Christchurch to Greymouth over Lewis Pass with Hanmer Springs
A two-day route on SH7 from Canterbury's wine country over Lewis Pass to the West Coast, with a soak in Hanmer Springs.
- Distance
- 325 km (202 mi)
- Driving
- 3 h 33 min
- Suggested days
- 2
- Stops
- 9
- States
- New Zealand
- Updated
- May 7, 2026
At a glance: 2-day road trip of about 325 km (202 mi) with 9 stops, from Christchurch to Greymouth. About 3 h 33 min of driving in total.
More road trips in New Zealand
Route description
Leave Christchurch on SH1 north, then take SH7 at Waipara, about 60 km from the city. The Waipara Valley has vineyards and cellar doors just off the highway. SH7 continues across the Canterbury plains to Culverden, where SH7A leads to Hanmer Springs, about 90 km from Waipara. Fuel and supplies are best in Culverden or Hanmer. The Culverden turn-off is well signposted, and the route adds roughly an hour compared with SH1 only.
Hanmer Springs is a village with a forest park and the thermal pools; book ahead for busy periods. Return towards SH7, then drive west along the Waiau and Boyle valleys towards Lewis Pass, about 70 km from the Hanmer turn-off. The road climbs gently, with a few narrow bridges and long, straight stretches. Hanmer is also a good base for forest walks and short mountain-bike rides.
Lewis Pass (864 m) is in a forest reserve with short walks and picnic areas. Snow and ice are possible in winter; check NZTA conditions and carry chains if advised. Descend to Springs Junction (fuel and cafe), then SH7 continues through forest to Reefton, about 75 km, where the Powerhouse museum tells of early electric lighting. Maruia Springs and other hot-spring spots lie close to the highway; check opening and entry fees first.
From Reefton, SH7 follows the Grey River 75 km to Greymouth. The village of Blackball lies on a sealed side road, a short detour, and has mining history. The highway is mostly wide but has some one-lane bridges. Camp at holiday parks in Reefton or Greymouth, or use DOC campsites near Lewis Pass. Ask at the Reefton information centre about walks to old gold diggings before heading on.
Stop-by-stop itinerary
In driving order. Distances are estimates between consecutive stops.
- 1Start
Christchurch
New Zealand - 265 km
Waipara Valley Wine Region
FoodChristchurch, New ZealandA sunny valley north of Christchurch known for Riesling and Pinot Noir, with small cellar doors and lunch spots a short drive off SH1. Plan a designated driver; the roads are quiet but have gravel shoulders.
- 371 km
Hanmer Springs
New Zealand - 40 km
Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools
NatureHanmer Springs, New ZealandA complex of hot pools of varying temperatures set in a forest park, with rock pools, sulphur pools and a water slide. Book in summer or at weekends, since entry can be limited; the car park is near the village centre.
- 546 km
Lewis Pass Scenic Reserve
NatureHanmer Springs, New ZealandThe 864-metre alpine pass on SH7 passes beech forest, tarns and short tracks, including the Lake Daniells and Cannibal Gorge walks. Snow and ice are possible in winter, so check NZTA road conditions before heading over.
- 664 km
Reefton
New Zealand - 70 km
Reefton Powerhouse
HistoryReefton, New ZealandReefton claims to be the first town in the Southern Hemisphere to have electric street lighting, from a hydro scheme in 1888, and the restored powerhouse tells the story. Wander the main street's old shopfronts afterwards; it is a convenient overnight stop on SH7.
- 855 km
Blackball Historic Mining Village
HistoryGreymouth, New ZealandA former coal-mining village where the 1908 miners' strike helped found the Labour movement; it is now known for a small salami producer and an old hotel. The road from SH7 is sealed, but the village is small, with no major services.
- 923 km
Greymouth
New Zealand
Suggested stages and overnight stops
2 days, split by driving time. Campsites from OpenStreetMap: check opening dates before you go.
- Day 1: Christchurch → Lewis Pass Scenic Reserve · 182 km · 1 h 59 minOn the way: Waipara Valley Wine Region, Hanmer Springs, Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools.
- Day 2: Lewis Pass Scenic Reserve → Greymouth · 143 km · 1 h 33 minOn the way: Reefton, Reefton Powerhouse, Blackball Historic Mining Village.
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually March–April and October–November. Still fine, with some compromises, in May and December–February. July and August are the busiest months: book campsites early.
Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons
FAQs
How long is Christchurch to Greymouth over Lewis Pass with Hanmer Springs?
2-day road trip of about 325 km (202 mi) with 9 stops, from Christchurch to Greymouth. About 3 h 33 min of driving in total.
How many days do you need for Christchurch to Greymouth over Lewis Pass with Hanmer Springs?
We suggest 2 days: about 3 h 33 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.
Where does Christchurch to Greymouth over Lewis Pass with Hanmer Springs start and end?
It starts in Christchurch and ends in Greymouth.
Which states does Christchurch to Greymouth over Lewis Pass with Hanmer Springs pass through?
New Zealand.
When is the best time for Christchurch to Greymouth over Lewis Pass with Hanmer Springs?
The most pleasant months are usually March–April and October–November. Still fine, with some compromises, in May and December–February. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
