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This 900km loop takes in some of the best driving roads and varied scenery in New Zealand – truly. I’ll whisper it, but this probably is my favourite driving route in the South Island…apart from the one to Golden Bay….

There are so many different wonderful elements to experience. The mountains and the valleys, the dips and dives alongside sprawling rivers and under dappled tree canopies of the Lewis Pass up the centre of the island, and then the glorious coastal road tracking alongside the dramatic ocean for much of the East coast side.

Add to that the vineyards of Blenheim, whale watching at Kaikoura, the tranquil Nelson Lakes, all the activities, dining and shopping in Nelson & Christchurch themselves and not one but two opportunities for relaxing in Hot Springs at Mairua and Hanmer en route and well….you could just keep going round and round in uncrowded delightful circles…

Christchurch to Nelson Loop via Lewis Pass & Kaikoura

Delights that await you...

Click through the gallery below to see just some of the delights that await you en route, many of which were taken on my own adventures, (you can probably spot those ones….)

Here's a nice place to stay in Nelson - the Grand Mercure

Bet your hot tub doesn't have the backdrop views Maruia Springs does...

Christchurch to Hanmer State Highway 6 Road in winter

Winter outlook coming into Hanmer on SH6

Christchurch is definitely worth a punt....

A complete fluke?! Capture a whale of a tail at Kaikoura

A motorway cafe from heaven...The Store at Kekerengu, north of Kaikoura also has a mediterranean terrace overlooking the sea

Grape-full for the vineyards of Blenheim...

Christchurch to Hanmer State Highway 6 Road in winter

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Which car to take...?

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Can you handle it?

Our 2001 Alfa Romeo Spider matches one of our most exciting handling sports cars with one of the most exhilarating driving routes. The Brembo brakes reassure on the mountain passes, the responsiveness of the steering and the howling V6 wonderfully complement the swooping curves and long straights of the coastal roads, with everything all the more alive and tangible an experience for the senses with that top down. 

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