Driving the scenic Great Alpine Highway of New Zealand
New Zealand, oceania
224 km
739 m
easy
Year-round
Get ready for the Great Alpine Highway – an epic adventure from Christchurch to the wild West Coast of New Zealand's South Island! This isn't just a drive; it's a total feast for the eyes, winding through charming, historic towns and landscapes that'll blow your mind.
Clocking in at 224 km (139 miles), State Highway 73, aka "The Great Alpine Highway," hooks up Christchurch with Hokitika and Greymouth. It's a scenic ribbon of road that slices through the majestic Southern Alps and the super-pretty Canterbury region.
The road hits its high point at Arthur's Pass, soaring 739m (2,425ft) above sea level. Word to the wise: winter driving through the pass can get dicey. If you're traveling between May and October, snow chains are your friends. Before you roll out, check the conditions on the NZ Transport website to stay ahead of the game.
This route from Christchurch to the West Coast is a fairly easy drive, but it's absolutely loaded with eye-popping alpine views, the endless Canterbury Plains, and the natural playground of Arthur’s Pass National Park. This one-day road trip is a must-do for any South Island adventure. The road's fully paved, and a couple of its landmarks—the Ōtira Viaduct and Waimakariri Bridge—are engineering marvels. The journey unfolds through the mountains, ending with the rugged coastline. Pull over often and soak in the views—you won't regret it!
The Māori have known about this route for centuries, thanks to the thriving pounamu (greenstone) trade. Fast forward to 1923, and the completion of a rail link meant the end of the Cobb & Co coach era, finally making it possible to zip from Canterbury to the West Coast in a single day.
If you're behind the wheel, buckle up for one of the most incredible roads you'll ever experience. This coast-to-coast drive is all about unmatched scenery, including the world-famous Arthur’s Pass, crazy steep gorges, and natural wonders that make every pit stop worthwhile. Hands on the wheel, eyes on the road, and get ready for a journey through the heart of New Zealand's beauty.
Where is it?
Driving the scenic Great Alpine Highway of New Zealand is located in New Zealand (oceania). Coordinates: -42.7706, 174.7985
Road Details
- Country
- New Zealand
- Continent
- oceania
- Length
- 224 km
- Max Elevation
- 739 m
- Difficulty
- easy
- Coordinates
- -42.7706, 174.7985
Related Roads in oceania
easyTravel Guide to the Hyden Norseman Road
🇦🇺 Australia
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the heart of Western Australia, in the Goldfields-Esperance region, on an epic 300-kilometer adventure from Hyden to Norseman. Forget the highway; this is the Granite and Woodlands Discovery Trail, a seriously scenic alternative. This track, clocking in at 289 km, is mostly wide and well-maintained gravel, so you can bring your caravan or camper. Just a heads-up: the middle stretch can get a bit muddy and slippery when it's wet, so take it easy. You're basically driving through the outback, and without stops, it'll take 5-6 hours. But you'll want to stop. There are sixteen official spots to pull over and soak it all in. Also, keep an eye out for huge mining trucks – they use this road all year round. The highest point sits at 445 meters. The road can get flooded in winter, so pay attention to any closure signs. And watch for wandering animals—it's an unfenced road, so they can pop out of nowhere! Drive smart, stay safe, and get ready for some seriously stunning scenery.
moderateDriving the Scenic Litchfield Park Road in the Northern Territory of Australia
🇦🇺 Australia
Okay, buckle up for Litchfield Park Road, an absolute stunner winding right through the heart of Litchfield National Park in Australia's Northern Territory. Once part of the old B30, this baby's been fully paved since 2019, making for a smooth 132km (82 mile) cruise from Batchelor all the way to the B34 near Blackmore. Word on the street is they were even widening some sections in mid-2021, so it's only getting better! Give yourself about 2 hours for the drive, *without* stops – but let's be real, you're gonna be pulling over constantly for photos. Seriously, the views are that good. Just keep your eyes peeled for those sneaky saltwater crocs – wouldn't want an unexpected swim! This road isn't all flat, though. Expect some steep sections, with gradients hitting up to 10% in places. The highest point peaks at 218m (715ft) above sea level, giving you panoramic vistas you won't forget. Get ready for an epic Aussie adventure!
moderateWhen was the Tablelands Highway built?
🇦🇺 Australia
Okay, adventurers, listen up! Ready for a true Aussie outback experience? The Tablelands Highway (aka State Route 11) in the Northern Territory is calling your name! Built back in the 60s to move cattle, this baby is remote. We're talking *no* towns, *no* services for the entire length. Picture this: 375 km (233 miles) of single-lane sealed road stretching from Barkly Homestead. Yes, it's bitumen all the way, but hold your horses! Some spots are rough, with a narrow strip of bitumen. Thankfully, traffic is light. It's undulating terrain, caravan-friendly, and generally open year-round. Now, for the nitty-gritty: If you see a vehicle coming—especially a road train—slow *way* down and get completely off the road. Trust me on this one. Also, watch out for washouts on the shoulders after rain. Oh, and cattle! This is unfenced country, so expect to share the road with our bovine friends. Keep your eyes peeled!
moderateDriving the Alpine Ohakune Mountain Road in NZ
🇳🇿 New Zealand
Cruising around the North Island of New Zealand? You HAVE to hit Ohakune Mountain Road! This sealed road, nestled in the southern end of the Taupo Volcanic Zone (and inside Tongariro National Park!), serves up some seriously sweeping views. First opened in 1963, this beauty climbs to a whopping 1,630m (5,347ft) above sea level. We're talking postcard-perfect scenery, dotted with huge-leafed mountain cabbage trees. And get this – there's even a service road for the chairlift that goes even higher, to 2,052m (6,732ft)! Starting from Old Station Road, you'll gain 1015 meters of elevation over its 16.2 km (10 miles). That's an average gradient of 6.26%, with some sections hitting a steeper 15%. The road is usually open year-round, but keep an eye on the weather – it's an alpine environment, and things can change fast. Snow can close it, so be prepared for anything! Give yourself about 20 minutes to drive it without stopping. Trust me, though, you'll WANT to stop. On a clear day, the views stretch all the way to the South Island! Plus, there are tons of points of interest along the way. Cell service is available, though it can be a bit spotty. It's honestly one of the most picturesque drives I've ever experienced.