Across the Top of the South, there are plenty of places made for slowing down, from thermal pools and peaceful springs to vineyard lunches, coastal escapes and star-filled skies.
Whether you’re after a proper wellness reset or simply somewhere beautiful to slow down, savour the journey and recharge, these are some of the best places to relax and rejuvenate along the way.
Take some time out between exploring the region’s dramatic coastlines, alpine landscapes, native forests and local food and wine, and discover a few places where you can do a little less and enjoy a little more.
Explore by region
Hurunui: Soak, unwind and savour the Waipara Valley
Kaikōura: Slow down by the sea
Marlborough: Slow down among the vines and Sounds
Nelson Tasman: Take your time and explore
West Coast: Reconnect with nature on the wild side
Hurunui: Soak, unwind and savour the Waipara Valley
Hurunui makes it easy to slow the pace, with alpine scenery around Hanmer Springs and vineyard country stretching through the Waipara Valley. Make time for a little wellness, then settle in for a long lunch among the vines.
Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa
Surrounded by mountains and native bush, Hanmer Springs Thermal Reserve is an easy place to slow down and enjoy the natural hot pools. Soak in the mineral-rich waters, take in the alpine scenery and let the warmth do the work.
Elemental by Hanmer Springs
For a proper reset, book into Elemental by Hanmer Springs, an adults-only 75-minute contrast therapy experience. Move through sauna, steam, a powder-snow shower and a private geothermal pool, with each stage designed to help you slow down and reset.
Waipara Springs Winery
This a must-do stop on the famous Waipara Valley Vineyard Trail. Spend a leisurely afternoon among the vines at Waipara Springs Winery, a third-generation family winery in the heart of the Waipara Valley.
Enjoy estate-grown wines alongside a meal, with the vineyard setting providing a relaxed place to linger and enjoy the best of Hurunui’s wine country.
Kaikōura: Slow down by the sea
With the Pacific Ocean on one side and the Kaikōura mountains on the other, there are plenty of ways to slow down and enjoy the natural beauty of the coast. Spend time on the water, wander through lavender fields or simply look up at the night sky.Dolphin Encounter and Swim
Get out on the water with Dolphin Encounter and experience Kaikōura’s famous Dusky Dolphins in their natural environment. Join a scenic cruise to watch them from the boat or get even closer with a dolphin swim.
Kaikōura Lavender Farm
Take a slower-paced detour to Kaikōura Lavender Farm, where you can wander through the lavender, enjoy the peaceful rural setting and try some locally made lavender products and ice cream. It’s an easy way to spend a relaxing hour away from the coast.
Kaikōura Stargazing Trail
Kaikōura’s clear skies and low light pollution saw it granted International Dark Sky Sanctuary status in 2024. One of our favourite spots is stargazing lookout down by the old Fyffe House. Settle in and watch the stars come out over the mountains and Pacific Ocean.
Marlborough: Slow down among the vines and Sounds
Marlborough is made for taking your time, whether that means lingering over a glass of wine or getting out on the water among the sheltered bays and islands of the Marlborough Sounds.Cloudy Bay
Spend a leisurely afternoon at Cloudy Bay, one of Marlborough’s best-known wineries. Visit the cellar door to sample its award-winning wines, enjoy a tasting menu or settle in for a Japanese-inspired lunch at Saku. It’s an easy place to slow down and savour the region.
Mistletoe Bay Eco Village
Tucked away in the Marlborough Sounds, Mistletoe Bay is a peaceful spot to slow down and enjoy the water, native bush and sheltered coastline. Take a walk through the surrounding forest, explore the glowworm trail after dark, head down to the beach, or simply find a quiet spot to sit and take in the views. It’s the kind of place where there’s no need to rush, making it an easy addition to a relaxed road trip through the Sounds.
Marlborough Sounds Famous Mail Boat Cruise
Take to the water on the Marlborough Sounds Famous Mail Boat Cruise and explore the sheltered waters of the Marlborough Sounds while the crew delivers mail to remote coastal communities. It’s a relaxed way to experience the Sounds, with plenty of scenery, wildlife and local stories along the way.
Nelson Tasman: Take your time and explore
Nelson Tasman is an easy place to slow down, with golden beaches, clear springs, coastal walks and plenty of great local food and drink. Take the scenic route, linger a little longer and enjoy the region at your own pace.Wharariki Beach
Walk across rolling dunes and farmland to reach the wild and windswept Wharariki Beach. With huge sand dunes, dramatic rock formations and sweeping coastal views, it’s a spectacular place to stretch your legs and take in the scenery. According to Māori tradition, this is te wairua o ngā tangata o te Waipounamu, the place from which the spirits of the people of the South Island depart.
Te Waikoropupū Springs
Visit Te Waikoropupū Springs, home to some of the clearest fresh water in the world. The short forested walkway leads to viewing platforms overlooking the springs, making it a peaceful place to pause and enjoy the surrounding landscape.
Kaiteriteri Beach
Kaiteriteri Beach is the perfect spot to slow down beside the water. Sink your feet into the golden sand, swim in the clear shallows, venture out to Split Apple Rock or simply find a spot to relax and enjoy the views across the coast.
Māpua Wharf
Spend a few hours exploring Māpua Wharf, a lively waterfront spot on the edge of the Waimea Estuary. Wander along the wharf, take in the coastal views at Rabbit Island and browse the shops before settling in for something to eat or drink.
The Apple Shed or Jellyfish are great spots for a meal by the water, while Golden Bear Brewing Company is the place to go for locally brewed beer and a relaxed afternoon.
West Coast: Reconnect with nature on the wild side
The West Coast has a way of making you slow down. Between the rainforest, mountains, rivers and rugged coastline, there are plenty of places to switch off and reconnect with nature.Maruia Hot Springs
Surrounded by native forest in the Southern Alps, Maruia Hot Springs is built around natural thermal mineral water. Stay overnight, soak in the hot pools, book a massage or spa treatment and enjoy a meal made with organic and local ingredients - and you can camp on site!
Waiho Hot Tubs
Set beneath the Southern Alps near Franz Josef, Waiho Hot Tubs are a relaxing way to unwind after exploring the West Coast. Soak in your own private hot tub while taking in the surrounding mountain and forest scenery.
Lake Matheson Track
Take a peaceful walk around Lake Matheson Track, one of the West Coast’s most scenic short walks. The track winds through native forest and wetlands, with views towards Aoraki/Mount Cook and Mount Tasman on a clear day.
The Glow Worm Dell
For something a little different, visit The Glow Worm Dell near Hokitika, after dark. Follow the short path into the forest and look up to see thousands of tiny glow worms lighting up the darkness.
Make time to slow down
From thermal pools and vineyard lunches to wild beaches, clear springs, forest walks and quiet nights beneath the stars, the Top of the South has plenty of ways to make your road trip a little more relaxed.
Take the scenic route, leave some space in the itinerary and give yourself time to stop, stay and enjoy the journey.
