Christchurch to Blenheim Road Trip

Your trip starts in Christchurch, and while you’re likely keen to get on the road, it’s worth taking a little time to explore before you start heading North. Christchurch is full of green spaces, and the best place to start your day is with a stroll through the Christchurch Botanic Gardens, which is especially beautiful in the morning when the light filters through the trees.

Or, if you’re not in too much of a hurry, take a punt ride down the Avon River or hop on the Christchurch Gondola before stocking up on supplies at Riverside Market. After that, head to Smash Palace to grab a delicious burger in a repurposed bus before jumping into your campervan and setting out on your adventure.

Just 40 minutes from Christchurch, you’ll arrive in Amberley, which is home to the famous Nor’Wester Cafe, where you can grab a flat white and a generous plate of eggs bene before starting your day of exploration. A 15-minute walk from town takes you to Amberley Recreation Reserve, where you’ll find wide open spaces and the local favourite The Amberley Pavillion, which is also commonly referred to as “The Tin Shed”.

You’re also just 10 minutes from Leithfield Beach here, giving you the chance to enjoy a beach walk and stretch your legs, or if you’re feeling particularly adventurous, head out into the water for a sea swim. And, if you happen to be in Amberley on a Saturday, you can also head to the Amberley Farmers Market in the town square, where you’ll find everything from fresh produce and cheeses to local honey and homemade pastries.

When it comes to finding a place to set up camp, Amberley Beach Camping Ground is a fantastic spot. You’ll have access to toilets, showers, a dump station, a children’s playground, tennis courts, and backboards here. Just note that pets are only permitted in the South End of the camping ground, so if you’ve got your furry friend in tow, make sure you park in the right area.

A nice stop in between Amberley and your next camping destination, Waipara is one of New Zealand’s best-kept secrets when it comes to finding amazing wineries. The climate here is ideal for producing world-class Pinot Noir, Riesling, and Chardonnay, and a trip to Pegasus Bay Winery is a must, where you can enjoy tastings surrounded by a beautifully manicured garden.

Or, if you’re in the mood for something a little more intimate, head to Greystone Wineries, where the views are just as impressive as the wine list. Assuming you’ve not had your fill of wine tastings just yet, another excellent stop here is Black Estate. This is a modern, minimalist cellar door with a fantastic restaurant attached and a lunch menu focused on local and organic ingredients.

While there aren’t any formal campgrounds right in the valley, it’s only a 15-minute drive from Amberley Beach Camping Ground, which also makes the area easily accessible by taxi – perfect if you want to spend a few hours indulging in the local wines!

A little further along State Highway 1, you’ll land in Cheviot, a small rural town with plenty to offer. The Mt. Beautiful Two Rivers Cafe in the middle of town is a popular spot here and ideal if you’re looking for a hearty breakfast before heading to the Cheviot Museum to learn more about the area’s colonial and farming history.

With your brain now full of local history, take a 10-minute drive to Gore Bay. The beach here is long and wild and is great for a walk, a surf, or simply a sit-and-stare-at-the-sea moment. Or, for something a little more adventurous, be sure to check out the Cathedral Cliffs, which are best seen from the viewing platform on Cathedral Road.

If you’re planning to spend the night here, Gore Bay & Buxton Camp Grounds have everything you need for a comfortable stay. This includes 35 powered sites, toilets, hot showers, and a camp kitchen. However, dogs aren’t allowed, so you’ll need to find an alternative campsite if you’ve bought your canine companion along.

The longest stretch of your journey so far, just over an hour on the road takes you to Kaikoura. This is a truly magical place, with the Kaikoura Ranges on one side and the Pacific Ocean on the other, and it’s known all over the world for its incredible marine life, most famously the chance to spot sperm whales just offshore all year round. You can even get closer to the whales with a boat tour from Whale Watch Kaikoura or get a bird’s eye view with Wings Over Whales.

After your whale-watching expedition, you’re bound to want to see more and the Dolphin Encounter gives you the chance to get hands-on with wild dusky dolphins. Or, if you’d prefer to stay dry, the Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway is an easy-to-moderate track that loops around cliffs and gives you incredible views of the ocean and mountains along the way.

This part of your journey also gives you the opportunity to set up camp in one of the most family-friendly resorts on your road trip. At Kaikoura TOP 10 Holiday Park, there are hard-standing powered sites and some excellent amenities on offer, including a swimming pool, communal kitchen, spa and hot tub, BBQ area, kids playground, jumping pillow, and WiFi. Perfect if you’re looking for a super comfortable place to stay for a few nights before making your way to your next destination.

You’ve reached Blenheim, the heart of Marlborough wine country and, if like most travellers on this journey, the reason you hit the road in the first place. This region is home to some of New Zealand’s most iconic wineries, and one of the most famous is Cloudy Bay, where you can enjoy a tasting session in a beautifully designed outdoor area. Of course, it’s not the only winery, and if you’re a real wine-lover it’s definitely worth visiting Wither Hills and Saint Clair while you’re here, each of which is less than 10 minutes from town and has its own unique style and flavour.

It’s not just wine on offer at Blenheim, though. There are also some great walking and cycling trails, including the Taylor River Trail, which is a riverside path winding through town and out into the countryside. Or, if you’re up for a bit more elevation, hike up to the Wither Hills Farm Park for fabulous views across the Wairau Valley.

Naturally, you’ll want to spend a few days here, and that means finding a good place to camp. At Blenheim Bridges Holiday Park, you’ll have everything you could ever need, including powered sites, hot showers, kitchen facilities, WiFi, and even a swimming pool to cool down in on those hot summer days. It’s also less than 5 minutes from town, giving you easy access to plenty of adventures!

Before you hit the road, make sure you’re set up with a reliable ride that won’t break the bank. Travellers Autobarn has a fleet of affordable campervans for hire in Christchurch that are perfect for road trippers, and with free unlimited kilometres as standard, you can explore the road at your own pace.

Looking for some other awesome South Island road trips? Here are some routes straight out of Christchurch you should add to your bucket list:

• Christchurch to Mount Cook Road Trip
• Christchurch to Lake Tekapo Road Trip
• Christchurch to Picton Road Trip
• Christchurch to Dunedin Road Trip

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