Starting a road trip from Christchurch is an easy and stress-free way to escape the city and head to places that feel a long way from everyday life.
Organise affordable campervan hire in Christchurch and everything becomes even easier, with a home on wheels that allows you to explore the South Island at your own pace.
But, with so many wonderful places leading straight out of Christchurch, how can you possibly decide where to go? We’ve done that for you. Below, you’ll find our selection of the best South Island road trips from Christchurch, each with something different to please every kind of adventurer.
Lake Tekapo
Just under 3 hours from Christchurch, Lake Tekapo and its blue waters are an incredible place to head to if you really want to slow down and get back to nature. As soon as you arrive, we recommend taking a stroll down the lakeshore, especially near the Church of the Good Shepherd, where the views are more than photo-worthy.
If you’re feeling particularly active, there are lots of walks you can take around the lake, or you can head up to Mount John for a beautiful view that really shows off the Mackenzie Basin. And, after a full day of walking and exploring, a 5-minute drive will take you to Tekapo Springs, where you can soak your tired legs and really relax. Also, as if this place wasn’t magical enough, Tekapo sits within a Dark Sky Reserve, and on a clear night, you’ll get unbelievable views of the stars and planets above.
Kaikoura
North of Christchurch, Kaikoura is around 2.5 hours on the road and takes you along a route that hugs the coastline for ocean views that will have you pulling over and reaching for your camera time and time again. Once you arrive in Kaikoura, whale watching is the order of the day, which remains one of the most popular activities here, as people flock to the coast during the migration season of May – November for a chance of spotting a sperm whale close to the shore.
Once you’ve spotted the whales in all their majesty, head out on the Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway. This easy route loops around the headland with great views at every turn and plenty of opportunities to spot seals sunbathing on the rocks, completely unbothered by visitors.
Wanaka
A longer trip from Christchurch now, Wanaka takes around 5 hours to reach, but once you arrive, every second on the road will feel totally worth the effort. The lakefront is at the heart of everything in Wanaka, and there are loads of walking trails to explore, along with the opportunity to take a cooling dip in the warmer months. Or, if you’re really looking to relax, simply kick back with a coffee on the shore and watch the mountains change colour throughout the day.
No trip here is complete without a visit to the famous Wanaka Tree, either, but that’s by no means the only thing to do. If you’re up for a challenge, Roys Peak has some of the most spectacular views in the South Island. Or, for something a little gentler, Wanaka’s food scene is among the best in New Zealand, and you’ll have no problem finding somewhere to settle in with a good meal and a couple of drinks for an evening.
Arthur’s Pass
Moving back closer to Christchurch, it will take just under 2 hours to reach Arthur’s Pass, making it a great choice if you’re looking for a weekend escape from the city. This is also a National Park, so you’ll have plenty of opportunities to get out of the campervan and stretch your legs!
Devil’s Punchbowl Falls is one of the most popular walks here, with a relatively easy track that ends at the namesake waterfall. It’s also open year-round, so if you’re looking to escape crowds, it’s a fantastic place to visit on a winter road trip. You don’t have to be overly adventurous to enjoy a trip to Arthur’s Pass, though. Even a stroll near the village gives you plenty of scenery to enjoy, and if you’re lucky, you might even spot kea hanging around the car parks.
Final Thoughts
While each of these trips offers something different, the thing they all have in common is how easily accessible they are from Christchurch. The distances are manageable, there’s no shortage of beautiful places to stop and explore, and whichever you choose as your next road trip destination, you’re able to take your time and let the South Island surprise you at every turn.
