Kaikōura
Only 2 hours north of Christchurch, Kaikōura is tucked away between the dramatic Southern Alps and the ocean. Kaikōura is the place to stay if you want to encounter marine animals such as whales, fur seals and dolphins. The town is also a great place to eat crayfish and other fresh seafood. Kaikōura has a great selection of accessible accommodation options and would be a great stop on the way north to Malborough.