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Kaikoura is a coastal town on the South Island of New Zealand. It is known for its marine life and stunning beach landscape. Kaikoura also hosts bucket-list activities such as swimming with dolphins, hiking with llamas, and whale watching, making it a popular tourist destination. Most visitors fly into Christchurch Airport and make their way directly to Kaikoura. If you’re wondering what the best mode of transportation from Christchurch to Kaikoura is, this guide will tell you everything you need to know!
Note: All price estimates are in USD.
Rental Car
Driving a rental car is my favorite way to travel around New Zealand because it gives you the freedom and flexibility to travel at your own pace and enjoy various stops. The drive to Kaikoura is breathtaking, and you will see the landscapes changing throughout.
How long is the drive?
The drive is approximately 2.5 hours (180 km or 111 miles) taking SH 1.
Is the drive safe?
The roads are well-paved, and despite a few twists and turns, the drive was safe and easy. Even if you are not the most confident driver, you should be okay if you have basic driving experience. I found this was accurate for almost all of New Zealand (once I got used to driving on the left!).
Which rental car company should I book with?
There are many rental car options at Christchurch Airport, and all of them will shuttle you from the arrivals area to their rental car building for easy pick-up. Pricing can be as low as $31 a day if you book far enough in advance (5 months out), though most options will be $60+ a day.
I used Snap Rentals and had a seamless experience for a decent price. Other good options include Thrifty and Budget Rentals for good service at great pricing.
If your budget is higher, you can use Hertz or Avis. However, I didn’t see the need to pay double the price of Snap rentals, especially since I have good insurance/coverage from my travel credit card.
What documents do I need to drive in New Zealand?
As long as you have a current and valid overseas driver’s license or international driving permit (and the license it is based on), you can legally drive in New Zealand for up to 12 months. You do not have to take any other steps if the license is in English. If your license is in another language, you need an accurate English translation from a translator approved by the New Zealand Transport Agency, a diplomatic representative, or the authority that issued your license.
Tip: Check for roadwork and travel delays on the NZ Transport website.
Intercity Bus
If you do not wish to rent a car, the next best option is to catch the Intercity bus. The Intercity bus runs year-round, and ticket prices vary, though they can be as low as $26 for a one-way ticket. The bus runs daily at 7:30 AM and 2:30 PM from 84-78 Lichfield Street.
I recommend booking your ticket online in advance as seats can run out, and it is cheaper to book sooner than later. For the standard fare, you can amend your booking up to two hours before departure for a $6.50 fee, but you cannot get a refund. For a flexi-fare, the same rebooking fee applies. However, you can also get a refund (minus the booking fees and a $2 admin fee) up to two hours before departure.
Train
For a scenic route, the train is also a great option. The main reason I recommend the bus over the train is that the schedule changes depending on the season. However, there is usually a departure at 7 AM. If the timing works out, this method of transportation is more comfortable, and the views are gorgeous.
The train you will book is the Coastal Pacific route from Christchurch to Picton, stopping at Kaikoura. It takes three hours to reach Kaikoura, though the train can sometimes be delayed by up to 30 minutes.
The train costs approximately $100 for a scenic seat (the lowest fare) and $300 for a scenic plus seat. The upgraded fare allows a higher baggage allowance and includes food and drink. However, the refund terms are stricter for the scenic plus fare. Customers must cancel at least seven days in advance for a full refund. In contrast, the regular fare only requires a 24-hour notice.
Full Day Tour
If you want to book transportation and a tour simultaneously, there are a few whale-watching tours from Christchurch to Kaikoura. Afterward, you can choose to stay in Kaikoura or return to Christchurch.
However, I only recommend this option if you are pressed for time and must return to Christchurch on the same day. Booking a full-day tour tends to be more expensive than booking transportation and the activity separately. The swimming with dolphins excursion is more exciting than the whale-watching excursion. Unfortunately, Dolphin Encounter doesn’t offer a full-day tour from Christchurch.
Chauffer
A final option to travel from Christchurch to Kaikoura is to hire a private chauffeur. A chauffeur is the most costly option because it is a luxury service. It is $150 per person with a minimum of three people and $19 for each additional person after.
I only recommend this option if you are traveling in a group. That way, the cost split between everyone may be comparable to that of the bus or the train. The nice thing about hiring a private chauffeur is you receive door-to-door service, and they can also book other tours and services for you.
Top Three Stops Along the Way
You can make several stops along the way from Christchurch to Kaikoura if you are driving or hiring a private chauffeur. Here are the ones that I recommend:
Amberley
Amberley is a charming town 50 minutes from Christchurch, featuring gorgeous gardens and cozy cafes. It is the perfect town to stretch your legs and grab coffee or brunch. There are also multiple boutiques you can explore to buy some souvenirs.
Waipara
If you love wine, Waipara is the stop for you! Waipara is only a few minutes from Amberley and is one of New Zealand’s premier wine regions. Waipara has over 75 vineyards known for its Rieslings and Pinot Noirs. I recommend Pegasus Bay Winery for its incredible selection and gorgeous bay views.
Gore Bay
The final stop I recommend is Gore Bay. Located 1.5 hours into your drive, Gore Bay provides stunning scenery with dramatic cliffs. The cliffs look a lot like the Clay Cliffs near Mount Cook, and there is a convenient turn-off off the main road to the Cathedral Cliffs viewpoint. You can also keep driving down to the famous surfing beaches to walk along the water and stretch your legs. However, the beaches in Kaikoura look similar, so it isn’t worth the extra time if you are in a rush.
There are multiple methods to get from Christchurch to Kaikoura, with some fantastic stops on the way! I hope this guide helps you decide the best route for you.
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