Top of the South Food and Wine Tour

The drive north from Christchurch to Kaikoura takes you through the rolling hills of North Canterbury’s major wine region, the Waipara Valley. Allow time for a detour and visit Hanmer Springs for a dip in the mineral hot pools. Continue on and cross the Hawkswood Range before descending to the spectacular Kaikoura coastline - where the road hugs the ocean for the last leg of the drive.

Heading north from Kaikoura, the road hugs the shore for approximately 50 kilometres and offers many opportunities to view the native wildlife such as seabirds and New Zealand fur seals. One of the best seal watching locations is Ohau Point (25km north of Kaikoura), where you can observe the adults on the shoreline and the pups frolicking in the waterfall, just a short walk from the road (signposted). As you drive you will have turquoise waters of the South Pacific Ocean to your east and to the west the towering Kaikoura Ranges. Crossing the dry hills of the Marlborough ranges you head towards Marlborough, New Zealand’s largest wine producing region. Blenheim sits right at the heart of Marlborough and is ideally located to enjoy an afternoon sampling the local produce. A great way to do this is to take a guided wine tour with Sounds Connection Wine Tours.

Experience New Zealand’s only marine-based whale-watching company. Whale Watch Kaikōura offers a once-in-a-lifetime, up-close encounter with the giant Sperm Whale. You are also likely to encounter New Zealand fur seals, dolphins, and albatross. Depending on the season you may also see Pilot, Blue, and Southern Right whales as well as migrating humpbacks. Often orcas can be spotted here and the world’s smallest dolphin, the Hectors, occasionally makes an appearance.

From Havelock you follow the valley south towards Blenheim and wine growing region of Marlborough. The town of Blenheim sits right at the heart of the New Zealand’s largest wine producing region, Marlborough, and is ideally located to enjoy an afternoon sampling the local produce. A great way to do this is to take a guided wine tour with Sounds Connection Wine Tours.

Join the world famous Pelorus Mail Run in the Marlborough Sounds and visit isolated homesteads set in quiet secluded bays, delivering crucial supplies and mail the same way it has been done for decades. View mussel farms and see why Pelorus Sound is the mussel capital of the world. Old timers row out in dinghies to meet the boat, while some receive their supplies on tiny, unspoilt beaches. Mail was first delivered to the Marlborough Sounds by Government Steamer in 1912. The Steamer put the mail ashore at various small Post Offices throughout the area and the residents had to row to these points to pick their mail up. In 1925 the Government decided to put the Service out to Private Operators and the Mail Run, as it is today, was born. In the early years most of the goods carried were farming supplies and a few tourists. These days as most of the farms have ceased operating, tourists are the only passengers as well as the mail.

Surrounded by endless rows of vines, Blenheim lies at the heart of the Marlborough wine region. This charming, compact town is built around a traditional marketplace, offering a welcoming atmosphere and a taste of local life. With a fantastic selection of cafés, restaurants, and shops, it’s the perfect place to unwind for an afternoon. The town is also home to the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre, which houses Peter Jackson’s Great War collection, complete with mannequins by Weta Workshop. Of course, no visit to the region would be complete without sampling its world-class wines at the many renowned wineries.

Nelson is a great city to explore on foot. Visit the historic areas, and the famous Cathedral, or relax and enjoy the atmosphere at one of the many cafes on Trafalgar Street. Nelson is also noted for its many artists, and galleries displaying their work can be enjoyed by following one of the Art trails listed locally. Around 45 minutes drive away is Abel Tasman National Park. The region offers countless opportunities to explore for visitors of every age and capability, from enjoying the golden sand beaches and clear warm waters to guided kayaking trips viewing seals and dolphins, to exploring some of New Zealand’s finest walking tracks.

Leaving Nelson you will pass through the suburb of Richmond. Moving on you will travel through the Nelson Lakes and Kahurangi National Park regions. Trees, rivers and valleys accompany you now as you head towards the town of Murchison. Murchison is a quiet place and a great lunch stop. Underneath its sleepy farming facade is an adventurers paradise with white water rafting, jet boating, gold panning, kayaking, 4WD trips and excellent trout fishing. From Murchison, you will head south towards Maruia Springs, which has been attracting travellers for years and the natural hot springs are now located within an authentic Japanese themed resort, a great place to stop for a soak if time allows. Head inland over the Lewis Pass where the landscape changes to a sub-alpine zone with large forests of red and silver beech. Near the summit a short walking track, the Tarn Nature Walk, is an ideal place to break your journey. The drive south to Christchurch takes you through some fine rolling farmland and North Canterbury’s major wine region, the Waipara Valley.

It’s time to return your rental car and let the South Island journey come to an end. If time allows spend the day exploring more of Christchurch, we’d suggest a leisurely drive up the Port Hills for some great sites and then over to the harbour of Lyttleton, before circling through the tunnel and back to the airport to continue your journey home.