Top of the South Explorer: 7 Day Scenic Journey

The journey can begin in Ōtautahi – Christchurch or Waitohi – Picton, depending on where travellers arrive. From Christchurch the route heads north toward the alpine village of Hanmer Springs, before reaching the dramatic coastline of Kaikōura, where mountains rise sharply from the Pacific Ocean. Travellers beginning in Picton can easily join the route through nearby Blenheim and the Marlborough region before continuing south toward Kaikōura.

From here the journey moves through the vineyards and sheltered waterways of Marlborough, passing Blenheim, Havelock and the Marlborough Sounds, where calm harbours and forested hills create one of the island’s most peaceful coastal landscapes.

The route then continues west toward Whakatū – Nelson and Abel Tasman National Park, where golden beaches, clear bays and coastal walking tracks offer a striking contrast to the mountains further south.

Crossing into Mohua – Golden Bay, the landscape opens into quiet coastal towns and sweeping shoreline before the road turns south along the rugged coastline of Te Tai Poutini – the West Coast, passing Punakaiki and Greymouth.

The final stage of the journey crosses the Southern Alps through Arthur’s Pass, one of the most dramatic alpine crossings in Aotearoa – New Zealand, before descending toward the Canterbury Plains and continuing to the harbour town of Akaroa.

It’s a journey shaped by contrast and variety. Sheltered bays, vineyard valleys, wild coastline and alpine passes combine to create a route where the landscape shifts constantly, yet the journey flows naturally from one region to the next.

Journey Snapshot

• Start: Waitohi – Picton or Ōtautahi – Christchurch
• Finish: Waitohi – Picton or Ōtautahi – Christchurch
• Route Style: One-way scenic explorer journey
• Travel Pace: Balanced with longer scenic days
• Approx Distance: ~1,500–1,800 km
• Best Suited For: Campervans and self-drive travellers

Who This Journey Is For

This journey is ideal if you:

• Prefer real experiences over rushed itineraries
• Want a journey that feels grounded and authentic
• Travel by campervan or self-drive
• Enjoy flexibility without needing to plan every detail

You’ll Experience

• Golden bays and coastal towns at the top of the South Island
• Sheltered waterways and forested inlets in the Marlborough Sounds
• Clear bays and coastal walking tracks in Abel Tasman National Park
• Rainforest and rugged shoreline along the West Coast
• A dramatic alpine crossing through Arthur’s Pass
• Harbour views and volcanic hills around Akaroa

“This is a journey you move through — not just a guide you read.”

What’s Included in this 7-Day Explorer Guide

• Full day-by-day itineraries
• Scenic stops along the route
• What to do in each location
• Where to stay
• Where to eat
• Sunrise and sunset locations
• Hiking trails
• Scenic drives
• Free and paid activities
• Hidden spots worth discovering
• Tohu Travel Tips drawn from real travel experience

You can think of it as:

“Your complete road trip plan.”

Price

$29.99 NZD

Instant PDF download
One-time purchase
Yours to keep and use anytime while planning your trip

Optional Add-On Town Guides

If you want to explore specific places in more depth, you can add individual town guides to your journey.

Available Top of the South to Canterbury add-ons may include:

• Whakatū – Nelson
• Te Tai Tapu – Abel Tasman National Park
• Te Tai Poutini – West Coast
• Ōtautahi – Christchurch
• Kaikōura
• Te Tauihu o te Waka – Marlborough Sounds

Price: $4.99 NZD

Now that you’ve chosen your itinerary, the next step is securing the right campervan for the journey.