Christchurch to Greymouth via the Great Alpine Highway
A road trip from Christchurch to Greymouth is a classic South Island experience — one that takes you from the wide, open plains of Canterbury to the wild, weathered coastline of the West Coast. It’s not a long drive by distance, but it’s packed with contrasts: braided rivers and alpine passes, quiet country towns and deep, ancient forests.
Over five days, you’ll cross the Southern Alps via Arthur’s Pass, discover tucked-away walking trails, meet curious alpine parrots, and hear stories of gold rush towns that once buzzed with life. It’s a route where you don’t need to rush — the kind of trip where the coffee stops are just as memorable as the viewpoints.
With an Apollo campervan, you’ve got the freedom to explore it all — at your own pace, on your own schedule. Whether you’re chasing moody mountain views, stargazing from your campsite, or pulling over to photograph a misty gorge, this trip delivers plenty of moments worth slowing down for.
Travel: 5 days
Route: Christchurch → Springfield → Arthur’s Pass Village → Arthur’s Pass National Park → Lake Brunner → Greymouth
Total distance: 240 km
Highlights:
Best time of year to travel:
The route from Christchurch to Greymouth is beautiful year-round, with each season offering something a little different. Whether you’re chasing clear skies for alpine hikes or quiet lakeside evenings wrapped in a jacket, there’s no wrong time to hit the road — just a few things to keep in mind when planning.
Day 1 – Christchurch to Springfield
Distance: 65 km
Travel time: 1 hour
Every great road trip starts with a strong first day — and this one kicks off with a blend of culture, great coffee, and mountain-bound anticipation. After picking up your Apollo campervan, spend the morning exploring a few of Christchurch’s highlights before heading west toward the hills.
Wander the leafy paths of the Christchurch Botanic Gardens or dive into the city’s post-quake story at Quake City — a powerful exhibition that gives insight into how the city was reshaped and rebuilt. When you're ready for a bite, the buzzing Riverside Market is packed with fresh produce, bakeries, and local food stalls. It's a great spot to grab supplies for the road or settle in with a flat white and something warm from the cabinet.
Once you’re rolling, the drive to Springfield is an easy one — but make sure you stop at Sheffield Pies along the way. These are the real deal, and the locals know it. Steak and cheese? Classic. Lamb and mint? Even better.
As you roll into Springfield, keep an eye out for the town’s oversized pink doughnut — a playful nod to The Simpsons and a fun photo op you won’t see coming. But the real star here is what surrounds it: wide skies, rolling farmland, and the first glimpses of the Southern Alps rising in the distance.
Where to stay in Springfield
Settle in for the night at Kowai Pass Campground — a simple, peaceful spot with plenty of space and fresh air. Just a short walk from town, it’s a great place to relax and reset before heading deeper into the mountains tomorrow.
Day 2 – Springfield to Arthur’s Pass
Distance: 84 km
Travel time: 1.5 hours
Today’s drive is one of those rare stretches of road that feels like a destination in itself. Heading west from Springfield, you’ll follow State Highway 73 — better known as the Great Alpine Highway — into the Southern Alps, with towering peaks, ancient limestone formations, and mirror-like mountain lakes along the way.
Just 15 minutes down the road, pull over at Kura Tāwhiti / Castle Hill. This sacred site is home to hundreds of massive limestone boulders scattered across the landscape like a natural sculpture garden. It’s an easy walk from the car park, and you’re free to wander among the formations.
Next stop: Lake Pearson. This high-country lake often sits still enough to reflect the surrounding hills like glass. It’s a peaceful spot for a picnic or a quick coffee break in the camper before continuing deeper into the mountains.
As you climb higher into Arthur’s Pass National Park, keep your eyes peeled for kea — New Zealand’s curious alpine parrot. These feathered troublemakers love to hang around car parks and huts and are known for getting a bit too close for comfort.
Where to stay near Arthur’s Pass
For a standout spot to spend the night, head to Jackson’s Retreat Alpine Holiday Park. Set in 15 acres of native bush, this award-winning campground offers powered sites with views of the river and surrounding peaks.
Day 3 – Explore Arthur’s Pass National Park
Take a full day to slow down and explore the rugged, high-alpine wilderness of Arthur’s Pass National Park — a place where waterfalls tumble down sheer cliffs, native forest clings to steep valleys, and kea often rule the car parks. Whether you’re after short walks or all-day climbs, this part of the Southern Alps is packed with options.
One of the most popular tracks is the Devils Punchbowl Walking Track — a well-formed trail that takes about an hour return. The track climbs steadily through beech forest to a viewing platform at the base of the 131-metre-high waterfall. It’s loud, misty, and well worth the walk.
If you're after something more challenging, the Avalanche Peak Route offers one of the best alpine day hikes in the region. It’s steep, exposed, and not for the faint-hearted — but if the weather plays nice, the panoramic views from the summit are next-level.
Don’t forget to stop in at the Arthur’s Pass Visitor Centre for the latest track updates, weather conditions, and insights into the area’s geology, wildlife, and walking options. The staff are a goldmine of local knowledge and can help you choose the right trail for your time and fitness level.
And then there’s the kea. If you haven’t seen any yet, today’s the day. These large, olive-green parrots are native to the South Island’s alpine regions and are famous for their sharp beaks, high intelligence, and cheeky personalities. You’ll often find them hanging around car parks and huts, investigating windscreen wipers or trying to unzip unattended packs. Admire them from a distance, but don’t feed them — it’s harmful for their health and encourages destructive behaviour (they're already experts at mischief).
READ MORE: Where to see kea in New Zealand.
Day 4 – Arthur’s Pass to Moana (Lake Brunner)
Distance: 80 km
Travel time: 1.5 hours
Today’s drive takes you down from the high peaks of Arthur’s Pass and onto the lush, wild West Coast. While the distance isn’t far, the scenery packs a punch — think misty beech forest, deep gorges, and winding roads with more than a few good photo stops along the way.
Catch a moment at the Otira Viaduct Lookout, where the road sweeps across a dramatic alpine valley surrounded by steep, forested slopes. In the morning light, the views are especially striking — a final reminder of the scale and beauty of the Southern Alps before you descend toward the coast.
As you descend toward the coast, the forest thickens and the air feels heavier — a sure sign you’ve reached West Coast territory. Make a quick stop at the Brunner Mine Site, just before Greymouth. Once the site of New Zealand’s worst mining disaster, it’s now a fascinating heritage area with easy walks and interpretive signs that bring the region’s coal-mining past to life.
From there, it’s a short detour inland to the peaceful lakeside village of Moana, perched on the shores of Lake Brunner — the largest lake on the West Coast. The lake is known for its excellent trout fishing, birdlife, and calm, reflective water that’s perfect for swimming, kayaking, or simply watching the clouds roll by.
Where to stay in Moana
A classic Kiwi holiday park, Lake Brunner Motor Camp is just a minute’s walk from the lake’s edge. The setting is relaxed and friendly, with roomy powered sites, well-kept facilities, and access to local walking and cycle trails. You’ll find everything you need here — plus helpful local advice on where to fish, walk, or catch a sunset over the water.
It’s a slower pace out here, and that’s the point. So park up, put the kettle on, and enjoy a quiet evening surrounded by rainforest, lake views, and the occasional tūī calling from the treetops.
Day 5 – Moana to Greymouth
Distance: 39 km
Travel time: 45 mins
Today’s drive is short and sweet — just enough time to enjoy a slow start by the lake before making your way to the coast. From Moana, follow the winding road west to Greymouth, the largest town on the West Coast and your final destination on this road trip.
But first, stop in at Shantytown Heritage Park, a lovingly recreated 1900s gold rush village just south of Greymouth. You can pan for gold, take a ride on a vintage steam train, or just wander the old-timey streets. It’s a great way to learn about the region’s mining history — and it’s surprisingly fun for adults too.
If you’re in the mood to stretch your legs, the Point Elizabeth Walkway is a coastal trail that follows an old miners’ route through regenerating forest to sweeping views of the Tasman Sea. It’s an easy to moderate walk, around 1.5 hours one way, but you can also just do a section if you're short on time.
Back in town, reward yourself with a locally brewed pint or woodfired pizza at Monteith’s Brewery — an iconic West Coast spot that’s been pouring since the 1800s. Brewery tours are available if you’re keen to learn about the history behind the hops.
Where to stay in Greymouth
Set right on the beachfront, Greymouth Seaside TOP 10 Holiday Park offers powered and non-powered sites, modern facilities, and sweeping views over the Tasman Sea — especially good at sunset. You’re just a short drive or walk from town, but far enough out to enjoy a peaceful night with the sound of waves in the background.
Day 6: Return your campervan to Queenstown or Christchurch
After a final morning in Greymouth, it’s time to start the journey back — and you’ve got two great options for returning your Apollo campervan.
Return to Christchurch
If you're looping back to where you started, the most direct route is to retrace your drive via Arthur’s Pass. The return trip to Christchurch takes around 3.5 to 4 hours, depending on weather and traffic. It's a beautiful drive all over again — especially if you missed any viewpoints on the way over. Leave time for a break at Castle Hill, Lake Pearson, or even lunch in Springfield (yes, another pie is totally acceptable).
Continue to Queenstown
If you’re up for more, head south to Queenstown via the West Coast and Haast Pass — one of the most rewarding road trips in Aotearoa. Because the full drive from Greymouth to Queenstown takes around 8 hours, we recommend breaking it up over 3 days to keep things relaxed and allow time to explore.
Ready to explore the South Island with Apollo?
From alpine peaks and mirror-like lakes to rainforest trails and historic towns, this awesome Christchurch to Greymouth itinerary shows off some of the South Island’s most memorable highlights — all at a relaxed, road trip-friendly pace.
Whether you loop back to Christchurch or continue on to Queenstown, having the freedom of an Apollo campervan means you can explore on your own terms, stop wherever catches your eye, and enjoy the journey as much as the destination.
To make things even easier, don’t forget to download the thl Roadtrip app before you set off. It’s packed with maps, campsite info, activity ideas, and helpful travel tips to keep your trip running smoothly.
Ready to go? Book your Apollo campervan online today and start planning your South Island roadie.