Nestled on the East Coast of the South Island is a stretch of utterly breathtaking New Zealand landscape. Here you’ll find all the big players; rugged coastlines, mountain ranges, surf beaches, vineyards and buzzing urban life. The Alpine Pacific Touring Route is 450km’s of scenery in the Canterbury Region, encapsulating Ōtautahi Christchurch, Waipara, Hanmer Springs and Kaikōura. Adventure awaits on this touring route with wildlife encounters, thermal hot springs, mountainous walking tracks and so much more. Romantic getaways in charming cabins and weekend escapes for wine tasting and dining are amazing things to do on the Alpine Pacific Touring Route. It’s an area of New Zealand with unique experiences and diverse natural wonders.
1. 450km’s of spectacular scenery
This is the ultimate road trip route in New Zealand. With so much diversity in such an accessible, approachable loop, you’ll fall in love with the experience of discovering The Alpine Pacific Touring Route. A journey starting and ending in Christchurch is the perfect way to enjoy this 450km’s of incredible scenery. The city boasts great food, street art, gardens and coastline, all within close proximity to Christchurch International Airport. Whether you’re arriving by car, plane or you’re a local Cantabrian, the ease of getting to the start line makes driving the Alpine Pacific Touring Route an appealing holiday plan.
There are many ways to embark on this South Island route. With 450km’s and multiple highlights along the way, allowing enough time to see the sights is key. A four-day journey from Christchurch can be a fantastic way to experience the trip. Stay overnight in Cheviot, Kaikōura and Hanmer Springs before returning to the big city. Check out itinerary inspirations here.
The Touring Route is in a special corner of New Zealand, home to wild beaches and alpine resorts. Come prepared for sun and snow depending on when you visit. Winter calls for time spent in the thermal hot springs in Hurunui, and wine tasting and cycling will fill up your summer days, so be sure to experience The Alpine Pacific Touring Route in all seasons.
2. Unforgettable experiences
The things to do on The Alpine Pacific Touring Route seem endless. Discover hidden gems along New Regent Street in Christchurch city, taste rieslings at Black Estate in the Waipara Valley and embark on some of the best walks in the region. Two adventure lovers’ playgrounds, Christchurch Adventure Park and Mt Lyford Adventure Park, are known for their ziplining, mountain biking and even skiing in winter. For more adventure in the mountains, head to Hanmer Springs Attractions and experience a high-speed jet boat ride. Kaikōura is home to incredible wildlife and Kaikōura Kayaks offers the perfect way to get out on the water to see the New Zealand fur seals and dolphins. Get even closer by swimming with dolphins with Dolphin Encounter.
When searching for accommodation on the Alpine Pacific Touring Route, book a place offering a memorable experience in its own. Stay in a Purepod under the stars, and soak in an outdoor hot tub at your cabin on a private ski run at Lake Stella Mountain Huts. Sleep among the trees at Hapuku Lodge & Treehouses with treehouses perched 10 metres high above the ground.
Find the unforgettable experiences that are unique to Canterbury. After sipping organic wine at Greystone stay for their impeccable four-course long lunch with wine pairings. Fly high above Kaikōura for a unique perspective of their famed sealife with Wings Over Whales. South Pacific Helicopters are the only locally owned heli company to fly over beautiful Kaikōura.
3. Weekend getaways
When it comes to weekend getaways in New Zealand, The Alpine Pacific Touring Route has everything you want for a much-needed escape. Drive to Christchurch in under five hours from Dunedin, and be sampling all sorts of goodies at the Riverside Market in Christchurch City by midday. Fly into Christchurch International Airport from Auckland or Wellington and be on the touring route in under two hours. The ease of getting here and shifting into holiday mode makes this an appealing roadie for a weekend.
The variety of things to see and do on The Alpine Pacific Touring Route means you can fit a lot into one weekend. If it’s a rejuvenating getaway to relax and recharge that you’re after, you’ll find quiet hotel retreats, private hot pools and saunas and picturesque walks in nature to nurture the soul. Romantic getaways on The Alpine Pacific Touring Route are what dreams are made of, with wineries, scenic flights and charming boutique accommodation to set the scene. Adventure in the South Island is a must, and this touring route boasts unforgettable experiences for the ultimate fast-paced getaway.
Trade the every day for coastal roads, vines stretching as far as the eye can see, whale watching and thermal hot springs. Do it in a weekend, and realise you could have stayed a whole week.
4. A unique slice of paradise
One of New Zealand’s biggest drawcards is its diverse natural environment. Journey from the coast to the snowy mountains in less than two hours, with a visit to rural wineries and cycle trails on the same day. This variety makes The Alpine Pacific Touring Route an appealing slice of paradise. As you travel between Christchurch and Hurunui, enjoy the warmth of Kiwi hospitality at small-town cafes and passionate winemakers. Scoot to Kaikōura along the scenic State Highway One coastal road and embark on experiences like whale watching, because Kaikōura is one of the few places in the world where sperm whales can be seen year-round.
Unique experiences and landscapes make this piece of New Zealand a must-visit. The international airport makes for easy access, so you can fly to the gateway of the South Island and get on with discovering this touring route for yourself.
5. Small towns
The charm of a New Zealand small town adds joy to any road trip. Swing into the Nor’ West Cafe in Amberley for a classic Kiwi lunch, just 40 minutes out of Christchurch. Stock up on supplies in the small town of Amberely before venturing inland to walk the Island Hills Station walking track. Explore the Waipara Valley with a visit to Black Estate and Greystone Winery. Cheviot is the largest little town on the touring route between Amberely and Kaikōura, and it’s a fantastic overnight stop on your journey. Check out the Cheviot Hills Domain for walking and cycling tracks, and cruise over to Gore Bay for a dose of New Zealand surf beaches.
The Alpine Pacific Touring Route is where the mountains meet the sea, and everything in between is worth exploring. Stay a while and enjoy this fantastic slice of New Zealand.
This article was created in paid partnership with Alpine Pacific Touring Route.
