- NZ Road Trip – South Island – Day 7
- Murchison – Reefton – Christchurch
- Friday 27th – Saturday 28th February 2026
We reluctantly left Murchison and headed for Reefton and instantly loved it.
Reefton has that proper West Coast charm. Historic buildings, relaxed pace, proper small-town warmth.
We stopped for coffee and cake (obviously) and could easily have lingered longer. Itโs one of those places that feels quietly proud of its past without making a fuss about it. But the road was calling and so was Arthur’s Pass.
The drive through the pass is unreal. Winding roads carving through the Southern Alps, steep drops, huge mountain walls rising up around you.
Sonic the campervan had to work for it, those mountain passes are no joke, but he powered on (just).
At the top, we pulled over for a wander (and to give poor Sonic a rest).
The air felt cooler and sharper here and more of an alpine feel…and then a kea appeared.
The legendary alpine parrot. Bold, intelligent and slightly chaotic. One swooped in and decided our milkshakes looked like a personal challenge. It genuinely tried to steal the straw right from me.
Iโve never guarded a drink so seriously in my life. Apparently theyโre known for their curiosityโฆ and now I fully understand.
From wild alpine scenery, we eventually descended toward Christchurch. We arrived late, but instead of calling it a night, we headed out for a city wander.
Christchurch feels fresh and evolving, modern builds sitting alongside older character spaces.
We explored New Regent Street, all pastel faรงades and soft lighting and toasted the day with a gin cocktail.
Mary's Outdoor Adventure's 