CHRISTCHURCH WHALE WATCH FIELD GUIDE
Along the Kaikōura Coast to Hanmer: Five Days at the Top of the South
A 5-day expedition from Christchurch that threads the Kaikōura coast, Marlborough Sounds, Nelson Lakes and Takaka before returning via Hanmer Springs and Waipara vineyards — a concise field guide to the region's highlights.
Along the Kaikōura Coast to Hanmer: Five Days at the Top of the South.
Join an extended five-day expedition from Christchurch that works its way up the Kaikōura coast to Picton, traces the edges of the Marlborough Sounds to Nelson and Takaka, dips into the Nelson Lakes area at St Arnaud, traverses the Lewis Pass to Hanmer Springs and finishes with a taste of Waipara vineyards on the return to Christchurch.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Kaikōura Coast, Picton and Marlborough Sounds
Coastal scenery with mountain backdrops dominates the journey north; marine mammals are a regular part of the Kaikōura coastline and whale watching at Kaikōura is offered as an optional extra when time permits, with Picton providing access to the dramatic Marlborough Sounds.
Takaka, Farewell Spit and Nelson country
Heading west from Picton the route moves through Linkwater and Havelock to Nelson, then north through Motueka to Takaka; if time allows the tour can visit Puponga and Farewell Spit before returning to Takaka.
St Arnaud, Hanmer Springs and Waipara vineyards
The tour drops south to St Arnaud at the head of Lake Rotoiti with access to Nelson Lakes, then crosses toward Hanmer Springs (with the option to use the thermal pools) before sampling several Waipara vineyards on the final leg back to Christchurch.
What the day feels like
What the five-day route feels like
The trip unfolds as a deliberate northward sweep from Christchurch, following the Kaikōura coastline to Picton then angling west through Nelson and Takaka before looping south through alpine passes to soak in Hanmer Springs and descend through vineyard country back to Christchurch.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this expedition suits
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
This is a 5-day expedition operating from Christchurch and traversing the upper South Island.
Pickup is available from some of the main hotels within Christchurch or alternately from the Canterbury Museum.
The tour includes an expert guide, activities and permits, photography tuition if required, air-conditioned transport, all meals, accommodation, snacks and scenic stops.
Optional extras include entry to the Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools (Adult $35, Child $20 per person).
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the Top of the South expedition?
The itinerary runs for 5 days.
Where does the tour depart from?
Pickup is offered from some of the main hotels within Christchurch or from the Canterbury Museum.
Is whale watching included?
Whale watching at Kaikōura is mentioned as a possible optional extra if time permits.
Are the Hanmer Springs pools included?
A visit to the Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools is an optional extra (Adult $35, Child $20 per person).
What regions does the tour cover?
The route travels through Kaikōura, Picton and the Marlborough Sounds, Nelson and Takaka, St Arnaud at Lake Rotoiti, Lewis Pass and Hanmer Springs, finishing via Waipara vineyards back to Christchurch.