7-day Marlborough road trip itinerary

If you’ve just enjoyed a North Island road trip, you’ll be chomping at the bit to see what awaits as you cross the Cook Strait. To do this, you’ll need to book yourself (and your motorhome) on the Bluebridge Ferry. The ferry ride takes around 3.5 hours and is the perfect opportunity to put your feet up and relax. Enjoy lunch at the onboard café then head up to the viewing deck to take in the breathtaking scenery as you cruise through the clear waters of Marlborough Sounds. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife – you may spot a playful dolphin, seal, or even an orca. 

The first stop as you reach the South Island is in picturesque Picton. This port town is known as the ‘heart of the Marlborough Sounds’ and is the perfect spot to catch your breath and soak up the relaxed South Island atmosphere. If you need a good coffee or a bite to eat, you’ll find plenty of great options along the main street. Our suggestion is to grab some tasty fish and chips from Kiwi Takeaways on High Street, then head to Shelley Beach Reserve to enjoy them in the fresh air.  

If you’re keen to see a bit of history while you’re here, visit the Edwin Fox Ship and Visitor Centre. The ship is the last surviving convict ship that took convicts to Australia and the oldest surviving merchant ship left in the world. The ship has been lovingly preserved over the last 30 years and sits in a dry dock for visitors to explore. 

For a great place to park up your motorhome for the night, head to Picton Campervan Park. This handy campground is just two minutes drive from the ferry terminal and a short walk from the waterfront and shops. 

Enjoy a relaxed morning as you prepare for day two of your Marlborough Sounds road trip. Today, you’ll be travelling to the charming town of Havelock. Your travel time is around an hour, although you may like to add in a little extra for sightseeing along the way. There are two options for travelling to Havelock. The first is via Queen Charlotte Drive. This stretch of road is incredibly scenic with fantastic views across the Marlborough Sounds. Take note, however, that the road is very narrow and windy in parts and is popular with cyclists, so you’ll need to take it slow. For those who prefer to avoid the windy roads, head down SH1, turn onto SH62 at Spring Creek, then back up SH6. 

The coastal village of Havelock was once a gold-mining settlement. Today, however, it is better known as the ‘Greenshell Mussel Capital of the World’. And the best place to try these delicious shellfish is at The Mussel Pot. You can sample mussels cooked pretty much any way you like them – grilled with garlic and herb butter, in a chowder, or fresh from the shell… delicious! Once you’re stuffed with seafood, take a lazy stroll through the township and check out some of the boutique art and craft galleries. 

Don’t miss the opportunity to visit Pelorus Bridge Reserve while you’re in Havelock. This scenic reserve is around 20 minutes’ drive from Havelock. Enjoy the beautiful forest and river scenery along one of the various walks on offer (from five minutes to four hours). Fans of The Hobbit movies may notice some familiar scenery. Peter Jackson chose Pelorus Bridge as a filming location for scenes from The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug. Here, the dwarves were filmed floating in barrels down the river. Not something we’d recommend doing, but you can take a Hobbit Kayak Tour instead!

Make the most of your time in Havelock with a stay at the Havelock Holiday Park. The campground has a large kitchen, covered barbecue area, modern bathroom facilities, and a laundry with washing machines and dryers. 

Another of Marlborough’s charming townships, Renwick is the ultimate spot to indulge yourself in some of the region’s famous wine. And the best way to do it? Book a bike tour and cruise between vineyards, enjoying the sublime scenery along the way. There are plenty to choose from with more than 30 cellar doors, most of them within a short pedalling distance of each other. Some of our favourites include Forrest Wines, Framingham Wines, and Gibson Bridge Vineyard. 

While you’re in town, take in some of the local history at the Renwick Museum. The museum houses an extensive collection of early school learning materials along with Māori artefacts. 

Park up in the scenic surrounds of the Spring Creek Holiday Park or enjoy freedom camping at the Renwick Domain. 

Today you’ll be travelling to one of Marlborough’s most famous winemaking townships, Blenheim. It’s less than 20 minutes’ drive, so enjoy a lie-in and a relaxed breakfast before you pack up your camper and hit the road.

One of New Zealand’s sunniest towns, Blenheim is internationally renowned for its excellent sauvignon blanc. We suggest doing a little research while you’re here by sampling the offerings at some of the many great vineyards and cellar doors. Make some time to explore the shops, cafes, and galleries of central Blenheim, followed by a stroll along the Taylor River Reserve walkway.  

For a great night out, book a table at Gramado’s Restaurant and Bar. This Brazilian restaurant has a menu that is simply mouthwatering. Our tip – make sure you leave room for Gramado’s Chocolate Volcano for dessert.  

If you’re in Blenheim over the weekend, head along to one of the local markets and stock up on fresh produce and other goodies. Our pick is the Marlborough Farmers Market, held every Sunday, 9 am – 12 pm at the A&P Showgrounds. 

After a busy day of sightseeing and indulging in some new taste sensations, park up at Blenheim Bridges Holiday Park. Enjoy a glass of something special to finish off the night.

It’s day five and as you head south, you’ll be switching gears from wine-tasting to whale-watching! This leg of your 7-day New Zealand road trip takes you to the coastal village of Kaikōura.

It may be small, but Kaikōura is home to some of the biggest mammals on the planet. One of the must-do experiences here is a whale watch cruise. Cruise out into New Zealand’s deepest marine reserve where humpbacks, sperm whales, blue whales, southern right whales, and playful dusky dolphins are a regular sight. Aside from the incredible variety of wildlife that live here, Kaikōura is also famous for its delicious crayfish. In fact, the word ‘Kaikōura’ translates to mean ‘meal of crayfish’. And the very best place to enjoy one is at the world-famous Nins Bin – a humble little food caravan parked up near Half Moon Bay, check opening times as once the season is finished they close up.

There’s plenty more to see and do in Kaikōura including a visit to Fyffe House – the oldest surviving building and last remnant of a whaling station built in the mid-1800s. For more fascinating history and heritage, visit Kaikoura Museum.

Relax for the evening at Kaikoura TOP 10. Enjoy a barbecue dinner with a glass of sauvignon as you take in the stunning mountain views.

From the small townships to the big city – today you’re off to Christchurch. Along the way, you’ll pass through Waipara. This part of the South Island is known for excellent pinot noir and riesling. Take the opportunity to visit one of the vineyard restaurants for lunch. We recommend Waipara Hills on SH1. 

Once you reach Christchurch, you may like to explore the portside town of Lyttelton. Just 20 minutes from Christchurch’s CBD, Lyttelton is a vibrant spot brimming with bohemian artists, cafes, and eclectic shops. If you’re here on a Saturday, make sure you head along to the bustling farmers market. Need to stretch your legs? Take the one-hour walk from Lyttelton along the Coastal Path to Corsair Bay. 

For the last night of your amazing New Zealand road trip, park up at Tasman Holiday Parks. This premier park has everything you need to make the most of your final night. Take a swim in the indoor pool, soak in the heated spa, get your laundry done, and chat with other guests in the roomy communal dining spaces. 

It’s day seven and nearly time to head home. But you’ve still got time to squeeze in a few Christchurch experiences before you drop off your motorhome at the maui Christchurch branch.

One of the best ways to see a lot in a small amount of time is to hop on board the Christchurch tram. You’ll learn some of the fascinating history of the buildings and streets as you go. The tram starts and finishes at Cathedral Junction and you can hop on and off at any stage. Take the opportunity to explore the Canterbury Museum, Botanic Gardens, the SALT district, Riverside Market, and more great Christchurch attractions along the way. 

Ready to explore Marlborough and Christchurch?

Fabulous wineries and restaurants, breathtaking scenery, and bucket-list experiences… this awesome South Island road trip really does have it all. And there’s no better way to make the most of everything on offer than with the comfort and convenience of a maui campervan hire. 

If you’re ready to experience Marlborough and Christchurch for yourself, take the first step and book your Maui campervan today. With branches in Auckland, Queenstown, and Christchurch you can pick up your campervan at one branch and drop it off at another.