Travel guide to the top of Porters Pass in New Zealand
New Zealand, oceania
32.4 km
948 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, so picture this: you're cruising along State Highway 73, also known as the Great Alpine Highway, right in the heart of New Zealand's South Island. You're climbing up to Porters Pass, which tops out at a cool 948 meters (that's about 3,110 feet!). This beauty is smack-dab in the Canterbury region, specifically in the Torlesse Tussocklands Park, named after a couple of farming brothers back in '58.
The road stretches for about 32.4 kilometers (or a little over 20 miles) between the alpine village of Castle Hill and the small town of Springfield. The whole route is paved, so no need to worry about bumpy dirt tracks. You can usually drive it year-round, but keep an eye on the forecast in winter – it can get a bit dicey and close temporarily if the weather turns nasty.
But trust me, the views are totally worth it. You'll be treated to incredible vistas of the Canterbury Plains spread out below. Get ready for some serious photo ops!
Where is it?
Travel guide to the top of Porters Pass in New Zealand is located in New Zealand (oceania). Coordinates: -40.3123, 174.6980
Road Details
- Country
- New Zealand
- Continent
- oceania
- Length
- 32.4 km
- Max Elevation
- 948 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- -40.3123, 174.6980
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