MID RANGE/LUXURY – Marlborough Vintners HotelBoutique hotel surrounded by vineyards in the heart of the Marlborough wine region. Travel Mar 06 - Mar 13. Using a 16-point compass rose, we determine: See geographic coordinates for Christchurch as well as coordinates for Kaikoura. Point Kean Seal ColonyThis wildlife reserve has some awesome rock formations with a gorgeous backdrop of Kaikoura’s mountains and coastline. Blenheim is the main base for reaching many wineries in the Marlborough region and is the sunniest town in New Zealand. You can pick up a hire car or campervan as soon as you arrive at Christchurch airport. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Address: Corner of Seaview and Reserve Roads, Seddon 7285. Search for a bus from Christchurch to Kaikoura with New Zealand's most popular national bus network. CAMPERVAN SITE – Hanmer Springs TOP 10 Holiday ParkModern holiday park located just a 5 minute walk from town, complete with wood fired hot tubs and BBQ areas. Picton is a small coastal town located near the head of the Queen Charlotte Sound and has a pretty seafront filled with cafés and restaurants serving freshly caught seafood. The name Kaikoura means 'meal of crayfish' (kai - food/meal, kōura - crayfish) and the crayfish industry still plays a role in the economy of the region. 2. There is a large success rate in seeing these magnificent creatures, and the boat cruises have some stunning coastal alpine scenery. In addition to knowing the flight time to Christchurch, you may also want to know how elevated the land is due to the fact that this can have an impact on the altitude at which the plane flies. Travelling between Christchurch and Picton, the Coastal Pacific meanders breathtakingly close to the sea, where the roaring Pacific Ocean meets the rising Kaikōura mountains. We have created a perfect itinerary that covers all of these highlights and visits the best destinations in the top of the south island. Alternatively you could take the TranzAlpine scenic train to Greymouth, pick up another rental car and explore the west coast – heading south to Franz Josef Glacier, then onwards to Wanaka and Queenstown. 19 Sat Christchurch. Check out Abel Tasman accommodation on booking.com >, Alternatively you could complete one of the great New Zealand walks along the Abel Tasman Coast track. Our drive from Christchurch (somewhere after Amberly) to Kaikoura Facilities include a heated swimming pool (seasonal), spa and BBQ facilities, plus there are convenience stores and restaurants opposite the park. We recommend spending your second day in Nelson exploring some of the amazing day trip options that are just a short drive from town: Drive timeNelson > St. Arnaud (Nelson Lakes): 1 hour, Take a short drive from Nelson to Nelson Lakes National Park to admire the beautiful alpine lakes of Rotoroa and Rotoiti and enjoy some excellent walking trails. Nelson is a pretty city with a vibrant arts scene and some excellent bars and restaurants. Kaikoura . Hello! You will have a connecting flight in Kaikoura. travelling by road. Nelson Tasman Queenstown Southland Waitaki Wanaka West Coast Other Islands Other Islands Other Islands ... Kaikoura, Canterbury , Christchurch - Canterbury By Miles Holden Kaikōura is a base for wildlife experiences of all kinds – it’s also a great place to eat crayfish (in the Māori language 'kai' means food, 'kōura' means crayfish). We live in London but flash pack all around the world. Spend a couple of days exploring Christchurch city, then if you have more time you can continue your road trip and drive south towards Queenstown on this Christchurch to Queenstown 1 week itinerary, or head to Dunedin on this Christchurch to Dunedin 5 day itinerary. Level Contributor . 46,895 posts. We have allocated a day to get from Christchurch to Nelson. Did you enjoy our Christchurch to Nelson drive road trip itinerary blog post? Brisbane turned out to be the only airport we could imagine which would have a total WIFI ban, hence the reason our last blog was delayed! Christchurch to Nelson itinerary round trip drive route, Car hire for Christchurch to Nelson drive road trip, Christchurch to Nelson drive round trip itinerary, Ultimate New Zealand bucket list – top 50 things to do, Book a Full-Day Guided Biking Wine Tour >, Delivering post on the Picton Mail Boat Cruise blog post >, New Zealand travel tips for first-time visitors >, Read more on the Department of Conservation website >, Check out St Arnaud accommodation options on booking.com >, Book a Scenic Cruise to Anchorage Bay from Kaiteriteri >, Check out Abel Tasman accommodation on booking.com >, More information can be found on the department of conservation website >, Book a Hanmer Spring Thermal Pools Day Pass >. The route takes you through the Lewis Pass and below are some places of interest along the way: Buller Gorge Swingbridge Adventure and Heritage ParkVisit New Zealand’s longest swingbridge – suspended 19 metres high above the mighty Buller River. 175.1 miles total air travel to Kaikoura, New Zealand. Where are you going after Nelson? Christchurch to Kaikoura: 2 hours 40 minutes. Geographical Centre of New Zealand WalkThis easy 2 km return walk starts from the city centre and takes you to the summit of Botanical Hill for 360 degree views of Nelson’s coastal views. Dolphin watching and island wildlife sanctuary cruiseTake a scenic dolphin watching journey through Marlborough sounds, then head to Motuara Island Bird Sanctuary for a nature walk. The ferry is less costly but WLG-CHC flight is cheapest. Book a Skywire Experience >. The Skywire seats up to four “flyers” at a time, with around 1000m of gravity assisted free-wheeling, reaching speeds of up to 100 kph – going forwards and backwards! The Journey. What companies run services between Christchurch, New Zealand and Kaikōura, Canterbury, New Zealand? Rome2rio is a door-to-door travel information and booking engine, helping you get to and from any location in the world. It is named the Centre of New Zealand because it was a central survey point in the 1800s. Looking for something that would take at the most half a day to do/see. Tickets cost $25 - $35 and the journey takes 2h 50m. Kaikoura is a rugged coastal town known for its amazing marine wildlife including a sperm whale population. 2 0 0. Nelson to Nelson. Save. CAMPERVAN SITE – Kaikoura TOP 10 Holiday ParkHoliday Park with mix of apartments, motel rooms and campsites. Book a Full-Day Guided Biking Wine Tour >. Drive timeHanmer Springs to Christchurch: 1 hour 50 minutes. BUDGET HOSTEL – YHA Kakapo LodgeHighly rated hostel with private rooms and dorms, large communal kitchen, comfy TV lounge, outdoor deck, garden and BBQ area. Route 11) Christchurch Nelson Loop via Lewis Pass and Kaikoura. From Havelock to Nelson the route goes by the beautiful Pelorous River, which has crystal clear waters that you can swim or kayak in. LUXURY – Hapuku Lodge and Tree HousesSplash the cash on this beautiful hotel located in nearby located in Hapuku, with ocean views, outdoor pool and onsite restaurant. Check out bullergorge.co.nz. Information from Viator Tour description. Book a whale watching tour or a dolphin encounter >, Kayak with sealsGo kayaking around the stunning Kaikoura peninsula whilst cute fur seals weave and swim around you! Book amazing things to do in Kaikoura, Akaroa, Hanmer & Christchurch. Christchurch Intl. Here is our suggested jam packed Christchurch to Nelson drive itinerary: Public transport can be almost non existant between towns in New Zealand, and many attractions are usually a bit of a drive away from city centres, so for that reason we would recommend using your own transport for your Christchurch to Nelson road trip. Vie marine de Kaikoura, Christchurch - Canterbury De Chris McLennan. Which airlines fly to Kaikoura? Here are some places to stop off at on the way to Blenheim: The StoreCute beachside cafe with outdoor garden and amazing coastal views, located approx halfway between Kaikoura and Blenheim. For a list of other local hikes, visit the DOC website >. Luxury self-contained suites with on-site swimming pool, bar and spa. The award-winning Cellar Door offers free wine tasting, and you can purchase picnic hampers. Distance. …Day 7 Wanaka to Franz Josef 3.75 hrs 284 178 Day 8 Franz Josef to Greymouth 2.25 hrs 173 108 Day 9 Greymouth to Nelson 4.25 hrs 328 205 Day 10 Nelson to Blenheim 1.5 hrs 115 72 Day 11 Blenheim to Kaikoura 1.75 hrs 129 81 Day 12 Kaikoura to Christchurch … Nelson to Christchurch $160 per person (min $800 charge) Nelson to Kaikoura. Drive timeChristchurch > Kaikoura: 1 hour 40 minutes. You take off from Nelson and fly 129.9 Km to Kaikoura, then fly another 151.9 Km from Kaikoura to Christchurch for 281.8 Kilometers.. Calc. We recommend spending 2 nights in Blenheim so you have one whole full day to enjoy visiting the many wineries in the area. The drive back to Christchurch takes you through the small town of Waipara – a great spot for food and wine lovers. 152.2 nautical miles total air travel to Kaikoura, New Zealand. More expensive rooms have outdoor terrace and sea views. MID RANGE – The Hotel Nelson4 star accommodation with studios and spacious apartments and communal outdoor heated swimming pool. Driving in New Zealand, from Kaikoura to Nelson. Eat seafoodKaikoura is home to some of the best and fresh seafood in New Zealand and we recommend a visit to the legendary Kaikoura Seafood BBQ roadside stall to sample some delicious lobster, crayfish, scallops or whitebait fritters. It will take you just over 3 hours to reach Kaikoura from Nelson, so you have plenty of time to make a day trip of it and take some excursions along the way. 16 Nelson. No spam - we promise! 8-14 days. You'll find 3 air carriers that service the route to Kaikoura. Airport (CHC) is the most frequented airport in Kaikoura. There are a few other airports in the region, so make sure you choose the most convenient for your travel plans.\n . Kaikoura Peninsula walkwayTake a 3 hour hike along a walkway with superb panoramic coastal vantage points high up on the cliffs, before taking a path down to the coast to walk along the beach and view the seals splashing about in the sea. We had planned to load our last blog whilst waiting for our flight at Brisbane airport. Book a Seal Kayaking Adventure >. Walk along the lower or upper track to get there, but the latter is better with incredible views of the sounds. Christchurch to Nelson. Jon Algie 2018-02-01. The colony is handily located right next to a car park, but note – keep a good distance from the seals as to not disturb them. Wine tasting tourEnjoy a day sampling award winning wines at cellar doors on a Marlborough wine tour. BUDGET HOSTEL – Tasman Bay BackpackersFriendly and clean hostel with speedy WIFI, and free hot chocolate pudding and ice cream every evening. Your flight distance starts from Nelson and ends at Christchurch. Nelson Saturday MarketBased in Montgomery Square this market is held every Saturday between 8am and 1pm, and has many delicious food offerings (Kiwi and international) at reasonable prices. It is a great place base for exploring the sounds on a boat cruise or kayaking tour, or if you have a few extra days you can hike the famous Queen Charlotte Track. Of course you may also want to figure out whether it's worth driving as opposed to flying and you can do so by calculating the fuel cost from Nelson to Kaikoura to Christchurch. You can book same-day return tickets to visit multiple times in a single day! Based on the AA Travel distance calc, the quickest trip between Christchurch and Nelson would be as follows : Highway 1 -> Highway 7 (Waipara) -> Highway 65 -> Highway 6 -> Nelson. The first stop of your Christchurch to Nelson drive is Kaikoura, located an hour and 40 minutes north of Christchurch. For details, see the flight time from Nelson to Kaikoura to Christchurch. For more details see: route elevation from Nelson to Kaikoura to Christchurch. Continue onwards with your Christchurch to Nelson round road trip and head to the small alpine town of Hanmer Springs for an afternoon of adventure or just pure relaxation! Please note the road may close at short notice due to weather conditions. You take off from Nelson and fly 129.9 Km to Kaikoura, then fly another 151.9 Km from Kaikoura to Christchurch for 281.8 Kilometers. Christchurch To Nelson Coastal Route Via Kaikoura. Continuing along State Highway 1 instead of turning off at Waipara will take you on to Nelson via the Coastal Route. Read More... Sign up and receive our latest travel tips via email. LUXURY – Picton Beachcomber InnHotel overlooking Picton Harbour with refurbished rooms, outdoor pool, on-site restaurant with views of Picton Harbour, plus some rooms come with a spa bath and balcony. This museum stages a selection of past finalist entries as well as a classic car museum. Day 10: Nelson to Blenheim of the Christchurch - Milford Sound - Christchurch Driving Route. It is only about 3.5 hr. Located a few minutes walk to town. Book a seafood cruise >, Queen Charlotte Sound Mail Boat CruiseThis scenic and quirky afternoon cruise takes you onboard a working mail boat to deliver post to local residents in the sounds, with a stop at the pretty Ship Cove. Check out St Arnaud accommodation options on booking.com >, Drive timeNelson > Kaiteriteri: 45 minutes, Take a short drive to the seaside town of Kaiteriteri, which is one of the gateways to Abel Tasman National Park. The table below effective from 15 January 2021. Book a mail boat cruise or read more in our Delivering post on the Picton Mail Boat Cruise blog post >. BUDGET HOSTEL – Dolphin LodgeAffordable private rooms and dorms in a central location, with views of the coastline and the mountain ranges, plus garden, deck and hot tub. If you're up for the road trip, you can take a look at the driving directions from Nelson to Kaikoura to Christchurch. I’ll whisper it, but this probably is my favourite driving route in the South Island…apart from the one to Golden Bay…. Flying Wellington-Nelson is pretty costly. We are Caroline and Neil - two British travel bloggers who seek authentic and awesome travel adventures! Sign me up for the CK Travels newsletter! InterCity Coachlines operates a bus from Christchurch to Kaikoura twice daily. You could stop & do a wine tour in Blenheim if you are not returning that way. Drive from Christchurch to Nelson (make a stop or two along the way for rest and food). From personal experience we recommend JUCY rentals or Apex rentals for excellent service, or take a look at rentalcars.com to compare different prices from all the rental car companies in New Zealand. To see how far from Nelson it is, see distance from Nelson to Kaikoura to Christchurch. YOU MIGHT LIKE: New Zealand travel tips for first-time visitors >, Drive timePicton > Nelson: 1 hour 50 minutes. An alternative (but slightly longer) route from Christchurch brings you up the east coast through the Kaikoura and Marlborough regions, and is known as the ‘coastal route’. Day 1: Christchurch to Kaikoura of the Christchurch - Hanmer Springs - Christchurch Driving Route. All rooms are fitted with a balcony, spa bath, fireplace and rain shower. Book a Jet Boat tour >, Conical Hill and Heritage Forest walkThe short uphill walk to the top of Conical Hill offers stunning views of Hanmer Springs. • … After exploring the sunny town of Nelson, drive through the scenic route to the small inland town of Blenheim. We recommend spending at least two nights here to enjoy the city and also so you can spend a whole day visiting some nearby beauty spots. This 900km loop takes in some of the best driving roads and varied scenery in New Zealand – truly. 17 Depart Nelson/Arrive Kaikoura. Marahau - … 15 Nelson. Kaikoura, New Zealand being SSE or 157.50° of Nelson, New Zealand, Christchurch, New Zealand being S or 180° of Nelson, New Zealand. Alternatively have dinner at the Monteith’s Brewery Bar or at one of the restaurants in town serving Asian or European cuisine. Our Air New Zealand flight was good and only three hours in duration. See the road map from Nelson to Kaikoura to Christchurch. The journey there is almost 4 hours long so make sure you set off early. If you were to fly directly to Christchurch, your flight would be 257.1 kilometers - the extra 24.7 kilometers is due to your in between flight to Kaikoura, New Zealand. Check out the resort rates here >. More information can be found on the department of conservation website >, Drive timeNelson > Hanmer Springs: 3 hours 45 minutes. LUXURY – The St James Premium AccommodationStudio accommodation with balconies or patios and mountain views. If you are staying in self catering accommodation, then there is a small Four Square supermarket in town where you can purchase groceries and alcohol. The next stop on the Christchurch to Nelson trip is Picton which is a very short drive from Blenheim. It was also a filming location in The Hobbit: Desolation of Smaug film! ... . Book a Hanmer Spring Thermal Pools Day Pass >, White water raftingAdrenaline seekers will love riding grade 2 rapids on a 2-hour white water rafting expedition along the Waiau Gorge. Some posts on this site contain affiliate links. Planning to fly a plane instead? I am trying to plan my trip and since I have made plans to meet with Family in Kaikoura I need some advice. Book a White Water Rafting Tour >, Quad bikingExplore the Alpine village and mountain landscape on an exhilarating 2-hour Quad Bike safari, either on your own bike or riding in tandem. There is also a hotel and some glamping pods onsite if you want to stay overnight. Check out some of the wineries in the region such as Waipara Hills and Pegasus Bay. You can read all about our brewery tour experience at McCashin’s Brewery in our south island brewery tour blog >, SkywireEnjoy a thrilling ride on the world’s longest Skywire with incredible views of Cable and Delaware Bays. If you're still considering flying, you may want to know how long it will take you to get to your destination. 1. Let us know in the comments or by sharing it on social media. You could choose to spend the day chilling on the beach, enjoying the golden sands and turquoise waters, and dine at some of the beachfront restaurants. 200 helpful votes. Or you can book a water taxi / cruise to take you to some of Abel Tasman’s beautiful bays and enjoy some scenic walks. Kaikoura - New Zealand - Few places in the world can boast of such natural wonders as those offered by land and sea in Kaikoura. 14 Depart MS/Arrive Nelson. The walk takes 3-5 days to complete and needs advance booking to access the huts and campsites along the route. Visit Christchurch, Kaikoura, and Nelson-Tasman Region. BUDGET HOSTEL – Piwaka LodgeHighly rated hostel with private rooms/dorms situated in the heart of town near the supermarket. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. $125 per person (min $625 charge) Nelson to Arthurs Pass. Find all the transport options for your trip from Kaikoura TOP 10 Holiday Park to Christchurch right here. Est Driving Time. Kaikoura is truly stunning and sitting on its pebbled beach looking up to the mountains is a wonderful experience. Read more in our Hanmer Springs guide blog post >. Arrive in Hanmer Springs around mid-late afternoon, check into your accommodation and enjoy one of the following activites: Hanmer Springs Thermal PoolsThe largest naturally heated thermal pools in New Zealand has 15 outdoor pools, an award winning spa, waterslides and a cafe set among pretty landscaped gardens and alpine forest. The evening marks the end of your Christchurch to Nelson round road trip in New Zealand. 01 Feb 2018. Check into your accommodation and spend the rest of the day either out on the ocean on a boat trip, or taking a scenic drive/walk around the local area. Read more on the Department of Conservation website >. MID RANGE – Bay Vista Waterfront MotelWaterfront motel with all apartments having full kitchen facilities and some having a patio with panoramic views. Each room has a private patio with garden or vineyard views, plus onsite hot tub, fitness centre and restaurant / bar showcasing local wines. The Coastal Pacific isn't just a scenic activity, combined with the Interislander Ferry it is the perfect way to connect between Wellington , Blenheim , Kaikoura and Christchurch . If you'd prefer to drive, it's possible to reach Christchurch by car. $125 per person (min $625 charge) From Wainui Bay. Hugging the eastern coast of the South Island, this route will take you through the Greta Valley, through Cheviot, meeting up with the coast at a place called Oaro. The perfect stop if you want to grab a snack or coffee. McCashin’s BreweryA little outside of Nelson city centre, McCashin’s Brewery has a daily brewery and beer tasting tour and also produces Stoke Dark, our favourite dark New Zealand beer. 18 Boat trip/Depart Kaikoura/Arrive Christchurch. 20 Sun Christchurch & nearby peninsula. Tip: If you are visiting Blenheim during the month of February, be sure to time your visit to coincide with the famous annual Marlborough Wine and Food Festival! Highlights. Whale and dolphin watchingOne of the most popular things to do in Kaikoura is to get up close to giant sperm whales or watch/go swimming with friendly dusky dolphins. How many airlines fly to Kaikoura? Check out the travel time from Nelson to Kaikoura to Christchurch. Christchurch, Kaikoura, Picton, Nelson…. If you are a seafood fan you’ll love the Mussel Pot restaurant where you can order Havelock’s iconic green lip mussels! 21 Depart Christchurch/Fly to Auckland. MID RANGE/LUXURY – Chateau MarlboroughWinner of New Zealand’s Best Regional Hotel. 493 reviews. Flight Distance from Nelson to 55 Taylor Pass Road, Flight Distance from Nelson to Fitzroy Beach Holiday Park Beach Street, Flight Distance from Nelson to 42 Amuri Ave, Flight Distance from Nelson to Maruia 7895, Flight Distance from Nelson to 44 Indus Pl, from Nelson to Christchurch, Connected by Kaikoura, flight time from Nelson to Kaikoura to Christchurch, route elevation from Nelson to Kaikoura to Christchurch, distance from Nelson to Kaikoura to Christchurch, road map from Nelson to Kaikoura to Christchurch, driving directions from Nelson to Kaikoura to Christchurch, fuel cost from Nelson to Kaikoura to Christchurch, travel time from Nelson to Kaikoura to Christchurch, Flight Distance Calculations for Nelson NZ. Hi, We have to head back to Christchurch in a couple days from Nelson (sadly our vacation is coming to an end!). It is one of the great wine making regions of the world – 75% of the country’s wine is produced here! Book a wildlife cruise >, Seafood Odyssea cruiseTake a three hour cruise along the Queen Charlotte Sound whilst sampling crisp local wine and delicious seafood dishes such as Greenshell Mussels, Regal Salmon and Cloudy Bay Clams. Facilities include a swimming pool, BBQ, indoor spa, TV room, showers, kitchens and laundry. Address: 5748 State Highway 1, Kekerengu, Marlborough, Peter Yealands EstateLocated a 5 minute drive off highway 1, this famous vineyard is so huge that they give you a map so you can take a self guided tour drive around estate. About Kaikoura. Then travel from Nelson along the coast, down south and back up to Christchurch for flight back. Bookme offers the best deals & discounts on activities, attractions & things to do in NZ You can also enjoy goldpanning, bush walks, jet boating and flying fox rides. Jon Algie. From the Christchurch maui branch, it’s an easy drive north to the top of the South Island, with beautiful coastal scenery along the way to take your breath away. Note – we do not recommend Omega Rental Cars for car hire – we were given a filthy car, endured some shocking customer service, and then to top it off we had unauthorised payments coming out of our account months after our trip finished! 15x time lapse Blenheim is surrounded by vineyards, so if you have time take a winery tour. CAMPERVAN SITE – Picton TOP 10 Holiday ParkHoliday Park with a mix of villas, motel, cabins and campervan sites, located 1km from the town centre. 2.5 hours drive from Christchurch, 2 hours from Blenheim and only 2,5 hours from Picton - the gateway to the North Island. Created by a user from New Zealand. Wainui Bay - Marahau (Direct Service) $55 per person (min $275 charge) From Marahau. Today is the final day of the Christchurch to Nelson round trip itinerary. Maruia Hot Springs Resort & Spa This boutique retreat and day spa has natural mineral hot pools you can bathe in with picturesque mountain views. There are some accommodation options in St. Arnaud if you decide you would rather not drive back to Nelson (St. Arnaud is on the way to the next stop Hanmer Springs). The round road trip starts and ends in the city of Christchurch (which has an international airport) and lasts 8 days. The name Kaikoura means 'meal of crayfish' (kai - food/meal, kōura - crayfish) and the crayfish industry still plays a role in the economy of the region. If you'd like, you can also see a map of the trip so that you can get a better look at the road. $120 per person (min $600 charge) Nelson to Westport. We landed in Christchurch at 1am and were glad to … Best things to do in Christchurch, Kaikoura, Abel Tasman National Park, and Nelson are: Christchurch Botanic Gardens, Dolphin & Whale Watching, TranzAlpine Train, and Canterbury Museum. Rome2rio makes travelling from Kaikoura TOP 10 Holiday Park to Christchurch easy. Read our privacy policy here. If you're meeting a friend, you might be interested in finding the city that is halfway between Christchurch, New Zealand and Kaikoura, New Zealand. If you were to fly directly to Christchurch, your flight would be 257.1 kilometers - the extra 24.7 kilometers is due to your in between flight to Kaikoura, New Zealand. The first stop of your Christchurch to Nelson drive is Kaikoura, located an hour and 40 minutes north of Christchurch. Amazing views of Lake Rotoiti and the mountains can be seen from the Mount Robert Car Park – a half hour drive from St. Arnaud. New Zealand has so much to offer with wonderful wineries, stunning national parks, marine wildlife, geothermal pools and hip cities. It takes an hour to drive to St Arnaud, which is the gateway to which you can explore the park. Maruia FallsA 10 minute return walk from the car park takes you to an excellent viewpoint of a waterfall that was created following the 1929 Murchison earthquake. Another highly rated seafood stall further down the coast is Nin’s Bin, which also sells similar seafood dishes. Drive time Christchurch > Kaikoura: 1 hour 40 minutes. These fly in from 21 airports across the globe.\n. Speed along the Waiau Gorge on a fun adrenaline fueled jet boat adventure. Re: Kaikoura to nelson-Drive time + what to do on way . Road users plan ahead for their journeys. Christchurch to Picton via Kaikoura: Driving the Coastal Road after the Earthquake. You can also calculate the cost to drive from Christchurch, New Zealand to Kaikoura, New Zealand based on current local gas prices and an estimate of your car's best gas mileage. for Christchurch, South Island, Akaroa. says we would be travelling for around 6 hrs. LUXURY – The Sails NelsonLuxurious 5-star accommodation with floor-to-ceiling windows and a private balcony or patio. Here you can watch fur seals lazing around on the rocks, and is a great spot to head over at sunset. $75 per person (min $375 charge) Nelson to Greymouth. From here there are some easy lakeside trails that will take a couple of hours, or you can take a water taxi to transport you across the lake to access more walks. Also if you happen to be visiting Blenheim on a Sunday then check out the Marlborough Farmers market where you can pick up some gourmet delights to pair with your bottle of local Marlborough wine. The grounds are very photogenic with rows and rows of vine trees, gorgeous ocean views and some of the friendliest free roaming chickens we have ever met! MID RANGE – Settlers MotelBoutique motel in a central location, with studio and apartment rooms – some with private back patio. Do you think that one afternoon, evening and a morning approx will be enough time in Wellington? Bob’s Bay ReserveThis gorgeous secluded beach is located a 30 minute walk from Shelley Beach in Picton town and is great for picnics and swimming. The lake is perfect for swimming during the summer months and there is a beach and jetty right by the carpark. 10 years ago. If you are arriving at Christchurch airport you can pick up your hire car there and head straight to your first destination. Travelling a scenic route from Nelson to Kaikoura. There are so many different wonderful elements to experience. Stop by the small marina town of Havelock, where there are many cafes and pubs. After a morning of activities in Kaikoura, head off around mid afternoon and continue onwards on your Christchurch to Nelson itinerary to the next stop – Blenheim.