Kaikoura

Kaikoura is a beautiful seaside town on State Highway 1 on New Zealand's South Island approximately half way between Blenheim and Christchurch. 

Safety Warning
Approximately halfway between Kaikoura and Christchurch is the small town of Cheviot. The highway between Cheviot and Waipara has a high number of serious car crashes primarily due to drivers falling asleep. This area of north Canterbury is very dry and hot especially in summer and in cars without Air Conditioning driver drowsiness is a real problem (especially if they've driven non-stop from Picton or Nelson). Stay awake yourself - watch your driver for signs of drowsiness. Suggest a "leg stretching" stop at Cheviot or Hurunui River.


 * This is a serious and real problem that I have experienced myself as a driver and remedied by taking a dip in the Hurunui River. Luna1

North towards Blenheim
Heading North there is a good spot in front of the Comfort Inn at the start of the 100 km zone. There's a good spot to shelter from the rain, but the manager is an asshole.

South towards Christchurch
Walk up to the corner of Killarney Street and Churchill Street (State Highway 1). If you stand just south of this corner you will be on a long stretch of road with a good place to pull over and cars coming from both further north and from the Kaikoura township. Easy to get a single ride all the way to Christchurch.