Driving the scenic Great Alpine Highway of New Zealand
New Zealand, oceania
224 km
739 m
easy
Year-round
Get ready for the Great Alpine Highway – an epic adventure from Christchurch to the wild West Coast of New Zealand's South Island! This isn't just a drive; it's a total feast for the eyes, winding through charming, historic towns and landscapes that'll blow your mind.
Clocking in at 224 km (139 miles), State Highway 73, aka "The Great Alpine Highway," hooks up Christchurch with Hokitika and Greymouth. It's a scenic ribbon of road that slices through the majestic Southern Alps and the super-pretty Canterbury region.
The road hits its high point at Arthur's Pass, soaring 739m (2,425ft) above sea level. Word to the wise: winter driving through the pass can get dicey. If you're traveling between May and October, snow chains are your friends. Before you roll out, check the conditions on the NZ Transport website to stay ahead of the game.
This route from Christchurch to the West Coast is a fairly easy drive, but it's absolutely loaded with eye-popping alpine views, the endless Canterbury Plains, and the natural playground of Arthur’s Pass National Park. This one-day road trip is a must-do for any South Island adventure. The road's fully paved, and a couple of its landmarks—the Ōtira Viaduct and Waimakariri Bridge—are engineering marvels. The journey unfolds through the mountains, ending with the rugged coastline. Pull over often and soak in the views—you won't regret it!
The Māori have known about this route for centuries, thanks to the thriving pounamu (greenstone) trade. Fast forward to 1923, and the completion of a rail link meant the end of the Cobb & Co coach era, finally making it possible to zip from Canterbury to the West Coast in a single day.
If you're behind the wheel, buckle up for one of the most incredible roads you'll ever experience. This coast-to-coast drive is all about unmatched scenery, including the world-famous Arthur’s Pass, crazy steep gorges, and natural wonders that make every pit stop worthwhile. Hands on the wheel, eyes on the road, and get ready for a journey through the heart of New Zealand's beauty.
Where is it?
Driving the scenic Great Alpine Highway of New Zealand is located in New Zealand (oceania). Coordinates: -42.7706, 174.7985
Road Details
- Country
- New Zealand
- Continent
- oceania
- Length
- 224 km
- Max Elevation
- 739 m
- Difficulty
- easy
- Coordinates
- -42.7706, 174.7985
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