Top of the South

Savour the Journey

Five regions, one road trip, from the Pacific to the Tasman

Five uniquely different regions packed into one corner of Aotearoa, from dramatic coastlines and alpine passes to native forests, world-class wine and remarkable wildlife. Explore it over a long weekend, nine nights, or a full fortnight to savour it all.

15days14nights1,150km5national parks

Explore the route See the real map

Driving the Top of the South

The Top of the South is a loop, not a line. Leaving Christchurch it runs north through the Hurunui’s vineyards and hot springs to Kaikōura, where a deep-water canyon a few kilometres offshore brings whales in close all year. From there the coast road turns inland into world-class Marlborough wine country and on to the Marlborough Sounds

Over the hill is Nelson Tasman: golden beaches, the country’s most accessible Great Walk, open year-round with gentle walking, and the growers and makers who supply most of what you will eat on this trip. Then south down the West Coast, which is rainforest and glaciers on one side and the stunning Tasman Sea on the other, before the alpine passes bring you home.

Nine nights covers all five regions without hurrying. Fourteen gives Abel Tasman and Golden Bay their own days, adds a second day on the water at Kaikōura, and lets weather have its say in Glacier Country without costing you the glacier.

Day 1
Day 01
Waipara Valley
Start slow, in the vines
North Canterbury opens the trip gently. Waipara is limestone country, 45 minutes out of Christchurch, and its cellar doors pour the Rieslings and Pinots the valley is quietly known for. Take a long lunch; the road north can wait.
- Black Estate WineryFood & BeverageGo organic and biodynamic at this striking hillside winery, where standout Pinot Noir and Chardonnay meet a restaurant locals rave about.…
- Pegasus Bay WineryFood & BeverageOne of the best boutique winery experiences in the country, the Cellar Door offers a large selection of estate wines to taste while taking…
Where to camp tonight3
Hanmer Springs TOP 10 Holiday ParkPaid CampsitesBookWelcome to Hanmer Springs TOP 10 Holiday Park. Our landscaped Park is just 5 minutes - walk from the alpine resort village of Hanmer Spring…
Leithfield Beach Holiday ParkPaid CampsitesBookAt Leithfield Holiday park we offer a welcoming quiet Holiday Park in a great beach location. Fall asleep to the sound of the surf at this…
Pines Holiday ParkPaid CampsitesBookPines Holiday Park is situated easy walking distance from the village centre and Thermal Reserve in Hanmer Springs. All sites are spacious…
Worth booking nearby3
Waipara Springs WineryFood & BeverageSip your way through award-winning vintages at this family-run Waipara favourite, where lunch comes with vineyard views and 35+ years of wi…
Greystone WineryFood & BeverageSip, savour and soak up the views at this certified-organic cellar door on the Teviotdale hills - Waipara's most progressive wine experienc…
Waipara WinehouseFood & BeverageWine, tapas, live bands and long lazy lunches among the vines - this Waipara events venue knows how to throw a good time. Waipara Winehous…
95 km · 1 hr 20 min
Day 2
Day 02 · Drive
Waipara → Hanmer Springs
Thermal water under alpine air
Up through the Hurunui hills to an alpine village built around hot water. Walk the Conical Hill loop for the view over the basin first, so the pools are the reward rather than the plan.
- Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & SpaTourist AttractionsBookDefinitely worth the money!! Great day for the winter and used it as the shower day!
- Conical Hill Loop TrackWalking & HikingVery nice and quick walk with beautiful views of the town. Took us 45 mins not an hour! Very easy and lovely!
Paid for each adult - it's really worth it. Lots of different pools. Nice day off camper life :-) Lockers not incl, you have to pay extra fee for each locker for a full day.
— CamperMate traveller
Where to camp tonight3
Alpine Holiday Apartments & CampgroundPaid CampsitesBookPitch your tent or park your van right in the middle of Hanmer's forest trails. A spacious complex that offers accommodation varying from…
Hanmer Amenity AreaFree CampsitesRestricted to self contained vehicles, for 4 nights maximum in a single calendar month, between 5 pm and 9 am the following day. Just beh…
Chisholm Park Carpark Free CampsitesTuck in for the night at this central free carpark, complete with clean public toilets. - Freedom camping permitted during the hours of 8p…
130 km · 1 hr 50 min
Day 3
Day 03 · Drive
Hanmer Springs → Kaikōura
Where the mountains meet the whales
The inland road drops you onto a coast with a kilometre-deep canyon just offshore — which is why sperm whales feed here year round. Walk the peninsula in the afternoon for seals, and eat crayfish out of a caravan on the way in.
- Whale Watch KaikouraWater ActivitiesBookGreat Maori company. Nice people and saw a lot of whales. Watch your stomach!
- Kaikoura Peninsula WalkwayWalking & HikingVery nice, easy walk. Remember sunscreen and sunglasses, maybe binoculars :) stay far enough from the friendly flesh devouring se…
it’s so pretty!!! easy walk you wouldn’t even realize you reached the end bc of how pretty the scenery is!!!
— CamperMate traveller
Where to camp tonight3
Alpine Pacific Holiday Park KaikouraPaid CampsitesBookAlpine Pacific Holiday Park in Kaikoura New Zealand offers an excellent range of accommodation styles, something to suit every style of tra…
Kaikoura TOP 10 Holiday ParkPaid CampsitesBookNestled in one of New Zealand’s most dramatic coastal towns, **Kaikoura TOP 10 Holiday Park** offers sheltered powered and non-powered site…
Kaikoura A1 Motels & Holiday ParkPaid CampsitesBookWelcome to A1 Kaikoura Motels & Holiday Park. We offer free WiFi. Guests enjoy access to spacious communal areas including BBQ facilities…
Day 4
Day 04
Kaikōura
A second day on the water
One day here is a choice between the whales and everything else. Two is not: swim with dusky dolphins in the morning, paddle the seal colony after lunch, and finish at Nins Bin with the sea still in your hair.
- Kaikoura Dolphin Encounter and SwimWater ActivitiesBookDefinitely one of my most beautiful moments in life! I booked the dolphin swimming tour and it was wonderful from start to finish…
- Nins BinFood & BeverageCool place in a great location but too expensive for our budget. The crayfish ranged from $185-$215. And $8 for garlic butter.
Location is superb. Fish and chips were fresh and tasty enough. So good it is still in the same family since 1977
— CamperMate traveller
Where to camp tonight3
Alpine Pacific Holiday Park KaikouraPaid CampsitesBookAlpine Pacific Holiday Park in Kaikoura New Zealand offers an excellent range of accommodation styles, something to suit every style of tra…
Kaikoura TOP 10 Holiday ParkPaid CampsitesBookNestled in one of New Zealand’s most dramatic coastal towns, **Kaikoura TOP 10 Holiday Park** offers sheltered powered and non-powered site…
Kaikoura A1 Motels & Holiday ParkPaid CampsitesBookWelcome to A1 Kaikoura Motels & Holiday Park. We offer free WiFi. Guests enjoy access to spacious communal areas including BBQ facilities…
Worth booking nearby3
Hiku RestaurantFood & BeverageThe name ‘Hiku’ comes from the Māori word for ‘whale tail’ and is inspired by Kaikōura’s most iconic attraction. It is also influenced by t…
Kaikoura KayaksTourist AttractionsBookPaddle alongside playful fur seals on a guided Kaikōura wildlife kayaking tour, with chances to spot dolphins, penguins and albatross along…
Seal Swim KaikouraWater ActivitiesBookWe are located next to Gooches Beach Playground on the Esplanade, Kaikōura Join us for a totally unique experience seal swimming with New…
128 km · 1 hr 40 min
Day 5
Day 05 · Drive
Kaikōura → Marlborough
Sauvignon country
The coast road runs north past the seal colonies and then turns inland into the Wairau Valley. Marlborough produces nearly two-thirds of New Zealand’s wine and most of its Sauvignon Blanc, and the cellar doors are close enough together to make an afternoon of it.
- Cloudy Bay Winery - MarlboroughFood & BeverageThe Cloudy Bay story is one of vision, adventure and captivating flavour. Read on to discover how a single sip of Sauvignon Blanc changed t…
- Wither Hills WineryFood & BeverageFor three decades Wither Hills has been home to a small team of committed winemakers who painstakingly labour over every wine from one vint…
Where to camp tonight3
Smiths Farm Holiday ParkPaid CampsitesBookSituated on a working beef farm, Smiths Farm is a modern holiday park, central to Sounds attractions & scenic Marlborough. 4km from Queen C…
Blenheim Spring Creek TOP 10 Holiday ParkPaid CampsitesBookRecently under new ownership, Spring Creek Campsite is the perfect base to Explore Marlborough's famous vineyards, relax before and after y…
Blenheim Bridges Holiday ParkPaid CampsitesBookLeon and Min and our team at Blenheim Bridges Holiday Park welcome you to Marlborough where you can indulge your passion for the world's be…
30 km · 25 min
Day 6
Day 06 · Drive
Blenheim → the Marlborough Sounds
A fifth of the country’s coastline
Drowned river valleys, which is why the Sounds have so much edge and so little road. The mail boat is the local answer to that: a working delivery run that takes passengers into bays you cannot otherwise reach.
- Marlborough Sounds Famous Mail Boat Cruise - Pelorus SoundWater ActivitiesBookSuch a wonderful trip, scenic and informative. We did the Sunday trip. This included a lovely Bush walk, a farm visit, mussel and…
- Picton Harbour LookoutWalking & HikingLovely view on a nice day. Worth either the walk or the drive especially if you’re killing time waiting for the ferry.
Der Weg war sehr matschig. Die Aussicht war top!
— CamperMate traveller
Where to camp tonight3
Tasman Holiday Parks - Picton Paid CampsitesBookStay at Tasman Holiday Parks - Picton, a welcoming holiday park just steps from the ferry terminal and the gateway to the Marlborough Sound…
Picton TOP 10 Holiday ParkPaid CampsitesBookSituated near picturesque Picton in the Marlborough Sounds. Our park is set in quiet and peaceful surroundings in Waikawa, just 3½ kms from…
Picton Campervan ParkPaid CampsitesBookSELF CONTAINED VEHICLES ONLY NO TENTS, ROOFTOP TENTS OR POPTOP VANS Closest Holiday Park to the Ferry & Town Center. Our great central loc…
Day 7
Day 07
Queen Charlotte Sound
Walk a piece of the track
The Queen Charlotte Track runs 70 km along the ridgelines, and water taxis mean you can walk a day of it and be picked up at the far end. Alternatively, take a scenic or foodie criuse through the amazing Marlborough Sounds.
- Seafood Odyssea CruiseWater ActivitiesBookCruise through the stunning Queen Charlotte Sound/Tōtaranui while savouring and sampling the region’s flavours - from freshly prepared salm…
- Queen Charlotte TrackWalking & Hiking**Due to recent storms, there are two landslips on the Queen Charlotte Track above Tawa Bay, between Resolution Inlet and Furneaux Lodge in…
An amazing trip. Absolutely recommend it. What a great afternoon. The mussels and the Salmon was absolutely beautifully cooked. Clams were great. Complimentary glass of wine. Then purchase after that. Met amazing people on board.
— CamperMate traveller
Where to camp tonight3
Tasman Holiday Parks - Picton Paid CampsitesBookStay at Tasman Holiday Parks - Picton, a welcoming holiday park just steps from the ferry terminal and the gateway to the Marlborough Sound…
Picton TOP 10 Holiday ParkPaid CampsitesBookSituated near picturesque Picton in the Marlborough Sounds. Our park is set in quiet and peaceful surroundings in Waikawa, just 3½ kms from…
Picton Campervan ParkPaid CampsitesBookSELF CONTAINED VEHICLES ONLY NO TENTS, ROOFTOP TENTS OR POPTOP VANS Closest Holiday Park to the Ferry & Town Center. Our great central loc…
Worth booking nearby3
Hop n Grape ToursWater ActivitiesBookHop aboard a genuine licensed mailboat and cruise through the picturesque Queen Charlotte Sound of Marlborough, learning about the region a…
Edwin Fox Maritime MuseumTourist AttractionsBookThe Edwin Fox Ship is the last of her kind. Built in Kolkata in 1853, she sailed all over the world, bringing convicts to Western Australia…
Queen Charlotte Sound CruiseWater ActivitiesBookCruise through the sheltered waters of Queen Charlotte Sound on an immersive journey that combines Marlborough's coastal scenery with stori…
110 km · 2 hr
Day 8
Day 08 · Drive
Picton → Nelson
The long way round the water
Queen Charlotte Drive is the slow road and the right one — an hour of bays before the highway. Nelson at the other end is a sunny arts town that thinks hard about what it eats and drinks.
- Centre of New Zealand WalkWalking & HikingAbout 1km one way, steep climb to 135m. Took me 15-20 minutes to walk up with burning legs, 10 minutes to walk back. Nice views b…
- The Free House Food & BeverageSet inside a beautifully restored former church, The Free House is one of Nelson's favourite spots for craft beer. Independent and proudly…
Great 20 minute walk up a steep climb. Wonderful views back over Nelson at the top.
— CamperMate traveller
Where to camp tonight3
Nelson City TOP 10 Holiday ParkPaid CampsitesBookNestled in the heart of Nelson - regularly rated New Zealand’s sunniest city - **Nelson City TOP 10 Holiday Park** gives you a convenient,…
Kaiteriteri Recreation ReservePaid CampsitesBookWelcome to the Kaiteriteri Recreation Reserve, gateway to the world renowned Abel Tasman National Park and famous for its golden sand, turq…
Abel Tasman Marahau Beach CampPaid CampsitesBookMarahau Beach Camp is located 100 metres from the beach and next to the departure point for water taxi and kayak trips in the Abel Tasman N…
Day 9
Day 09
Nelson
Makers, birds and boutique wine
A fenced sanctuary in the hills above town has brought birds back that most of the country has lost, and the Moutere hills behind it grow the wine and the fruit. Neither is a detour; both are ten minutes out.
- The Brook Waimarama SanctuaryTourist AttractionsNow open 5 or more days a week; during school holidays usually 7 days a week. Check their Facebook or brooksanctuary. Org. Nz for…
- Moutere Hills WineryFood & BeverageMoutere Hills Vineyard is located in the picturesque Sunrise Valley, 2kms from the historic Upper Moutere village near Nelson in the South…
We bought a bottle of wine and freedom camped in their parking lot. It was lovely.
— CamperMate traveller
Where to camp tonight3
Nelson City TOP 10 Holiday ParkPaid CampsitesBookNestled in the heart of Nelson - regularly rated New Zealand’s sunniest city - **Nelson City TOP 10 Holiday Park** gives you a convenient,…
Kaiteriteri Recreation ReservePaid CampsitesBookWelcome to the Kaiteriteri Recreation Reserve, gateway to the world renowned Abel Tasman National Park and famous for its golden sand, turq…
Abel Tasman Marahau Beach CampPaid CampsitesBookMarahau Beach Camp is located 100 metres from the beach and next to the departure point for water taxi and kayak trips in the Abel Tasman N…
Worth booking nearby3
The Boat Shed CafeFood & BeverageRight on the iconic Nelson waterfront, Boat Shed Cafe offers quality dining in a relaxed, scenic setting. The seasonally driven menu puts…
Grampians WalkwayWalking & HikingThe Grampians Walkway is a popular track in central Nelson, starting at the uphill end of Collingwood Street. The trail climbs the ridge to…
Sprig and Fern Hardy StreetFood & BeverageA visit to central Nelson isn’t complete without a stop at Sprig + Fern Hardy Street. Well known to locals and visitors alike, the Hardy S…
65 km · 1 hr
Day 10
Day 10 · Drive
Nelson → Abel Tasman
Golden sand, granite and clear water
Home to New Zealand's most accessible Great Walk, open year-round with gentle walking. Walk a section of the Coast Track and water-taxi back, or paddle out to Split Apple Rock.
- Abel Tasman Coast TrackWalking & HikingDid a trail run from Marahau to Torrent bay with a detour to Watering Cove beach before heading back. Stunning views, awesome lis…
- Split Apple RockScenic SpotsThis was super cool. We were the only ones there, and no boats inside. Very beautiful.
Nice spot to go, 15-20 min walk to the beach. Good views and the split apple is awesome. Some locals said: its pacmans resting place
— CamperMate traveller
Where to camp tonight3
Pohara Beach TOP 10 Holiday ParkPaid CampsitesBookIt's time to relax at the water's edge at Pohara Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park overlooking the calm sea of Golden Bay. Enjoy safe swimming, bea…
Motueka TOP 10 Holiday ParkPaid CampsitesBookDiscover the beauty of Motueka and the Abel Tasman National Park whilst staying at the Motueka TOP10 Holiday Park. Hiking and Tramping is…
Tahuna Beach Holiday ParkPaid CampsitesBookBeachside memories since forever Tāhuna Beach Holiday Park is located 4.5 kilometres from Nelson city centre and adjacent to the long welc…
110 km · 2 hr
Day 11
Day 11 · Drive
Kaiteriteri → Golden Bay
Over the hill, and worth it
Tākaka Hill is a slow, winding climb and the reason Golden Bay still feels like somewhere you have to mean to go. Te Waikoropupū is among the clearest fresh water measured anywhere; the Mussel Inn, beloved by locals and visitors for its rustic charm.
- Te Waikoropupu SpringsScenic SpotsReally beautiful, small walk, super pretty, clear water, spiritual and sacred spot, can’t swim/ touch the water.
- The Mussel InnFood & BeverageThe Mussel Inn is a beloved and rustic stop in Golden Bay, located along the quiet coastal road between Takaka and Collingwood. Known for i…
Good food, sensibly priced. Great atmosphere.
— CamperMate traveller
Where to camp tonight3
Collingwood Holiday ParkPaid CampsitesBookCollingwood Holiday Park is a well established Park, right on the water. It offers friendly, comfortable surroundings on the front door to…
Wharariki Beach Holiday ParkPaid CampsitesBookA gentle 20-minute walk to the spectacular Wharariki Beach. Powered and non-powered sites available and shared facilities. Hot showers $2 f…
Golden Bay Holiday Park Paid CampsitesBookTucked away on the golden sands of Tukurua Beach, Golden Bay Holiday Park is your coastal escape between two of New Zealand’s most iconic n…
330 km · 4 hr 30 min
Day 12
Day 12 · Drive
Golden Bay → Punakaiki
Onto the wild coast
A long drive south onto a coast that is rainforest on one side and Tasman Sea on the other. The Pancake Rocks are limestone stacked like a deck of cards, and at high tide with a westerly running the blowholes make the point.
- Punakaiki Pancake Rocks & BlowholesScenic SpotsReally beautifull and a nice little easy walk around. Crazy what the nature can create.
- Monteith's Brewery Tour Dining and Brewery tourFood & BeverageTried a few beers, a bit pricey at 15$ for 3 but delicious beer and great atmosphere!
A very beautiful walk, even in the rain. Paid parking at $5 per hour. Incredible view, we even saw dolphins!
— CamperMate traveller
Where to camp tonight3
Greymouth Seaside TOP 10 Holiday ParkPaid CampsitesBookGreymouth Seaside TOP 10 Holiday Park is situated running parallel to the Tasman Sea in serene Greymouth, a part of the beautiful and unspo…
Hokitika Holiday ParkPaid CampsitesBookHokitika Holiday Park offers a variety of accommodation options. All options have access to all facilities. Please let us know if you have…
Lake Brunner Motor CampPaid CampsitesBookSituated in the heart of Moana township, overlooking beautiful Lake Brunner on New Zealand's West Coast, our motor camp/holiday park has ev…
140 km · 1 hr 50 min
Day 13
Day 13 · Drive
Punakaiki → Hokitika
Pounamu, gorges and glow worms
Hokitika is the pounamu town, and the gorge above it runs an improbable milky turquoise off the glacial flour in the water. Short walk, short drive, and the best sandwich on the coast waiting when you get back.
- Hokitika Gorge WalkWalking & HikingGreat hike! Easy with magnificent scenery. Worth it even in the rain, although the water remained a beautiful blue.
- Hokitika Sandwich CompanyFood & BeverageThis isn't just any ordinary sandwich and coffee shop. We believe the secret to a great sandwich is great ingredients. Our bread is baked…
Easy walk. Have to keep going to second bridge, it then loops back to carpark.
— CamperMate traveller
Where to camp tonight3
Hokitika Kiwi Holiday Park & MotelsPaid CampsitesBookAll new variety of self-catering and serviced accommodation options set on spacious grounds with modern, large facilities. Suitable for sin…
Ross Beach TOP 10 Holiday ParkPaid CampsitesBookReady to spend the evening drifting off to sleep listening to the sounds of the Tasman Sea? Pay just 1 price: includes lashings of hot wa…
Shining Star Beachfront AccommodationPaid CampsitesBookThe Shining Star provides beachfront accommodation with great views of the sea and impressive West Coast sunsets. We offer a variety of acc…
135 km · 1 hr 50 min
Day 14
Day 14 · Drive
Hokitika → Glacier Country
Ice at the edge of the rainforest
Franz Josef comes down further into temperate rainforest than almost any glacier on earth, which is why you can stand in ferns and look at ice. Weather runs this day, so keep it loose and book a glacier flight around it. keep a spare morning if you can - you won't regret spending more time here.
- Robert's Point TrackWalking & HikingAmazing track! Really fun along the track as you have to cross waterfalls and swinging bridges! Probably the best hike we have do…
- Fox and Franz Josef Glacier 30 Minute Helicopter FlightScenic FlightsBookExplore two spectacular glaciers from above and actually land on one of them on this Fox and Franz Josef Twin Glacier with Glacier Landing…
Great walk, quite strenuous and includes quite a lot of scrambling over and up rocks. Some great swinging bridges and a stairway along a rockface. Wonderful view of the glacier at the end. You do need to be reasonably fit to accomplish this walk.
— CamperMate traveller
Where to camp tonight3
Fox Glacier TOP 10 Holiday ParkPaid CampsitesBookSurrounded by rainforest, alpine peaks and the dramatic landscapes of Glacier Country, **Fox Glacier TOP 10 Holiday Park** offers a welcomi…
Haast River Motels and Holiday ParkPaid CampsitesBookWelcome to Haast River Motels Holiday Park, your ideal holiday accommodation in the unforgettable West Coast, gateway to our stunning Natio…
Rainforest Retreat Holiday Park Paid CampsitesBookNestled in ten acres of idyllic native bush, centrally located in the heart of Franz Josef Village, Rainforest Holiday Park offers a range…

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857 on the route

Scenic Spots151

Hurunui Kaikoura Marlborough Nelson Tasman West Coast