On the 14th November 2016, a massive 7.8 Earthquake occurred just 60km from Kaikoura, which lasted for over two minutes. You can also calculate the cost to drive from Christchurch, New Zealand . 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. next trip! This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. The route follows State Highway 1 (SH1) along the coast the whole way, and it is an easy drive. driving time nelson to christchurch via kaikourasandie and michael rinaldo. From what I can see the drive time difference if we take the quickest route via the interior (as suggested by google maps) vs. the east coast is about an hour (longer for the coastal route via Picton, Blenheim, Kaikoura. Book awhale watching touror adolphin encounter >, Kayak with sealsGo kayaking around the stunning Kaikoura peninsula whilst cute fur seals weave and swim around you! Answer 1 of 14: Hello, we are planning a trip for the month of October, we plan on renting a car and driving from Christchurch to Auckland, is 16 full days enough time? These help us earn a small commission at no additional charge to you. Download and print the NewZealand Touring Map to see information on each of the regions in NewZealand and 16 themed highways. trip dates & more! Day 6 Nelson is home to a fascinating community of beach, bush and art lovers. It's okay, you can start planning your Plan your trip by getting approximate times here -. Blenheim is the main base for reaching many wineries in the Marlborough region and is the sunniest town in NewZealand. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. Today you'll have time to explore some of Queenstown's nearby towns and villages. We would prefer to do the coast with a few stops to eat/stretch as we go, but we don't want it turning into a 15 hour day. We see whales at home so not so important for us. Christchurch Night Drive - Daimond Harbour; CHRISTCHURCH Let's Get Sticky. Use this distance calculator to get an approximate travel time and distance between two points in NewZealand. 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. 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 road is right next to the ocean pretty much the whole way down you will want to have your camera handy! I have driven between (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? who wants the trip to end? Find local traffic information to help you plan your journey in Nelson and Marlborough. Another highly rated seafood stall further down the coast isNins Bin, which also sells similar seafood dishes. It goes over a few passes, and some nice mountain scenery. http://www.aa.co.nz/travel/maps-directions-and-traffic/time-and-distance-calculator/, Get answers to your questions about New Zealand, Rental Car Insurance - when it all goes wrong, How much time between international and domestic flights, No drones in national parks or 4km of flight paths or airports, Air NewZealand New York -Auckland stopover. Members who are extremely knowledgeable about this destination and answer travellers questions frequently. Tip: If you are visiting Blenheim during the month of February, be sure to time your visit to coincide with the famous annualMarlborough Wine and Food Festival! Click the button below to explore more questions I have driven between (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. With sunshine 365 days a year and plenty of warm toasty beaches, this desert city oasis is a popular hub for water activities. Road Trip: Picton to Christchurch via Kaikoura, 3-Day Itinerary. Then the coastal road and through Kaikoura has wonderful ocean views. Address: Corner of Seaview and Reserve Roads, Seddon 7285. hamburguer vegano If I was only doing the trip once, and not coming back anytime soon I would definitely go down the coast. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-63724248', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Nelson and Christchurch many times when visiting my parents and sister in Motueka or Nelson. McCashins BreweryA little outside of Nelson city centre, McCashins Brewery has a daily brewery and beer tasting tour and also produces Stoke Dark, our favourite dark New Zealand beer. The drive from Christchurch to Kaikoura is 180 kilometers (112 miles) and will take approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes without stops. you can get answers personalized for your tastes, budgets, New Zealand roads frequently take travellers by surprise. MID RANGE Settlers MotelBoutique motel in a central location, with studio and apartment rooms some with private back patio. Make sure you check road conditions to double check the weather. How to create a return travel plan from Nelson to Christchurch via Kaikoura? You can also enjoy goldpanning, bush walks, jet boating and flying fox rides. drive for about 27 minutes. Don't forget about exploring your own hometown with a staycation. Taking this option will cost $65 - $100 and takes 2h 55m. 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. Your directions start from Christchurch, New Zealand and end at Nelson, New Zealand. The South Island's largest city, Christchurch is an entertaining mixture of refined lifestyle and cultural excitement. 3 Exploring the Abel Tasman National Park (59.7km - 1 hour from Nelson) From Nelson, you'll have an early start to head off to gateway to the Abel Tasman National Park. Hi, We have to head back to Christchurch in a couple days from Nelson (sadly our vacation is coming to an end!). Let us know in the comments or by sharing it onsocial media. A very pleasant alternative, if you have the time, is to turn right just south of Kaikoura and use the Inland Kaikoura Road via Waiau. to each other and sharing tips and advice. 5. If you are into the outdoors, or like good wine and food or like scenes with beaches, bush and mountains there are no bad decisions to be made in this region. . My favourite cafe is about 1 hr south of Blenheim (or 2:30 hr from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 184 km (115 miles) Approximately 2.25 hours. Check out bullergorge.co.nz. driving 6 hours. Christchurch to Queenstown via Kaikoura Itinerary. Centrally located for fishing, paddle boarding, swimming, shops and beautiful beaches this property offers the ultimate holiday experience. Missed heaps of other gems. 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 Zealands longest swingbridge suspended 19 metres high above the mighty Buller River. 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. Maobitou Park. Trip 2 (181.3 km) Route Directions: Kaikoura Christchurch. stay for about 1 hour. MID RANGE Kaikoura Boutique HotelBoutique Hotel housed in a historic 1880s building just 10 minutes walk from Kaikoura town. Your trip begins in Christchurch, New Zealand. 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! Check out our itineraries to get inspiration for where to stop on your road trip around NewZealand. You can read about our most recent trip here. Visit the iconic Powderkeg pub or treat yourselves to a . because there's an entire community of travelers talking Book a Skywire Experience >. The area has been through a lot in the past few years, and if your tourism dollars are deserved anywhere, its right here. The roads are windy so make sure you allow enough time to drive the relatively short distance of 60kms. driving time nelson to christchurch via kaikoura. From what I can see the drive time difference if we take the quickest route via the interior (as suggested by google maps) vs. the east coast is about an hour (longer for the coastal route via Picton, Blenheim, Kaikoura.I know google drive times are generally quicker than reality . Highlights. to double check the weather. We are thinking of breaking our journey over at Hanmer Springs and Kaikoura. It is named the Centre of NewZealand because it was a central survey point in the 1800s. You can pick up a hire car or campervan as soon as you arrive at Christchurch airport. You can also check the. 4:50 pm arrive in Nelson. See the route elevation from Christchurch to Kaikoura to Nelson. Re: Best route from Nelson to Christchurch, Get answers to your questions about Nelson, transport from Picton Ferry Terminal to Nelson, Wiring glow worm caves and Hobbiton evening at green drago. Here's a sample itinerary for a drive from Nelson to Christchurch. Find the best hotels, restaurants, and attractions based on the Stop by the small marina town of Havelock, where there are many cafes and pubs. 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. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-63715861', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Nelson) - The Store at Kekerenegu. Facilities include a heated swimming pool (seasonal), spa and BBQ facilities, plus there are convenience stores and restaurants opposite the park. Or you can book a water taxi / cruise to take you to some of Abel Tasmans beautiful bays and enjoy some scenic walks. Head up SH1, and in less than 30 minutes you'll reach Waipara, a burgeoning wine region where Pegasus Bay and . Marlborough; Kaikoura; Blenheim; Nelson Lakes; Golden Bay; Abel Tasman; Day 1. most talked about places recommended by Trippy members. 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. . This route will take you right through Blenheims fantastic wine country, and lovely nature stops such as the Pelorus Bridge Scenic . Register or Buy Tickets, Price information. . CAMPERVAN SITE Kaikoura TOP 10 Holiday ParkHoliday Park with mix of apartments, motel rooms and campsites. The perfect stop if you want to grab a snack or coffee. Driving between Auckland and Christchurch is not the quickest way to get there, but few travelers would make the journey in one go, opting to stop at many points of interest along the way, including the Tongariro National Park, Taupo/Rotorua, Wellington, Picton, and Kaikoura. This 900km loop takes in some of the best driving roads and varied scenery in New Zealand - truly. Stunning coastal location. We would prefer to do the coast with a few stops to eat/stretch as we go, but we don't want it turning into a 15 hour day. So take a look at the travel time from Christchurch to Kaikoura to Nelson. Nelson 106.4 FM, 1341 AM New Plymouth 96.4 FM Northland 1026 AM, 1215 AM, 105.1 FM A much better tool is provided by the NZ Automobile Association: http://www.aa.co.nz/travel/maps-directions-and-traffic/time-and-distance-calculator/. 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 Nelsons coastal views. Of course, Trippy is the perfect place to ask questions Like the driving directions from Nelson to Kaikoura to Christchurch? It goes over a few passes, and some nice mountain scenery. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-63715861', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Nelson) - The Store at Kekerenegu. Driving from Kaikoura to Nelson, roughly how many hours drive is it & what to do on the way. 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. There are lots of companies operating boat tours where you can either watch dolphins or swim with the dolphins. Re: Driving from Nelson to Christchurch - coast or interior?? Book a Scenic Cruise to Anchorage Bay from Kaiteriteri >, Check out all the Abel Tasman boat tours on GetYourGuide >, If you have some extra days then you could spend a few days here there are plenty of accommodation options in Kaiteriteri or nearby Marahau. Driving Directions from Christchurch to Nelson, Connected by Kaikoura. 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. Nelson to St Arnaud 87.5km / 54.4mi (1 hour, 14 minutes) Picton to St Arnaud 128.3km / 79.7mi (1 hour, 32 minutes) Blenheim to St Arnaud 102.6km / 63.75mi (1 hour, 13 minutes) St Arnaud to Hanmer Springs 235km / 146mi (2 hours, 42 minutes) Hanmer Springs to Christchurch 133.5km / 82mi (1 hour, 53 minutes) If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. by calculating the distance from Nelson to Christchurch. In fine weather the drive south on SH1 has some very scenic stretches esp just north of Kaikoura. Did you know that you can also calculate the time it takes to fly to Nelson? Google estimates the Picton - Blenheim - Murchison . We live in London but flash pack all around the world. First Choice is via the kaikoura Coastal route..leaving Chch thru the Canterbury Plains then over gentle rolling hills to a stunning Coastline and great blustery views. Trip 2 (242.7 km) Route Directions: Kaikoura Nelson. Read more in our Hanmer Springs guide blog post >. The journey time between Nelson and Christchurch is around 8h 2m and covers a distance of around 431 km. Members who are extremely knowledgeable about this destination and answer travellers questions frequently. You can also find the distance from Nelson to Christchurch via Blenheim using other travel options like bus, subway, tram, train and rail. Explore the arts, history, beautiful gardens and much more. Facilities include a swimming pool, BBQ, indoor spa, TV room, showers, kitchens and laundry. stay for about 1 hour. Don't trust Google Maps for driving times in NZ. Its well worth spending some time to explore what Kaikoura has to offer. Looking at the drive from Nelson to Christchurch - which is the most scenic/easy drive: thru Kaikoura or Bridgewater/Hammersprings route? Plan your journey. A very pleasant alternative, if you have the time, is to turn right just south of Kaikoura and use the Inland Kaikoura Road via Waiau. CAMPERVAN SITE Hanmer Springs TOP 10 Holiday ParkModern holiday park located just a 5 minute walkfrom town, complete with wood fired hot tubs and BBQ areas. 2. Save. The town was badly damaged, and almost completely cut off due to huge landslips both on State Highway 1 and the Inland Road. Your final destination is Christchurch. Video / Auckland City District Police. itchy skin after drinking alcohol / ace landscapes kilbirnie / ace landscapes kilbirnie Check out theMarlborough wine trailto plan out your own journey, or avoid drink-driving and book onto ahalf day wine touror afull day wine and gourmet tour >, Cycling and wine tourIf you enjoy cycling then you can book onto a full day guided bike and wine tour of Marlborough and visit 5-6 wineries. Christchurch to Christchurch via Marlborough/Nelson. In winter, the open fire will warm you from head to toe! From personal experience we recommendJUCY rentalsorApex rentalsfor excellent service, or take a look atrentalcars.comto compare different prices from all the rental car companies in New Zealand. Want to plan the trip back? So take a look at the travel time from Nelson to Kaikoura to Christchurch. The lake is perfect for swimming during the summer months and there is a beach and jetty right by the carpark. The roads are not particuarly taxing but they are busy. Its what makes it such a fantastic place for old-fashioned road trips. There are more trucks on HW1, but there are more passing lanes. Go over the 'mountains of the moon' of the Marlborough hills into the wine areas of Blenheim and then into . MARCH 9th Thursday 6.30-8 . Calculating the travel time to Nelson is as important as knowing how to get there. by | Jun 21, 2022 | paul hogan grandchildren | skegness waste recycling centre opening times | Jun 21, 2022 | paul hogan grandchildren | skegness waste recycling centre opening times so've i've been doing some research on tripadvisor and finally managed to make a draft itinerary . More information can be found on the department of conservation website >, Drive timeNelson > Hanmer Springs: 3 hours 45 minutes. Additionally areas of Christchurch might be highly elevated which can make it more difficult to drive there How elevated? Event starts on Thursday, 9 March 2023 and happening at Aikmans Bar & Eatery, Christchurch, CA. You can also compare the travel time if you're flying or driving Speed along the Waiau Gorge on a fun adrenaline fueled jet boat adventure. Are you looking for a role where you can use your experience and skills to the best of your ability? suggest every local activity or attraction, we'll leave it From Auckland to Wellington in 10 days via Road, Alternative road from Taupo to Napier Palmerston road. Facilities include a solar-heated swimming pool, BBQ, spa, kitchen and free WIFI. The award-winning Cellar Dooroffers free wine tasting, and you can purchase picnic hampers. and answers related to Christchurch. Find the best hotels, restaurants, and attractions based on the Then the coastal road and through Kaikoura has wonderful ocean views. Try to be generous with your time estimates when going from place to place. (3 answers), Marvin from Clemson asked:What are the best things to do in Christchurch, New Zealand? Day 3 - Christchurch - Kaikoura (B,D) Following breakfast we check out, board the coach and travel north over the Canterbury plains, the largest area of flat land in New Zealand before climbing the Hundalee ranges and following the Pacific Ocean coastline to the township of Kaikoura . Few places in the world rival New Zealand in this regard! Day 1 Auckland: Arrive Auckland airport and pick up your hire car. There are plenty of places to stop along the way if you want to make the most of your South Island road trip, including the stunning alpine villages in Hanmer Springs or St Arnaud , or the white water paradise . Christchurch Tourism Christchurch Hotels Christchurch Bed and Breakfast Christchurch Vacation Rentals Christchurch Packages Flights to Christchurch . If you are a seafood fan youll love the Mussel Pot restaurant where you can order Havelocks iconic green lip mussels! CAMPERVAN SITE Picton TOP 10 Holiday ParkHoliday Park with a mix of villas, motel, cabins and campervan sites, located 1km from the town centre. The next stop on the Christchurch to Nelson trip is Picton which is a very short drive from Blenheim. Driving nonstop the road trip from Christchurch to Nelson will take around 5 and a half hours (at a distance of 416 km) when taking the shortest route inland past Hanmer Springs, Maruia and Murchison. 10 mins), Travel from Nelson to Christchurch via Kaikoura, FAQ about Travel from Nelson to Christchurch, Trip Cost from Nelson to Christchurch via Kaikoura, Travel Time from Nelson to Christchurch via Kaikoura, Travel from Nelson to Kaikoura, New Zealand via Westport, Greymouth, Lewis Pass, Travel from Nelson to Hokitika-Sea View Airport (HKK), Travel from Nelson to Arthur's Pass Village 7875, New Zealand, Travel from Nelson to Wanaka, New Zealand via Westport, Franz Josef Glacier. That means the average NZ dwelling value has now declined by $99,184 (-9.5%) since it peaked at $1,043,261 in March last year. Valerie from Los Angeles asked:What's the best neighborhood in Christchurch for a first time visitor? PO BOX 3449 | RICHMOND, 7050 | NEW ZEALAND, New Zealand South Island Itinerary 10 Days, 12 Days New Zealand South Island Itinerary, Top 10 Eco Tours to Explore for your New Zealand Holiday. suggest every local activity or attraction, we'll leave it Your final destination is Nelson. I've been doing the Kaikoura coastal route between Christchurch and Blenheim a bit of late and on a good day it's hard to beat. Calculating the travel time to Christchurch is as important as knowing how to get there. Because of the variable road conditions, travel times can often take longer than you expect. 423.7 Kilometers (Trip Total) Trip 1 (181 km) Route Directions: Christchurch Kaikoura. to double check the weather. ( Our telephone lines are open from 8am to 6pm on Monday to Sunday NZST ), Current time in New Zealand: 13:22:04 2023-03-05, Copyright Guest New Zealand 2023 | Terms, Travelling the Scenic Route from Nelson to Kaikoura. You can also try a different route while coming back by adding multiple destinations. I know google drive times are generally quicker than reality - we've already been around the rest of the island and we are just on our way back to Christchurch. For sheer drama and beauty, the Kaikoura Ranges honestly rival The Remarkables in Queenstown. Here's a sample itinerary for a drive from Nelson to Christchurch. You can also see a whole lot of diversity in the space of one day. This holiday accommodation provides a large shed to store skis and snowboards, while there's off-street parking and an attached carport which provides easy access back into the comforts of home. And of course, you cant visit Kaikoura without going whale-watching! Located a short walk from local restaurants in the marina. 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! 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. stay for about 1 hour and leave at 2:19 pmdrive for about 2.5 hours. One of the prettiest sights on the drive from Kaikoura to Picton is the Black Sand Beach , about a 45-minute drive north of Kaikoura town. While flying may be quicker, it's always more cost efficient to drive to your destination so you may want to calculate the fuel cost from Nelson to Kaikoura to Christchurch. Or get a full Christchurch to Nelson flight plan. Check out some of the wineries in the region such as Waipara Hills and Pegasus Bay. Kaikoura is an incredibly special place for travellers and New Zealanders alike, with the spectacular backdrop of both the ocean and the Kaikoura Ranges. 1. Check out the resort rates here >. See the flight distance from Nelson to Kaikoura to Christchurch. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-63724403', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Christchurch and Nelson. driving time nelson to christchurch via kaikoura. Sign me up for the CK Travels newsletter! Note: Clicking on any of the directions above, will automatically zoom in on that location within the map. Capping off your Las Vegas to Phoenix road trip is a visit to Lake Havasu. Route 11) Christchurch Nelson Loop via Lewis Pass and Kaikoura. Maruia Hot Springs Resort & Spa This boutique retreat and day spa has natural mineral hot pools you can bathe in with picturesque mountain views. You will experience some of New Zealand's best vineyards, get up close to the wildlife and be immersed in stunning scenery. Take a look at the flight time from Nelson to Kaikoura to Christchurch. stay for about 1 hour and leave at 1:31 pmdrive for about 3.5 hours. the East coast is the more scenic drive, but a little longer. Reporting to the Health and Safety Advisor at Havelock. In fine weather the drive south on SH1 has some very scenic stretches esp just north of Kaikoura. Was Xavier Valent the expatriate mastermind of one of New Zealand's largest drug . Pelorus is lovely. Once you get to the park there are so many activities to choose from . Kaikoura is world-renown for whale watching tours, but there is plenty of other wildlife to . There is also a hotel and some glamping pods onsite if you want to stay overnight. She finds the centre to be a bit claustrophobic. next trip! If you are arriving at Christchurch airport you can pick up your hire car there and head straight to your first destination. Kaikoura is a base for wildlife experiences of all kinds - it's also a great place to eat crayfish. After all, you will definitely want to stop for photos! Click on any question to see answers from the community! We would like to know about the driving/road conditions for the coast vs. interior route. Great roads, but beware of traffic cops. Wine tasting tourEnjoy a day sampling award winning wines at cellar doors on aMarlborough wine tour. Driving Directions from Nelson to Christchurch, Connected by Kaikoura. To create a travel itinerary from Nelson to Christchurch via Kaikoura, please create a travel plan by entering Nelson to Christchurch as the start and end location respectively along with the destinations you want to travel through. 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. Book a Seal Kayaking Adventure >. Uncategorized . Looking for something that would take at the most half a day to do/see. Register or Buy Tickets, Price information. However, there are services departing from Kaikoura and arriving at Nelson via Blenheim. Today is the final day of the Christchurch to Nelson round trip itinerary. Get the reverse directions for a Note we do not recommendOmegaRental Carsfor 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! It took just over a year for the road to be repaired, an incredible feat of engineering which had people working in shifts around the clock. Trippy is where One is available which provides satellite imagery on the road map from Nelson to Kaikoura to Christchurch. Both routes seem to take the same time: 6 hrs. you can get answers personalized for your tastes, budgets, Queenstown to Christchurch via Mount Cook and Oamaru. Driving from Kaikoura to Nelson, roughly how many hours drive is it & what to do on the way. The Google map above shows directions from Christchurch to Nelson. This short trip from Picton to Christchurch via Kaikoura will give you a wonderful insight of what the South Island has to offer. We would like to know about the driving/road conditions for the coast vs. interior route. you could stop at a seal colony or one of the lovely cafes in Kaikoura. travelers and answer their questions about Christchurch! Each apartment is built on an angle to maximise the mountain views. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); For our latest Itinerary Ideas, Travel Stories & Inspiration, to start your trip of a lifetime! 11:00 am start in Christchurch. From what I can see the drive time difference if we take the quickest route via the interior (as suggested by google maps) vs. the east coast is about an hour (longer for the coastal route via Picton, Blenheim, Kaikoura. Clear route. Personally I like doing a round trip. Outside of Auckland, the largest city, youll find very few busy highways. Here, youll find your own solitude theres plenty to be had in this region! 7. We recommend you allow extra time to enjoy your journey safely. If wine really isnt your thing then we would recommend you skip the visit to Blenheim and head straight the next stop, Picton. For example, here are some questions people have asked about Christchurch. It was also a filming location in The Hobbit: Desolation of Smaug film! Road conditions are similar.