Christchurch to Hokitika Road Trip

Before you even leave Christchurch, it’s worth spending a morning or afternoon wandering through the beautiful Christchurch Botanic Gardens. Located right in the heart of the city, the gardens are a lush oasis filled with native and exotic plants, towering trees, and calm river paths, and whether you want to learn more about plant life or just stretch your legs before you hit the road, this is a great place to start.

A short drive out of Christchurch will bring you to Darfield, a small town that is best known for its great coffee and local bakeries. Unsurprisingly, this is an excellent place to stop for a bit to eat before heading deeper into the Southern Alps, and if you’re travelling in the winter, there’s often a light dusting of snow here that adds to the Hallmark-like romance of the town and gives you a hint of the alpine scenery to come.

One of your first big scenic stops should be at Rakaia Gorge. As its name suggests, this is an impressive gorge carved out by the Rakaia River (one of the largest braided rivers in New Zealand), and it is surrounded by rugged hills and lush greenery, with a few short walks on offer that take you to some amazing views. This is also a fantastic stop if you’re into photography, as the contrast of the turquoise water against the landscape makes for some incredible shots.

Also known as Kura Tawhiti, Castle Hill is one of those places that looks as though it’s been pulled straight out of the pages of a fantasy novel. The area is dotted with enormous limestone boulders (some the size of houses), and it’s a very popular spot for rock climbing. Don’t worry if you’re not the adventurous type, though – just walking around and marvelling at these ancient rock formations is an experience in itself, offering the chance to pause, breathe, and take it all in before hitting the road again.

As you head towards Arthur’s Pass National Park, you’ll be met with mountain views, deep valleys, and a sense of isolation that only the wildest places on Earth can offer. Arthur’s Pass Village is the place to stop and embrace all of this while grabbing a drink and a quick bite from one of the cafes. Also, if you’ve got the time (and the energy) visit the Devil’s Punchbowl Waterfall while you’re here – an easy walk that leads to an impressive waterfall cascading down 131-metres.

Not far from Arthur’s Pass Village, Otira Viaduct Lookout is one of the most iconic viewpoints on the entire road trip. This viaduct itself is an engineering marvel, helping cars pass a particularly steep terrain, but it’s the surrounding landscape that really steals the show, and you’ll get sweeping views of the mountains and the Otira River winding far below. If you’ve been looking forward to taking some Instagram-worth photos along the road, you need to stop here.

Just before you reach Lake Brunner, consider making a stop at Dorothy Falls and the nearby Lake Kaniere. The falls, though small, are picturesque and surrounded by dense native bush that makes it a peaceful spot to take a well-earned break from driving, and if you’ve been itching to stretch your legs for a bit, there are several short hiking trails around the lake, including one that leads to Dorothy Falls.

You’re now just over 200km into your journey, and Lake Brunner is your next stop. This large lake is an ideal place for water sports enthusiasts, avid hikers, and anyone who just wants to relax in nature, and you can launch a kayak onto the lake or simply kick back and immerse yourself in birdsong. It’s also a beautiful fishing spot, and it is teeming with trout that you can catch and cook up in your campervan that same evening.

Greymouth is the largest town on the West Coast, and it’s worth stopping here for supplies, a decent meal, and a bit of local history. This is a town with a rich gold mining past, and you can explore its history at Shantytown Heritage Park, which recreates a 19th-century gold mining village. Or, for something a little more natural, take a short drive to Point Elizabeth Walkway – a scenic reserve with hiking trails that winds through coastal bush and ends with incredible views of the coastline.

Before reaching Hokitika itself, make a detour to Hokitika Gorge, which is one of the most visually striking spots on the West Coast. You’ll find unbelievably blue waters here, which come from glacial flour (finely ground rock particles carried by the river from the Southern Alps), and there is a lovely short walk to a viewing platform and swing bridge that is another excellent spot for photos. It’s also quieter here compared to some of the more popular tourist stops, and you might even find you have the place to yourself, especially if your road trip is in the off-season.

After a few days exploring the open road, you’ll finally arrive at your destination of Hokitika. The first thing you’ll likely notice as you step out of your campervan is the relaxed, laid-back vibe here, and there are plenty of art galleries, craft shops, and cafes to explore. After visiting these, head to the beach, which is wild and windswept, and the perfect place for watching the sunset over the Tasman Sea. Don’t miss the famous driftwood sign while you’re on the beach, either, which makes a classic photo opportunity to mark the end of your road trip.

Driving from Christchurch to Hokitika is more than just a way of getting from A to B; it’s an unforgettable journey through some of New Zealand’s most varied and dramatic landscapes. And with a campervan from Travellers Autobarn, you’ll have somewhere safe and comfortable to call home throughout your trip!

All our rentals come with unlimited kilometres, too, so there’s no need to rush along the road. You can simply take your time and experience everything one kilometre at a time, and if you want to extend your trip, you can even head out on some other awesome South Island road trips.

All that’s left to do is pack your bags, stock up on snacks, and get ready to experience the sheer beauty of the South Island.