The South Island Wine Highway

Arrive Christchurch and pick up your rental car, drive to Kaikoura (180km) for 1 night.

Head north out of the city on State Highway One… forty minutes later you’ll find yourself in Amberley. Don’t just drive through … this country town has a few boutiques you won’t want to miss – including Ruby Six, Bax and Berg and Me, Now You Clothing (for those after new or near new designer garb).

Past Amberley, and it won’t be long before grapevines are whipping past your windows – an obvious sign you’ve arrived in the North Canterbury Wine Region (aka the coolest little wine region in the country).

With limestone soils and a unique microclimate, the 90+ wineries in this area are famed for their award-winning Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Riesling. The menu at Cellar Door restaurant at the organic Greystone winery is sensational (you must try their Petillant Natural) with family-owned Pegasus Bay and Black Estate also great. You’ll love the gardens at Pegasus Bay and, if you ask nicely, you may find the staff will show you where you can feed their friendly eels.

Spot the seals as drive north along the coastline and into Kaikōura – there are plenty there.

You’ll arrive into the quaint seaside village later in the day but, if there’s time, do stretch your legs along a section of the Kaikōura Peninsula Walkway for some unforgettable views.

This may be a good night to sample many Kiwis’ favourite takeaway – good ol’ fish ‘n chips served humbly in newsprint paper. You’re certainly in the right place to do so.

4* Sudima Hotel 

Drive to Blenheim (101km) for 1 night

Start the day by getting up close and personal with the sealife that’s made Kaikōura an eco-tourism hotspot. It’s world-famous for whales & dolphins which you can see by boat.

Come lunchtime, there are plenty of eateries in the township – local favourites include the character-filled Beach House Café (the avo toast is 10/10) and The Slam Club.

Kaikōura literally means ‘eat (kai) crayfish (kōura)’ and those who are keen to do so should head to food caravans Nin’s Bin and Cay’s Crays.

As you head out of town towards Marlborough, you might like to stop at Ohau Point Lookout or grab a coffee at The Store in Kekerengu (the halfway point between Kaikōura and Blenheim).

Enjoy a dinner out in Blenheim – the much-awarded Arbour is great with Gramado’s Brazillian fare also a winner.

4* Bella Vista Motel

Drive to Motueka (via Nelson 161km) for 2 nights.

Make the most of waking in the heart of New Zealand’s largest wine region with a visit to a world-acclaimed Marlborough winery or two.

You can self-drive or take a guided tour around the 30 cellar doors or, if biking’s your jam, then ride the Golden Mile.

Those short on time should simply head to The Wine Station where a high-tech system dispenses tastings of up to 80 premium wines (their gourmet platters complete the experience).

The road to Nelson will take you to the charming village of Havelock – the departure point for many boat tours into the Marlborough Sounds including the original Greenshell Mussel Cruise where you can indulge in freshly steamed mussels and the region’s famous Sauvignon Blanc.

There’s plenty of options for dinner in Nelson but the five course tasting menu at Hopgoods would be a great way to round out the day and you can take a stroll up The Cawthron Steps afterwards and enjoy a view of the lights over this seaside city.

Another great option is The Boatshed Café which straddles with sea with breath-taking views

Arrive in Motueka/Kaiteriteri - the gateway to Abel Tasman Park

Spend the next 2 days exploring Abel Tasman National Park

Abel Tasman National Park is renowned for its golden beaches, sculptured granite cliffs, and its world-famous coast track.

The Abel Tasman National Park is an easily-accessible coastal paradise. You can choose to explore the park from land, on the water, or in the air, with tour operators aplenty offering cruises, water taxi services, kayaking options, heli-tours and sailing catamarans.

3* Abbey Court Motel

Drive to Greymouth (301km)

Today is a long driving day – however there are plenty of places to stop along the way. The berries at Tapawera are worth loading up on and if you fancy a dip, Murchison’s best kept secret is The Eel Hole – a majestic swimming spot. To get there, park at the Riverview Holiday Park.

Further along in Reefton, don’t miss a tour of the Reefton Distilling Company (there’s a reason Little Biddy gin is so popular) and if you do decide to stay here, definitely look at Reef Cottage Bed and Breakfast.

Arrive in Greymouth – Beer lovers will want to enjoy the 45-minute tour of the Monteiths Brewery Company

4* Copthorne Hotel Greymouth

Drive to Hanmer Springs (216km) for 1 night

Head to the tiny village of Blackball. Breathe deep when you get there, this is coal-mining country and you can smell it in the air. The Formerly the Blackball Hilton is an historic pub in near original condition – it serves lunches and is a great place to yarn with the locals.

Enjoy the rest of the drive to Hanmer Springs.

Unwind in Hanmer Springs’ famous mineral-filled thermal waters – every drop naturally warmed by heat from the earth’s core. Sit and soak in Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa 22 pools or burn off some energy on the waterslides. And if you really want to indulge, book into The Spa right beside the pools.

4* Hanmer Springs Hotel