Nelson to Kaikoura
Canterbury Self Drive Travel Guide

  Travel Facts
Distance: 245 km (152 miles )
Approximately: 3 hours 45 minutes
Road Conditions:
State Highway 6 Nelson to Blenheim.
State Highway 1 Blenheim to Kaikoura

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Nelson - Blenheim - Seddon - Clarence - Kaikoura.

From Nelson we follow State Highway 6 north through Wakapuaka and over the hills to Hira, the Whangamoa and Rai Saddles and into the Rai Valley. The scenery is dominated by the regions Pine Plantations, with some excellent views to the east, over Tasman Bay before cresting the hill and the short run down to Hira.

The drive through the Whanagmoa Valley and on to the Rai Valley is well formed and easy, although the rise to the Whangamoa saddle is a winding section of road.

At the southern end of the Rai Valley is the Pelorus Bridge Scenic Reserve this lowland forest offers a chance to take a breal form travel with a number of short walks in the area and a good swimminng hole. From here is it approximately 20 kms to Havelock at the head of Pelorus Sound.

Leaving Havelock south on SH 6 to Renwick and on to Blenheim will take you through some of Marlboroughs famous wine region.

Nelson - Blenheim - Seddon - Clarence - Kaikoura.

Continuing east and south from Blenheim on SH1 we cross the Dashwood Pass and enter the Awatere Valley as we approach Seddon. In this area the scenery is dominated by the foothills of the Inland Kaikoura range as the mountains rise behind to over 2800metres.

Nelson - Blenheim - Seddon - Clarence - Kaikoura.

From Seddon the road continues past Lake Grassmere and through Ward skirting the northern end of the Inland Kaikoura Range before meeting the east Coast on the long narrow corridor that follows the Coast line from the Waima River south through Kekerengu to Clarence just north of the Clarence River.

Nelson - Blenheim - Seddon - Clarence - Kaikoura.

At the Clarence River the dominating feature is the eastern wall of the Seaward Kaikoura Range where the peaks rise from sea level to 2500 metres in a mere 12km from the coast.

Following the winding corridor along the coast line we pass through Waipapa Bay, south at Ohau Point there is a lookout over the seal colony which is worth viewing. From here the continues along the coast line to a popular surfing stop at Mangamaunu Bay where the road cuts sharply inland before crossing the Hapuku River and the final leg across the pastoral plains to Kaikoura.

Nelson - Blenheim - Seddon - Clarence - Kaikoura.

In Maori, "kai" means food, "koura" is Crayfish (lobster). But it is today not just the succulent seafood for which Kaikoura is known. Indeed it is watching the ocean mamals that has enhanced the entire experience of Kaikoura as a holiday / tourist mecca.

There are a plethora of things to do and sights to see around the township, kayaking, mountain biking, hunting and fishing, diving, dolphin and bird watching with Whale Watching by boat, plane or helicopter perhaps being the most popular.

Yet all that is before you begin to explore the history and culture of the people and region or take to any of the numerous walking tracks around the region or spend your time swiming or surfing.

Those succulent morsals provided by that rugged coastline and ocean can still be enjoyed in a number of good eateries after which there are many walks to enjoy as you take in all that is Kaikoura, from the plentiful seafood, to all the scenic beauty and wonder. A must stop is the Visitor center on the waterfront.

 

Welcome to Kaikoura - enjoy your stay.

This Guide last Updated: February 2011