Alpine Pacific Touring Route
Experience the Alpine Pacific, 450kms of spectacular scenery winding past wineries, alpine thermal pools, wild surf, and whales. The Alpine Pacific is packed with unforgettable experiences. Take your time. Savour each moment.
For itinerary ideas visit the Alpine Pacific Touring Route website.
- Duration 4 Days
- Distance 450KMS
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Day 1
CHRISTCHURCH TO WAIPARA
Take the morning to explore Christchurch, New Zealand’s newest revitalised city and a perfect place to begin your journey. Whether you’re flying or driving here, it’s worth checking out the vibrant city centre. Picture amazing street art, innovative projects, a booming hospitality scene and state-of-the-art architecture.
Take a stroll along the Avon River and head over the Bridge of Remembrance to the Riverside Market, a indoor farmers' market selling local produce, meat, baked goods, coffee and more. Alongside the market is Riverside Lanes, a destination boutique shopping experience with major fashion brands and even more dining options to add to those at the market.
Depart Christchurch and head your way north to the North Canterbury wine region known as Waipara Valley, one of New Zealand's premier wine regions. The coolest little wine region in the country is an internationally renowned destination for food and wine, home to 90 + vineyards. There are plenty of cellar doors to visit, wine to sample and food to forage here.
Enjoy some sharing platters at Greystone’s new cellar door, see why Black Estate wins so many awards for their pinot noir, visit the family owned Pegasus Bay and its unique sustainable vineyard or stroll just stop for a quick break to stretch your legs amongst the vines.
Cycling is one of the best way to get around the wineries. Weaving through the unique landscapes, the Waipara Valley Vineyard Trail gives you access to cellar doors and cafes of wineries that look out on the expansive valley views.
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Transport
Day 2
WAIPARA TO KAIKŌURA
This is a place like nowhere else in the world - where mountains spectacularly meet the sea. Magnificent wildlife is plentiful and exciting adventures and fascinating history await you. Being New Zealand’s eco-tourism capital, it would be rude to not explore Kaikoura’s diverse landscapes and visit array of marine mammals that call this coastal village their home.
Head out on a whale watching tour to encounter the giant Sperm whale, swim with some of the friendliest and acrobatic dolphins in the world or jump in a helicopter and enjoy a scenic flight over this picturesque slice of paradise – we definitely recommend a sunrise heli-picnic in the Kaikoura ranges. See a full list of things to do in Kaikōura here.
Looking for somewhere for dinner? You can’t leave Kaikōura without sampling some of our fresh locally caught seafood. Head to the Pier Restaurant for a seafood platter or down to one of the local bars in the town centre to soak up the atmosphere.
- Highlights 3
Kaikōura Helicopters
Whale Watch Kaikōura