Arthurs Pass To Christchurch
Canterbury, New Zealand Self Drive Travel Guide.

Travel Facts
Distance: 170 km (106 miles)
Approximately: 2 hours
Road Conditions: State Highway 73

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The first few kilometres eastward from Arthur's Pass Village winds through deep beech forest that seems to arch overhead. Here on the hottest of summer days in the infamous Nor' Wester the change of temperature can be a welcome relief. While in winter the road may be still frosted with ice and snow.

Arthurs Pass Village

The route to Christchurch contains one feature that was once common to all New Zealand roads, the single lane bridge. The river crossing at Bealey is one of the longer single lane carrage ways, while the exit on the southern bank is a sharp left hand turn please slow down and take care.

From here down the valley there are many spectacular photo opportunities over looking the Waimakariri River as the road winds and undulates high above the river flats through to the Craigieburn and Porter Heights skiing area.

Lakes Pearson and Grasmere are further photo opportunities along the way. Lake Pearson is almost cut in two as the scree fans from mountains on either side have pinched it into a classical hourglass shape.

Continuing along State Highway 73 the next features on the journey are Castle Rock limestone outcrops and Lake Lyndon on the right as we move toward Porters Pass and begin the 945 metre descent to the foothills at the eastern edge of the Canterbury plains.

It is incredible to think that thousands of diggers walked, trudged and dragged themselves over this pass in search of their fortunes during the gold rush years on the West Coast.

From the bottom of Porters the road continues on a steady decline through the foothills to the township of Springfield and the pastural Canterbury Plains.

Canterbury Plains viewed from Burnham with the Southern Alps in the distant background.

Built up by material that Canterbury's famous braided rivers have brought down from the steep mountains, rural serenity and friendly towns lead you across the plains to Christchurch. You pass through Sheffield, Darfield, Rolleston and Tempelton on the outskirts of Christchurch City.

Christchurch is the South Island's largest city and an enviting mixture of refined lifestyle and cultural excitement. The Avon River meanders through the city which is home to many historic buildings housing a lively arts community, the restored Trams make it easy to get around.

Visit heritage sites, museums and art galleries, and enjoy the highly developed restaurant scene.

 

Welcome to Christchurch - enjoy your stay

This Guide last Updated: November 2010