Christchurch to Greymouth Campervan Road Trip

New Zealand is the perfect place for a campervan road trip, with a rich history, hidden treasures, and stunning scenery waiting to be explored. Deciding which area to explore and use for your road trip can be challenging, especially if you have never planned one before. Today, we are here with one of our favourite road trips, taking you from Christchurch to Greymouth. This is the perfect trip for a campervan, where you can explore New Zealand’s gold mining history, travelling 349 km in 3 to 6 days, depending on how many stops you take. We have an itinerary below for you to help plan your trip: 

1. Christchurch

Before you leave Christchurch, make sure you explore everything the city has to offer. There is something for everyone, with modern culture, history, and art, including the Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetu and the He Puna Taimoanan Hot Pools. We also recommend taking some time to find lunch in the city, with Riverside Market offering options for everyone. 

If you are feeling brave, the Hot Pools by the beach in New Brighton have a plunge pool, hot pools, and a sauna where you can sweat it out or enjoy the thrill of cold-water therapy before hitting the road. 

2. Castle Hill Conservation Area

A 93km drive will bring you to Castle Hill Conservation Area, a beautiful spot to relax and enjoy a picnic. The area is surrounded by scattered limestone boulders that transport you to another world and make you feel like an extra from Lord of the Rings! Known as Kura Tawhiti in Maori, it is an excellent spot to soak up some culture. 

There are plenty of walking trails you can enjoy, too, should you want to stretch your legs before continuing with your drive. 

3. Lake Pearson

Lake Pearson is the perfect place to spend the night, with a calm alpine lake tucked in between mountains. The views are beautiful here, and you can find some peace to enjoy the views and spend some time by the water. You can brave the water for a swim, or simply watch from the sides. 

You can fish, enjoy walks, or even relax with a coffee; it’s the perfect space to slow down during your trip. You can stay here overnight too, camping right on the lake’s edge! You might need to book in advance during busy periods to avoid any disappointment. 

4. Arthur’s Pass Village 

A short 30-minute drive will bring you to Arthur’s Pass Village, one of the South Island’s highest alps. The roads are very steep, as you wind up the valleys and forests, so that you will need steady feet here. There is stunning scenery to enjoy, but a wonderful town too if you aren’t in the mood for hiking. There are lovely cafes where you can enjoy a coffee and food, and local shops to pick up souvenirs from your trip. 

If you do want to stretch your legs, we recommend the Devi’s Punchbowl Waterfall track for a gentle climb, or the Temple Basin Track if you want a challenge. 

5. Otira 

Otira is only 15 minutes away, but it is well worth a stop. Here you will find the Otira Viaduct Lookout, where you can view the engineering marvel that is the viaduct, perched on a steep, rugged stretch of the pass. The scenery surrounding it will take your breath away, and you can even see the Otira River from the lookout! 

6. Hokitika Gorge

As your trip draws to a close, we recommend stopping at Hokitika Gorge, where you will find some of the best views along the West Coast. The gorge has many walks around it that you can enjoy, but we recommend the short walk that leads you to a swing bridge that crosses the gorge. You will get the perfect photo opportunity here and the chance to enjoy the blue water below. 

Make sure you bring some snacks so that you can walk for hours and enjoy the incredible views here. 

7. Greymouth

Finally, your trip ends in Greymouth, the largest town on the West Coast. There is plenty to see and do here, so it’s worth extending your trip to spend a few days exploring if possible. We recommend the Point Elizabeth Track, where you can walk through coastal forests and enjoy panoramic views of the Tasman Sea. There are plenty of places to stop for food and drinks, too, allowing you to take a night off from cooking in your camper! 

Enjoy Your Christchurch to Greymouth Campervan Road Trip 

A road trip from Christchurch to Greymouth is an excellent way to explore more of New Zealand and find hidden areas and beautiful landscapes you might otherwise miss. When planning your trip, we recommend hiring a campervan from Travellers Autobarn, who offer reasonable prices and plenty of options to ensure you get the comfort you deserve. Why not hire a campervan from the Travellers Autobarn Christchurch branch and start your road trip today?