Christchurch to Wellington, East Coast Highway

As you head north to Kaikoura today, you will travel through the rolling hills of Canterbury’s wine region, the Waipara Valley. As the country’s fastest growing wine region there are plenty of places to stop and enjoy a long lunch; Pinot Noir and Riesling are the local specialities.

Kaikoura is a place where eco-tourism meets Maori culture; this ocean is a rich habitat for marine mammals and seabirds, and local Maori offer guided tours with a cultural twist. Get close to the action with whale watching, swimming with the dolphins or seals, albatross viewing or sea kayaking.

Enjoy a picturesque coastal drive towards the top of the South Island. Celebrate your arrival in the Marlborough wine region with a glass of world-class Sauvignon Blanc matched with the other local delicacy, Greenshell mussels. A tour of the many vineyards will give you the perfect day out.

Alternatively, this area also offers some beautiful hiking and mountain biking trails. Aircraft enthusiasts will enjoy the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre.

Today you can choose to walk, cycle, or kayak part of the famous Queen Charlotte Track; it offers spectacular views of the Queen Charlotte Sounds. The full track takes up to 5 days walking, but you can enjoy a taste of it in one. You'll need to arrange a water taxi from Picton to drop you off and pick you up.

If you prefer a less active day, a boat cruise through the Sounds will treat you to some of the same amazing scenery. Spend tonight in the picturesque coastal town of Picton.

Today you'll take a ferry through the Marlborough Sounds and across the Cook Strait to Wellington at the bottom of the North Island. 

Wellington is compact, cultured and full of character. Nestled between the harbour and the hills, the downtown area is ideal for explorations on foot. Enjoy cafes, restaurants, museums and all kinds of shops. Dance, theatre and musical performances are a Wellington speciality. As New Zealand’s capital, this city is rich in political history.

Be sure to visit the national museum, Te Papa, while you're here. Other famous attractions include the Wellington Cable Car, the Houses of Parliament, Zealandia and the waterfront.