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.

4days3nights1,150km5national 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.

135 km · 1 hr 50 min
Day 1
Day 01 · 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…
Day 2
Day 02
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…
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…
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…
110 km · 2 hr
Day 3
Day 03 · 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…
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…
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…

The road, for real

Every marker is a real place from the CamperMate map — the route and drive times are computed live.

There's more to the map than the stops

CamperMate maps every kind of place along this loop — campsites, swimming holes, walks, cultural sites, tours and more. Here are the top-rated in each.

518 on the route

Scenic Spots96

West Coast Nelson Tasman