Top of the South: 7 Days Picton-West Coast-Christchurch

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From Waitohi – Picton to Ōtautahi – Christchurch via Whakatū – Nelson, Tākaka & Arthur’s Pass

Explore the stunning top half of Te Waipounamu – the South Island on this 7-day road trip from Waitohi – Picton to Ōtautahi – Christchurch.

This route blends golden beaches, creative towns, wild coastlines, and alpine passes. Whether you’re driving a rental car or cruising in a campervan, this itinerary offers an incredible mix of nature, culture, and photo-worthy pitstops. Ideal for those who’ve already taken the Kaikōura coastal route and are after something a little different.

👉 Prefer a printable version? Download the PDF Itinerary here

🗺️ Quick Overview

  • Duration: 7 days
  • Start Point: Waitohi – Picton
  • End Point: Ōtautahi – Christchurch
  • Best Time: October to April
  • Total Drive Time: Approx. 16–18 hours
  • Highlights: Golden Bay beaches, Takaka’s creative vibe, Wharariki dunes, West Coast rock formations, Arthur’s Pass hikes

Day-by-Day Itinerary

🌿 Day 1: Picton → Nelson

Centre of NZ Monument, Nelson

Begin your journey with a scenic coastal drive along Queen Charlotte Drive. Stop for a seafood lunch in Havelock, the green-lipped mussel capital, before arriving in vibrant Nelson.

What to Do:

  • Stop at Momorangi Bay or Ngākuta Bay for a stretch
  • Lunch at The Mussel Pot in Havelock
  • Enjoy Tahunanui Beach or explore local art galleries

Discover the vibrant city of Nelson — click here to explore top-rated tours and experiences, from coastal adventures to cultural highlights.

Where to Stay (Car or Campervan):

  • Nelson TOP 10 Holiday Park
  • Maitai Valley DOC Campsite

🥾 Day 2: Nelson Hike + Day Trip

Cable Bay Walkway

Explore the sunny city or take a short road trip to nearby gems like Mapua or Cable Bay.

What to Do:

  • Hike the Centre of New Zealand Track or Cable Bay Walkway
  • Visit the Nelson Saturday Market (if timing works)
  • Optional drive to Mapua Wharf or Founders Heritage Park

Where to Stay:

  • Same as Day 1

💧 Day 3: Nelson → Takaka

Takaka Hill

Wind over the famous Takaka Hill, soaking up panoramic views before reaching the creative hub of Golden Bay.

What to Do:

  • Stop at Hawkes Lookout
  • Visit Te Waikoropupū Springs
  • Easy walk at The Grove or moderate walk to Rawhiti Caves

Where to Stay:

  • Pohara Beach Top 10
  • Anatoki Salmon Campground (catch your dinner!)

🌊 Day 4: Takaka → West Coast (via Wharariki Beach)

Moria Gate Arch in the Oparara Basin

A longer drive, but packed with highlights. Don’t miss the windswept dunes and seal colonies at Wharariki Beach.

What to Do:

  • Morning walk at Wharariki Beach
  • Optional: Oparara Arches detour from Karamea (adds time)
  • Scenic stops along the Buller Gorge

Where to Stay:

  • Punakaiki Beach Camp
  • Charleston DOC Site

🌧️ Day 5: West Coast → Arthur’s Pass

Punakaiki Rocks

Continue down the coast before turning inland at Greymouth to cross back over the Southern Alps.

What to Do:

  • Walk the Punakaiki Pancake Rocks & Blowholes
  • Visit the short Truman Track
  • Stop at the Otira Viaduct Lookout

Where to Stay:

  • Avalanche Creek Shelter (DOC)
  • Jacksons Retreat Alpine Holiday Park

🏔️ Day 6: Explore Arthur’s Pass

Arthur’s Pass National Park

Stay an extra night in this mountain village and enjoy a day of hiking and wildlife watching.

What to Do:

  • Hike the Devils Punchbowl Falls Track (1 hr return)
  • Stroll the Dobson Nature Walk (easy)
  • Tackle the Bealey Spur Track (half-day hike)
  • Watch for kea at scenic pull-outs

Where to Stay:

  • Same as Day 5 or Greyneys Shelter DOC Site

🌄 Day 7: Arthur’s Pass → Christchurch

Gondola Ride above Christchurch

Your final day winds through the Canterbury high country. Don’t miss a final scenic walk before ending your journey.

What to Do:

  • Stop at Castle Hill/Kura Tāwhiti for a short walk among the boulders
  • Drive the spectacular Porters Pass
  • Drop off your vehicle and explore more of Christchurch if time allows

Discover the vibrant city of Ōtautahi / Christchurch — click here to explore top-rated tours.

Why Book Your Campervan with Motorhome Republic?

With dozens of trusted rental brands in one place, Motorhome Republic makes it easy to compare, choose and book the right campervan for your Aotearoa – New Zealand adventure. From budget-friendly options to premium motorhomes, you’ll find something that suits your travel style and trip length.

We love recommending them because their booking process is simple, their customer service is excellent and they work with top suppliers across the country. Whether you’re picking up in Auckland, Christchurch or somewhere in between — it’s a hassle-free way to get on the road faster.

“Booking was easy, support was great and we got the perfect camper for our road trip. It was exactly what we hoped for.”
— Feedback from a Motorhome Republic customer

🌿Looking for more travel inspiration? 

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🎒 What to Pack

  • Light layers for sun and rain
  • Sturdy walking shoes or hiking boots
  • Swimsuit and towel
  • Insect repellent and sunscreen
  • Power bank and reusable water bottle
  • Camera or phone with plenty of storage

💡 Local Travel Tips

  • Fuel up in larger towns like Nelson and Takaka – remote areas have fewer stations
  • DOC campsites may not have mobile coverage – download maps in advance
  • Always check the weather before alpine drives
  • Nelson’s Saturday Market is one of the best in Aotearoa – worth planning around

🍽️ Must-Try Local Flavours

  • Havelock: Green-lipped mussels at The Mussel Pot
  • Nelson: Fresh juice and dumplings at the Saturday Market
  • Takaka: Locally roasted coffee and artisan baking
  • Punakaiki: Classic fish and chips with a beachside view
  • Arthur’s Pass: Grab a hearty pie at the Wobbly Kea Café

📌 Need to Know

  • One-lane bridges are common – watch signs and give way
  • Castle Hill is sacred – stay on paths and don’t climb the boulders
  • DOC campsites are usually first-come, first-served
  • Alpine weather changes fast – carry warm gear, even in summer

🌍 Travel Planning Resources

These are the tools we personally use and trust when planning our travels from finding a place to stay to booking activities, transport and insurance. Let your Tohu guide you — Trust the Journey and follow what feels right for you.

  • ✈️Flights – Compare great deals with Trip.com then Kiwi.com for flexible, affordable options.
  • 🚐 Campervans – Compare rental deals with Motorhome Republic across Aotearoa and beyond.
  • 🛏️ Stays – Compare hotels on Trip.com and TripAdvisor or Booking.com.
  • 🚐 Rental Cars – Compare prices and book through Airport Rentals by Motorhome Republic for trusted brands and easy airport pickup.
  • 🎟️ Activities – Browse tours and experiences on Viator, Get Your Guide, or TripAdvisor
  • 🛡️ Travel Insurance – Get flexible short-term coverage with Insubuy for your next holiday.
  • 🔒 Protect Your Privacy with a VPN – We recommend Surfshark VPN for secure and private browsing while travelling. It’s fast, affordable and works worldwide — perfect for public Wi-Fi at airports, cafes and hotels.
  • 📱 Travel eSIM – Stay connected with Airalo
  • 💼 Lounge Access – Treat yourself with Priority Pass – for UK or US
  • 🎶 Events & Concerts – Book tickets worldwide through Ticketmaster.

🧭 Note: Some booking links can be a bit shy when you’re using a VPN. If one doesn’t open, try pausing your VPN or switching to a different server location or secure Wi-Fi network to get things flowing again.

Whāia te mātauranga hei oranga mōu

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