Itinerary

Northern Loop

Vineyards, Coast & Cuisine

1

<paragraph> This is a road trip for people who plan their days around what’s on the plate, then fall in love with everything between the meals: the vineyard quiet of Waipara, the wild coastline of Kaikōura, the steaming mineral pools tucked deep in the mountains. You’ll eat well, wander far and discover that the best flavours are matched only by the people and places that serve them. </paragraph> <gap-small/> <title> DAY 1 — CHRISTCHURCH </title> <title> Breakfast in the city </title> <paragraph> Start your day slow with something local. Think fresh sourdough, strong coffee and flaky pastries. Christchurch central wakes gently as cafes buzz with commuters, cyclists roll past the river, and visitors wander the new city streets, deciding where to stop for their first taste of Ōtautahi. </paragraph> <gap-small/> <gallery> <image>https://raw.githubusercontent.com/NotAnother-NZ/na13-discover-different-assets/main/webp/northern-50a-gallery1.webp</image> </gallery> <title> Helicopter to long lunch </title> <paragraph> The Central South is full of once in lifetime experiences, including <link url="https://gchaviation.com/christchurch-caldera-vineyard-estate">GCH Aviation’s Akaroa Heli Lunch</link>. On the short 15-minute flight from Christchurch, soak in sights of the ancient volcanic caldera and turquoise water beneath you, before touching down in Akaroa for a long lunch at the cellar door and restaurant <link url="https://www.calderaestate.com">Caldera Estate</link>. The wine is local, the food is fresh, and the views do most of the talking. </paragraph> <gap-small/> <gallery> <image>https://raw.githubusercontent.com/NotAnother-NZ/na13-discover-different-assets/main/webp/northern-50a-gallery2.webp</image> </gallery> <title> Fine-dining in style </title> <paragraph> Back in Christchurch, finish the day with some theatrical fine-dining. <link url="https://inati.nz">Inati</link> takes seasonal ingredients and serves them in ways you won't expect. Brave flavours, shared dishes and a dining room that won’t rush you. Sit atop the chef's table and watch the culinary magic unfold before you. </paragraph> <gap-small/> <title> DAY 2 — WAIPARA </title> <title> Start your journey north </title> <paragraph> Leave the city and settle into North Canterbury’s softer pace. Grab something simple to start your day, pastries still warm, eggs done properly, or a café table overlooking vines with that golden glow of the morning sun. </paragraph> <gap-small/> <gallery> <image>https://raw.githubusercontent.com/NotAnother-NZ/na13-discover-different-assets/main/webp/northern-50a-gallery3.webp</image> </gallery> <title> Long lunch at Black Estate </title> <paragraph> Dining at <link url="https://blackestate.co.nz">Black Estate</link> is an experience that’s never rushed. Organic wines, refined dishes and those unmistakable Waipara views stitched with vines and rolling hills. Spend a few hours sipping, tasting and relishing in the wonder of great food and wine. </paragraph> <gap-small/> <title> Stay amongst the vines </title> <paragraph> End your day in a stay that feels as luxurious as it does comfortable. With beautiful accommodation options onsite, stay among the vines at <link url="https://blackestate.co.nz">Black Estate</link> for vineyard calm, or nearby, you can choose a cabin at <link url="https://kumikosnz.com">Kumiko’s</link> for something cosy and deeply peaceful. Either way: you’ll sleep well here. </paragraph> <gap-small/> <title> DAY 4 — KAIKŌURA </title> <gallery> <image>https://raw.githubusercontent.com/NotAnother-NZ/na13-discover-different-assets/main/webp/northern-50a-gallery4.webp</image> </gallery> <title> Crayfish lunch by the sea </title> <paragraph> Today you head to Kaikōura, which means sea, mountains and most importantly, fresh kai moana (seafood). Introducing <link url="https://www.ninsbin.co.nz">Nin’s Bin</link>: A blue caravan on the edge of the sea. A whole crayfish fresh from the water. Butter, lemon, salt, and waves breaking a stone's throw away. This is Kaikōura at its purest. </paragraph> <gap-small/> <gallery> <image>https://raw.githubusercontent.com/NotAnother-NZ/na13-discover-different-assets/main/webp/northern-50a-gallery5.webp</image> </gallery> <title> Stay in the tree tops </title> <paragraph> This evening offers something special. Stay above the treetops with the mountains behind you and the Pacific stretching out in front. <link url="https://www.hapukulodge.com">Hapuku Lodge and Tree Houses</link> is a true retreat. Your dinner and breakfast are also sorted with the lodge serving delicious seasonal meals as you need. </paragraph> <gap-small/> <title> DAY 5 — KAIKŌURA </title> <gallery> <image>https://raw.githubusercontent.com/NotAnother-NZ/na13-discover-different-assets/main/webp/northern-50a-gallery6.webp</image> </gallery> <title> Your own adventure </title> <paragraph> Your pace, your choice. Whale watching, coastal walks, seal colonies, or simply soaking in the vastness of mountains meeting sea. Look around, wander the shores... something remarkable is always nearby. </paragraph> <gap-small/> <title> DAY 6 — MARUIA SPRINGS </title> <gallery> <image>https://raw.githubusercontent.com/NotAnother-NZ/na13-discover-different-assets/main/webp/northern-50a-gallery7.webp</image> </gallery> <title> Local lunch in Hanmer Springs </title> <paragraph> On your way inland, stop in Hanmer Springs for lunch — alpine air, village charm and plenty of good eats. You won’t be able to resist a walk around, and it's the perfect place to stretch your legs after a few hours driving the high-country roads. </paragraph> <gap-small/> <title> Stay and soak </title> <paragraph> Arrive at <link url="https://www.maruiahotsprings.nz">Maruia Hot Springs</link> and let everything slow down. Mineral pools steaming under mountain silhouettes, wellness activities on offer, and a sense that you’ve hit pause on the day-to-day. Dinner here is wholesome and honest. Your room is luxurious and peaceful. </paragraph> <gap-small/> <title> DAY 7 — CHRISTCHURCH VIA GREYMOUTH </title> <title> Breakfast somewhere local </title> <paragraph> Start your day on the West Coast, where cafés are friendly and welcoming in that unpolished, genuine way. Good coffee, hearty plates, and locals who’ll happily point you to their favourite lookouts. </paragraph> <gap-small/> <gallery> <image>https://raw.githubusercontent.com/NotAnother-NZ/na13-discover-different-assets/main/webp/northern-50a-gallery8.webp</image> </gallery> <title> Take a scenic train journey </title> <paragraph> Ready for today’s big adventure? Board the <link url="https://www.greatjourneysnz.com/scenic-trains/tranzalpine-train">TranzAlpine</link> for one of the world’s great train journeys. The Southern Alps rising outside your window, braided rivers bumbling below, and a steady rhythm carrying you back toward Canterbury. On board, you can experience a culinary journey with ‘the paddock to plate’ inspired menu, focused on celebrating local ingredients, to enjoy as you sit back and relax. </paragraph> <gap-small/> <title> A farewell drink </title> <paragraph> Back in Christchurch, and it's time to finish with a toast. Maybe it’s <link url="https://monarchbar.co.nz/">Monarch</link>’s chic atmosphere, <link url="https://www.austinclub.co.nz/">Austin Club</link>’s underground vibe, or <link url="https://kongbar.co.nz/">Kong</link>’s old-world glamour. Either way, end the journey the same way it began, with something delicious in hand. </paragraph>

Itinerary

Southern Loop

High Country, Heritage & Flavour

2

<paragraph> This is a road trip for food lovers who chase more than just good meals. It’s for those who want the helicopter rides over volcanic craters, the whisky sipped at altitude, the high-country lunches, the lakefront hampers and the rainforest silence. Each day unfolds at the pace of the landscape around you, inviting you to stay a little longer. </paragraph> <gap-small/> <title> DAY 1 — CHRISTCHURCH </title> <gallery> <image>https://raw.githubusercontent.com/NotAnother-NZ/na13-discover-different-assets/main/webp/southern-512-gallery1.webp</image> </gallery> <title> Breakfast in the city </title> <paragraph> Ease into your trip with breakfast in the heart of Christchurch. Good coffee, bakery treats or a full cafe spread. It’s a gentle start and a reminder that Christchurch does mornings exceptionally well. </paragraph> <gap-small/> <title> Helicopter to long lunch </title> <paragraph> From the city grid to an ancient volcanic harbour in minutes. The heli ride to Akaroa sweeps you over ridgelines and water so blue it won’t look real, before landing you among vines for some warm hospitality at <link url="https://www.calderaestate.com">Caldera Estate</link>. Lunch is unrushed, the wine local, and the views quietly outrageous. </paragraph> <gap-small/> <gallery> <image>https://raw.githubusercontent.com/NotAnother-NZ/na13-discover-different-assets/main/webp/southern-512-gallery2.webp</image> </gallery> <title> Fine dining in style </title> <paragraph> Back in Christchurch, finish the day somewhere that celebrates flavour and flair in equal measure. <link url="https://inati.nz">Inati’s</link> shared plates, intimate atmosphere, and inventive use of Canterbury ingredients set the tone for the days ahead: thoughtful, surprising and unmistakably local. </paragraph> <gap-small/> <title> DAY 2 — GREYMOUTH </title> <gallery> <image>https://raw.githubusercontent.com/NotAnother-NZ/na13-discover-different-assets/main/webp/southern-512-gallery3.webp</image> </gallery> <title> Take a scenic train journey </title> <paragraph> Swap road for rails and cross the South Island in comfort. The <link url="https://www.greatjourneysnz.com/scenic-trains/tranzalpine-train">TranzAlpine</link> carries you from Canterbury’s patchwork plains into the high country before rolling down into the deep greens of the West Coast. On board, you can experience a culinary journey with ‘the paddock to plate’ inspired menu, focused on celebrating local ingredients, to enjoy as you sit back and relax. </paragraph> <gap-small/> <title> A night at the lake </title> <paragraph> Settle in at <link url="https://www.lakebrunner.co.nz">Lake Brunner Eco Lodge</link>, tucked among the stunning West Coast rainforest. It's everything you would imagine and more – surrounded by lush green bush and a chorus of native birdsong. Have dinner on site, then retreat to your comfortable oasis to wind down for the evening. </paragraph> <gap-small/> <title> DAY 4 — GERALDINE & FLOCKHILL </title> <title> On the road </title> <paragraph> Today you’ll travel from Lake Brunner to Geraldine, with a stop for lunch on the way. Take your time to meander, pause for photos and watch the landscape shift. </paragraph> <gap-small/> <gallery> <image>https://raw.githubusercontent.com/NotAnother-NZ/na13-discover-different-assets/main/webp/southern-512-gallery4.webp</image> </gallery> <title> Lunch at Sugarloaf </title> <paragraph> Sugarloaf is the kind of place you’ll remember long after you’ve left. Home to high country scenery sweeping out in every direction and a kitchen that honours local produce, the restaurant onsite at <link url="https://www.flockhillnz.com/Sugarloaf">Flockhill</link> is something special. It’s refined yet not overly formal. Distinctly Canterbury with a lot of luxury. </paragraph> <gap-small/> <title> An evening in Geraldine </title> <paragraph> After arriving in Geraldine, a stroll to acquaint yourself with the charming village is in order before finding a spot for dinner. Whether you choose a cosy pub meal or something to go, you’re sure to find some small-town warmth wherever you land. </paragraph> <gap-small/> <title> Rest your head at Ngā Whare Mānatu </title> <paragraph> Stay the night at <link url="https://www.ngawharemanatu.nz">Ngā Whare Mānatu</link>, where comfort meets calm. Warm timber, thoughtful details, and a connection to the surrounding landscape that make you breathe more deeply. With stainless steel cedar hot tubs, cosy rooms and nature all around, you’re in for a restorative night. </paragraph> <gap-small/> <title> DAY 5 & 6 — LAKE PUKAKI </title> <gallery> <image>https://raw.githubusercontent.com/NotAnother-NZ/na13-discover-different-assets/main/webp/southern-512-gallery5.webp</image> </gallery> <title> Soak up lakeside bliss </title> <paragraph> Arriving at Lake Pukaki is something to behold. The colour of the lake is nothing short of surreal, especially set against the magnificent mountain ranges and Aoraki Mount Cook. <link url="https://www.lakestonelodge.co.nz">Lakestone Lodge</link> sits perfectly in the landscape. It's luxurious yet understated. Enjoy exploring the stunning sights, dining onsite at the restaurant and of course, exploring the starry night sky once the sun has set. </paragraph> <gap-small/> <title> Sip whiskey on a mountain top </title> <paragraph> This has to be one of the Central South's most unique experiences. A short, spectacular heli-flight from Tekapo, <link url="https://www.mackenziehelicopters.com/experiences/high-altitude-whisky-hut-%26-golf">Mackenzie Helicopters</link> lifts you into the mountains where ‘The Bad Decision’ Whisky Hut awaits. Perched high on a mountain saddle amidst breathtaking scenery, this is New Zealand's most exclusive whisky hut. It’s remote, raw and ridiculously scenic. </paragraph> <gap-small/> <title> DAY 7 — CHRISTCHURCH </title> <title> Heading back to Christchurch </title> <paragraph> Today you return to Christchurch, but not before a road trip stop at <link url="https://www.fairliebakehouse.co.nz">Fairlie Bakehouse</link>. Absolutely iconic, this humble bakery produces top-notch pies worthy of lines out the door most days of the week. Trust us, it’s always worth the wait. </paragraph> <gap-small/> <gallery> <image>https://raw.githubusercontent.com/NotAnother-NZ/na13-discover-different-assets/main/webp/southern-512-gallery6.webp</image> </gallery> <title> Dinner in the city </title> <paragraph> Back in Christchurch for dinner, you’re spoilt for choice. <link url="https://www.kingofsnake.co.nz">King of Snake</link> is a firm local favourite for bold Asian fusion. <link url="https://manu.co.nz">Manu</link> offers refined Pacific Asian cuisine, or <link url="https://www.odeon.co.nz">Odeon</link> serves tasty Mediterranean-inspired dishes in a contemporary setting. </paragraph>