Along the East Coast of the South Island are kilometres of attractions, settlements, and hidden gems. Here’s an overview of the ‘must-dos’ when travelling from Picton to Invercargill via State Highway 1.

Key:
free: activity is free or requires coin donation
$ = between $0-$30 for an adult fare (general admission)
$$ = between $30-$80 per adult
$$$ = over $80 per adult

Contents

1. Picton
2. Blenheim
3. Kaikōura
4. Christchurch
5. Ashburton
6. Timaru
7. Ōamaru
8. Ōamaru to Dunedin
9. Dunedin
10. The Catlins
11. Invercargill

1. Picton

Picton is situated in the Marlborough Sounds at the base of Picton Harbour. It was the site of Waitohi, a Māori pā constructed by Te Āti Awa who migrated here from Taranaki. From the 1900s, the population dramatically increased with construction of the railway, freezing works, and Cook Strait Ferry which began operating in 1962. Why not book a cute Kiwi bach

Picton Activities

• Hike the Queen Charlotte Track ($-$$transport)
• Queen Charlotte Sound Mail Cruise ($$$)
• Kayak Hire ($$)
• Short walks (free)
• Ecoworld Aquarium & Wildlife Rehab Centre ($)
• Kaipūpū Wildlife Sanctuary (free-$transport)
• Heritage & Whaling Museum ($)
• Edwin Fox Museum ($)
• Picton Cinema ($)
  
  

For more details, don’t miss these 11 Awesome things to do in Picton!

2. Blenheim

Blenheim (Waiharakeke) is the largest and most industrialized settlement of the Marlborough region. It was built on the waterlogged Wairua Plain and called ‘Beaverton’ by European settlers due to frequent floods. It has one of the sunniest climates in New Zealand and is internationally renowned for its wine industry.

Blenheim Activities

• Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre ($)
• Wine tours & tastings ($$-$$$)
• Marlborough Museum (free on certain days-$)
• Millennium Public Art Gallery (free)
• Parks & Reserves: Wither Hills Farm Park, Henderson Street Reserve, McKendry Park, Seymour Square, Pollard Park

3. Kaikōura

Kaikōura is a coastal town that celebrates the coastal way of life. Join a whale and dolphin cruise to see these amazing animals in their natural environment. At lunchtime, savour delicious lobster from a kai-cart, browse the boutiques with locally made goods, and then return to your luxurious beachfront room to bask in the afternoon sun.

Enjoy walks and scenic adventures? Click here to learn about the amazing outdoor experiences in Kaikōura.

Kaikōura Activities

• Whale/dolphin watching and swimming cruises ($$-$$$)
• Wildlife viewing: seals at Kaikōura Peninsula, seabirds (free)
• Walking & Hiking tracks
• Kaikōura Museum ($)
• Scenic Flights ($$$)
• Seal Swim Kaikoura ($$$)
• Kayaking ($$)

4. Christchurch

Also known as the Garden City, Christchurch is one of the major centres of the South Island full of family-friendly activities. It was struck by a violent earthquake in 2011 and repairs on some buildings still continue. But overall, the city has made an inspiring recovery, filled with sunlit arcades, hip-eateries, and tree-lined streets. Take time to explore stunning art galleries, markets, and gardens, or take a scenic drive to Lyttleton or Akaroa towards the coast.

Christchurch Activities

• Botanic Gardens & Hagley Park (free)
• Canterbury Museum (free)
• Art Gallery (free)
• Arts Centre Matatiki Toi Ora (free)
• Christchurch Historical Tram ($)
• Visit the Bridge of Remembrance
• Quake City ($)
• National Antarctic Centre ($$)
• Willowbank Wildlife Reserve ($$)
• Orana Wildlife Park (open range zoo) ($$)
• Christchurch Gondola ($)
• Punting the Avon River ($)
• Tram City Tour ($)
• Swimming/surfing/fishing at Sumner Beach
• Mona Vale Homestead & Garden
• Riccarton Sunday Market
• Lyttleton Farmers Market
• Christchurch Farmers’ Market (Saturday)
• Margaret Mahy Playground
• Parks & Walks: Orton Bradley Park, Victoria Park
• Visit Akaroa known for its distinct French influence, about 1hr drive from Christchurch city

5. Ashburton/Hakatere

Driving south from Christchurch on Highway 1, you will soon pass through Ashburton (Hakatere). Some people consider Ashburton a satellite town of Christchurch, but it has a few unique things to do. Wander the op-shops or take a break from your road trip by refreshing at one of the many bakeries.

Do you know the Ashburton’s nickname? Find it on our fun article: South Island town slogans.

Ashburton Activities

• Ashburton Museum & Art Gallery (free)
• Ashburton Cinema ($)
• Salmon fishing in the Rakaia River ($permit)
• Ashburton Aviation Museum ($)
• Trott’s Garden (free/donation)
• Walks around Ashburton Domain
• Braided Woods/Lake Hood Trail
• The Plains Vintage Railway Museum ($)

6. Timaru

Timaru is a small, breezy city on the coast, roughly a ~ 2-hour drive south of Christchurch. Stoll along the city streets and enjoy the relaxed pace of life here, browsing shops with local goods and cosy cafes. If the sun is shining, make sure you check out the harbourside attractions at Caroline Bay.

Timaru Activities

• Swimming & surfing at Caroline Bay
• Caroline Bay Carnival Rides ($)
• Timaru Botanic Gardens
• Te Ana Māori Rock Art Tours (Centre tour $, Rock art tour $$$)
• Trevor Griffith’s Rose Garden (free)
• South Canterbury Museum (free)
• Aigentighe Art Gallery (free)
• Famlan Farm Park ($)
• Tuhawaiki (Jack’s) Point Lighthouse (free)

7. Ōamaru

Ōamaru is a large town in North Otago that boasts a unique Victorian/steampunk theme along with an abundance of arts and craftspeople. Visit the Blue Penguin colony near Wanbrow Reserve and wander through the Historical Precinct whose buildings were constructed from locally quarried limestone, giving this town its nickname of ‘the White Stone City.’

Things to do in Ōamaru

• Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony ($$)
• Steampunk HQ ($)
• Visit galleries, bakeries, craft stalls, and shops in the historical Harbour Street
• Walking tracks at Oamaru Public Garden and Wanbrow Reserve
• The yearly Victorian Fete held in November (free)
• Sunday Farmer’s Market at 1 Wansbeck Street
• Bike the Alps to Ocean Cycle Trail from Aoraki/Mount Cook
• Art galleries: Grainstore Gallery, Forrester Gallery (free)
• Janet Frame House ($5)
• Waitaki Museum & Archive (free)

8. Places between Ōamaru and Dunedin

Between Ōamaru and Dunedin, Highway 1 veers through peaceful rural villages and follows the sandy coastline, passing Moeraki Boulders, Shag Point/Matakaea, and Blueskin Bay.

Moeraki

• The unusual Moeraki Boulders are best seen at low tide. The turn-off to the boulders is signposted and about 5mins south of Hampden (free-donation)*
• Fleur’s place, a café/bar/restaurant in the fishing village of Moeraki ($-$$)
• Kaitiki Point Lighthouse & wildlife spotting (free)
• Trotter’s Gorge Scenic Reserve walking trails
  
  

*Intriguingly, the Moeraki boulders are similar to the Whitecliffs Boulders found near Taihape in the North Island- see Awesome things to do on a budget near Taihape, New Zealand.

Shag Point/Matakaea

Shag Point/Matakaea nature reserve has special significance to Māori and was once a coal mine. Some of the rusted mining relics can still be seen today. It is situated 9km north of Palmerston at the end of the narrow Shag Point Road.

• Geological oddities: round boulders and fossils. A 7-metre plesiosaur fossil was discovered here.
• Wildlife viewing: fur seals, shags (cormorants), dolphins.
• Short walking trails & scenic lookout- stick to the well-worn tracks lest you fall down a mine shaft!

Blueskin Bay/Waitati

Blueskin Bay was named after a local Māori chief Te Hikututu and his nephew Kahutin, referencing to their Tā Moko (traditional Māori tattoos). This small township is a beautiful seaside idyll and within easy driving distance to Dunedin with roadside stalls, native birds, and a sheltered estuary.

Things to do Blueskin Bay

• Explore and gather cockles at Doctor’s Point
• Visit the beautiful Blueskin Bay Nurseries & Café
• Bird watching at the Orokonui Lagoon Walk
• See local art at Gallery on Blueskin
• Take the Scenic Route to Dunedin via Blueskin Road. Visit Orokonui Ecosanctuary and have a tasty dinner at Careys Bay Historic Hotel in Port Chalmers.

9. Dunedin/Ōtepoti

Smaller than Christchurch but bigger than Invercargill, Dunedin is a picturesque city situated by on coastline with a rich history. Wander the central streets lined with stunning historical buildings, or even test your nerves by staying in a haunted hotel. On a pleasant day, don’t miss the outdoor activities: cruises, nature walks, beaches, and wildlife viewing. Dunedin has the only mainland Southern Royal Albatross colony in the world and is also home to the world’s rarest yellow-eyed penguin.

Top Dunedin Activities

For a comprehensive guide on Dunedin attractions, click here. Love tasty food? Don’t miss our popular post on the Dunedin Gift Guide for Foodies.

• Otago Museum (free)
• Toitū Early Settlers Museum (free)
• Dunedin Public Art Gallery (free)
• Botanic Gardens
• Dunedin Midwinter Carnival held annually in June
• Olveston Historic Home ($)
• Visit Baldwin Street- the steepest street in the world! (free)
• Brewery Tours ($)
• Otago Farmer’s Market
• Brave the student quarter (eg. North Dunedin, Castle Street, Grange street)

Special note: Otago Peninsula

Otago peninsula is a short drive from Dunedin city and is the place to go for amazing cultural and wildlife experiences. Enjoy high tea at one of New Zealand’s only castles and see cute fluffy albatross chicks at Taiaroa head (March -April). Join a tour, take a scenic bike ride around the peninsula, or hire a car for fun a self-guided experience.

• Larnach Castle ($-$$)
• Take a Wildlife cruise with Monarch Cruises
• OPERA Conservation Reserve: see yellow-eyed penguins, one of the rarest penguin species in the world ($$)
• Royal Albatross Centre: view Southern Royal Albatross from Taiaroa Head lookout platform (free) or view the nesting area ($$). You can also watch amazing little blue penguins return to their nests at sunset ($$)

10. The Beautiful Catlins

The Catlins is a wild region that extends over a region between south Otago and Southland. It was historically occupied by Waitaha, Kāti Māmoe, and Kāi Tahu iwi (tribes). From the mid-1800s the sawmilling industry boomed and much of the forests were cleared for farmland. The Department of Conservation (DOC) now manages the remaining bush.

Catlins Activities

• Nugget Point: Tokata Lighthouse, Penguin & Seal Observatory (free)
• Curio Bay Petrified Forest/Tumu Toka (free)
• Cathedral Cave at low tide ($)
• Jack’s Blowhole
• Waterfalls: McLean Falls, Pūrākaunui Falls, Matai Falls, Niagara Falls
• Surat Bay: historical wreck & sea lions
• Porpoise Bay surfing
• Slope Point (the southernmost part of the South Island)
  
  

For more information check out the Top 8 Attractions in the Catlins you can’t miss!

11. Invercargill

Invercargill is a small, peaceful city; the ideal place to recuperate after a few days on the road. Book a night or two at one of the many affordable hotels close to the city, and enjoy fun activities by day. Invercargill is also great stop over point if you plan to visit Stewart Island or Te Anau.

Fun fact: Did you know Invercargill is one the windiest places in New Zealand (after Wellington)?

Invercargill Attractions

• Admire the lovely gardens and farm animals at Queens Parks (free)
• E. Hayes & Sons: home to Burt Munro’s famous motorcycle, a gallery & motorcycle collections (free)
• Bill Richardson Transport World ($$)
• Motorcycle Mecca Museum ($$)
• Dig This (Bookings required, $$$)
• Demolition World (gold coin donation)
• Nature walks: Thompsons Bush, Otepuni Gardens
• Bluff: the famous ‘bluff signpost,’ walks around Stirling Point, Stirling Point Lighthouse, the departure point for the Stewart Island Ferry

Ready to take the next step?

Thinking about your transport options?

Snap Rentals offers a range of excellent car-hire options with drop off points. Or perhaps a campervan might be more your style? Learn about the pros of campervan travel here.


More useful destination guides:

• 11 Awesome things to do in Picton
• The best free things to do in Kaikoura
• The top activities in Dunedin
• Amazing experiences in The Catlins you can’t miss

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