Exploring the Alternative Route from Christchurch to Picton: Coastal vs. Inland Adventure
New Zealand’s South Island is home to some of the world’s most dramatic, diverse, and unforgettable landscapes - from snow-capped peaks and whale-rich oceans to rolling vineyards and secluded alpine valleys. For travellers planning the Christchurch to Picton drive, most simply plug the destination into maps and follow State Highway 1 straight up the coast.
But what many don’t realise is that there are two uniquely stunning routes between the South Island’s largest city and its major ferry port, and each offers completely different scenery, stops, and stories.
Whether you’re chasing marine wildlife, wineries, or mountain trails, this post breaks down how to choose between the Kaikōura coastal route and the inland Lewis Pass route, including recommended stops, expert insights, and exclusive tips from RaD Car Hire teams based in Christchurch, Nelson, Blenheim, and Picton.
Why This Drive Is One of the Best South Island Road Trips
The Christchurch to Picton journey is regularly featured in top New Zealand driving lists thanks to dramatic landscapes, wildlife encounters, and well-maintained highways. According to Tourism New Zealand, international travellers increasingly prioritise multi-stop road journeys over domestic flights due to flexibility, nature immersion, and experiential travel preferences (TNZ, Visitor Insights, 2024).
The route also forms part of New Zealand’s main transport corridor, supporting tourism, freight and regional connectivity between Canterbury, Marlborough and Tasman, making it one of the country’s most strategic and scenic sections of highway.
Two Ways to Travel: Coastal vs Inland Route
Option 1: Kaikōura Coastal Route (State Highway 1)
Distance: approx. 340 km
Drive time: 5 – 5.5 hours (without stops)
This is the most direct and most popular route, and for good reason. After leaving Christchurch and following SH1 north, the highway eventually hugs the Pacific coastline, delivering panoramic ocean views, wildlife opportunities, and multiple scenic pull-offs.
What Makes This Route Unique
- Marine megafauna, including sperm whales, dusky dolphins, fur seals, and migrating humpbacks
- Rebuilt cliff-and-tunnel highway following extensive 2016 earthquake engineering upgrades
(NZTA: Kaikōura rebuild programme) - Ocean-edge driving, with lookout bays just metres from the water
RaD Christchurch Recommended Driver Insight:
“If you have good weather and want dramatic sea views, take the coastal route. Stop often - it’s not a drive you want to rush. Early morning is best for wildlife spotting.”
Option 2: Lewis Pass Inland Route (SH7 to SH65 to SH6)
Distance: approx. 450 km
Drive time: 6.5 – 7.5 hours (without stops)
This option heads north-west through rural Canterbury before entering Lewis Pass (Lewis Pass Scenic Reserve), one of New Zealand’s three alpine passes connecting east and west. Unlike the coastal highway, this road showcases mountain rivers, natural hot pools, braided valleys, and native beech forests.
What Makes This Route Unique
- Alpine hot springs, including Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa
- Hiking trails within the Lewis Pass Conservation Area (Department of Conservation)
- Quieter roads and less commercialised tourism
RaD Nelson Driver Advice:
“Lewis Pass is peaceful, and the scenery is underrated compared to the more famous Arthur’s Pass. For travellers who’ve already seen the Coast, this is a brilliant alternative.”
Best Stops: Coastal Route
Just under an hour north of Christchurch, Waipara is home to over 90 vineyards, specialising in cool-climate Pinot Noir, Riesling, and Chardonnay. The region is one of New Zealand’s fastest-growing wine areas (New Zealand Winegrowers Annual Report 2024).
Don’t miss: Pegasus Bay Wines, Greystone Wines, Black Estate (award-winning organic)
RaD Christchurch Team Tip:
“Plan at least one cellar-door tasting on your way north - the wineries are close to the highway and offer great food-pairing plates.”
Kaikōura Whale Watching & Marine Encounters
Kaikōura is one of the only places in the world where giant sperm whales live year-round, due to a deep offshore canyon that creates an incredibly rich feeding zone (NIWA, Ocean Science Research).
Options include boat tours, kayaking, helicopter tours, and seal colony walks.
RaD Blenheim Team Advice:
“Book whale tours early - weather and sea conditions can change quickly. Dawn tours often have calmer water.”
Ohau Point Seal Colony
Just north of Kaikōura, the lookout platform here is one of the easiest places to view wild fur seals.
Marlborough Wine Country
Approaching Blenheim, you enter New Zealand’s largest wine producing region, famous for Sauvignon Blanc exported to 100+ markets worldwide (New Zealand Winegrowers).
Suggested estates: Cloudy Bay, Oyster Bay, Wither Hills, Brancott Estate Heritage Centre
RaD Blenheim Airport Local Tip:
“Most visitors know Cloudy Bay, but Wither Hills has stunning valley views and relaxing outdoor seating perfect for road-trip breaks.”
Picton Waterfront & Tirohanga Track
If you have time before the ferry, the short climb to Tirohanga Lookout is unbeatable for photos across Queen Charlotte Sound.
RaD Picton Insider Insight:
“Visitors often wait at the terminal for hours. Instead, park up and walk Tirohanga - it’s one of the best short hikes in Marlborough.”
Best Stops: Lewis Pass Inland Route
For travellers wanting forest, mountains, thermal spas and hiking, Lewis Pass rewards slower exploration.
Hanmer Springs Alpine Village
A short detour off SH7, Hanmer Springs offers both adventure (mountain biking, jet boating, horse trekking) and recovery at the internationally-recognised Thermal Pools & Spa resort, supported by mineral-rich geothermal water supply (Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools).
Maruia Hot Springs & Wellness Retreat
Tucked in native forest between the pass and Murchison, this natural hot spring complex offers quiet bathing, sauna, stargazing, and forest trails.
RaD Nelson Team Tip:
“If you’re travelling without kids or want a quiet retreat environment, Maruia is one of the most peaceful stops on the entire South Island road network.”
Lake Daniells Track (Beginners’ Hike)
Just off Lewis Pass Road, the Lake Daniells Track is a family-friendly DOC trail, approximately 3 – 4 hours one way to a serviced hut.
Perfect for travellers with more than one day for the Christchurch to Picton drive.
Murchison – White-Water Capital
Known for rafting and river canyoning, Murchison sits at the confluence of several powerful rivers including the Buller.
Choosing the Best Route
Practical Road-Trip Recommendations
Fuel & Breaks
Fuel stations are widely spaced between larger towns. Refuel in:
- Amberley
- Kaikōura
- Hanmer Springs (if using Lewis Pass)
- Murchison (Lewis Pass)
- Blenheim
Travel Time Wisdom
RaD Christchurch Team Reminder:
“Don’t treat this as a straight drive. The journey is the attraction - plan minimum one major stop and two short breaks.”
Road Safety
Refer to NZTA for weather and road condition updates, especially in winter months.
Final Thoughts
The Christchurch to Picton drive isn’t just a method of getting to the ferry; it’s one of New Zealand’s best South Island road trips, packed with landscapes, wildlife, cuisine, and adventure that most travellers never experience fully because they simply choose speed over exploration.
By deciding between the Kaikōura coast and Lewis Pass, or by combining both over two days, you can enjoy a personalised scenic NZ route that fits your travel style - ocean, mountains, or both.
And with RaD Car Hire branches in Christchurch, Picton, Nelson, and Blenheim, you can travel confidently with regional expertise, flexible booking, and local support at every stage of your journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Christchurch to Picton drive?
Depending on route choice:
- Coastal SH1: approx. 5 – 5.5 hours
- Inland Lewis Pass: approx. 6.5 – 7.5 hours (not including stops)
Which route is more scenic?
Both, but in different ways. If you prefer coastal wildlife and marine views, go via Kaikōura. If you like forests, rivers, and hot springs, choose Lewis Pass.
Can I drive both routes in one trip?
Yes, many travellers drive up via Lewis Pass and return via SH1 for a complete landscape experience.
Are these routes safe for rental cars?
Yes, both are sealed, well-maintained highways. Always check for weather or road-work updates.
Are there EV charging options?
Yes, available in Christchurch, Hanmer Springs, Kaikōura, Blenheim, Nelson, and Picton. Check PlugShare NZ for real-time availability.