Australia & Pacific

The Two Passes

New Zealand

In short: The Two Passes is a 592 km mountain road trip in New Zealand, typically driven over 4–5 days, best in Nov–Apr. Highlights: Christchurch, Hanmer Springs, Lewis Pass.

Distance

592 km

Duration

4–5 days

Best Season

Nov–Apr

IconicModerateMountainEV-friendly

A four-day loop from Christchurch through the Southern Alps via Lewis Pass and Arthur's Pass, two of New Zealand's great mountain crossings through forests, lakes, rivers, and the West Coast Wilderness Trail. Hanmer Springs thermal pools at the overnight waypoint; Kumara's gold-rush history on the return via State Highway 73.

~1 refuel

~2 charges

Practical notes

Both Arthur's Pass and Lewis Pass can be affected by snow and ice between June and September; check NZTA road conditions before crossing. The passes are paved throughout but Arthur's Pass in particular has steep gradients and sharp curves that require careful driving in wet or icy weather.

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Stops along the route

Departure

Christchurch

The Garden City rebuilding after the 2010-11 earthquakes. The cardboard Transitional Cathedral and punting on the Avon define a city of resilient reinvention.

Hotels

City

Hanmer Springs

An alpine spa village in a mountain bowl of pine forest, with geothermal pools and hiking trails radiating from heritage lodges. The ideal overnight stop before Lewis Pass.

Hotels

City

Reefton

The first town in the Southern Hemisphere with a public electricity supply, powered by the Inangahua River in 1888. Gold-rush streetscapes and craft beer survive intact.

Hotels

City

Greymouth

The West Coast's largest town, a coal and timber port at the Grey River mouth. Monteith's Brewery is a craft institution; Punakaiki's pancake rocks lie 43 km north.

Hotels

City

Kumara

A gold-rush town that produced 40,000 ounces of gold in 1866. The historic theatre and streetscape survive; the West Coast Wilderness Trail connects it to wider Westland.

Hotels

Arrival

Arthur's Pass Village

An alpine village at 920 metres in the Southern Alps, surrounded by national park. Kea investigate unattended cars; the descent follows the Waimakariri River gorge back to Christchurch.

Hotels

Things to Do

Lewis Pass — Landmark — The Two Passes — New Zealand

Landmark
Lewis Pass
The lowest and most forested of the South Island's alpine crossings, at 864 metres through beech forest and river gorges. Red deer and kea are spotted roadside on clear mornings.

Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa — Hot Springs — The Two Passes — New Zealand

Hot Springs
Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa
Relax in natural thermal pools surrounded by alpine scenery, offering a range of pools and spa treatments.

Maruia Falls — Waterfall — The Two Passes — New Zealand

Waterfall
Maruia Falls
A picturesque waterfall accessible via a short walk, perfect for photography and picnics.

Pancake Rocks and Blowholes — Natural Attraction — The Two Passes — New Zealand

Natural Attraction
Pancake Rocks and Blowholes
Unique limestone formations with blowholes that create impressive sea sprays during high tide.

Arthur's Pass National Park Visitor Centre — Visitor Centre — The Two Passes — New Zealand

Visitor Centre
Arthur's Pass National Park Visitor Centre
Provides information on local hikes, wildlife, and the history of the national park.

Where to Eat

No.31 Restaurant & Bar — Modern New Zealand — The Two Passes — New Zealand

Modern New Zealand
No.31 Restaurant & Bar
Offers a refined dining experience with a focus on local ingredients and seasonal dishes.

The Broadway Tearooms & Bakery — Bakery — The Two Passes — New Zealand

Bakery
The Broadway Tearooms & Bakery
A historic café serving freshly baked goods and hearty meals in a charming setting.

Speight's Ale House Greymouth — Pub — The Two Passes — New Zealand

Pub
Speight's Ale House Greymouth
A classic pub offering a range of Speight's beers and hearty New Zealand fare.

The Wobbly Kea Café & Bar — Café — The Two Passes — New Zealand

Café
The Wobbly Kea Café & Bar
A cozy spot known for its coffee, homemade meals, and friendly atmosphere.

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Frequently asked questions

How long is the The Two Passes drive?

The The Two Passes covers 592 km from start to finish.

How long does the The Two Passes take to drive?

Most travellers spend 4–5 days on the The Two Passes, depending on stops and pace.

When is the best time to drive the The Two Passes?

The recommended season for the The Two Passes is Nov–Apr.

Where does the The Two Passes start and end?

The The Two Passes runs from Christchurch to Arthur's Pass Village.

What are the main stops on the The Two Passes?

The The Two Passes passes through Christchurch, Hanmer Springs, Lewis Pass.

Can I drive the The Two Passes in a regular car?

Yes — the The Two Passes is paved end-to-end and a regular car is fine in normal conditions.

How many fuel stops are needed on the The Two Passes?

Plan around 1 refuels (or about 2 EV charges) along the The Two Passes, based on its 592 km length.

Is the The Two Passes EV friendly?

Yes — the The Two Passes has charger coverage along the route and works as an EV road trip.

Is the The Two Passes safe to drive?

What scenic tier is the The Two Passes?

The The Two Passes 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.