Kaikoura to Picton: Driving the Newly Reopened Coastal Highway
Following the 2016 earthquake, we were lucky that State Highway 1 (SH1) was just reopened from Christchurch to Picton. The drive only took 3 hours (instead of 6 via the inland detour), though we still encountered some remaining unsealed surfaces, reduced speeds and stop/go controls in some areas.
The Drive from Kaikoura to Picton
The November 2016 Kaikoura earthquake (magnitude 7.8) had severely damaged State Highway 1, the main coastal route connecting the South Island. The earthquake lifted parts of the seabed by up to 2 meters and caused massive landslides that buried the highway. When we traveled in early 2018, the road had just been reopened after extensive repairs costing over $1 billion NZD.
The drive showcased the power of the earthquake - we could still see evidence of the damage with fresh rockfall protection barriers, newly rebuilt sections of road, and areas where the coastline had dramatically changed. Despite the construction zones, the 3-hour journey offered stunning coastal scenery along the Marlborough coast.
Arriving in Picton
By lunchtime, we arrived in the picturesque seaside town of Picton, which is the South Island base for the ferry service that links the two main islands of New Zealand. The town sits at the head of Queen Charlotte Sound, one of the beautiful Marlborough Sounds.
We checked in at Sequoia Lodge Backpackers ↗ and set off to explore the neighborhood and the sheltered harbor. We strolled along the seafront dotted with occasional bars, restaurants and various galleries.
A Quiet Evening in Picton
The town was very quiet - typical for a small port town outside of ferry departure times. Waikawa, which lies just northeast, might have been a livelier stop, but we couldn't complain. We were perfectly positioned close to our rental car drop-off point and the departure gate for the ferry to Wellington the next morning.
We had free time to work on the blog and cook some delicious hot dogs - making the most of our hostel kitchen facilities before the ferry crossing to the North Island tomorrow.
Preparing for the Ferry Crossing
Picton's main purpose for most travelers is as the ferry terminal connecting the South Island to Wellington on the North Island. The Interislander and Bluebridge ferries both operate from here, crossing the Cook Strait several times daily. We had our ferry booked for early the next morning, so we enjoyed the relaxed evening in this small harbor town.
Have you driven State Highway 1 between Kaikoura and Picton? Did you see evidence of the 2016 earthquake repairs? Have you taken the Interislander or Bluebridge ferry across Cook Strait? What did you think of Picton as a stopover town - worth exploring or just a transit point? Share your New Zealand road trip experiences in the comments below!
Tips for Kaikoura to Picton Drive
- State Highway 1 from Kaikoura to Picton: ~160 km, approximately 3 hours drive. The road was reopened in December 2017 after major earthquake repairs.
- Road conditions: Some sections still have reduced speed limits, unsealed surfaces, and stop/go traffic controls due to ongoing maintenance work. Check road conditions before traveling.
- The 2016 Kaikoura earthquake (magnitude 7.8) severely damaged this coastal route, closing it for over a year. The $1 billion repair project was one of NZ's largest road reconstruction efforts.
- The coastal drive offers stunning views of the Marlborough coast. Allow time for photo stops at scenic viewpoints along the way.
- Picton is the South Island ferry terminal town located at the head of Queen Charlotte Sound in the Marlborough Sounds. Small town with limited attractions - mainly a transit point.
- Two ferry companies operate: Interislander and Bluebridge. Book ferries in advance, especially during summer (Dec-Feb). Ferry crossing to Wellington takes 3.5 hours.
- Arrive in Picton the evening before your ferry to avoid rushing. Rental car companies are located near the ferry terminals for easy drop-off before boarding.
- Picton accommodation is basic - mostly hostels and budget motels. The town is quiet outside of ferry departure times. Waikawa (nearby) has more dining options.
- Limited dining options in Picton. Consider staying somewhere with kitchen facilities and cooking your own meals. Waterfront has a few cafes and restaurants.
- Most travelers only spend one night in Picton as a stopover before the ferry. The Marlborough Sounds are nearby if you have extra time to explore.
Note:
Where to Stay in Picton?
- Convenient location near the ferry terminal and rental car drop-off. Good hostel facilities including kitchen where you can cook your own meals. Perfect for a one-night stopover before the ferry crossing to Wellington.
The drive from Kaikoura to Picton along the newly reopened State Highway 1 was a reminder of nature's power and human resilience. While Picton itself is quiet and mainly serves as a transit point, it's perfectly positioned for catching the morning ferry to Wellington. The real highlight was experiencing the coastal drive on a route that had been closed for over a year after the devastating 2016 earthquake.