In November 2016 a massive earthquake struck in the Kaikoura/Waiau region closing state highway one along the eastern coastline. This is not expected to reopen until December 2017. The road has since been upgraded, widened and has plenty of places to pull over to admire the view.
The middle section of the South Island is very much neglected in many travel brochures and guides. In this region is North Canterbury, Lewis Pass, Hanmer Springs, Kaikoura and Springs Junction to name a few. You will discover wide river beds, snow capped mountains, vast landscapes and rugged coastlines.
There are basically three ways to access this region. Option One is via Nelson heading down State Highway 6 through Murchison and Springs Junction. This highway splits off just 11 klm’s south of Murchison to the West Coast and then again at Springs Junction towards Reefton or left through the Lewis Pass. This mountain road is probably the least effected by snow in winter compared to the other southern passes, but do check before heading south.
The road is quite suitable for all vehicles and in summer months makes for great motorcycle riding. There are a small number of twisting turns, but mostly long straights and wide sweeping bends. At Springs Junction there is accommodation, fuel and food. Fuel is available 24/7, but the local cafe closes early. We don’t recommend the cafe unless you are really desperate as the quality has gone down hill over the years. If you are heading south from Murchison look out for Read’s Store on the right about 30-40 mins drive. If it’s open it is well worth a stop.
Just east of Springs Junction are some hot pools, restaurant and accommodation. This is a popular stop but Hanmer Springs has much more to offer. However you will find Hanmer much more crowded than Maruia Springs.
View from the deck at Maruia Springs Thermal Pools.
The mountain views over Lewis Pass are stunning in summer and winter. As you head east over the pass, on the right hand side you will see a number of gravel tracks which are worth checking out if you have time. There is a DOC camp where you can stay in tents or your own camper/caravan. The river here is beautiful and a short walk along the river bank you will find a hot water spot. I’ll record exactly how to find this in the near future, so check back here to see if I’ve updated the website.
Hanmer Springs is a mountain based village with a huge variety of interesting options. Famous for its natural hot springs, it is also a mountain bikers paradise as well as four wheel driving, golf courses and skiing.
The village has a variety of restaurants, cafes, accommodation, fuel, food, hardware, clothing stores, gifts and souvenirs.
Option two for a southerly trip from the Top Of The South is through Blenheim and down State Highway 1 along the coastal highway. You will see rugged coastlines, steep clad mountain slopes, farmland and small seaside villages along the way. There are a number of seaside cafes, camp grounds and plenty of opportunities to see seals up close. The road is a mixture of long straights, sweeping bends and twisting hills but is suitable for all vehicle types. This is a very popular tourist route but is also the main highway between Christchurch and the North Island. Due to the narrow and twisting nature of this road there may be hold ups due to slips and crashes that can block the road from time to time.
There is a favourite spot of ours to stop, call Kekerunga Store. You will see this right on the shoreline south of Ward and as you head round a right hand bend. There is plenty of parking for all vehicles. If you are heading north, be very careful exiting as you can’t see very far because of the bend in the road.
There is an inland route from Hanmer to Kaikoura which offers amazing back country views. The road is good, suitable for all vehicles, but has some tight twisty parts and steep ascents/descents. It’s a great motorcycling road. There is only one small town, Waiau which has food, drink and fuel, however due to the Nov 16 earthquake it would pay to check what is available there.
Mt Lyford is a ski resort with accommodation to suit everyone. We haven’t explored this region fully yet.
Saints Mt Lyford Lodge
The Store Kekerunga
Kaikoura is the largest town between Blenheim and Christchurch and is a tourist mecca. From here you can drive out to rocky points and get up close and personal with seals. There are whale watching tours, walks, and much much more to see and do.
Option Three. This involves a four wheel drive or off road motorbike ride through gravel roads via the Rainbow or Molesworth. Both are paper roads (roads that legally exist but are unformed) and access to the Molesworth is just out of Blenheim. Heads towards Nelson and look out for the signs not far out from Blenheim, probably within 10 mins drive. Access to the Rainbow road is just before St Arnaud which you also head towards Nelson and then turn left at the sign post further along than the Molesworth turn off. The Rainbow access is 70 klm’s from Richmond, Nelson and 100 klm’s from Blenheim. There are gate fees to be paid and the roads are not always open so check out the links I have provided to understand how access is obtained.
Mt Lyford is a mountain village located midway between Kaikoura and Hamner Springs. There is a mountain lodge with great accommodation and food. It pays to book in winter as there is a ski field close by and is very popular in winter.