Billy Connolly Drives New Zealand

Day 18: Greymouth to Christchurch

On this page: Travel time:   Km/Miles Greymouth - Arthur's Pass 1 hr  84/53 Arthur's Pass - Christchurch 2 hrs  170/106   Totals for Day 3 hrs  254/159

Greymouth - Arthur's Pass - Christchurch

Greymouth has a long gold mining history. It’s the largest town on the west coast and is known for its awesome seascapes. The local brewery runs tours or you can catch up with west coast history at the museum. White water rafting, sea kayaking and gold panning are other things to do.

Classic west coast river and forest scenery leads you east. Rushing water, impressive bridges and tiny towns gradually give way to the misty mountains of the Southern Alps.

The route known as Arthur’s Pass was first used by Maori tribes crossing to the west coast to find pounamu (jade). Today it’s a sophisticated mountain pass, memorable for its scenery as well as its breathtaking civil engineering.

The settlement of Arthur’s Pass is a base for climbing, hiking, hunting and skiing adventures in the adjacent national park. There’s a good choice of shorter walks. Native birds commonly seen include the kea, tui and bellbird.

Scenic Highlights

Arthur's Pass National Park
Snowy peaks, scree slopes, steep gorges and wide braided rivers are characteristics that make the Arthur's Pass National Park unforgettable.

Cave Stream Scenic Reserve
A limestone cave nearly 600 metres long provides a unique, and rather wet, adventure at Cave Stream Scenic Reserve.

Craigieburn Conservation Area
Enjoy the sheltered forest valleys and rocky tussock slopes of this alpine park. Follow a short nature trail or stretch out along a four-hour hike.

Punakaiki pancake rocks and blowholes
Gaze in wonder at nature's artistry as columns of water shoot skyward from rocks that resemble giant stacks of pancakes.

Activities

Christchurch - Canterbury
Hunting (15), Skiing (25), Walking/Trekking (50)

West Coast
Kayaking – Fresh Water (3), Kayaking – Salt Water (2), Rafting (4)

Greymouth - Arthur's Pass - Christchurch

The route known as Arthur’s Pass was first used by Maori tribes crossing to the west coast to find pounamu (jade). Today it’s a sophisticated mountain pass, memorable for its scenery as well as its breathtaking civil engineering.

The settlement of Arthur’s Pass is a base for climbing, hiking, hunting and skiing adventures in the adjacent national park. There’s a good choice of short walks.

The road follows the Waimakariri and Bealey Rivers down to the skiing areas of Porter Heights and Craigieburn. Lakes Pearson and Grasmere are photo opportunities along the way. Rural serenity and friendly towns lead you across the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch. You’ll pass Kirwee, Darfield, Sheffield and Springfield.

The South Island’s largest city, Christchurch is an entertaining mixture of refined lifestyle and cultural excitement. The tranquil Avon River meanders through the city, historic buildings house a lively arts community and restored trams make it easy to get around. Visit heritage sites, museums and art galleries, and enjoy the highly developed restaurant scene.

Scenic Highlights

Arthur's Pass National Park
Snowy peaks, scree slopes, steep gorges and wide braided rivers are characteristics that make the Arthur's Pass National Park unforgettable.

Cave Stream Scenic Reserve
A limestone cave nearly 600 metres long provides a unique, and rather wet, adventure at Cave Stream Scenic Reserve.

Craigieburn Conservation Area
Enjoy the sheltered forest valleys and rocky tussock slopes of this alpine park. Follow a short nature trail or stretch out along a four-hour hike.

Christchurch Botanic Gardens
Founded more than 140 years ago, the Christchurch Botanic Gardens has many special areas to explore.

Christchurch Cathedral
Following a large earthquake in February 2011, a large portion of the Cathedral was damaged including the west end and tower.

Activities