Picton to Christchurch Road Trip: Our 2 Best Scenic Options

Like much of New Zealand’s South Island, the road trip from Picton to Christchurch is filled with impressive scenery, wildlife discovery, and vineyards. We have made the drive many times, sometimes in a hurry and passing straight through, but other times making it about the journey and spending days.

For five consecutive years, we split our time between the two Islands, bringing our car over on the ferry. Therefore, regardless of our route, we always started our South Island adventure driving from Picton to Christchurch.

If you are heading down the east coast between Picton and Christchurch, this page is for you. Below, we share the direct route and a few off-the-beaten-path options. And finally, alternative ways to get from Picton to Christchurch if you don’t bring over a car.

Picton to Christchurch road trip map

Let’s start by looking at the route. The map highlights our recommended stops, with main road stops in red and off-the-beaten-path stops in orange.

• Direct driving route: Picton to Christchurch
  Picton > Blenheim > Kaikoura (optional) > Gore Bay Beach > Cathedral Cliffs > Christchurch
  The straight-through drive with no stops takes about 4.5 hours. If done in daylight hours, the stunning views make the time pass quickly.
• Longer Picton to Christchurch drive, including Kaikoura and Hanmer Springs
  Picton > Blenheim > Kaikoura > Waipara > Hanmer Springs > Christchurch
  Opt for a scenic detour and immerse yourself in the coastal charm of Kaikoura and the relaxing hot springs of Hanmer Springs. This route extends the drive to about 5 hours and 40 minutes, but we prefer to spend at least one night in accommodation on the trip, optimally several nights, so we can stay in both Kaikoura and Hanmer Springs.

Car hire (rental)

Unless you use your own vehicle, you will need to hire a car. We always rent from RentalCars. They offer a comprehensive list of multinational and local rental car agents, ratings on specific car types, and agency ratings. Importantly, they often have lower prices than going direct.

Whether you rent from them or not, it’s still the perfect place to begin your search. Click here to compare options and check availability at RentalCars.com

Getting to Picton: Wellington to Picton ferry options

You bring a car from the North Island; you will need to take a ferry from Wellington to Picton.

Two ferry companies do this: Bluebridge and Interislander. We have sailed with both, and they are similar enough that we chose them based on timing and price. Both offer vehicle or passenger-only crossings that take about 3.5 hours.

We encourage you to check the prices at both companies for the day you want to sail. We find the best prices on Direct Ferries here. Enter ‘Wellington’, where it asks you to enter a port, and it will give you all the options.

South Island starting city: Picton

Picton is the gateway to the stunning Marlborough Sounds and is the starting point for ferry passengers coming from the North Island. We recently spent days here and discovered it is much more interesting than just a ferry transit stop.

It’s a beautiful city with plenty to do. We have a more detailed article coming soon.

Our top recommendation is to get back out on the water and explore the sounds. There are so many ways to get out on the water. We opted for a private charter where we paid someone to take us out. However, the more popular tours include:

• Picton cruise followed by a self-guided hike
  This all-day activity starts with a 1-hour cruise from Picton to the Historic Ship Cove. Then, you can enjoy a self-guided 12.7 or 17-kilometer hike along the Queen Charlotte Track. Book your cruise and self-guided hike here.
• Guided sea kayak tour
  This four-hour adventure will take you along the waterfront and into Queen Charlotte Sound. Kayaks hold two, and there is a guide that will lead the way. Book your guided sea kayak tour here.
• 4-hour mail boat cruise afternoon
  If you are looking for something different, we know plenty of people who loved their mail boat cruise. It’s exactly what it sounds like: a mail carrier going out to remote homes in the sounds. Passengers see unique locations and often meet the locals as they come down to collect post, groceries and freight. Book your mail boat cruise here.

Once that’s locked away, consider hiking sections of the Queen Charlotte Sound track, checking out the oldest surviving wooden that brought immigrants to New Zealand (the Edwin Fox) at the maritime museum (check for discounts here), or head to the nearby Marlborough wine region (discussed in the Blenheim section just below).

Blenheim

Situated in the Marlborough region, Blenheim is renowned for its wine industry, specifically its Sauvignon Blanc. Although it’s one of less than a dozen wine-growing regions in New Zealand, more than half of the nation’s wine is produced here.

We only stopped here for a few hours to see the main square, walk along the riverfront, and enjoy lunch with a friend.

Suggested activities in Blenheim

• One of the best things to do in Blenheim is a self-guided biking wine tour (bike hire included). It gets you outdoors, gives you a bit of exercise, and there is no need for a designated driver. Reserve your bike tour here. Or, if you prefer to be driven, reserve a wine-tasting tour here.
• If you are interested in vintage aircraft from World War I and II, don’t miss the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre. We opted not to do this. Reserve your entry and choose your tours here.
• Spend the day like we did, starting at Seymour Square in town and then taking a walk along the river.
• If you are in the region on a Sunday, browse the Marlborough Farmers’ Market, which is open from 9am to 12pm.

Kaikoura

A coastal town surrounded by hills, Kaikoura can either be a getaway spot for a few days or a stop along the road. It offers wildlife, nature, and spectacular seafood.

I am of two minds about the place. On the one hand, I find it very touristy, commercial and overpriced. On the other hand, the wildlife is incredible, like nowhere I have ever seen. Plus, each day started with an impressive sunrise, equal to the beauty we saw driving the coastline or enjoying local hikes. We wrote in detail about the things to do in Kaikoura here.

Top activities in Kaikoura

While the hiking is fabulous, the Peninsula Walkway is worthwhile, and the seafood fresh and delicious, our top three recommendations for Kaikoura revolve around spotting wildlife.

• Dolphin encounter
  Watching hundreds of acrobatic dusky dolphins leap out of the water was a highlight of our road trip. While we noticed that most pages recommend whale watching first (which is pretty awesome ), the most fun we had was on the Dolphin Encounter.
• Whale watching
  This adventure draws people back year after year. Typical tour sightings include 1-2 sperm whales, dolphins, and seals in their natural environment. They book up and often sell out. Reserve your whale-watching adventure here.
• Seal colony
  Visiting the seal colony is a free activity that is different with every visit.

Route decision time: Picton to Christchurch via Hanmer Springs or direct?

Right after you cross the Leader River, you have a choice: continue heading south for the direct route to Christchurch or turn inland on Leader Road East, which will take you to Hanmer Springs.

If you take the direct route, you will pass by Gore Bay Beach and the Cathedral Cliffs viewpoint. If you are taking the Hanmer Springs route and want to include them, they add about 40 minutes of drive time.

We opted to do it as a loop, heading south along the coast, then after Christchurch, returning to Hanmer Springs before heading west over Lewis Pass.

Direct route – Te Ruahikihiki pou at Raramai

Actually, there are four pouwhenua (carved pillars) and another 20 artworks along this section of road. We only stopped at one, Te Ruahikihiki pou at Raramai, where we could see seals out on the rocks and there were public toilets. Read more about the history here.

Direct route – Gore Bay Beach

Located in the Hurunui District, I am not sure we would have gone out of our way to see this beach had we not been passing it on our way to the Cathedral Cliffs lookout. But I am glad we did.

This lovely, quiet beach boasted thousands of seemingly flat, smooth rocks. With changing rooms and plenty of parking, it is considered a swim and surf beach. In fact, according to Visit Hurunui, it is one of New Zealand’s safest surfing beaches.

Direct route – Cathedral Cliffs viewpoint

Cathedral Cliffs is somewhat off the beaten path, adding about 20 minutes to the direct drive and offering a serene and picturesque retreat. However, seeing this impressive geological formation and its peaceful surroundings is worth the extra time.

If you are skipping Hanmer Springs, jump ahead to Waipara now.

Longer scenic route from Picton to Christchurch

If you turn onto Leader Road East, your next main stop is Hanmer Springs. You will want at least three hours here, but we prefer a day or two.

Hanmer Springs

Barely worth it if you only have a few hours, but if you are visiting from overseas and this is your only chance to enjoy the thermal pools, waterslides and spa, I would go for it. If you can, spend a night or two. Either way, check for discount entry to the thermal pools.

There’s more here than just the famous thermal pools. This small town offers a mix of relaxation and adventure. There is mountain biking, forest hiking, and mini golf. We like to walk up Conical Hill and enjoy the views.

Weka Pass Reserve – Māori rock art and walkway

This is another spot we haven’t been to yet, as it’s a 40-minute walk from the carpark, and the weather was not cooperating. There is plenty of information about Weka Pass Reserve at the Department of Conservation. We have also heard it is a steep climb that requires sturdy shoes.

Frog Rock

Honestly, we weren’t too disappointed when we couldn’t find this landmark we had read about on other blogs. But for us, we wouldn’t drive much out of the way to see a rock shaped like a frog, but perhaps that is because I have already done this in Argentina. However, this frog-shaped rock is close to the road in Waikari as we continue to Christchurch.

Waipara – where the two routes meet up

Waipara appeals to wine enthusiasts and is best known for its pinot noir and chardonnay. The region invites visitors to explore its offerings through local winery tours, leisurely walks in the Waipara Hills, or cycling through its vineyards.

Waikuku Beach

This sandy beach is so pretty and quite popular, especially considering Waikuku is one of the smallest settlements in the Canterbury region. It has plenty of car parking, lifeguards and changing rooms. It is a popular day trip from Christchurch.

Christchurch

There is so much to see and do in the garden city. We wrote about it here: Things to Do in Christchurch – New Zealand’s Oldest City

Other options for travel from Picton to Christchurch

If you don’t want to drive, there are other options to get from Picton to Christchurch, including the InterCity bus. Or fly from Wellington to Christchurch if you don’t take the ferry. Check Expedia for the best prices.

Two more interesting but not cheap options include:

Picton to Christchurch train

The Coastal Pacific Train journey is a 5-hour 40-minute adventure. Considered one of the ‘Great Journeys of New Zealand’, it’s an easy and pleasant way to travel.

If you take the ferry from Wellington, you could enjoy this scenic train ride from Picton to Christchurch before you enjoy the garden city or head off to explore more of the beautiful South Island. Reserve your Coastal Pacific Train Journey from Picton to Christchurch here.

Private transfer tour from Picton to Christchurch

If you are travelling with a small group and don’t want to take the train or rent a car, this is a fun way to go. The tour is priced for a group of up to 10 people.

It can pick you up at the ferry terminal. Depending on the time of day, you will sample Marlborough wines at two Blenheim wineries. Then, in Kaikoura, you will enjoy lunch with stunning views, visit the seal colony, and stroll along the Kaikoura Peninsula walkway.

Next, drive through the vineyards of Waipara before arriving at your hotel in Christchurch. Reserve your private transfer here.

Continue your South Island discovery

Driving the length of the islands year after year gives us ample opportunity to explore the country fully. Here are a few more itineraries once you cross from Wellington to Picton.

• Christchurch to Dunedin or Christchurch to Queenstown are two optional road trip itineraries along the east coast
• Discover the Catlins: A New Zealand Rainforest Along the Southern Coast
• 5 Ways from Queenstown to Milford Sound: Your Ultimate Guide
• Queenstown to Nelson Road Trip along the stunning West Coast
• Or, check out all our New Zealand itineraries: New Zealand Road Trips: Itineraries for North or South Island Adventures

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Where will you stop on your Picton to Christchurch road trip?