Great Alpine Highway Self-Drive Itinerary
The Great Alpine Highway is one of New Zealand’s most scenic road trips, stretching from Christchurch to Greymouth via Arthur’s Pass. This 255 km journey takes you through diverse landscapes, from the Canterbury Plains to the Southern Alps and the wild West Coast. Alternatively, if you’re interested in an Australian road trip, take a look at motorhome sales Western Australia.
Here’s a detailed self-drive itinerary with must-see stops along the way:
Day 1: Christchurch to Springfield (65 km, 1 hour)
- Start in Christchurch – Explore the Garden City’s highlights like the Botanic Gardens, Riverside Market, and Christchurch Cathedral.
- Sheffield Pie Shop – Famous for its freshly baked pies, perfect for a road trip snack.
- Springfield – Home to the iconic giant pink doughnut (a nod to The Simpsons), and a gateway to the Southern Alps.
Day 2: Springfield to Arthur’s Pass (80 km, 1.5 hours)
- Porters Pass Lookout – A scenic high-altitude stop with panoramic views.
- Lake Lyndon – A picturesque alpine lake perfect for photography.
- Castle Hill – A stunning limestone rock formation featured in The Chronicles of Narnia movies. Ideal for short walks and bouldering.
- Arthur’s Pass Village – The highest settlement on the highway, with beautiful mountain scenery.
Day 3: Arthur’s Pass to Greymouth (110 km, 1.5 hours)
- Devils Punchbowl Waterfall – A 30-minute walk to a stunning 131-meter-high waterfall.
- Otira Viaduct Lookout – A breathtaking engineering marvel with views of the dramatic alpine pass.
- Jacksons & Moana – A detour to Lake Brunner for a peaceful lakeside stop.
- Greymouth – The final stop, a historic West Coast town known for its jade carving, craft breweries, and rugged coastal views.
Optional Extensions
- Punakaiki (Pancake Rocks & Blowholes) – A 45-minute drive from Greymouth, this is one of the West Coast’s top natural attractions.
- Hokitika – Another 40 minutes south, famous for its driftwood beaches and greenstone (pounamu) carvings.
