Christchurch - Fox Glacier - Christchurch

Day 1: Christchurch to Greymouth

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

Christchurch - Arthurs Pass - Greymouth

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.

Rural serenity and friendly towns lead you across the Canterbury Plains. You’ll pass Kirwee, Darfield, Sheffield and Springfield. The road then winds up into the skiing areas of Porter Heights and Craigieburn before following the Waimakariri and Bealey Rivers to Arthur’s Pass. Lakes Pearson and Grasmere are photo opportunities along the way.

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.

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.

Cathedral Square
From the charming historic trams to the tall spire of Christ Church, Cathedral Square is a picturesque place to organise your day.

Activities

Christchurch - Arthurs Pass - Greymouth

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.

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.

Once you’re through the pass, the misty mountains gradually give way to classic west coast river and forest scenery. Rushing water, impressive bridges and tiny towns are soulfully picturesque.

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.

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 (6), Skiing (5), Walking/Trekking (12)

West Coast
Kayaking – Salt Water (2), Rafting (5)

Tour and Sightseeing

Christchurch - Canterbury
Hunting (3), Skiing (1), Walking/Trekking (15)