Best Scenic Drives Around Christchurch: Seven-Day Drives and Loops

The truly astonishing thing about driving in New Zealand is how quickly the scenery changes. These gorgeously pretty road trips showcase such diverse landscapes all within three hours of Christchurch city. From the plunging Lyttelton crater rim at Port Hills to the French-accented hamlet of Akaroa set on the glassy waters of Banks Peninsula to the vast Canterbury Plains that lead to the foothills of the Southern Alps, you needn’t go far to be immersed in spectacular surrounds.

Take these scenic drives as they are or string them together for South Island road trips that lead to dramatic vistas and unforgettable adventures. Exploring in a campervan means you can follow the road, take your time and drive from one captivating moment to another.

The best scenic drives from Christchurch at a glance

Port Hills and the Summit Road

One-way distance: 40 kilometres
One-way drive time: 2 hours

Christchurch to Akaroa via Banks Peninsula

One-way distance: 90 kilometres
One-way drive time: 1.5 hours to 2 hours

Christchurch to Arthur’s Pass on State Highway 73

One-way distance: 156 kilometres
One-way drive time: 2 hours 20 minutes

The Inland Scenic Route 72 to Rakaia Gorge
One-way distance: 65 kilometres
One-way drive time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Christchurch to Hanmer Springs

One-way distance: 133 kilometres
One-way drive time: less than 2 hours

Christchurch to Kaikōura on the coast road

One-way distance: 180 kilometres
One-way drive time: 2.5 hours

Christchurch to New Brighton and the eastern beaches

One-way distance: 8 kilometres
One-way drive time: 15 minutes

Best half-day drive: Christchurch to Akaroa for stunning South Island coastal scenery and cute village vibes.
Best full-day drive: Christchurch to Arthur’s Pass for alpine beauty and natural sights.
Best for first-timers: Christchurch to New Brighton and the Eastern Beaches for unchallenging roads and pretty spots.

Why Hiring a Campervan for a Christchurch road trip in the South Island is a Great Idea – Expert Advice

The seven best scenic drives around Christchurch

Drivers are spoilt for choice when it comes to exploring the diverse landscapes around Christchurch. From coastal towns to alpine passes, hot spring villages and idyllic inlets, these seven, short drives cover it all.

Port Hills and the Summit Road

This drive takes just under two hours and about 40 kilometres to complete a loop from the Christchurch CBD. The Summit Road in the Port Hills of Banks Peninsula edges the Lyttelton crater rim and feels a world away from the city with its dramatic volcanic formed vistas. Along the route, your must-stops are Sugarloaf Scenic Reserve for sweeping harbour and city views, Cashmere Hill Lookout, and the ornate, fairytale castle of Sign of Takahe. Another option to take in this scene is to take the 10-minute Christchurch Gondola up 852 metres that lays out panoramic vistas of the Southern Alps, Lyttelton Harbour and Pacific Ocean. If you’re driving the Summit Road, keep in mind you cannot follow it all the way back to Christchurch as sections are closed to vehicles in parts due to unstable conditions and earthquake damage. However, you can walk or cycle these sections.

Christchurch to Akaroa via Banks Peninsula

This pretty route takes roughly 90 minutes to two hours, covering around 90 kilometres as you follow State Highway 75 out of the city. Your destination around the Banks Peninsula, which was formed by two now-extinct volcanoes leads to one of the South Island’s prettiest villages, Akaroa. Spend a day here wandering town, enjoying the French-influenced atmosphere and don’t miss a cruise to meet the resident Hector’s dolphins, an endangered species native to New Zealand and found in coastal waters around the South Island.

On your descent into Akaroa, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to glimpse views from the crater rim. If you’d like to take Summit Road down to your destination, you can join it from Banks Peninsula for a slightly longer drive. Then on your return, take the State Route 75 via Robinsons Bay, Duvauchelle and stop in at the locally famous Barrys Bay Traditional Cheese.

Christchurch to Arthur’s Pass on State Highway 73

The 156-kilometre drive to Arthur’s Pass Village along State Highway 73 will take you a little over two hours from Christchurch CBD. This approachable drive is beloved for its astonishingly beautiful Southern Alps scenery. You’ll start out travelling across the Canterbury Plains, before you begin the climb. Build in extra time for must-do stops along the way, such as Kura Tawhiti Castle Hill conservation area, where you can wander through a giant’s garden of limestone boulders. As well as the thunderous Devil’s Punchbowl Falls and carry on a further 8 minutes from the falls to snap some selfies at the engineering marvel that is the Otira Viaduct. If you’re embarking on this drive in winter, be sure to carry chains with you as this alpine pass can be prone to ice on the road.

The Inland Scenic Route 72 and Rakaia Gorge

A relaxed drive along Scenic Route 72 gets you to the milky turquoise hues of Rakaia Gorge for views of Mount Hutt and to take the 10.4-kilometre return walkway in just over an hour. However, a longer 475-kilometre route that lends itself to a five-day loop back to Christchurch is worth considering. You’ll hop from Christchurch to Oxford, onto Rakaia Gorge for views of Mount Hutt. From here, you could add a 45-minute drive up to Mount Hutt or carry onto the snow sports town of Methven before heading to rural Geraldine. It’s under two hours from Geraldine to Christchurch, but why not add on a detour that takes in the spectacular Akaroa on the Banks Peninsula?

Christchurch to Hanmer Springs

You’ll reach the soothing artesian waters of Hanmer Springs in just 133 kilometres, or less than two hours. The drawcard at this hot springs resort town is the natural thermal pools. You’ll follow State Highway 7, passing through the pretty Waiau Valley before arriving in the alpine village. If you’re ready for adventure after bathing in the healing waters, Hanmer Springs offers plenty with everything from bungy jumping to jet boating and quad biking. While it’s an easy daytrip from Christchurch, you’re better off not rushing and spending a night or two here.

Christchurch to Kaikōura on the coast road

Taking the coast road northwards from the city, you’ll arrive in Kaikōura after a 180-kilometre drive, taking around two and a half hours. This pretty coastal town is the place to meet and greet marine mammals, such as fur seals, sperm whales and dolphins, and tuck into a plate of fresh crayfish.

Also be sure to head to Point Kean and carry along hugging the coast to the Ohau Point pull over. You can’t miss walking a section of the peninsula walkway for dramatic coastal views. To give yourself enough time at your destination, it’s worth adding an overnight stop.

Christchurch to New Brighton and the eastern beaches

Easily done in a day, the drive to New Brighton from Christchurch takes less than 20 minutes. This short option means you can do it in an afternoon or add a few other eastern beaches to the itinerary and hop along the coast. Once you’ve wandered along New Brighton’s pier and bathed in the hot pools, carry on southwards to pretty Sumner Beach, Scarborough Beach and the sheltered Taylors Mistake Beach.

Driving conditions around Canterbury

If you’re driving the alpine passes in winter, remember, you’ll need to carry chains as conditions can be icy, particularly on State Highway 73. It’s also advisable to reach your destination before it gets dark, as navigating these roads at night can be tricky.

On the Port Hills Summit Road and the Banks Peninsula, the road is narrow and winding in parts. While not hugely challenging, follow the road rules carefully and keep on sealed roads, as any damage to vehicles caused by unsealed roads is not covered by Travellers Autobarn. Also keep in mind, these roads aren’t suitable for large campervans or motorhomes, so always check at the depot when booking and planning your route.

If you’re unsure about the conditions, check before you leave on the NZ Transport Agency website.

Turning a scenic drive into an overnight trip

While you can turn any drive into a multi-day road trip, the ones that absolutely deserve more time are the Akaroa, Hanmer Springs and Kaikōura drives. Each of these destinations deserves a night or two to fully uncover the incredible sights and make stops along the road. You could also link a few of these drives together into one longer itinerary and make the most of the four-day minimum hire period.

When you’re embarking on a road trip, the best thing about hiring a campervan is that you don’t have to worry about booking hotels along the way. The most affordable options for staying are the low-cost Department of Conservation campgrounds and freedom camping sites. Check out our guide to freedom camping before you set out.

If you’re keen to go even further, take a look at these South Island road trip itineraries.

Hiring a car or campervan in Christchurch

Hiring your campervan from Travellers Autobarn in Christchurch puts you at the start of the South Island’s most impressive drives. With free unlimited kilometres on every hire, the convenience of your accommodation and cooking facilities with you and no set hotel bookings, you’re free to roam wherever the mood takes you. Choose from our range of vehicles that suit your trip and travelling companions, from the two-sleeper Chubby camper to the spacious Hi5 and hit the road in absolute comfort and peace of mind.

Explore other popular road trips across the South Island

When you hire a campervan from Christchurch, there are so many stunning escapes within easy reach, whether you choose to go coastal or to alpine regions. Check out more of the South Island itineraries with these beautiful drives.

• Christchurch to Marlborough
• Christchurch to Christchurch road trip
• Christchurch to Picton road trip
• Christchurch to Invercargill

Freedom Camping in New Zealand – Important Information

We’re confident that you’ll have a blast freedom camping around the South Island. But, before you head out, there are some details you need to know about responsible freedom camping in New Zealand:

Amenities at freedom camping areas are usually limited, so while some might have access to bathrooms and running water, others may not

Most freedom campsites don’t operate on a booking system; instead, they follow a first-come, first-served basis. So, try to get to sites early so you can get the best spot

Department of Conservation (DOC) campgrounds are generally the most affordable sites to stay at, apart from freedom camping, offering over 150 campgrounds in New Zealand. Some of them operate on a booking system, while others use a first-come, first-served basis. If you have a DOC Campsite Pass, you can get access to parks year-round

DISCLAIMER: All information provided, including prices, availability, and site details, is correct at the time of publishing. We recommend contacting campsites or caravan parks directly to confirm the latest details before planning your visit. Please review our Terms and Conditions for additional information.