Point and Ohau Point. Once in Kaikōura, head up to the Kaikōura Lookout for sweeping 360-degree views that immediately show off the town’s remarkable setting. 

Things to do in Kaikōura 

Grab a bagel and coffee at the Bus Stop Cafe, then spend the afternoon on the water with Kaikoura Kayaks. This wildlife-focused outing is a highlight for many travellers, offering the chance to experience the coastline from a new angle and often spot seals and seabirds along the way. For dinner, choose between The Whaler and Kaikoura Indian Restaurant depending on your mood. 

Where to stay in Kaikōura 

Stay at Alpine-Pacific Motels & Holiday Park Kaikoura. It is a strong two-night base for campervans and makes it easy to enjoy Kaikōura at a slower pace.

Another full day in Kaikōura gives this journey welcome breathing room. Today leans into wildlife, wellness and one of the best night-sky experiences on the route, showing why Kaikōura deserves more than just an overnight stop on a campervan itinerary. 

Things to do in Kaikōura 

Start with sunrise at the beach and breakfast at The Beach House Café before heading to the airfield for a whale watching flight with Air Kaikoura. Seeing the coastline and offshore waters from above is a memorable way to understand why marine life thrives here. Later, drive north to Nins Bin for lunch, then return via Ohau Point for wildlife viewing and time on the coastal track. In the afternoon, slow things down with a session at the Sauna Project before dinner at the Strawberry Tree. Once darkness falls, make the most of the Kaikoura Dark Sky Sanctuary at one of the self-guided viewing locations. 

Where to stay in Kaikōura 

Spend a second night at Alpine-Pacific Motels & Holiday Park Kaikoura so you can enjoy the full day without having to pack up and move on. 

Leaving the coast behind, you turn inland toward Hanmer Springs, where forests, alpine views and adventure activities introduce a different side of this Christchurch itinerary. The change in setting keeps the trip feeling fresh deep into the second week. 

Where to stop between Kaikōura and Hanmer Springs 

The drive is best treated as a straightforward transfer so you can arrive with enough time for activities in Hanmer Springs. Rather than adding too many detours, keep the focus on the destination and use rest stops simply to break up the inland drive. 

Things to do in Hanmer Springs 

Hanmer Springs Attractions offers a long list of high-energy options, including jet boating, quad biking, rafting and bungy on the Waiau River. If you would rather explore at your own pace, Hanmer Adventure is a good option for eMTB hire and trail riding around the area. The best approach is to choose one or two activities rather than overfilling the day. Finish with dinner at Spice Village. 

Where to stay in Hanmer Springs 

Hanmer Springs TOP 10 Holiday Park is a reliable choice for campervans, with good facilities and easy access to the village.

Today shifts firmly into the restorative side of the journey. After all the driving, hiking, paddling and sightseeing, Hanmer Springs is the place to pause, breathe and enjoy a slower wellness-focused day. 

Things to do in Hanmer Springs 

Start with breakfast at Powerhouse Cafe, then choose a morning walk on Conical Hill or the Forest Amble Scultpture walk. Either option gives you time outdoors without needing to push too hard, and both suit the gentle pace of the day. After that, settle into Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa and make the most of the thermal complexes and the Elemental experience if available. For dinner, book either Tease or No.31 Restaurant and Bar. 

Where to stay in Hanmer Springs 

Stay a second night at Hanmer Springs TOP 10 Holiday Park so you can enjoy the pools and village atmosphere without any need to rush away. 

Your last full day on the road brings together North Canterbury’s rural character, heritage touches and one more excellent wine region. It is a satisfying finish to a route that has balanced sea, forest, mountains and vineyards from beginning to end. 

Where to stop between Hanmer Springs and Christchurch 

Begin with Balmoral Fire Lookout. It is best approached cautiously, and for campervan travellers it makes sense to park safely and walk the final section if conditions suit. After that, stop for lunch at the Hurunui Hotel before continuing south into Waipara. For wine tasting, stop in Waipara, excellent options include Torlesse, Waipara Winehouse and Greystone Wines. As always, plan cellar door visits so the driver does not drink before getting back behind the wheel. 

Things to do in Christchurch 

Once back in Christchurch, keep the evening easy. This is a good time to tidy the camper, sort bags and enjoy one last relaxed meal while reflecting on everything you have packed into the past two weeks, from West Coast rainforests and Golden Bay seafood to Kaikōura wildlife and Waipara wine. 

Where to stay in Christchurch 

North South Holiday Park is once again the most practical overnight base, especially if you want a straightforward morning return to the Britz branch.

The final day is intentionally simple so you can wrap up the trip without stress. Allow enough time for refuelling, emptying wastewater if needed and completing the return process comfortably. 

Things to do in Christchurch 

Today is all about a smooth finish. If your flight leaves later, you may have time for one final coffee and a quiet moment to look back on a very full campervan road trip through some of the South Island’s most rewarding regions. 

Where to stay in Christchurch 

If you need a final overnight stay before the return, North South Holiday Park remains the easiest campervan-friendly option. 

This 16-day loop is a brilliant way to explore the Top of the South at a more enjoyable pace. You will experience the drama of the West Coast, the golden edges of Abel Tasman, the flavours of Marlborough, the marine magic of Kaikōura and the restorative feel of Hanmer Springs, all while keeping the trip grounded in the freedom and flexibility of campervan travel. 

When you’re ready, you can easily book your Britz camper online and pick it up from the Christchurch branch before setting off on this unforgettable Christchurch road trip through the Top of the South Island. 

FAQs and quick answers 

What is the best season for this Top of the South Island trip?  

Summer is ideal for long days and water activities, while autumn is excellent for vineyard visits, mild weather and a slower-paced experience. Winter can also be beautiful, but alpine road conditions need extra care. 

Is this a good first campervan itinerary in New Zealand?  

Yes, especially because it builds in slower days and several two-night stays. You still need to be comfortable with winding roads, changing weather and driving on the left. 

Do I need to pre-book activities?  

Yes. Key experiences such as Farewell Spit Tours, the Gourmet Platter tour, glacier flights, whale flights, kayaking and cycle tours are best booked in advance. 

How do I handle winery visits responsibly?  

Plan tastings for days when the campervan can stay parked, or choose experiences like the Marlborough cycle tour so you are not driving between cellar doors. The driver should not drink before getting back on the road. 

What should I pack for this outdoor itinerary?  

Bring layers, a rain jacket, comfortable walking shoes, sun protection and something warm for evenings. Weather can change quickly across the West Coast, alpine areas and the coast.