RoadAtlas
Arthur's Pass — New Zealand — Mountain
Australia & Pacific

Arthur's Pass

New Zealand

Point-to-point
Christchurch Greymouth

In short: Arthur's Pass is a 245 km mountain road trip in New Zealand, typically driven over 2 days, best in December to April. Highlights: Christchurch, Castle Hill Basin, Kura Tawhiti Conservation Area.

Distance
245 km
Duration
2 days
Best Season
December to April
IconicModerateMountain

This classic South Island drive runs from Christchurch across the Canterbury Plains to the alpine village of Arthur’s Pass and on to the West Coast. It pairs braided rivers, beech forest, steep mountain walls, and dramatic viaduct engineering with easy roadside access to short walks and viewpoints.

Practical notes
Check NZTA Journey Planner (https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/) for SH73 and DOC Arthur's Pass alerts (https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/canterbury/places/arthurs-pass-national-park/) immediately before departure and again before crossing: snow, ice, rockfall or wind can impose chains, no-towing rules or closure during the day. Carry warm waterproof layers, obey restrictions and make walks conditional on current track/weather advice.

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Day-by-day itinerary

Day 1Christchurch to Arthurs Pass Village

Kura Tawhiti / Castle Hill · Devils Punchbowl Walking Track · Sheffield Pie Shop

Day 2Arthurs Pass Village to Greymouth via Otira

Arthur's Pass Visitor Centre · Otira Viaduct Lookout · The Bealey Hotel

Stops along the route

Christchurch — Departure — Arthur's Pass — New Zealand
Departure
Christchurch
Leave the Garden City and head west across the Canterbury Plains. Easy road access and wide-open farmland set up the alpine shift ahead.
Hotels
Arthur's Pass Village — City — Arthur's Pass — New Zealand
City
Arthur's Pass Village
Tiny alpine village surrounded by steep peaks and beech forest. It is the best base for short walks, coffee, and mountain views.
Hotels
Jacksons — City — Arthur's Pass — New Zealand
City
Jacksons
A quiet West Coast settlement where the mountains start to soften into rainforest. It is a useful transition point before the final run west.
Hotels
Greymouth — Arrival — Arthur's Pass — New Zealand
Arrival
Greymouth
Finish on the rugged West Coast at New Zealand’s largest South Island west-coast town. After the pass, sea air and rainforest replace alpine peaks.
Hotels

Things to Do

Castle Hill Basin — Landmark — Arthur's Pass — New Zealand
Landmark
Castle Hill Basin
A broad basin dotted with pale limestone boulders and big sky views. The scenery feels stark and sculpted before the climb into the hills.
Kura Tawhiti Conservation Area — Nature — Arthur's Pass — New Zealand
Nature
Kura Tawhiti Conservation Area
Walk among huge weathered rock formations and short tussock trails. It is one of the route’s most striking roadside landscapes.
Devils Punchbowl Waterfall — Nature — Arthur's Pass — New Zealand
Nature
Devils Punchbowl Waterfall
A short climb leads to a powerful waterfall dropping through native forest. Spray, birdsong, and a suspension bridge make it memorable.
Otira Viaduct Lookout — Landmark — Arthur's Pass — New Zealand
Landmark
Otira Viaduct Lookout
Pause above the famous viaduct as it snakes across a steep valley. The engineering and mountain backdrop make a classic South Island photo stop.
Kura Tawhiti / Castle Hill — Conservation walk — Arthur's Pass — New Zealand
Conservation walk
Kura Tawhiti / Castle Hill
Allow about one hour for a short marked circuit among the limestone formations.
Devils Punchbowl Walking Track — Conditional waterfall walk — Arthur's Pass — New Zealand
Conditional waterfall walk
Devils Punchbowl Walking Track
Allow about two hours return and attempt it only with an early village arrival and a clear DOC track/forecast check.
Show 2 more
Arthur's Pass Visitor Centre — Visitor information — Arthur's Pass — New Zealand
Visitor information
Arthur's Pass Visitor Centre
Check the live road, weather and track position before descending west.
Otira Viaduct Lookout — Roadside viewpoint — Arthur's Pass — New Zealand
Roadside viewpoint
Otira Viaduct Lookout
Make the defining west-side lookout stop only when the pull-off is open and visibility is safe.

Where to Eat

Sheffield Pie Shop — Bakery — Arthur's Pass — New Zealand
Bakery
Sheffield Pie Shop
Pick up an early lunch before the alpine service gap.
Arthurs Pass Cafe and Store — Cafe and store — Arthur's Pass — New Zealand
Cafe and store
Arthurs Pass Cafe and Store
Confirm same-day hours and buy supplies before the evening close.
The Bealey Hotel — Country hotel meals — Arthur's Pass — New Zealand
Country hotel meals
The Bealey Hotel
Use for breakfast or lunch only after checking current hours and its position east of the village.
Monteiths Brewery — West Coast pub meals — Arthur's Pass — New Zealand
West Coast pub meals
Monteiths Brewery
A well-placed Greymouth arrival meal.

Nearby and similar drives

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Arthur's Pass drive?

The Arthur's Pass covers 245 km from start to finish.

How long does the Arthur's Pass take to drive?

Most travellers spend 2 days on the Arthur's Pass, depending on stops and pace.

When is the best time to drive the Arthur's Pass?

The recommended season for the Arthur's Pass is December to April.

Where does the Arthur's Pass start and end?

The Arthur's Pass runs from Christchurch to Greymouth.

What are the main stops on the Arthur's Pass?

The Arthur's Pass passes through Christchurch, Castle Hill Basin, Kura Tawhiti Conservation Area.

How difficult is the Arthur's Pass to drive?

The Arthur's Pass is rated moderate and is best handled with any vehicle.

Can I drive the Arthur's Pass in a regular car?

Yes — the Arthur's Pass is paved end-to-end and a regular car is fine in normal conditions.

Is the Arthur's Pass safe to drive?

Check NZTA Journey Planner (https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/) for SH73 and DOC Arthur's Pass alerts (https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/canterbury/places/arthurs-pass-national-park/) immediately before departure and again before crossing: snow, ice, rockfall or wind can impose chains, no-towing rules or closure during the day. Carry warm waterproof layers, obey restrictions and make walks conditional on current track/weather advice.

What scenic tier is the Arthur's Pass?

The Arthur's Pass is a iconic drive — Iconic road trips that anchor a region's reputation — postcard scenery, headline highways, and the routes most travellers want to drive.