Experience Christchurch, Hurunui and Kaikōura by road

Fly into Christchurch, grab a rental car and enjoy this excellent road trip itinerary. With a mixture of art and culture, outdoor adventure and a healthy dose of relaxation, it’s got everything you need for a sophisticated, chilled-out tour.

CHARMED BY ŌTAUTAHI CHRISTCHURCH

Start your trip with a street art tour brought to you by Watch This Space. Use the map and enjoy the city’s street art at your own pace, or book one of their private tour guides to support this awesome organisation and learn a little extra.

Need more? The Arts Centre in Christchurch is one of the top spots for art and culture in the country, dating back to 1877 and featuring a regular array of events, films and exhibitions. Or there’s Ravenscar House Museum, a living monument to Jim and Susan Wakefield and their stunning collection of art and antiques, plus Kate Sheppard House, the late-19th century home of NZ’s pioneering suffragist.

Now, with all that walking and gazing and appreciating you’re probably ready for a relaxed afternoon. This is where He Puna Taimoana New Brighton Hot Pools comes in - 15 minutes from the city, these pools are luxurious, hot and have a fabulous view of the ocean.

HEAD NORTH TO HURUNUI

Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa, is where most people spend their time. While not the only attraction, it’s where we’ll start. Here you’ll find natural geothermal hot pools, a range of spa treatment packages, plus pools and slides for the kids.

If you’ve sated your need for relaxation, try another experience - river rafting. Hanmer Springs Attractions offer a rafting adventure, featuring rock jumping and a jet boat ride.

Speaking of jet boating, down the road at Tawanui Farm you’ll find Energy Jet, the only operator allowed to traverse the Hurunui River, giving them exclusive access to over 100 km of waterways and canyons. Not only is Energy Jet here, you can also take a farm tour on the back of a six-seater ATV, and stay in spectacular glamping domes.

Next check out Iron Ridge Quarry, an abandoned limestone quarry turned into a native tree forest and sculpture gallery. Then there are many bush walks in the area, including the Forest Amble Sculpture Walk, Mount Isobel and St James Walkway.

On course for Kaikōura

Mother Nature is on full display here - Whales, seals, dolphins, albatross, blue penguins and more can all be seen in their natural habitat in this wonderful place.

Spot wildlife by boat (Whale Watch Kaikōura) or by air (Wings Over Whales), go swimming with dolphins (Dolphin Encounters Kaikōura), encounter albatross (Albatross Encounter), hire kayaks (Kayaking Kaikōura) or book a fishing charter (Top Catch Fishing Charters).

We highly recommend booking accommodation in Kaikōura and taking time to explore - this isn’t just a pass-through town. In fact, did you know a quarter of the country’s native plant species are here?

Plus a range of unique reptiles and taonga species. See what you spot on the 42 km Kaikōura Cycle Trail, or explore one of the many bush walks on foot such as the Fyffe-Palmer Track, Puhi Puhi Reserve and Kaikōura Peninsula Walkway.

There’s also more artwork to be found. Starting in Oaro to the south, drive the 60 km stretch of SH1 to Clarence keeping your eyes peeled for over 20 art sites.

WHERE TO STAY

Eliza’s Manor in Christchurch, a boutique hotel established in 1861 featuring luxury five-star accommodation, fine dining, and a convenient citycentre location. Oh, and it’s certified eco-friendly.

Russell’s Cabins in Hurunui. An off-grid experience perched above the valley surrounded by native plants - Here, you’ll get that camping feel without leaving luxury behind.

In Kaikōura is Sudima Hotels, which is brand new, state-of-the-art. But maybe you want that cabin feel, in which case Clifftop Cabins, serving panoramic cliff top views of the water - maybe you’ll spot whales from the comfort of your bed?