Driving Route : DHL Lions Series - Ultimate Route

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Day 16 : Christchurch to Blenheim

Travel time is approximate only, based on an average driving speed under normal road conditions.

	Travel time	Km	(Miles)
Christchurch - Kaikoura	2.25 hrs	184	115
Kaikoura - Blenheim	1.75 hrs	129	81
Totals for Day	4 hrs	313	196

Christchurch - Kaikoura

184 km (115 miles)
Approximately 2.25 hours
Road Conditions: Motorway/State Highway

The South Island's largest city, Christchurch is an entertaining mixture of refined lifestyle and cultural excitement. The tranquil Avon River meanders through the city, historic buildings house a lively arts community and restored trams make it easy to get around. Visit heritage sites, museums and art galleries, and enjoy the highly developed restaurant scene.

The trip north takes you past the surf beaches of Woodend, Waikuku, Leithfield and Amberley. Waipara is known for its vineyards and olive groves—an excellent place to pause for refreshment.

From Cheviot you can detour to Gore Bay to see the fascinating cliff formations. The impressive scenery of the coastal ranges accompanies the rest of the way to Kaikoura.

Kaikoura is a base for wildlife experiences of all kinds—it's also a great place to eat crayfish. A whale watch tour can take you to see Minke, Humpback and Southern Right whales mixing it with dolphins and orcas. You can also walk to see fur seal colonies and spy on big seabirds such as mollymawks, albatross and petrels.

Kaikoura - Blenheim

129 km (81 miles)
Approximately 1.75 hours
Road Conditions: State Highway

The road north is dominated by the awesome beauty of the Pacific Coast. Quinnat salmon are known to run in the Clarence River and just north of the Ure River is a road that leads to the walking trails of the Sawcut Gorge.

After the small town of Ward you'll come to the Lake Grassmere saltworks—an interesting stop, particulrly in late summer when the ponds turn coral pink. In the township of Seddon you'll find authentic New Zealand crafts.

Blenheim is the heart of wine-growing Marlborough. You'll find a pleasing selection of cafes, restaurants, pubs, shops and golf courses. Character accommodation is another Blenheim delight—everything from homestays to boutique hotels.