Blenheim to Kaikōura: 5 stops worth making along the way.

The drive from Blenheim to Kaikōura is one of those journeys where getting there is half the fun. Following State Highway 1 south, the landscape changes from Marlborough vineyards to rolling Awatere hills, rugged coastline and, eventually, the dramatic mountains and ocean Kaikōura is famous for.

You could drive straight through. But where’s the fun in that?

If you have the time, turn the journey into a day of great wine, local food, incredible views and a gin tasting at the other end. Here are a few of our favourite stops between Blenheim and Kaikōura.

Stop 1: Start in Blenheim at Wine + Food Experience Marlborough

Before heading south, start your Marlborough experience right in the heart of Blenheim. At Wine + Food Experience Marlborough, you can explore wines from producers across the region all under one roof. With more than 200 wines available through our self-pour dispensers, you can choose a tasting pour, half glass or full glass and discover everything from Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc to Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and lesser-known varieties.

It’s a great introduction to the region before you hit the road - particularly if there are wineries you won’t have time to visit individually. Grab something to eat from the menu, discover a few new producers and get a taste of Marlborough before heading south. Were based upstairs at 42 Alfred Street, Blenheim. 

A little road-trip reminder: if you’re doing wine or gin tastings along the way, make sure you have a designated driver or arrange transport.

Stop 2: Discover Tūpari Wines in Seddon

Around 20 minutes south of Blenheim, make your next stop Seddon, in the heart of Marlborough’s Awatere Valley. Here you’ll find the Tūpari Wines Cellar Door and Wine Room, housed in a beautifully restored historic railway station right beside State Highway 1.

Tūpari offers self-guided wine flights featuring three to four wines, allowing you to explore the different styles and varieties produced in the Awatere Valley at your own pace. Light bites are also available if you’re feeling peckish. It’s relaxed, intimate and a lovely way to experience a slightly different side of Marlborough wine country.

Good to know: Tūpari’s Wine Room is currently open Monday to Thursday, 10am–3pm, so check current opening hours before planning your trip.

Stop 3: Take the White Road at Yealands

From Seddon, venture towards the coast and the spectacular Yealands Seaview Vineyard. Even if you think you’ve seen plenty of vineyards while visiting Marlborough, this one is a little different. The White Road winds through Yealands’ vast coastal vineyard, taking you past wetlands, rolling vineyard landscapes and biodiversity projects before climbing to Lookout Point. On a clear day, the views stretch across Cook Strait towards the North Island, as well as across Cloudy Bay and Cape Campbell.

Travelling with kids? There’s plenty for them too. Keep an eye out for the animals along the way, including the resident pigs and chickens, making this one of those winery stops the whole family can enjoy. It’s a great chance to get out of the car, explore and break up the drive before continuing south.

The self-guided route takes around 40 minutes and can be explored by car, bike or on foot. If your visit falls on a cellar-door day, you can also stop for a tasting of Yealands wines before continuing towards Kaikōura.

Good to know: Yealands currently opens its Cellar Door Friday to Monday and while White Road access is generally 7 days, always checked before travelling due to weather and harvesting conditions.

Stop 4: Refuel at Kekerengu

By this point, you’ll probably be ready for coffee, or lunch and ‘The Store’ at Kekerengu has long been a favourite stopping point on the journey between Marlborough and Kaikōura, with its coastal location making it an easy place to break up the drive and sit seaside.

Stop, stretch your legs, grab something to eat and enjoy the scenery before continuing along one of the most spectacular sections of State Highway 1. From here, the road begins to hug the coastline, with the Pacific Ocean on one side and the Kaikōura ranges rising dramatically on the other.

Keep an eye on the coastline along the way - you never quite know what you might spot, seals for certain but on a good day you may also catch a whale or pod of dolphins.

Stop 5: Finish with a Gin Tasting at Mt Fyffe Distillery

Once you reach Kaikōura, swap grapevines for botanicals! Be rude not to, right?!  Set on a family farm at the foothills of Mt Fyffe, Mt Fyffe Distillery produces small-batch artisan gin using botanicals sourced from the farm and surrounding Kaikōura environment.

Their distillery tastings and tours offer the chance to see a grassroots distillery in action, learn about the process and meet the people behind the gin. It’s a fitting end to a day spent discovering some of the passionate producers found between Marlborough and Kaikōura.

Bookings are essential, so organise your tasting in advance rather than simply turning up. 

Make the Journey Part of the Experience

Blenheim to Kaikōura may only be a few hours on the road, but there’s absolutely no reason to rush it. Between the vineyards of Marlborough, the landscapes of the Awatere Valley, coastal views, local food and artisan producers, there is plenty to discover before you even arrive at your destination.

Pick a few stops, allow yourself plenty of time and make the drive part of the holiday.

And if you’re beginning your journey in Blenheim, come and see us first. We’ll help you start your road trip with a taste of Marlborough.

Wine + Food Experience Marlborough | 42 Alfred Street, Blenheim