Why explore Nelson & Marlborough by campervan

Travelling in a campervan, especially through beautiful areas like Nelson and Marlborough, turns a simple holiday into a series of unforgettable experiences. It's your adventure, at your pace, surrounded by the comfort and convenience that only campervan travel can offer. With a campervan, you're not tied down. You can linger over a long lunch in a Nelson café or decide to spend an extra day tasting wines in Marlborough because you've fallen in love with the scenery.

The journey itself becomes part of the fun when you're in a campervan. It's about making spontaneous stops at breathtaking lookouts, enjoying your morning coffee in the middle of postcard-perfect views, and finding your own special spot to watch the stars. Stumbled upon a hidden gem in Golden Bay or found a hiking track in Marlborough you’d like to tackle? With a campervan, you have the freedom to explore it as much as you like.

Things to do in Nelson & Marlborough

Nelson and Marlborough are rich with activities and attractions, offering something special for every kind of traveller. For families on holiday, there are endless opportunities for fun, from exploring the sun-drenched beaches of Nelson to the interactive and educational experiences in the region's museums and galleries. Food enthusiasts will revel in the culinary journey through Nelson and Marlborough, from the fresh seafood of the coastal areas to the exquisite flavours of the region's renowned wineries. Whether you're indulging in a leisurely lunch at a vineyard in Marlborough or sampling local artisan produce at a Nelson market, your taste buds are in for a treat. Adventure seekers and nature lovers won't be left wanting either. With activities like kayaking through the Marlborough Sounds or hiking the trails of the Abel Tasman National Park, the great outdoors is your playground. And for those looking to unwind, the charming towns scattered throughout the region offer a peaceful retreat with their unique boutiques, cafes, and galleries.

Popular Nelson road trips & itineraries

Nestled at the top of New Zealand's South Island, Nelson and Marlborough are prime starting points for some of the most picturesque road trips in the country. Kicking off from Nelson, you can weave through the scenic drives that unveil the artistic townships, golden beaches, and lush national parks. Heading into Marlborough, the journey continues through rolling vineyards and along the majestic Marlborough Sounds. Whether you're venturing from the urban buzz of the North Island or the rugged landscapes of the South, these regions promise memorable campervan road trip adventures tailored to every interest. Here are a few worth checking out:

South Island | Christchurch to Kaikoura Road Trip Itinerary

Tom Lanauze / Wednesday, 17 May 2023

/ Categories: NZ Itineraries, South Island, 5-7 Days, Iconic Road Trips, Family Friendly, Pet Friendly, Food & Drinks, Natural Wonders, Beaches & Surf, Outdoor Activities

South Island | Christchurch to Kaikoura Road Trip Itinerary

This 5 day trip takes you on the alpine pacific touring route to an alpine spa and adventure town, the wildlife mecca of Kaikoura and the wine trail of Waipara

Day 1: Christchurch – Kaikoura

Travel time: 3hrs

Distance: 200km

Start your trip by heading north into the wonderful Waipara wine and food district, home to some of New Zealand's best wines at some amazing vineyards with cellar doors ready for you to try them at.

As you continue North, there is a plethora of North Canterbury beaches to explore, with our favorite being those around Gore Bay. Here you can swim and surf while also check out the awesome Cathedral Cliffs.

You will pass over the scenic hundalee hills before following the picturesque coast as you play “spot the seal” all the way to your final destination of the day, Kaikoura where famously, “the mountains meet the sea”. This is one of the best wild life spotting destinations in New Zealand, if not the world. Being so close to the sea and home to a massive fishing fleet, be sure to try some fresh seafood for dinner, with blue cod and grouper being excellent local fish.

Highlights

Pegasus bay vineyard

Where to stay: Peketa Beach Holiday Park is the only campsite offering beach side pitches in Kaikoura and provides an idyllic, dog friendly campsite just outside the township.

Apollo hint: The Pegasus Bay winery is an ideal stop on your journey through wine country. A beautiful stone chateau set within beautiful gardens, it’s a lovely place for some wine tasing and lunch.

Looking out over the Waipara valley and vineyards

Day 2: Explore Kaikoura

Along with these massive mammals, you can even jump in the water with the puppies of the ocean, the New Zealand Fur Seal. On the coast itself, you can see one of New Zealand’s largest variety of sea birds including the majestic albatross as well as shearwaters, penguins and many more on the peninsula walkway. Treat yourself to the local delicacy of cray fish at the iconic “Nins Bin” while in town, especially as Kaikoura translates to “eat crayfish” in Maori!

Highlights

Kaikoura

Where to stay: Donegal House provides free camping for self-contained vehicles along with powered and unpowered sites all at this historic location complete with onsite Irish pub with live music, Irish dance and great stories!

Apollo hint: Kaikoura literally translates to “eat crayfish” so If you’re looking to try the local delicacy, Nin’s Bin is an iconic seaside stall that serves them fresh daily.

Nin's bin is the home of Kaikoura crayfish

Day 3: Kaikoura – Hanmer Springs

Travel time: 2hrs

Distance: 130km

Start the day with one of the most unforgettable experiences you will ever have. You are in one of the best places to see whales anywhere in the world thanks to the 3km deep ocean trench that runs just off Kaikoura coast. Sperm Whales reside here 12 months of the year making it the BEST place in the world to see them. Along with these locals, you also have the chance to see humpbacks (June – August) and Orca (Dec – March). Many other species of whale are sighted sporadically throughout the year and if you are very lucky, you might even see the mighty blue whale as they transit through the trench.

What a way to wave goodbye to the coast as you turn onto the inland road towards the heart of the South Island. You will pass first through the mountain ranges and then onto rolling high country of the foot hills before fowling the waiau river in and arriving in Hanmer Springs, a place of thrills and relaxation like no other. The thermal pools provide an ideal place to relax at the end of your trip, with pools ranging in temperature from a heated cool pool right up to 36C hot pools to hidden away rock pools at the perfect temperature to relax in without having to move.

Highlights

Where to stay: In the summer, there is a great Freedom Camping area at the confluence of the Hanmer and Waiau rivers giving you 24/7 access to awesome swimming holes, while in the winter the Top 10 is ideally located to give you walking access to the pools, restaurants and activities in the township

Apollo hint: Join “Pools Plus” for free to get discounted entry to the thermal pools at Hanmer Springs Thermal Reserve. Adults save $7 per person-per visit!

Whale watching off the Kaikoura coast

Day 4: Explore Hanmer Springs

Take an early dip in the pools before a day of thrills. Hanmer Springs Attractions provides your one stop shop for adventure in Hanmer Springs. From jetboating to river rafting, to quad bike tours and bungy jumping, they have it all waiting for you try. The best part is, they all run from one location making it easy to do multiple tours in a day.

If you’re looking for some time to reflect in the peace and quiet, we highly recommend the short walk up conical hill. It’s just hard enough to make you feel ike you earned all the relaxation you have had while in Hanmer!

Highlights

The many adventures offered by Hanmer Springs Attractions including rafting, jetboating, clay target shooting, horse trekking and quad bike tours. They are Hanmer’s one stop shop for adventure
Conical hill walk

Art in the forest walk

Apollo hint: There is a hidden away walk called the Art in the forest walk, a lovely short walk complete with lots of intricately carved wooden animals, birds and objects. See if you can find them all!

Day 5: Return to Christchurch

Travel time: 1hr 45mins

Distance: 130km

Today is decision time, you can enjoy a final dip in the pools before following the waiau river through the foothills where you need to keep an eye out for Frog rock! After, make your way back to SH1 for a quick trip back to Christchurch or if you're not ready for the adventure to end, you can head north to start the Treasured Pathway or west to start the Great Coast Road and Glacier Highway. The best thing about travelling by motorhome and campervans is the flexibility to have the kind of holiday you want.

Highlights

Final soak in the Hanmer Springs Thermal Reserve
Weka Pass walkway Maori wall art
Frog rock

Apollo hint: If you have the time, there is a scenic walk on the old weka pass railway at Waikari to some ancient limestone over hangs. These are home to some early Maori wall art thanks to Maori first exploring this area 1,000 years ago!

South Island | Christchurch to Arthur's Pass Road Trip Itinerary

North Island | Auckland to New Plymouth Road Trip Itinerary

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Tags: Christchurch legendary pacific coast Family 5-7 Days Outdoor Activities Family Friendly South Island Natural Wonders Iconic Road Trips Beaches & Surf roadtrip canterbury

days	5
kms	460
stops	20+
LabelField4	3
Field4	Whale Species to Spot

Apollo Campervan branches

Christchurch

The drive from Apollo Christchurch to Nelson takes you along some of the South Island’s most scenic coastline. There’s a fair bit to see and do along the way, so be sure to take your time and perhaps plan an overnight stay in Kaikoura.

Queenstown

Keen to make the most of your road trip and explore more of the South Island? Book your camper with our Queenstown branch and spend a few days heading northward taking in some of the great southern highlights along the way.

Auckland

The North Island is packed full of sights and experiences, so why not tick off a few with a road trip from Apollo Auckland to Nelson? This journey includes crossing the Cook Strait by ferry offering the opportunity to travel through the pristine Marlborough Sounds.