Are you looking for a road trip to enjoy from Christchurch? Look no further than this trip to Hokitika! The three to five-day trip features eleven stops that allow you to enjoy stunning views, beautiful walks, and quirky shops. We recommend hiring a campervan for this trip to make the most out of your time. Let’s see what stops you can make along the way.
Stop 1 – Christchurch Botanic Gardens
Before leaving Christchurch, make sure you visit the Botanic Gardens. The gardens are filled with exotic and native plants, trees, and river paths that you can walk along as you learn more about the plants and stretch your legs before your road trip begins.
Stop 2 – Darfield
You won’t be driving long before you reach Darfield, a small town with fantastic bakeries and coffee. It is a good place to stop before you head deeper into the Southern Alps. When you stop here during the winter, you can typically find a dusting of snow that will leave you feeling like you are in a Hallmark movie.
Stop 3 – Rakaia Gorge
Rakaia Gorge is the perfect place to stop for your first scenic stop. The huge gorge was carved out by the Rakaia River and is surrounded by greenery and rugged hills. You can enjoy some short walks too that provide brilliant views. The contrast of colours here allows you to take some fantastic photos, so have your camera ready.
Stop 4 – Castle Hill
Castle Hill, or Kura Tawhiti, makes you feel like you have stepped into Lord of the Rings, with its enormous boulders that look perfect for sheltering hobbits! You can rock climb here or simply sit back and enjoy the view of these majestic rocks. It is also the perfect place to stop and enjoy a picnic before you return behind the wheel.
Stop 5 – Arthur’s Pass Village
Heading towards Arthur’s Pass National Park, you will see stunning mountain views and deep valleys that make you want to pull over. Give into that urge and stop at Arthur’s Pass Village. The small village has places to stop for food and a drink, along with the Devil’s Punchbowl Waterfall. The walk is easy to complete and takes you to a stunning waterfall that continues for 131 meters.
Stop 6 – Otira Viaduct Lookout
Otira Viaduct Lookout is one of our favourite viewpoints on this entire trip. You can enjoy the view of the viaduct, the surrounding landscape and the river below. You can get plenty of Insta-worthy shots here as you marvel at the steep hills and the engineering innovation of the viaduct.
Stop 7 – Dorothy Falls And Lake Kaniere
Before Lake Brunner, a quick detour at Dorothy Falls and Lake Kaniere is a great idea. These small falls are picturesque and are surrounded by nature. It is fairly quiet here and is a good place to stop and relax. If you need to stretch your legs after driving, there are some short hiking trails that you can enjoy. Our favourite leads to Dorothy Falls, where you can appreciate the waterfall from a new angle.
Stop 8 – Lake Brunner
Lake Brunner is the perfect space for most travellers to stop! Whether you like water sports, hiking, kayaking, or relaxing in nature, there is something here for you to do! You can spend as much time here as you like, listening to the birds singing or even fishing for your supper. The views are beautiful, so make sure you allow some time for pictures.
Stop 9 – Greymouth
Greymouth is a good place to stop for supplies and dinner and soak up some local history. The largest town on the West Coast, Greymouth, has a fascinating history that is worth learning about. The Shantytown Heritage Park offers a recreation of a 19th-century gold mining village for you to see and explore.
You can also drive to Point Elizabeth Walkway, which has plenty of hiking trails to enjoy. From these trails, you can see stunning views of the coast line, so don’t forget your camera!
Stop 10 – Hokitika Gorge
Before your final stop, take one more detour to Hokitika Gorge, where you can enjoy one of the most beautiful spots on the West Coast. The blue waters are striking, and you can see them up close on the viewing platform and swing bridge. The walk to these spots isn’t very long either, and it’s quieter here than other tourist stops, providing you with a moment of peace. If you make the journey during the off-season, you might wind up with the Gorge all to yourself!
Stop 11 – Hokitika
Finally, your journey comes to an end in Hokitika. Here, you will find a laid-back and relaxed vibe, with plenty of cafes, craft shops, and art galleries to explore. There is a lovely beach too, where you can watch the sunset. The best part is the Hokitika driftwood sign on the beach, which is the perfect photo opportunity to mark the end of your trip.
Start Your Road Trip From Christchurch Today
Finding the perfect route for your road trip doesn’t need to be a challenge, especially when you have the perfect route laid out above for you! All you need to do is hire your campervan, and you will be ready to go. Why not contact Travellers Autobarn, who are offering the best campervan hire rates in Christchurch, to start your adventure today?