Road Trip Christchurch to Dunedin Drive: 18 Incredible Stops

Before you head out, South Island’s largest city has unforgettable destinations you don’t want to miss.

Christchurch Botanic Gardens

The Christchurch Botanic Gardens have over 21 hectares of greenery and 10 different gardens to enjoy. Founded in 1863 from the planting of a single oak tree, the gardens have been a centrepiece of the city for over 150 years. You’ll find exhibits dedicated to local fauna and some incredible, well-designed gardening plots. Be sure to visit the gift shop on your way out!

Riverside Market

Founded to help restore Christchurch after the devastating 2011 earthquakes, the Riverside market has come to represent the indomitable spirit of the Canterbury region. Sample from a fine selection of quality local produce and fresh food, including craft beer, coffee, cured meats, and ice cream. With over 40 stalls across the market, you’re sure to find something to whet your appetite.

Christchurch Gondola

There’s no better way to see the whole city than from the thrilling heights of the Christchurch Gondola. This spectacular attraction offers a 360-degree panoramic view of Mount Cavendish to Port Hills. Once you're at the top, you’ll find plenty of unforgettable things to do. Stop by the Red Rock Cafe, or discover local history via the Discovery Ride, a historical attraction also known as the Time Tunnel.

Once you’ve seen everything Christchurch has to offer, it’s time to get GOing!

Our itinerary will take you along Wards Road to reach Rakaia Gorge for a longer but more exciting journey. If you’re visiting in winter, it’s also well worth taking a trip to Mt Hutt.

Rakaia Gorge Walkway

Last chance to stretch your legs before you begin your epic journey! The Rakaia Gorge Walkway is a world-renowned path that goes through snow-capped mountains, crystal-clear turquoise lakes, and serene farmlands. On top of the gorgeous scenic views, you can also find plenty of local flora and fauna through the native bush and open fields.

Ashburton Aviation Museum

Enjoy an extensive collection of over 40 well-preserved aircraft at the Ashburton Aviation Museum. The Museum houses a unique aircraft collection that is entirely run by a passionate volunteer staff ready to answer any questions. For a more hands-on experience, you can try out the ATR 72-500 flight simulator and feel the thrill of piloting for yourself.

Big Rock Adventures

You can trust the expert staff at Big Rock Adventures to give you a thrilling outdoor adventure. Whether you’re new to canyoning or a seasoned pro, you’ll find an option for an exciting journey that fits your experience level. Pick one of three different canyon tours, and enjoy a day out walking, abseiling, ziplining or sliding through a natural water park.

Sign of the Bellbird

Take a rest from the road with a quick stop at the Sign of the Bellbird. This stone rest house was originally built in 1914 by Samuel Hurst Seager as part of Harry Ell’s Summit Road vision. The house offers a breathtaking view of Canterbury plains, Lyttelto Harbour and the nearby mountains and lakes. You can also experience close encounters with local birdlife on walking trails through Kennedy’s Bush.

Head out onto State Highway 79 when you’re ready to continue your South Island road trip.

The road from Geraldine to Oamaru is a stunning journey that will take you along the eastern coastline for beautiful beachside views.

Peel Forest Park Scenic Reserve

The largest reserve in the Geraldine area has plenty to offer an eager traveller. The Peel Forest Park Scenic Reserve is most famous for its ancient and native podocarp forest, featuring totara, matai, and kahikatea over 1000 years old. Stroll along a diverse range of walking paths suitable for all experience levels, from full-day hikes to short 15-minute loops. Be sure to visit the Church of the Holy Innocents at Mount Peek Station before you leave.

Gem Alpaca Stud

For a truly fun and iconic stop, head to the Gem Alpaca Stud on 18 Nixons Road. On top of beautiful rolling hills and rural vistas, you can find a once-in-a-lifetime chance to pet an Alpaca in New Zealand! The farm runs daily guided tours that let you feed the Alpaca and teach visitors how they are farmed. You can also enjoy quality cafes and artisan shops while you’re in the area, including the local favourite Fairlie Bakehouse pies.

Timaru

You’ll find this hidden gem of a town right on your path to Oamaru. Home to the South Canterbury Museum and Caroline Bay Beach, Timaru is a fantastic place to spend a day or two exploring. Discover a rich cultural heritage through the museums, galleries and buildings. You can also whet your appetite at quality bistros and diners, or spot rare penguins during a stroll on the beach.

Elephant Rocks

The Elephant Rocks are a quaint attraction that’s well worth a quick detour while you're in the area. The large rock formation comes from a fossil-rich limestone formation that was eroded millions of years ago. You can find a parking bay opposite the rocks themselves if you want to take a quick break. Please be mindful that the Elephant Rocks are on private land, so visitors should be respectful of all signage and roaming stock.

Time for the last leg of your journey. Head back onto State Highway 1 to enjoy a straightforward drive into Dunedin. You’ll find most of our must-see stops are right on the fastest road in!

Oamaru

The ‘steampunk capital of New Zealand’ is a gorgeous town that looks untouched by time, with stunning limestone architecture. Visit the Victorian Precincts to experience an enduring spirit of the 19th century, as well as artisan shops, cafes and galleries. You can also head to the local blue penguin colony to see the world’s smallest penguins at dusk. Depending on the time of year, you could also attend the Steampunk Festival, held late May to early June every year.

Shag Point/Matakaea

Take a quick break from the road with a stop at Matakaea. Also known as Shag Point, this area features diverse marine wildlife and a storied history that reaches from the early Ngai Tahu settlement to the coalmining era. On the beach, you can also spot the mythical Moreaki Boulders, an important part of local cultural stories.

Matanaka Farm

Stop by New Zealand's oldest surviving farm building on your journey to Dunedin to experience a real hidden gem. Originally built in 1840 on top of a picturesque coastal headland, the farms offer a stunning view of the Waikouaiti Bay. The farm is much less crowded than other attractions and offers an intricate and lived look into the colonial and native history of the area.

Orokonui Ecosanctuary

This predator-free native sanctuary is dedicated to preserving and nurturing some of New Zealand's most endangered species of plants and wildlife. The Orokonui Ecosanctuary is a model conservation project with plenty of chances to encounter local wildlife on immersive walking tracks and tours. Enjoy the only place in the world where you can encounter tuatara reptiles, Otago skinks, or the South Island Brown Kiwi.

Welcome to the ‘wildlife capital of New Zealand!’ Dunedin is a fantastic place to stop and take a rest from your long journey, and features unforgettable vistas, museums, and wildlife watching opportunities.

Larnach Castle

No trip to Dunedin would be complete without visiting New Zealand's only functioning castle first! Built in 1871 and lovingly restored by the Barker Family, the castle features history tours, grand halls and beautiful gardens. If you're visiting in winter, try to book a ticket to the Larnarch Castle Winter Ball. Enjoy a night of dancing, live music and a haggis ceremony.

Dunedin Botanic Gardens

In Dunedin, stunning natural beauty is not just limited to hikes and walking trails. The Dunedin Botanic Gardens feature over 6,800 plant species across 28 hectares, including one of the largest rhododendron collections in the Southern Hemisphere. The gardens are also free admission, and have plenty of playgrounds, picnic areas and walking paths for a calm, tranquil day out.

Otago Peninsula

A trip to the Otago Peninsula is only 35-minutes drive from Dunedin and is a must-do for animal lovers. You’ll discover some of the rarest wildlife in the world right on the peninsula, including the world’s only Northern Royal Albatross breeding colony. You can also spot colonies of yellow-eyed penguins, sea lions and fur seals along the shores and rocks.