Watching the uncommon beauty of New Zealand unravel from the car window is one of the greatest pleasures of exploring this welcoming country by road. But travelling this way also allows you to set your own pace. Dipping in and out of adorable towns, lingering longer at tranquil campsites, and making your own detours is what road-tripping is all about.
On the South Island, Christchurch is a must-see city, but venture northwards through the Canterbury region to the hot springs hotspot of Hanmer Springs and, along the way, you’ll find plenty of reasons to stretch the short trip into a multi-day journey. With free, unlimited kilometres on every campervan hire, you needn’t ever worry about taking the long way round.
In this article, we cover off everything you need to for an incredible road trip from Christchurch to Hanmer Springs.
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Why Hiring a Campervan for a Road Trip is a Great Idea – Expert Advice
“If you’re doing the loop from Christchurch to Hanmer Springs and back again, don’t miss the opportunity to see more of the Canterbury region by winding back down along the Hurunui coastline. The soaring limestone Cathedral Cliffs near Cheviot are truly astonishing and worth the detour.” – Harrison Greig, Social Media and Marketing Content Manager
How long does the Christchurch to Hanmer Springs road trip take?
While the 133-kilometre drive from Christchurch to Hanmer springs is a day-trippable 1 hour and 50 minutes, there’s plenty to see along the way to justify stretching this into a multi-day drive. Just 25 minutes beyond the city limits is Kaiapoi, a pretty hamlet set close to the mouth of the Waimakariri River. After another 20 minutes or so, you’ll swing into the storybook town of Amberley. Another 10 minutes further north has you on the banks of the Waipara River, where you can sip riesling and pinot noir at one of the area’s cellar doors. Then it’s less than an hour from here to reach your destination of Hanmer Springs.
Christchurch
The central South Island city of Christchurch sits by the east coast within the Canterbury region. A resilient and creative city, it’s surrounded by breathtaking and diverse landscapes, from the coastline to volcanic landscapes, glacial beauty, soaring mountain peaks and undulating wine country. Plan to spend a few days exploring the city and its nearby attractions, before continuing northwards to the geothermal delights of popular Hanmer Springs.
Things to do in Christchurch
There’s plenty of action to be had in the vibrant city of Christchurch. Take your time to get to know this beautiful city.
Spend a day exploring on foot to unearth local culture and sync with the city’s rhythm. Head to the colourful New Regent Quarter for boutique shopping and hip eateries and bars. While food lovers can’t miss the Riverside Market, a permanent indoor hub of gourmet and artisan produce adjacent to the Avon River. The market was initially created from shipping containers following the devastating 2011 earthquake, but this vibrant and defiant cornerstone of post-quake Christchurch was given a more permanent home here in 2019. Next to the market is Riverside Lanes, a boutique shopping hub where you’ll find fashion, homewares and good coffee.
To absorb Christchurch’s artistic roots and rich cultural tapestry, head to the 1877-era Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre. The building itself is an architectural marvel made from blue stone and dark wood and was once the University of Canterbury. Today its labyrinthine interiors house numerous galleries and boutiques and hosts everything from events to art classes and festivals.
With the city’s British echo evident, punting on the Avon River is a must-do activity. This iconic, 30-minute tour is a gentle drift through the Botanic Gardens and suitable for all ages. For another historical mode of transport, before to take a ride on the heritage Christchurch Tram. It’s the best way tour the city with a hop-on-hop-off all-day ticket.
Where to stay in Christchurch
If you’ve picked up your campervan hire you can stay in one of the city’s caravan parks, as there’s no freedom camping in the city centre. Otherwise, if you don’t have your wheels yet, there’s a range of budget accommodation and more premium hotels in the city. Here’s our top picks.
Caravan parks
Budget accommodation
Mid-level hotels
Amberley
Sitting just 45 minutes north of Christchurch along State Highway 1, Amberley is a charming town encircled by mountain vistas. Home to a collection of boutique shops, excellent restaurants and cafes, a stunning oceanside golf course and fly-fishing, as well as playing host to a rotation of seasonal events, this small town offers more than it size suggests. It’s the southern gateway to the celebrated North Canterbury wine region and has a sweeping coastline just minutes away.
Things to do in Amberley
If you’d like the sand beneath your toes, Amberley Beach offers a seemingly endless coastline and is an excellent spot to start your day with a leisurely stroll. It’s also home to an 18-hole golf course with sweeping sea views – a great way to spend a relaxed afternoon.
Every Saturday morning for 20 years, the Amberley Farmers Market has set up stalls of locally grown, fresh, seasonal produce and artisan products. Nestled under trees in front of the Hurunui District Council buildings, it’s well worth a stop for supplies or a morning coffee and treat.
Where to stay in Amberley
It’s important to note that freedom camping in the Hurunui District is only permitted in designated areas. Check the Hurunui District Council interactive map before you arrive for current permitted locations near Amberley. Freedom camping is not permitted on the Amberley Beach foreshore itself.
Campgrounds
Waipara Valley
Just a short hop from Amberley, the Waipara Valley is North Canterbury‘s viticultural heartland. Often recorded as the driest location in New Zealand, the long, hot summers and cool winters provide grapes with a long ripening time. Silky pinot noir and citrusy chardonnay grow well in the stony limestone terrain, while the area also zesty riesling and delicate pinot gris. Pull up a chair at a cellar door, linger over a long lunch, and let the valley work its magic.
Things to do in Waipara Valley
Spend an afternoon sipping locally made drops at one of the town’s cellar doors. Greystone creates organic wines imbued with the rich nutrients of the surrounding limestone and clay hills. Boutique family-run winery Georges Road Wines produces alchemy in the glass with their range of syrah and pinot gris. Pegasus Bay is a true gem in the Waipara winemaking crown. Family owned and operated, the beautiful winery and restaurant reflect the passion and energy the Donaldson family pour into the estate.
When you’ve had enough quaffing, stretch the legs with a visit to the Iron Ridge Sculpture Park. Set in a former limestone quarry, you’ll come across works in mediums from bronze to pounamu by emerging and established New Zealand artists, with the Waipara Valley as a dramatic backdrop , it’s a lovely spot to park up for a picnic. Note it closes over winter, so check the website before your visit.
Swap two legs for two wheels and hit the Waipara Valley Vineyard Trail, which winds between wineries, making for a scenic and very enjoyable way to cellar door hop.
Where to stay in Waipara Valley
As with wider Hurunui, freedom camping is restricted and requires a self-contained vehicle. Check the Hurunui District Council website for current designated spots before you arrive.
There are no dedicated DOC campsites in the Waipara Valley itself, but the surrounding Hurunui region has options within easy driving distance. Check the DOC website for the latest listings and booking requirements.
Campgrounds
- Waipara Sleepers
- While not in Waipara, the Amberley Beach Camping Ground and Delhaven Motels & Caravan Park are close enough to the valley to spend the night here after a day of exploring.
Hanmer Springs
There are few places in the South Island that deliver quite as complete a package as Hanmer Springs. This alpine spa village has been drawing visitors for more than a century with its rejuvenating thermal springs and spectacular natural surrounds. Whether you’re after white-knuckle adventure or a long, lazy soak in mineral-rich waters with mountain views, Hanmer rewards all travellers.
Things to do in Hanmer Springs
The unmissable anchor of any Hanmer visit, Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa features 22 outdoor thermal pools to relax in, two thrill rides – including the 13.5-metre Conical Thrill – plus sauna and steam rooms, private pools and a full spa. Mineral-rich sulphur and freshwater pools are set within gorgeous native gardens. Come early on weekends and in peak season to beat the crowds.
If you’re after something a little more pulse-quickening while in Hanmer, try jet boating on the Waiau River, quad-biking or bungy jumping from Waiau Ferry Bridge. Should you also have the kids in tow, spend a morning at the Hanmer Springs Animal Park, where families can meet farm animals, enjoy mini golf and make the most of the playground. It’s a great option for letting the kids run free.
Where to stay in Hanmer Springs
Freedom camping
Freedom camping in Hanmer Springs is limited to certified self-contained vehicles.
- Hanmer Springs River Reserve offers riverside views and public toilets.
- Hanmer Springs War Memorial Hall Car Park is restricted to the hours of 8pm to 8am with a two-night maximum per calendar month.
- The Hanmer Field Base and Picnic Area is a 10-minute walk from town.
DOC campsites
The Hanmer Field Base and Picnic Area offers freedom camping adjacent to DOC facilities, close to bush walks and just a short drive from the village.
Campgrounds
Returning to Christchurch via the Hurunui coast
Once you’re done soothing and soaking in the geothermal pools of Hanmer Springs and you’re ready to return to Christchurch, resist the temptation to simply rewind back down State Highway 7. Instead, add the Hurunui Coast to your itinerary, which stretches along the eastern edge of the North Canterbury district.
For this scenic sidestep, pick up the coastal leg from Gore Bay after passing through Cheviot, about 1 hour and 30 Minutes from Hanmer Springs. From here you can continue southwards to the rugged coastal community of Motunau, before making a final and quick stop at Waikuku Beach ahead of your arrival back to Christchurch.
Things to do on the Hurunui coast
Explore Cheviot and Gore Bay
The pretty coastal town of Cheviot is a highlight of the Hurunui coast. Stop here to peruse the local galleries and shops and if it’s spring, stop at the daffodil-strewn picnic spot of Cheviot Hill Domain. Don’t miss Gore Bay with its soaring cliffs that plunge into milky-blue waters below.
Marvel at the Cathedral Cliffs
The money shot of the whole coastal drive is undoubtedly the Cathedral Cliffs lookout above Gore Bay. The viewpoint overlooks an impressive series of rock pillars formed by natural erosion of the soft rock in the area. The Cathedrals are perhaps the most iconic view in all of Hurunui, where you’ll see eroded siltstone pillars topped with thick bush and the bright blue waters of Gore Bay in the background.
What to know before driving from Christchurch to Hanmer Springs
Ready to get on the road? Here’s a few things to know before you go.
The route
The 133-kilometre route heads north out of Christchurch, passing through scenic areas such as Waipara and the Hurunui District before arriving at Hanmer Springs. The roads are well-maintained but can be winding as you approach the alpine region.
Winter driving
New Zealand’s alpine roads can be tricky to navigate in winter, especially if you’re not used to icy conditions. You’ll need to take it slower, which can increase driving times, especially near Mount Lyford and the Hanmer Springs Ski Area. Always check current road conditions and weather forecasts before you head off. In icy conditions, shady parts of the road and bridges can remain frozen all day, so take particular care on corners.
Fuel up first
It’s best to fill up the tank in Christchurch or Waipara as fuel stations are limited once you set off. Hanmer Springs village does have a petrol station, so if you’re taking the return loop along the coast back to Christchurch, be sure to fill up there, too.
Mobile coverage
While along the state highways and in the major towns, such as Amberley, Waipara and Hanmer Springs, mobile coverage is generally good, it can be patchy in more rural parts the Hurunui. Download your maps offline before you go, and let someone know your rough itinerary if you’re planning to make detours.
Get the South Island's best rates on campervan rentals in Christchurch
Check out some of our other freedom camping sites on the South Island. Looking for somewhere specific? Check out freedom camping spots for some of our favourite spots on the South Island below
- Check out Freedom Camping Sites in Nelson
- Check out Freedom Camping Sites in Wanaka
- Check out Freedom Camping Sites in Dunedin
- Check out Freedom Camping Sites in Kaikoura
- Check out Freedom Camping Sites in Otago
Looking to explore both the North & South Island? Check out the best sites for freedom camping across New Zealand.
Find the best campervan hire rates with Travellers Autobarn
Freedom camping makes a New Zealand road trip a wonderfully immersive and affordable way to travel through the country, from north to south. Add to that cheap campervan hire and free, unlimited kilometres and you’re all set for an unforgettable adventure on a budget.
Discover more freedom camping in New Zealand
Unfurl New Zealand’s extraordinarily diverse landscapes and fascinating culture on a road trip from the North Island to the South Island. Plan your escape route with our guide to freedom camping in New Zealand.
Freedom Camping in New Zealand – Important Information
We’re confident that you’ll have a blast freedom camping around Northland. But, before you head out, there are some details you need to know about responsible freedom camping in New Zealand:
- Amenities at freedom camping areas are usually limited, so while some might have access to bathrooms and running water, others may not
- Most freedom campsites don’t operate on a booking system; instead, they follow a first-come, first-served basis. So, try to get to sites early so you can get the best spot
Department of Conservation (DOC) campgrounds are generally the most affordable sites to stay at, apart from freedom camping, offering over 150 campgrounds in New Zealand. Some of them operate on a booking system, while others use a first-come, first-served basis. If you have a DOC Campsite Pass, you can get access to parks year-round
DISCLAIMER: All information provided, including prices, availability, and site details, is correct at the time of publishing. We recommend contacting campsites or caravan parks directly to confirm the latest details before planning your visit. Please review our Terms and Conditions for additional information.
Frequently Asked Questions
The direct drive from Christchurch to Hanmer Springs is an easily manageable trip with the inland route taking about 1 hour and 50 minutes. But stretching it into a road trip means you can be more leisurely about the route, taking your time to spend a night in one of the pretty Hurunui District towns along the way.
The classic route is straightforward and well-signposted. Take State Highway 1 north out of Christchurch, then turn left onto State Highway 7 just north of Amberley.
Along the way, the stops practically arrange themselves. The first township you’ll encounter is Kaiapoi, a quaint little river town worth a quick riverside wander. Further north, don’t miss the Waipara Valley. After Waipara, the journey to Hanmer Springs takes you inland through the Weka Pass, the rural township of Waikari, Hurunui, and on to Culverden – a great place to stop for a leg stretch. Just another 25 minutes from Culverden and you’ll arrive at your destination.
Yes. You can arrange your route to Hanmer Springs to weave via freedom camping spots. But do check signage, as some sites only permit certified self-contained campervans and have a limited number of nights per vehicle. Throughout the Hurunui District, which encompasses Hanmer Springs, Amberley, Waipara, Culverden and Cheviot, there are a number of freedom camping spots. You can find an interactive map pinpointing the freedom camping sites in the area on the Visit Hurunui website.
In Christchurch, you’ll find freedom camping prohibited in the city centre, outside of this, there are freedom campsites but they do come with restrictions on length of stay and vehicle types. These include along the coast near New Brighton and within zoned areas, anyone can camp on sealed roads. Check out the map of freedom camping zones at Christchurch City Council. But remember, you’ll need comply with regulations by displaying a certificate of self-containment and a valid warrant card on the front windscreen.
Once you arrive in Hanmer Springs, there are a couple of excellent freedom camping options. Hanmer Springs River Reserve offers riverside views and you’re allowed to stay for a maximum of two nights. For a more central option, Chisholm Carpark is located within walking distance to the town centre and allows two vehicles per night, but only between 8pm and 8am
Yes. The much of the drive follows State Highway 1 and State Highway 7, both well-maintained sealed roads. The route takes you north out of Christchurch, passing through scenic areas such as Waipara and the Hurunui District before arriving at Hanmer Springs. Just be mindful that in the winter, conditions can affect driving times, especially near the Hanmer Springs area.
There isn’t exactly a ‘best’ time of year to visit this stunning region, as each month spoils travellers with its own charms. During summer, you’ll be met with warmer weather, but more crowds. Of course, in summer, you can also adjust your route to swing by coastal highlights, such as Waikuku Beach, and there are other activities to partake in. Spring is mild with the mercury straining to reach much above 20°C, but dipping lower to 10°C. From March to May, autumnal colours paint the landscape in warm hues. It’s a particularly lovely time to slip into the warm thermal pools of Hanmer Springs and sip wines in the Waipara Valley. Of course, the winter rewards with fireside cosiness and the chance of snow in the village.
Although, if you’re not one to handle the cold, you might want to consider keeping warm overnight in your campervan, in which case, setting off during summer and early autumn is going to suit your internal thermostat much better.
Unfortunately, we don’t have a drop off location in Hanmer Springs. But a round trip from Christchurch is perfect for exploring both the inland and coastal towns of the region. Alternatively, you can continue travelling north and drop off in Auckland or pick up in Auckland and continue south through Hanmer Springs and onto Christchurch.
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