I think that part of the joy of road tripping around New Zealand is taking endless detours off the main highway to explore hidden gems. That’s why I recommend travelling in your own car or in a campervan!

One of the easiest (and best) detours from the main highway between Christchurch and Kaikōura is Gore Bay. You can explore the beach itself, but I think the best views are from the Cathedral Cliffs viewpoint. Actually, I lied. That’s not just my opinion... Just about everyone on the internet agrees!

The drive up is classic South Island scenery, but once you arrive, you’ll be greeted with a landscape that looks straight out of Utah’s Bryce Canyon National Park.

How to get here

Take the turnoff towards Cheviot, a tiny blink-and-you’ll-miss-it town. Most people fly straight through, but there are a few cafes and a petrol station if you want to stop and stretch your legs. The Cathedral Cliffs lookout is in a small reserve on the side of Cathedral Road. There’s a tiny car park on the opposite side of the road, but parking is limited, so if you want the place to yourself, it’s best to arrive early in the morning. Trust me, it’s worth it!