Christchurch to Dunedin Road Trip
For an easy drive with great scenery the journey from Christchurch to Dunedin is the perfect road trip. Travelling on the East Coast of the South Island on State Highway 1, this 360km trip covers plenty of natural attractions, world-class fishing spots, wildlife, local history and stunning beaches. The highway is safe to drive in Winter with no snow and you are spoilt for choice of towns to explore and spend the day or night.
Here are just some places of interest on this itinerary. There are plenty more things to do along the way.
Christchurch - Christchurch is the largest city in the South Island, located mid-way along its east coast. The city has plenty to see and do. It is known as the “garden city”, watered by the Avon and Heathcote Rivers that flow through it, and bounded to the south by the Port Hills of Banks Peninsula, which separate Christchurch City from its port at Lyttelton Harbour.
Skiing is popular in Winter from Christchurch, with a good selection of ski areas on the eastern slopes of the Southern Alps within one or two hours’ drive. The largest ski area is at Mount Hutt, with smaller areas at Porter’s Pass, Temple Basin, Mounts Cheeseman and Dobson, among others. There’s so much on offer in Christchurch. Visit local and international wildlife at the Orana and Willowbank wildlife parks, take in a show at the newly re-housed Court Theatre, explore history at Canterbury or Air Force Museums, see penguins at the International Antarctic Centre, take a leisurely punt down the Avon River, or experience spectacular 360 degree views of the city and surrounding areas from the top of the Christchurch Gondola. Christchurch has a vibrant arts and music scene, with great dining and nightlife. There are regular markets and world-class sporting events such as horse racing, golf championships, jet boat racing, and international rugby, cricket and netball contests.
Rakaia – The Salmon fishing capital of the world. Located in the Canterbury Plains, The Rakaia River is one of the largest braided rivers in New Zealand. Rakaia is the first township in the Mid Canterbury region as you travel South from Christchurch, after crossing the longest bridge in the Southern Hemisphere, 1.9km in you'll have plenty of opportunities to stretch the legs. When you visit Rakaia, you will get to taste the community charm and take in the walkways, beauty and peacefulness that Rakaia has on offer.
Moeraki - Moeraki is a small fishing village on the coast between Oamaru and Dunedin that has long been a popular holiday destination. Its attractions include the famous Moeraki Boulders and colonies of fur seals, little blue and yellow-eyed penguins. Moeraki is a small peninsula and harbour, with Koekohe Beach to the north and Hampden Beach to the south. A whaling station was established there in 1836 and a lighthouse was built at Katiki point in 1875, which still operates today. There are several restaurants at Moeraki that serve seafood as a speciality. Note that Moeraki is not to be confused with Lake Moeraki on the South Island’s West Coast near Haast.
Kurow - Steeped in history, Kurow is situated between the braided Waitaki River and the Saint Mary’s Range in North Otago, just 45 minutes’ drive inland from Oamaru on State Highway 83. While Kurow and the Hakataramea district might be better known today as the boyhood home of rugby legend Richie McCaw, for those who want to take the time to scratch beneath the surface there is much more to discover. Try the Kurow Hill walkway, wetlands and island walk, and the museum which is full of local history. Nearby Duntroon has a working blacksmith, or visit the Vanished World Centre which houses an inspiring collection of fossils detailing the geology of the District. Glenmac Farmstay offers a true country experience. Stay in unique accommodation set in a peaceful location at end of the valley, no traffic noises or street lights. A wonderful place to relax or be as active as you wish. Shearing, mustering, sheep dogs working, feeding lambs etc are seasonal as is all work on a farm. Get a good insight into the running of the property, together with friendly country hospitality and home cooked meals.
Oamaru - Oamaru is a port city in North Otago that became very prosperous in the mid-to-late 19th Century through its trade in gold, wool, meat and grain. A high-quality limestone, known as Oamaru stone, was used to build large, elegant buildings, many of which are still standing, especially in the city district known as “the Victorian Precinct”. Oamaru’s history has inspired a recent trend towards “retro” styles of dress, recreation and artwork. Locals have embraced a modern art and engineering movement known as “steam punk”. The city has two related museum/galleries with workshops: the Retro Funk Museum and Steampunk HQ. The penny-farthing bicycle is emblematic of this movement. Guided tours from Oamaru take visitors on heritage journeys that include old homesteads and historic farms. Tours also include places of wildlife interest, including a blue penguin centre and fur seal colony.
Timaru - Timaru is Canterbury’s second largest city (after Christchurch) and the South Island’s second largest fishing port (after Nelson). Much of the local industry is based around processing and packaging of agricultural products for export from its large, man-made harbour. The city is built on undulating ancient lava flows that have provided the “bluestone” used to build many fine Edwardian and Victorian buildings. Its mild climate is excellent for growing crops such as apples, berries, asparagus and flowers, especially roses, which can be admired in rose gardens, especially at the seaside holiday parklands of protected and sandy Caroline Bay. Timaru has more than 500 sites of early Maori occupation, including rock carvings and cave paintings found along the Opuha and Opihi Rivers. The South Canterbury Museum has displays of ancient Maori artefacts. It is unclear whether the name Timaru derives from “Te Maru” (place of shelter) or “Tihi-a-Maru” (citadel of Maru – an ancestor).
Dunedin - Dunedin is a city rich in history, with unique landscapes and abundant wildlife. Visit Dunedin to see impressive architecture and stunning ornamental gardens. Walk the worlds steepest street, explore sea-carved sandstone cliffs, rock arches and caves. Get up-close to the rare yellow-eyed penguin, and watch sea lions hang out on the rocks on the Otago Peninsula boasting spectacular coastal views. Visit the country’s only castle or take a walk through the city and admire the historic buildings. Stay a while and explore all that Dunedin has to offer. Dunedin's dramatic hills surround a long, natural harbour, which attracted Maori settlers to the site over four centuries ago. More recently the area was settled by whalers, gold miners and migrants from Scotland and China. Memorable for its historical architecture, Dunedin is one of the best-preserved Victorian and Edwardian cities in the Southern Hemisphere. The Otago Peninsula is home to the only mainland albatross colony in the Southern hemisphere or enjoy walks with spectacular coastal views and a chance to see wildlife. Visit Sandfly Bay Recreation Reserve – remarkable for its native fauna and flora and its spectacular views of the Otago Peninsula coastline and cliff tops. It has a significant colony of yellow-eyed penguins and seabirds such as spotted shags, sooty shearwaters and variable oystercatchers. New Zealand fur seals and New Zealand sea lions hang out on the rocks and beach and wallow in the sand.
