I need advice on NZ please
 

I need some advice on a certain section of roadway in south island of NZ. I will be returning to the south island (after 37 years absence), and one section of roadway that I didn't drive on that last trip, was the section between Christchurch & Picton.
Well I'm booked to return this November, and my question is, "Do I drive north up the main highway to Kaikoura, then Picton, OR do I deter just north of Christchurch & take the "inland scenic road to Kaikoura"
I should mention that after Picton & Abel Tasman Nat.Park, I will be returning to go down south via Hanmer Springs, so its not important to me to side track to Hanmer Springs on the drive north to Picton.
I know theres a lot of NZ fodors members out, there, eg. Melnq, Nelsonian & others who just might be able to give me that advice, especially, if they have driven on BOTH ROADS in question.

Hi tropo -

I've taken both routes. The direct route from CH to Picton via Kaikoura and Blenheim is coastal and is pretty, but personally, I prefer the inland route; Highway 1 from CH to just before Waipara, then #7 & #70 (past Culverden), then on to Kaikoura, where you pick up Highway #1 again.

It's curvy and will take a bit longer, but I found it very scenic - you've got the distant moutains, rolling countryside, rivers, etc. We drove through in the fall - the poplars were changing color and it was really nice. My notes indicate that I felt it was a "gorgeous" drive.

Melnq8 - thanks for the advice.

Hi Tropo

I would say that 95% of local travellers going from Christchurch to Picton would use the main highway as it's the quickest way to Picton. It's also very scenic with very similar views to the Inland Route in my opinion.

To get to Christchurch from Nelson the quickest way is via the Lewis Pass but occassionally for a bit of variety we drive to Blenheim and take the main highway as I love driving with the sea on one side of the road and the mountains on the other.

I drove the coastal route last year, and the inland another. There is a lot of traffic (big trucks included) on the coastal route and it is one lane each side for major stretches. It made it a lot less relaxing than one would want for a holiday drive. Although the coastal scenery is nice, I would probably take the inland road since you'll be reaching the coast anyways in Kaikoura. I remember thinking that the inland road was much nicer than I had expected.

North of Christchurch is one of my fave NZ cafe restaurants: Norwester Cafe in Amberley. Great place to try ostrich and the fresh seasonal veggies.

Nelsonian, thank you for your imput, good to hear from you again.
mlgb - thank you also.

I have taken on board all the advice

Regards Tropo.