Are you looking for a seven day road trip you can start from Christchurch? We have the perfect option for you. Our seven day trip takes you from Christchurch to Invercargill, spanning 576 kilometers and through some of New Zealand’s most beautiful scenery.

Whether you are new to the area or looking for hidden gems, our trip has something for everyone. Our detailed itinerary below allows you to plan your dream road trip from Christchurch today.

Day 1 – Christchurch to Ashburton

Your journey begins with a one hour drive to Ashburton, where you will pass through stunning mountains, with plenty of opportunities to stop for photos. There are two rivers for fly fishing and lots of opportunities to head on the water for kayaking.

During your visit, head to Ashburton Domain, where you can enjoy wonderful views of Lake Hood. There are gardens for you to explore and lots of bird species that you can admire. Walking trails will lead you to historic buildings and sporting grounds, or there are cycleways that you can enjoy.

Lake Hood is one of our favourite spots, just fifteen minutes from Ashburton. The artificial lake has plenty of spots for swimming, sailing, kayaking, jet skiing, and more. If you want to enjoy water sports, this is the place for you! You can enjoy plenty of scenic walking trails, providing more peace and photo opportunities.

Day 2 – Ashburton to Timaru

Leaving Ashburton will take you to Timaru, filled with Victorian and Edwardian architecture and stunning mountain ranges. Their Botanic Gardens are a must, and are New Zealand’s oldest botanical garden. You will see stunning rose species, Australian plants, and more.

Caroline Bay Beach is a fantastic spot to stop at. You can enjoy walks or runs around the bay, or even hire a bike to see all the beach has to offer. There is a pool for children to paddle in, and plenty of photo opportunities you can take advantage of.

Day 3 – Timaru to Oamaru

Driving an hour will take you to Oamaru, where you can explore and learn about the culture and nature of the town. Kayaking, cycling, and penguin colonies make up this vibrant and intriguing place. Steampunk HQ is worth a visit, where you will see fantastic artistry in an 1880s Grain Elevator building.

The Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony is a popular choice too, where you can experience wildlife conservation and observation, guided by a team of experts. You will learn about the local penguin colony ,and if you are around for sunset, you can see their march home!

Day 4 – Oamaru to Dunedin

Dunedin is the perfect stop on your trip, with plenty of native wildlife, attractive sites, and historical buildings. New Zealand’s only castle, Larnach Castle is situated here and is well worth a visit. You can head to the zoo to spot the famous Australian Penguins too, or you can head to a special viewing area and see them in the wild. You can also climb the world’s steepest street here, Baldwin Street. Before you attempt it, make sure you park at its base!

The Otago Peninsula is worth visiting, where you can explore endless footpaths, spot yellow-eyed penguins, and even spot many rare bird species. It’s the perfect place to soak up nature and a unique environment. The Royal Albatross Centre also allows you to see the world’s only mainland breeding colony of Royal Albatross, where you can watch them fly and learn more about their lives.

Day 5 – Dunedin to Balclutha

As you leave Dunedin, you will be greeted by the Clutha River, with an arched bridge and walkway alongside it. It is the gateway to Catlins Coast and is an excellent spot for walking, taking pictures, or just enjoying the scenery.

Nugget Point and Tokata Walks are some of our favourite spots, where you can head to the platform and enjoy panoramic views of the ocean. Take a walk to Tokata lighthouse, where you can see even more beautiful views. Clutha River is another must see spot, where you can enjoy the views of the water and enjoy a peaceful moment to yourself.

Day 6 – Balclutha to Gore

A one-hour drive will take you to some of the quaint coastal towns in New Zealand. You will see sheep farms as part of your drive before you arrive at Gore, and you can explore the city in detail. Their art gallery is worth a visit, as is their moonshine whiskey museum, where you can learn about the local bootlegger history.

It’s great to visit from spring to early autumn,when the weather allows you to explore without feeling too cold. Dolamore Park should be visited, with its stunning views, walking trails, and nature that you can interact with. Make sure you have your camera to capture the beauty you will see!

Gore Public Gardens is a fantastic spot for unwinding and enjoying the flowers, with winding paths you can follow. The gardens have been here for decades, and remain well cared for, with vibrant flowers and plenty of benches to enjoy a quiet moment to yourself.

Day 7 – Gore to Invercargill

Completing your journey is a 45-minute drive that takes you to Invercargill. The southernmost New Zealand city has stunning landscapes, quirky attractions, and plenty of museums to enjoy. Make sure you pack layers, as the city is prone to windy weather and can be cloudy too, with the sun appearing for just 20% of the year.

At Invercargill, take some time to visit Queens Park, where you can enjoy the golf course, or enjoy the playground and water park with your children. If you want to take some time to relax, wander through the botanical gardens and enjoy the beautiful displays.

It is also worth visiting the Invercargill Water Tower, where you can enjoy its architecture and tick the sight off your bucket list.

Plan your Christchurch road trip today

As you travel from Christchurch to Invercargill, there are plenty of fantastic places to stop for local food, scenery, and sports. The best way to see these spots is with a campervan, where you can travel in comfort at your own pace. Travellers Autobarn can help you find the perfect campervan for your budget, making your trip possible. See deals on campervan hire in Christchurch to start your journey today.