The Spectacle Nelson: 14-Day South Island Campervan Loop From Christchurch

Pick up your camper in Christchurch and roll north on State Highway 1. The landscape pivots from the Canterbury Plains to coastal cliffs as you near Kaikōura, where the mountains fall straight into the Pacific. Keep an eye out for seabirds overhead and seals basking on the rocks below. 

Where to stop between Christchurch and Kaikōura 

Waipara Valley - stretch the legs among vines and grab coffee or a picnic loaf. Gore Bay - a short detour for windswept beach views and the Cathedral Cliffs lookout. Ōhau Point seal lookout - a safe roadside viewpoint where fur seals often loll on the rocks. 

Things to do in Kaikōura 

Kaikōura is a world-class marine wildlife hub. Head out for a whale watch cruise to see sperm whales and dusky dolphins, or book a morning or sunset kayak to glide past seal colonies with the mountains glowing pink. For a scenic warm-up run, follow the Kaikōura Peninsula Walkway along clifftops to Point Kean, pausing for seabird and seal views. The local seafood scene is strong, with crayfish shacks and casual fish and chips at sunset. 

Where to stay in Kaikōura 

Kaikōura TOP 10 Holiday Park offers spacious powered sites, pools and excellent facilities close to town. Alpine-Pacific Motels & Holiday Park is another friendly option with hot tubs to ease travel muscles. 

Wake to surf and seabird soundtracks. If you did whales yesterday, try a dolphin swim or pelagic birding today. Hikers can take the South Bay to Tom’s Track loop for valley-to-clifftop variety, while trail runners will love the steady undulations of the full Peninsula circuit. Swing by a local café for great coffee and a slice before a beachy afternoon with the camper awning out. 

Things to do in Kaikōura 

Mix your day between wildlife watching, coastal strolling and low-tide rockpooling. Pack a towel for an ocean dip if the weather cooperates, then finish with sunset at the Esplanade as albatross skim the waves. 

Where to stay in Kaikōura 

Settle back in at Kaikōura TOP 10 Holiday Park or Alpine-Pacific Motels & Holiday Park for a second night so tomorrow’s drive is nice and short. 

Trace the dramatic coast north to Marlborough. The road dances between turquoise sea and earthy headlands before opening into the sunlit Wairau Plains where vineyards roll toward the hills. It is an easy, photogenic day behind the wheel. 

Where to stop between Kaikōura and Blenheim 

Things to do in Blenheim 

Welcome to New Zealand’s largest wine region. Hire bikes or jog the flat lanes through Sauvignon Blanc country, then swap shoes for a tasting or two. For a scenic workout, Wither Hills Farm Park has hill tracks with views across vines and the Richmond Range. If you feel like a dose of history and aviation, visit the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre for superbly presented aircraft and stories. 

Where to stay in Blenheim 

Blenheim Bridges Holiday Park is central with tidy powered sites and handy facilities. Spring Creek Holiday Park, a short hop north, offers leafy riverfront spaces for a quieter vibe. 

Choose the scenic route today. Head to Picton and meander along Queen Charlotte Drive to Havelock, hugging coves framed by thick bush. From there, follow the Pelorus River toward Nelson, stopping for emerald pools and short forest walks. It is one of the most beautiful drives in the top of the South. 

Where to stop between Blenheim and Nelson 

Picton waterfront - grab a coffee and take in the marina scene. Queen Charlotte Drive lookouts - pullouts with sweeping Marlborough Sounds views. Pelorus Bridge Scenic Reserve - swimming holes, a swing bridge and lush valley trails. 

Things to do in Nelson 

Nelson blends sunshine, creative energy and outdoor access. Stroll the compact city, browse local art and grab gelato on Trafalgar Street. Warm up ahead of the event with an easy jog along the Maitai River path or spin your legs on the Tasman Great Taste Trail. If you prefer dirt, Koata Park (Codgers) close to the city centre offers graded mountain-bike trails with rewarding views. 

Where to stay in Nelson 

Tāhuna Beach Holiday Park has powered sites steps from the sand and an upbeat holiday atmosphere. Nelson City TOP 10 Holiday Park is closer to town for quick access to the race village, cafés and supermarkets. 

It is time to soak up the pre-race buzz. Collect your race pack, check the course details and take a gentle shakeout along the waterfront. Supporters can scope out cheering spots near cafés and parks to keep energy high on race day. Keep food simple and fresh today, with Nelson’s market produce, sourdough and seafood making carb-loading a pleasure. 

Things to do in Nelson 

Hit the Saturday market if timing aligns, wander South Street’s heritage cottages, or head to Tahunanui for a toes-in-sand sunset. Early night, good sleep. 

Where to stay in Nelson 

Stay put at Tāhuna Beach Holiday Park or Nelson City TOP 10 Holiday Park so everything is easy tomorrow morning. 

Race morning dawns bright. Whether you are lining up for one of the short-course runs or an ultra distance such as a 50 km or longer event, Nelson delivers scenic routes and a lively crowd. If you are supporting, plan a few hop-between points and bring a cowbell. Post-finish, refuel at a local café, then head to the beach or river for a refreshing wade. Consider booking a recovery massage in town or a gentle evening walk to keep the legs loose. 

Things to do in Nelson 

Celebrate with a relaxed city wander and an early dinner. Keep hydration and nutrition front of mind. Tomorrow’s drive is short, and your body will thank you for an easy day. 

Where to stay in Nelson

One more night at Tāhuna Beach Holiday Park or Nelson City TOP 10 Holiday Park makes for a restful post-race base. 

Roll west through orchards and hop fields to the golden-sand gateway of Abel Tasman National Park. Base yourself at Marahau or Kaiteriteri for instant access to the park’s famed Coast Track and aqua-clear bays. The road is easy and the day is yours. 

Where to stop between Nelson and Abel Tasman 

Māpua Wharf - waterside brunch, boutique shops and ice cream. Motueka foreshore - stretch by the Janie Seddon shipwreck at low tide. Riuwaka Resurgence - a short walk to a crystalline spring emerging from marble caves. 

Things to do in Abel Tasman National Park 

Ease into the coastal rhythm with a half-day sea kayak to Adele Island for seals and birds, or take a water taxi to Anchorage then wander to Cleopatra’s Pool for a natural rock slide. Trail runners will love the smooth, rolling terrain between bays, while hikers can pick a section that suits their energy. Finish with sunset on Kaiteriteri Beach, where the sand glows a fiery gold. 

Where to stay in Abel Tasman National Park 

Marahau Beach Camp brings you close to trailheads and kayak bases. Kaiteriteri Recreation Reserve sits right on the beach with powered sites and easy access to cafés and the water taxi jetty. 

A full day to explore. Consider a water taxi to Bark Bay or Awaroa and walk a new stretch of the Coast Track back to your pickup point. Pack a picnic for a long beach lunch and swim. If you are craving wheels, the local MTB park above Kaiteriteri has flowy graded trails shaded by pine and native bush, perfect for an hour or two of play. 

Things to do in Abel Tasman National Park 

Mix water and trail time as the weather dictates. The bays are well-sheltered for family-friendly paddling, and the track’s clear signage makes route-finding easy. Remember sunscreen, a hat and plenty of water. 

Where to stay in Abel Tasman National Park 

Stay a second night at Marahau Beach Camp or Kaiteriteri Recreation Reserve so you can linger without packing up. 

Climb the serpentine Takaka Hill with limestone outcrops and far-reaching views, then drop into the laid-back charm of Golden Bay. The pace slows here, beaches broaden and the light feels softer. 

Where to stop between Abel Tasman and Golden Bay 

Ngarua CavesNgarua Caves - short guided tours reveal sculpted limestone chambers. Te Waikoropupū Springs - boardwalks over some of the clearest freshwater in the world. Wainui Falls track - a lush 1.5 hour return walk to a photogenic cascade. 

Things to do in Golden Bay 

Time the tides and wander Wharariki Beach for wildlife footprints, archways and endless sand. Photographers will love sunset silhouettes at the Archway Islands. If you prefer a gentler day, beach-hop around Tata and Pohara or browse local artisan studios scattered through the bay. 

Where to stay in Golden Bay 

Pohara Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park sits right on a safe swimming beach with roomy sites. Collingwood Holiday Park is another excellent waterside base if you plan to explore farther north. 

Retrace over Takaka Hill and skirt through Motueka and the Waimea plains before turning inland toward Nelson Lakes. The road narrows into beech forest and suddenly Lake Rotoiti appears, a mirror to the surrounding peaks. 

Where to stop between Golden Bay and St Arnaud 

Motueka - excellent bakeries and fresh-fruit stalls for road snacks. Brightwater or Wakefield - quick coffee and a leg stretch in village greens. Korere - farm vistas and a classic country-store stop. 

Things to do in St Arnaud 

Wander the Lake Rotoiti jetty for postcard photos, then choose a lakeside loop like the Honeydew Walk, where native birdsong rides the air. Strong legs can tackle part of the Mount Robert Circuit for panoramas, while paddlers hire kayaks to drift along the still water. This is a superb star-watching spot on clear nights. 

Where to stay in St Arnaud 

Kerr Bay Campsite or West Bay Campsite place you near the lake with simple facilities and peaceful bush settings. They suit self-contained campervans, with a note that Kerr Bay has length limits for larger vehicles. Dawn light on the lake is right on your doorstep. 

A short, scenic hop downstream beside the Buller River delivers you to Murchison, a small town with big river energy. Use the extra time today for activities and a leisurely camp setup. 

Where to stop between St Arnaud and Murchison 

Gowanbridge reserve - riverside picnic tables and calm water. Buller Gorge Swingbridge - cross New Zealand’s longest swing bridge and wander historic trails. 

Things to do in Murchison

This is a whitewater capital. Join a guided raft trip on the Buller for fun Grade 2–3 rapids or opt for a mellow float if you prefer gentler flows. On land, explore the town’s short walks and river viewpoints, then refuel with country fare and a cold drink at a local pub garden. 

Where to stay in Murchison 

Riverside Holiday Park offers leafy powered sites by the river and friendly hosts. Kiwi Park Motels & Holiday Park is another convenient option with roomy sites and easy access to town. 

Follow SH65 through serene valleys to Springs Junction, then over the alpine tussock of Lewis Pass toward Hanmer Springs. It is a varied drive of waterfalls, boardwalks and mountain views that eases you back toward Canterbury. 

Where to stop between Murchison and Hanmer Springs 

Maruia FallsMaruia Falls - a short path to a thundering curtain of water. Lewis Pass Alpine Nature Walk - a gentle alpine boardwalk with big scenery for little effort. Waiau River Bridge - a quick vantage for braided-river photographs. 

Things to do in Hanmer Springs 

Slide into the famous thermal pools for blissful recovery. When you are ready to move, walk the Conical Hill track for a forested climb to a panoramic lookout. Hanmer’s compact village is lined with cafés and ice cream spots, so it is easy to alternate soaks, snacks and strolls. 

Where to stay in Hanmer Springs

Hanmer Springs TOP 10 Holiday Park has modern facilities, roomy powered sites and easy access to the pools. Alpine Adventure Holiday Park is another relaxed base in a peaceful bush setting. 

Keep today gentle and joyful. Spin an easy lap on the beginner-friendly Hanmer Forest MTB trails or stretch out on the Forest Amble Sculpture Walk among towering redwoods and playful carvings. Families can try mini golf or a short jet boat blast on the Waiau for a dash of adrenaline. Finish with a final twilight soak, the perfect finale to your high-mileage week. 

Things to do in Hanmer Springs 

Mix spa time with forest time. The combination of warm mineral water, shade-dappled trails and village cafés makes for an ideal recovery day after the event and your North-of-South circuit. 

Where to stay in Hanmer Springs 

Stay one more night at Hanmer Springs TOP 10 Holiday Park or Alpine Adventure Holiday Park for an easy morning departure. 

Roll south through limestone country and open plains back to Christchurch. With the city so close, you can linger for a lazy vineyard lunch or a final beach walk before returning your camper. 

Where to stop between Hanmer Springs and Christchurch 

Waipara Valley - cellar doors and platters among vines. Amberley Beach - a salty breeze and shoreline stroll. Waitākiri/Bottle Lake Forest Park - easy walking and family-friendly MTB loops on the edge of the city. 

Things to do in Christchurch 

Time permitting, explore riverside walks along the Avon, admire the Botanic Gardens or grab a final flat white in a laneway café. It is a graceful close to a trip that blends movement, nature and good food at an unhurried pace. 

Where to stay in Christchurch 

If you plan a final night, Tasman Holiday Parks - Christchurch offers excellent facilities and quick city access. North South Holiday Park near the airport is a convenient end-point for morning flights. 

This itinerary keeps drives short and the days long on experience, from whale spouts and vineyard lanes to golden bays, beech forests and hot pools. Whether you ran The Spectacle or cheered every step, the top of the South rewards curiosity and an easy rhythm. When you are ready, you can easily book your Britz camper online and pick it up from your closest Britz branch before hitting the road.