Exploring the Great Alpine Highway: Driving from Christchurch to the West Coast

Updated: 20th January, 2024

One of the best ways to experience the magic of New Zealand is to grab your camera, jump in the car, and head out on a classic kiwi road trip! One of my favourite short road trips in the South Island is the drive along the Great Alpine Highway, which takes you across the wide Canterbury plains and through snow-capped mountain ranges until you reach the rugged beaches of the West Coast. Here, I cover all you need to know before driving the Great Alpine Highway, including the best stops along the drive from Christchurch to the West Coast!

Driving from Christchurch to the West Coast

One of my favourite road trips through the South Island of New Zealand is along the Great Alpine Highway. This gorgeous drive takes you from the beautiful city of Christchurch in Canterbury, through the dramatic Arthurs Pass in the Southern Alps, before arriving on the wild and remote West Coast. Although this is a relatively short drive and can be done in a day, it is filled with some breathtaking scenery and fantastic places to stop along the way, so I would definitely recommend stretching it out and enjoying the journey!

Map of the Drive from Christchurch to the West Coast

The Best Stops along the Drive from Christchurch to the West Coast

1. Begin your Road Trip in Christchurch

This excellent road trip across the South Island of New Zealand begins in Christchurch, which is a popular tourist destination and a common arrival point for international travellers. It is also a fantastic place to begin a road trip, as it is smack bang in the centre of the South Island, making it easy to hire a car and get on the road!

Now, I don’t know about you, but for me every good road trip begins with a stop at a local bakery, to pick up a strong coffee and some breakfast goodies! Luckily, Christchurch is filled with amazing bakeries – you can’t go wrong! Here are some of my favourites:

2. Take a Photo with Homer’s Donut | Springfield

The first stop on your drive from Christchurch to the West Coast is to enjoy one of New Zealand’s most charming traditions – a Big Thing town statue! Nestled in the heart of Springfield is a fun (and delicious-looking!) huge pink ‘Homers Donut‘, just like off the Simpsons! This is a great place to stop for a quick photo opportunity, and you can even climb up the steps and look through the hole.

This is a great stop to get out and stretch your legs, and is perfect if you are travelling with kids! Near the giant Homers Donut, Springfield has a playground and a lovely green park, as well as a cafe and public toilets. Perfect!

3. Walk Among the Limestone Boulders at Castle Hill | Kura Tawhiti

Castle Hill is an awesome place to stop on the drive from Christchurch to the West Coast, and it is one of my favourite spots for a day trip from Christchurch! Castle Hill, otherwise known as the Kura Tawhiti Conservation Area, is a stunning area of dramatic landscape in Canterbury. It is known for its towering limestone rock formations that rise out of the hillside – making it a world-famous playground for climbers and boulderers!

The landscape at Castle Hill is magnificent, with the huge, scattered limestone boulders looking like a castle in ruins. These dramatic rock formations have been formed over millions of years, carved by water into towering slabs and arches that you can wander through today!

Kura Tawhiti | Castle Hill Walk

The best way to explore this incredible landscape is to adventure on the Castle Hill Walk, which is one of the best short walks in Canterbury! Also known as the Kura Tawhiti Access Track, this walk takes you from the carpark along an easy-access track into the heart of the limestone rock-covered hills. There is a network of worn tracks through the boulders, or you can forge your own!

Parking: There is parking just off State Highway 73, where you can begin the walk into the Kura Tawhiti / Castle Hill Conservation Area. Just after crossing the Porter River, you should see it signposted on the left-hand side of the road.

4. Experience the thrilling Cave Stream Walk

The Cave Stream Walk is a hidden gem in Canterbury, and probably one of the most thrilling things to do on the drive from Christchurch to the West Coast! This walk, nestled in the Cave Stream Scenic Reserve, takes you through an elaborate (and pitch black!) underground cave system, which has been formed by the flow of water eroding the limestone over millions of years.

Cave Stream Walk

This walk was one of my all-time favourite day trips from Christchurch and is a little way off the beaten track. The track enters into the cave, where you climb against the flow of water and through magnificent limestone arches for nearly 600 meters until you emerge out the other side! It is a challenging and memorable experience, and definitely one for your South Island bucket list!

5. Stop for a Picnic at Lake Pearson

As you drive north along State Highway 73 from Cave Stream Scenic Reserve, you will come across the stunning Lake Pearson. This high-country lake is serene, and surrounded by steep, snow-capped hills – perfect for a rest and a bite to eat along your drive from Christchurch to the West Coast!

At the northern point of the lake is the Moana Rua Wildlife Refuge, which includes a fantastic campsite on the lakefront, run by the Department of Conservation. This campsite is very rustic, with a long-drop toilet, but the views make up for it!

6. Go for a Walk in the Craigieburn Forest Park

The Craigieburn Forest Park is a wild and dramatic reserve that stretches from the Waimakariri River to the Wilberforce River, and is an outdoor adventure lovers paradise! This high country park is filled with ice-cold braided rivers, beech valleys, alpine tussock grasslands, and rugged mountains.

During the summer months (December – February), Craigieburn Forest Park offers several fantastic hiking and biking trails, ranging from short walks to overnight hikes into the mountains. Some of the most popular walking tracks include the Nature Trail, which is a short 20-minute loop through beech forest, and the Dracophyllum Flat Track.

7. Hit the slopes at Mount Cheeseman Ski Field

During winter (June to August), this stunning park transforms into a snow-covered winter wonderland, and is home to three fantastic ski fields; Broken River Ski Area, Craigieburn Valley, and Mount Cheeseman! These are fantastic ski fields in Canterbury, and are definitely worth a visit if you are heading through in winter!

8. Waimakariri River Lookout

Only a short 15-minute drive north along the Great Alpine Highway from Lake Pearson will get you to one of the best viewpoints on the drive from Christchurch to the West Coast! As the road curves around to the left, you are treated to incredible views over the blue-grey Waimakarari River. Also known as the ‘Waimak’ by locals, this river is one of the largest rivers in Canterbury and flows for over 151 kilometres, all the way from the Southern Alps and over the Canterbury Plains, until it reaches the Pacific Ocean!

The lookout isn’t much more than a gravel shoulder on the side of the road, but on a good day, this spot offers some of the most stunning views over the rushing river and the surrounding mountains! And if you miss the first lookout point, don’t worry, there are a few sections along this stretch of road where you can pull over and admire the scenery.

9. Spot the Kea at Arthur’s Pass Village

Just over halfway on the drive from Christchurch to the West Coast is one of the most popular destinations in Canterbury! Arthurs Pass, a tiny village nestled along the Great Alpine Highway and surrounded by snow-capped mountains, is an outdoor lover’s dream!

Arthurs Pass Village is hidden in the magnificent Southern Alps, and is the perfect base for exploring the remote and mountainous environment of Arthurs Pass National Park. The township is small but offers everything visitors need for a great stay – including a range of accommodations from budget backpackers to boutique hotels, a couple of charming cafes, and an excellent Visitors Center.

Walks in Arthur’s Pass

One of the most popular things to do in Arthurs Pass is to get out and explore the beautiful native forests and waterfalls of the national park! Several awesome walking and hiking tracks begin in the village, including the Arthurs Pass Historic Walk, which is a short walk that is perfect for families with kids, or the magnificent Devils Punchbowl, which takes you up to the base of an incredible 131-meter high waterfall!

Cheeky Locals: Meet the Kea!

Arthur’s Pass is home to one of New Zealand’s cheekiest locals and the world’s only alpine parrot – the kea! This gorgeous and highly inquisitive bird can be spotted throughout Arthur’s Pass, especially around the village and the Otira Viaduct Lookout. They are incredibly friendly and are known to land on the top of cars, though be warned – if left unattended, they will quite happily begin ripping the rubber off your windscreen wipers before you know it!

10. Otira Viaduct Lookout

If you are planning on heading straight through Arthurs Pass on your drive from Christchurch to the West Coast, then the best place to stop is at the Otira Viaduct Lookout. This magnificent lookout is located 6 km north of Arthurs Pass Village along the Great Alpine Highway, and offers some of the best views over the mountain pass and viaduct below!

Directions: As you drive along the highway, you will see a well-signposted road heading off to the right-hand side. This road heads up to a large gravel carpark and the iconic Otira Viaduct Lookout. This lookout is incredible in all weather conditions and is one of my favourite photo spots along the drive!

12. Visit the Stunning Lake Brunner

Now you have a choice (it feels like a pick-your-own-adventure book!) If you are heading over to Hoitiaka, the best route for you is to continue along State Highway 73, which will eventually reach the rugged coastline of the West Coast. If you are heading towards Greymouth/ Punakaiki, then you can decide to take a small detour through the backcountry, which passes by the stunning Lake Brunner.

Lake Brunner is one of the most beautiful (and popular) lakes in the South Island for a summer holiday destination! This lake is deep and crystal-clear and is perfect for swimming and boating. There are also several walking tracks around the lake, which take you through dense native rainforest and to beautiful panoramic lookouts. It is a great option to stop for the afternoon, or as a day trip from Greymouth! It is near the charming town of Moana, which has some fantastic cafes and restaurants, as well as a camping ground.

11. Taipo River Bridge Lookout

Another lookout! I do love my lookouts along a classic South Island road trip, and I hate accidentally driving past them. The next stop along the drive from Christchurch to the West Coast is the Taipo River Bridge Lookout, which is a stunning spot overlooking the brilliant blue Taipo River. As you approach the bridge, there is a small gravel area where you can pull over to enjoy the view and get a picture or two. If you want to stretch your legs a little more, there is a small path under the bridge on the south side, where you can clamber over the rocks and dip your hands into the icy-cold alpine water!

13. Bike a section of the West Coast Wilderness Trail

One of the best things to do on the West Coast of New Zealand is to cycle the magnificent West Coast Wilderness Trail! This multi-day trail goes through some of the best scenery that the West Coast has to offer, from the stunning beaches, around remote lakes and the dense rainforest that the West Coast is known for.

The West Coast Wilderness Trail is a multi-day cycling trail that stretches from Greymouth all the way down to the small town of Ross, and takes around 4-5 days to complete. However, if you want to experience the trail but are short on time, you can choose one of the sections to do as a day ride! One of the easiest sections to reach on your drive from Christchurch to the West Coast begins at the small township of Kumara, which is located along State Highway 73. From Kumera, the trail heads off towards the Southern Alps, past some historic old rush remnants, and towards the shores of Kapitea Reservoir. It is a fairly easy stretch of trail, along well-maintained boardwalks and smooth paths, and makes for an awesome day out!

14. See the Glowworms in Hokitika

Hokitika is one of my favourite towns along the West Coast of New Zealand, and it’s not hard to see why! This gorgeous coastal town is known for its thriving community feel and is filled with arts and crafts, galleries, charming cafes, and beautiful nature spots. There are lots of things to do in Hokitika, from strolling the town centre, visiting the stunning Hokitika Gorge, or even seeing the incredible Glowworms once the sun has set!

Things to Do in Hokitika, New Zealand

Hokitika is a fantastic base for exploring the southern length of the West Coast region, and is close to:

• The West Coast Tree Top Walk
• Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers
• The Copland Track to Welcome Hut Hike
• The Stunning Haast Pass

15. Greymouth

Located along the banks of the stunning Grey River is the thriving town of Greymouth. Greymouth is the largest town on the West Coast of New Zealand and makes an awesome base for travellers looking to explore this incredible region!

This town is also known for its cultural and historical significance! During the lawless 1860s, Greymouth was at the heart of the heady West Coast Gold Rush and was home to people from all over the world who were looking to find their fortune in the river. These days, you can experience a slice of this history and read about some of the stories of this era at the Shantytown Heritage Park.

Know Before You Go: Driving from Christchurch to the West Coast

What is the Best Time to Drive the Great Alpine Highway?

The best time to drive the Great Alpine Highway is anytime! This road trip is simply stunning whatever the time of year, and offers a completely different experience if you explore it during summer to during winter! However, I will mention that – as the road heads through the snowy Southern Alps – it is a much easier drive during the summer and early autumn months (December – April), when the road is less likely to be affected by ice and snow.

How to Get from Christchurch to the West Coast: Public Transport

If you fancy experiencing the stunning Great Alpine Highway from Christchurch to the West Coast but aren’t so keen on driving yourself, then no worries! There are several public transport options that can get you there.

Christchurch to Greymouth

By Shuttle Bus:

One of the cheapest ways to get from Christchurch to the West Coast is to travel by bus! East West Coaches offer daily routes that will travel through the Great Alpine Highway, starting in Chirstchurch and delivering you to Greymouth in less than 4 hours! They also offer a several stops on the route, so you can decide to spend a night in Arthurs Pass along the way!

By the TranzAlpine Train:

If you are looking for a memorable (and slightly more luxurious) way to get from Chirstchurch to the West Coast, then why not experience travelling through the Southern Alps by train. The TranzAlpine is known as one of the ‘Best Train Journeys in the World’, and for good reason! This beautiful journey takes you through some of the most scenic areas of the South Island of New Zealand in comfort, and delivers you to Greymouth in around 5 hours.

Christchurch to Hokitika

By Bus:

If you are interested in heading from Christchurch to Hokitika, the journey will be a little more involved. Most of the public transport options travel between Christchurch and Greymouth, and from here you can grab an Intercity Bus that will take you down to Hokitika.

Flying:

For the fastest way to get from Christchurch to Hokitika – you can fly! Air New Zealand offer direct flights from Christchurch Airport to Hokitika, which will take around 45 minutes, and give you incredible birds-eye views over the snow-capped mountain ranges during the journey. Nice!