If you choose to drive from Christchurch to Nelson you have two options: the coastal route through Kaikoura and Blenheim, or the inland route through the Lewis Pass. Both are great drives, but the Lewis Pass is a bit easier and quicker at around 5 hours versus 5 and a half for the coast. We'd suggest doing the loop — go one way up, come back the other. Whichever direction is up to you.
The Drive
The Lewis Pass gives you great New Zealand native forest and river views. In most places where you're not looking at rivers, the road seems to be cut straight out of the bush with a tree canopy over the road. You won't find many tourist traps on this drive — just good old New Zealand country and country towns.
Where to Stop
Waipara Wine Region
About 50 minutes north of Christchurch, the Waipara Valley is Canterbury's premier wine region. Pull off SH1 for a winery visit — the area is known for Pinot Noir and Riesling. If you're here on the right day, the Weka Pass Railway runs from nearby Glenmark Station. A morning of wine followed by a heritage steam train isn't a bad way to start a road trip.
Hanmer Springs
The turnoff to Hanmer Springs is well signposted on SH7. This alpine village is famous for its natural hot pools — a complex of thermal pools, sulphur pools, and freshwater pools set against a backdrop of mountains. It's the perfect break after two hours of driving. Allow at least an hour for a soak, more if you want to explore the village, walk the trails, or try the adventure activities (bungy, jet boat, quad bikes). Many people make Hanmer Springs an overnight stop.
Lewis Pass Summit
At 864 metres, the Lewis Pass is one of only three road passes over the Southern Alps. It's the lowest and gentlest of the three, which is why we say this route is "easier" than Arthur's Pass. The summit area has short walks through stunning beech forest if you want to stretch your legs. The Cannibal Gorge track and the Lewis Pass Tops track both start near the summit.
Maruia Springs
Just past the Lewis Pass on the western side, Maruia Springs is a small thermal resort with Japanese-style hot rock pools beside the Maruia River. It's a quieter, more remote alternative to Hanmer Springs. A lovely stop on a cold day.
Springs Junction
A tiny settlement at the junction of SH7 and SH65 — literally a junction in the road. Turn right here onto SH65 towards Murchison and Nelson. There's a cafe and petrol here if you need it.
Murchison
About halfway between Springs Junction and Nelson, Murchison is a small country town that's worth a stop. There's a great "junk/treasures" shop called Somebody's Treasure where you could find some proper Kiwiana that you won't find in any tourist shop. Good cafes, fuel, and a museum about the devastating 1929 Murchison earthquake (magnitude 7.8). From here it's about 90 minutes of relaxing driving to Nelson.
Coastal vs Inland — Which Route?
- Lewis Pass (inland): ~5 hours. Easier driving, quieter roads, native forest, Hanmer Springs hot pools, Maruia Springs, country towns. Best in summer and autumn. May need chains in winter.
- Kaikoura (coastal): ~5.5 hours. Dramatic coastline, Kaikoura whale watching, seal colonies, crayfish, mountain-meets-ocean scenery. Open year-round, though the road had major earthquake damage in 2016 (now fully repaired and stunning).
Practical Tips
- Fuel: Fill up in Christchurch. There's fuel at Culverden, Hanmer Springs, Springs Junction, and Murchison, but don't rely on small-town stations being open late.
- Food: Pack snacks. Cafes are limited between Hanmer Springs and Murchison. Springs Junction has a basic cafe.
- Phone coverage: Patchy through the pass. Don't rely on mobile data for navigation — download offline maps before you leave.
- Road conditions: Check NZTA Journey Planner for current conditions, especially in winter.
- Time: Allow 6–7 hours with stops. You'll want to stop.
