Travelling by Road
Kaikōura is easily accessibly within a 2hr 30min drive from Christchurch through the beautiful Waipara wine valley and Cheviot.
The Mt Lyford Inland Route 70 road from Waiau to Kaikōura is open 24/7.
From Picton 2.5 hours and Blenheim 2 hours along the SH1 coastal road. Offering panoramic views of the coastline. Pull over at the new Ohau Point viewing area to watch the Fur Seal Colony just a 25-minute drive north of Kaikōura.
The SH1 coastal road to Picton and Christchurch is open for 24/7-hour travel. Stay up to date with travel information between Picton and Christchurch by visiting the following website.
Local Transport
Rental car and shuttle services are available within Kaikōura.
Travelling by coach
InterCity provides daily coach transport between Christchurch – Kaikōura and Picton – Kaikōura.
Feel free to contact us to check the InterCity time schedule and to make your bus bookings.
Travelling by air
Scenic flights and charters are available at Kaikōura airport.
Air Kaikōura and Wings Over Whales offer charter flight options.
Christchurch International Airport provides both domestic and international services.
Travelling by train
With the sea stretching to the horizon in the east and the Kaikōura mountains stretching to the sky in the west, the Coastal Pacific journey between Picton and Christchurch is one of the most astonishingly beautiful in New Zealand.
The Coastal Pacific is a seasonal train, running from Spring (late September) through to Autumn (end of April).
Alpine Pacific Touring Route
Self-drive visitors can make the most of this beautiful area and enjoy Kaikōura as part of a multi-day scenic drive on the Alpine Pacific Touring Route. This route links Kaikōura with Hanmer Springs Alpine Village and Waipara wine region. 450kms of spectacular scenery winding past wineries, alpine thermal pools, wild surf, and whales.