Driving across New Zealand's southern alps through Arthur's Pass is a memorable and rewarding adventure that showcases the beauty and diversity of New Zealand's landscape and culture. It is one of the most stunning drives in New Zealand, and a must-do for anyone who loves nature and road trips.
Arthur's Pass is a mountain pass at an elevation of 739m (2,425ft) above the sea level, located on the boundary between the West Coast and Canterbury regions, in the South Island of New Zealand. It is the highest and most spectacular pass across the Southern Alps, and a popular base for exploring Arthur's Pass National Park.
The road to the summit is the iconic Great Alpine Highway, officially known as State Highway 73 ('SH 73') and also known as West Coast Road. It is a piece of extreme engineering involving viaducts, bridges, rock shelters and waterfalls redirected into chutes. The road is fully paved, but it can be challenging to drive, especially in winter, when snow and ice may cover the road and chains are recommended at times. The road is very steep, with sections up to 16 per cent in gradient.
The drive offers amazing views of mountains, valleys, waterfalls, and wildlife, as well as opportunities to stop and explore the natural and cultural attractions along the way. Some of the highlights including Otira Viaduct lookout, a place to admire the 440 meter-long feat of engineering that makes this road trip possible, as well as the gateway to the West Coast.
The drive from Christchurch to Arthur's Pass Village takes about two hours, and the drive from Arthur's Pass Village to the West Coast takes about an hour and a half.
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