Three weeks in New Zealand - 4/12 - 5/4/2024

Day 15-Coastal drive to Christchruch-4/25/2024

From Kaihoura Beach we drove to Christchurch where we will stay for the next 2 days. 

The distance from Kaikoura Beach to Christchurch is about 112 miles and it will take us  about 2 hours and 30 minutes to get there.

As we are going south from Kaikoura, we took the scenic State Highway 1

As we drove through Peketa, the landscape becomes dramatically wild and beautiful. There is a huge rock formation right next to the beach, weathered and towering, likely shaped by years of ocean waves and tectonic uplift. It stands close to the shoreline, almost like a natural sentinel between the sea and the road.

We stopped by the road to take a few pictures as the area is so picturesque.

As we continue along the coast south of Kaikoura, the beach transforms into a striking mix of black sand and rugged rocks. The black sand, made from volcanic and metamorphic rock, gives the shoreline a dramatic, almost moody appearance. It's coarse and gritty underfoot, often mixed with smooth, dark pebbles scattered along the tide line.

People checking out if there are any mussels or crayfish opn these rocky stretch.

People do come to the beaches around Kaikoura for picnics, especially locals and road trippers passing through. While the beaches are often rocky or covered with black sand, their scenic beauty with views of the ocean, cliffs, and Kaikoura Ranges makes them a great spot to stop, relax, and enjoy a meal outdoor.

Locals come to collect mussels, crayfish especially at low tide.

Kids having fun looking for crayfish.

These rocks are full of life where locals in wetsuits often explore them for pāua (abalone), mussels, and crayfish, especially at low tide. The tide pools glisten with tiny marine creatures, seaweed, and shell fragments, creating a dynamic and ever-changing scene.

2 guys in wetsuit taking a pause.

We are now back on the road.

The highway is hugging the coast line and the view is fantastic.

2 large white rocks sticking out of the Ocean is a striking natural feature that catches the eye. These kind of rocks are typically made of limestone or weathered sandstone, and its pale color stands out sharply against the dark blue of the sea and the black sand shoreline.

The white rock rises from the water like a natural monument, isolated, sculpted by waves and wind. We saw a bunch of birds circling above, using it as a resting spot or lookout.

The Raramai Tunnels are a pair of road tunnels on State Highway 1, just south of Kaikōura and near Peketa.  They cut directly through the steep coastal hills, offering a dramatic slice through the rugged terrain where mountain meets sea.

Crossing the tunnel.

This the view of the tunnels as we were leaving Peketa.

As you approach Omihi, south of Kaikōura, the landscape shifts again into a beautiful blend of rolling hills and mountain ranges. The Inland Kaikōura Ranges in the distance are part of the greater Seaward Kaikōura mountain system. These mountains are rugged and steep, often streaked with layers of bush and farmland, and they stretch dramatically along the horizon.

This area is known for its vineyards and farmland nestled among the foothills, creating a stunning contrast between the green pastoral land and the towering, often cloud-topped peaks beyond.

The drive near Omihi is particularly scenic with a perfect blend of alpine drama and rural charm, with the ever-present reminder that you're traveling through one of the most geologically active and visually striking regions of New Zealand.

In the fall the landscape takes on a warm, golden tone. The farmland stretches out in broad patches of yellow and light brown, a sign that crops have been harvested or grasses are drying out for the season. Fields of dry pasture, hay, or stubble give the land a soft, sun-faded look, glowing in the slanted autumn light.

NEXT... Christchurch