Christchurch to Kaikōura

Ease into your road trip with a short hop north to Amberley Beach. Leaving Christchurch’s lively food scene and leafy avenues behind, the road glides past market gardens and the wide, shimmering channels of the region’s braided rivers. This first day is about settling into campervan life, stocking up on supplies, and trading city pace for the soothing rhythm of the coast.

Where to stop between Christchurch and Amberley Beach

• Amberley township: Break the short drive in Amberley to pick up groceries, grab a coffee, or follow your nose to Bunco’s for a hot pie fresh from the oven. It is an easy place to tick off first-day essentials before you head to the beach.
• Amberley Beach foreshore: From town, it is only a few minutes’ drive to the coast. Park up near the foreshore and take a short walk to get your first taste of Pegasus Bay, its long horizon and steady surf.

Things to do in Amberley Beach

• Walk the shoreline: Amberley Beach is all about simple seaside pleasures. Stroll the long, often quiet stretch of sand with views up the Pegasus Bay coast and time your walk for sunset if you can. On clear evenings, the sky often shifts through soft colours over the water.
• Watch for wildlife: Keep an eye on the sea for passing dolphins or seabirds working the shallows. Even if you do not spot anything, the open views and fresh air are a great reset after travel.
• Relax and play: If you have energy to spare, bring a kite or a frisbee for the wide open beach, or simply settle in with a book by the campervan and listen to the waves.

Where to stay in Amberley Beach

Amberley Beach Camping Ground: It offers powered and non-powered sites, showers and restrooms, a playground for little travellers, a tennis court and a handy dump station. The setting is minutes from the sand, so it is easy to wander out for sunrise or a starry night walk before turning in.

Today blends vineyard vistas with a tucked-away coastal cove. After a quiet morning by the water, rejoin the highway and roll into Waipara, the heart of North Canterbury wine country. If you are setting off from the beach campground, expect to add a few extra kilometres to your day, as the drive is closer to the high 70s in total. With low daily mileage, you will have time to linger over tastings before continuing to Gore Bay, a small settlement 8 km off State Highway 1 via Cheviot.

Where to stop between Amberley Beach and Gore Bay

• Waipara wine country: Break the short drive in Waipara for a cellar-door pause. This compact region is home to numerous vineyards and cellar doors, known for Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and aromatic whites that pair well with local cheese and seasonal produce. Choose a designated driver, sample a tasting flight, and enjoy a relaxed lunch if time allows.
• Cheviot services: Continue north through rolling hills to Cheviot, a convenient place to top up fuel, grab any last-minute supplies and stretch your legs before you turn off to the coast.

The final 8 km down to Gore Bay is a gentle detour from State Highway 1. Take it slowly in the campervan and keep an eye out for glimpses of the Pacific as you approach the surf.

Things to do in Gore Bay

• Beach time: Gore Bay is a classic Kiwi beach hideaway. Spend the afternoon beachcombing along the curve of sand, paddling or swimming when conditions are suitable, and soaking up the sound of the Pacific.
• Slow coastal pause: The sheltered feel and slower pace make Gore Bay ideal for families and anyone wanting a peaceful break between winery country and the alpine landscapes to come. Pack a simple picnic and find a spot on the grass or sand to watch the waves.
• Short walks and views: Explore the small network of local roads and tracks around the bay on foot for different vantage points of the coastline and surrounding headlands.

Where to stay in Gore Bay

• Gore Bay Camp: Choose a site at Gore Bay Camp, set beneath coastal trees with the ocean just a short stroll away. The relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere makes it a comfortable place to park up and unwind.
• Buxton Camp: Nearby Buxton Camp provides another laid-back option in this pocket of North Canterbury. 

Both campgrounds keep you close to the beach, with the sound of waves often audible from your site at night.

Turn inland for a change of scene as the road threads through rural Hurunui toward the alpine village of Hanmer Springs. The scenery shifts from coastal scrub to open farmland, river valleys and mountain silhouettes on the horizon. With an easy drive and plenty of daylight, you can arrive in time for an afternoon soak and a wander through town.

Where to stop between Gore Bay and Hanmer Springs

• Cheviot reset: Drive back through Cheviot and use this as a handy stop to refuel, pick up fresh bread or picnic ingredients, and grab a coffee before you head inland.
• River valley lay-bys: As you follow the inland route, pause at safe pullouts overlooking river flats and rolling countryside. These viewpoints are good spots to stretch your legs, take photos and enjoy a quick snack from the campervan.
• Approach to Hanmer Springs: Near Hanmer, the forests thicken and the road starts to hint at the alpine environment ahead. Take it steady on any winding sections and enjoy the change from coastal scenery to mountain-framed views.

Take it slow and enjoy the ride. Pause at scenic pullouts to photograph the countryside or to simply breathe in the crisp, high-country air. As you approach Hanmer, the forests thicken and the roadside hints at the geothermal treat that awaits.

Things to do in Hanmer Springs

• Soak in Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa: Hanmer Springs is famous for its thermal pools, a large complex of mineral and freshwater pools, hydroslides and quieter zones. Plan at least a couple of hours here to soak, warm up on cooler days, and let everyone relax after a few days on the road.
• Forest walks and bike rides: Explore the easy forest walks that loop around the village, many starting close to town. You can also hire a bike for gentle trails through pine-scented woodland, with options suitable for most fitness levels.
• Relaxed evening in the village: The compact town centre has cafes and eateries that are ideal for a relaxed dinner. Wander past shops, grab an ice cream or hot chocolate depending on the season, and enjoy the alpine village feel.

Where to stay in Hanmer Springs

Hanmer Springs TOP 10 Holiday Park: It makes for a convenient base close to the pools and village with powered sites and comfortable facilities. From here, it is easy to walk or cycle to most activities, keeping the campervan parked while you unwind.

There are additional holiday parks and campgrounds around Hanmer Springs if TOP 10 is booked. Look for somewhere within walking or cycling distance of the pools so you can enjoy an evening soak without needing to drive.

Today you will descend through the Waiau Uwha valley before curving back to the coast. The landscape unfolds from alpine foothills to the blue sweep of the Pacific, and the air takes on that salt-tanged freshness again as you approach Kaikōura. Keep your camera handy for first glimpses of the peninsula and the mountains that seem to rise straight from the sea.

Where to stop between Hanmer Springs and Kaikōura

• Waiau: Make a short stop in Waiau to grab coffee, top up fuel or pick up picnic supplies. It is a handy reset point before you leave the inland valleys behind.
• Riverside picnic spots: Along the way, you will pass rivers and grassy lay-bys where you can pull over safely to stretch your legs and enjoy a simple picnic from the campervan. 
• Coastal viewpoints near Kaikōura: As you approach the coast, look for signed viewpoints where the Pacific Ocean and Kaikōura Ranges open up ahead. These are good places to pause for photos before you roll into town and check in to your holiday park.

Things to do in Kaikōura

• Kaikōura Peninsula Walkway: Start with a stroll on the walkway, an easy route with sweeping views, seabirds wheeling overhead and a chance to see fur seals hauled out on the rocks. 
• Seal and seabird spotting: Keep an eye out for fur seals on the rocks and seabirds riding the wind. Always give wildlife plenty of space and follow local signage so you can enjoy close views without disturbing them.

If you prefer to ease into evening, find a bench near the water and watch the sun slip behind the Seaward Kaikōura Range.

Where to stay in Kaikōura

Kaikoura TOP 10 Holiday Park: Powered sites, modern facilities and easy walking access to town make this a handy base for early-morning or late-afternoon tours. Being close to town also makes it easy to walk to cafes for breakfast before heading out to sea.

With a full day in Kaikōura, the ocean is your playground. This is one of the world’s great marine wildlife hubs, where a deep ocean trench meets the coast to create nutrient-rich waters. Sperm whales are present year-round, and depending on the season, you may also spot humpbacks, orca and playful pods of dolphins. Keep plans flexible to fit the weather and sea conditions, then fill the rest of your day with coastal walks and close-up encounters with the peninsula’s residents.

Things to do in Kaikōura

• Join a whale watching tour: Book a whale watching tour or an unforgettable trip offshore with around 2 hours on the water searching for resident sperm whales and seasonal visitors.
• Visit the seal colony: Back on land, follow the coastal track to the seal colony and watch these charismatic animals snooze, shuffle and splash on the rocks. Keep dogs on leads, stick to marked paths and maintain a safe distance so the seals can rest undisturbed.Bird lovers can look for albatross and petrels riding the wind over the waves.
• Try a guided llama trek (optional): For something a little different, consider a guided llama trek along the peninsula, a gentle-paced outing that includes time to admire the coast and learn about local wildlife.

Where to stay in Kaikōura

Stay a second night at your Kaikōura holiday park so you can choose morning or afternoon tours and still have time to relax. 

If you want to return your motorhome on the same day or the next, the maui Christchurch branch is typically around a 2.5 hour drive south along State Highway 1. Plan your departure to suit your tour times and a few coastal photo stops on the way back.

Ready to plan your Kaikōura motorhome holiday?

From beachside campgrounds and Waipara wine country to alpine hot pools and Kaikōura’s whales, this 5-day route keeps the driving short and the experiences big.

Hire your maui motorhome from Christchurch Airport, follow the coast and inland valleys at your own pace, and let Canterbury’s beaches, vineyards, and mountain-framed bays set the tone. Check availability for your adventures, lock in key tours like whale watching, then all that is left is to pack a swimsuit, a warm layer, and your camera for those sunrise beaches and wildlife filled horizons.