We are flying to Nelson and then driving to Christchurch the second week in June. We have only four nights before we fly back to Auckland from Christchurch. Where would you suggest staying overnight along the way? We enjoy stopping at antique shops if there are any in these towns.
Antiquelady
Christchurch to Nelson is around a 4 hour drive non stop. (probably a bit more - it's a few years since I've driven it)
I wouldn't suggest staying anywhere other than maybe Hamner on the route through Lewis Pass. But there are other options, such as driving through Blenheim & Kaikoura or down the West Coast - you are probably a bit tight for time to drive right down to Haast, but you could certainly drive back across Arthur's Pass.
It really depends on what you want to do and how much time you want in Nelson & Chch.
As for antiques. Most of the places along the way are more craft type places than having antiques. You might find some interesting things on the West Coast and Christchurch certainly has a good selection of antiques shops.
Remember however with antiques that NZ is quite young - only really colonised by the British generally 1880 ish. Maori artifacts which are older are in general not available for sale. There are items that have been brought out by British or Europeans that are older however.
I'd suggest you drive down the coast through Kaikoura, rather than via the Lewis Pass, (which takes you down through the middle of the island).
Driving from Nelson, across to Blenheim or Picton, and then down to Christchurch via Kaikoura, will take you longer but is very scenic the whole drive. Allow 6-7 hours which will give you plenty of time to stop for photos, a look around Kaikoura etc.
Try the Seafood Chowder at 'The Store' at Kekerengu (between Blenheim and Kaikoura). It's wonderful!!
Defintely drive down the coast through Kaikora, you will go through Blenheim and antique kind of town with lots of good food and wine. Whale watching is a big feature of Kaikoura and between Blenhiem and Kaikoura you will find some excellent value on seafood in Mamorangi Bay for instance.
Try this site for driving information.
http://www.accommodationz.co.nz/distances2.html
Blenhiem has some excellent places to stay, heres one.
Christchurch does have lots of antiques.
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