Cross the spine of Te Waipounamu – the South Island on this short but unforgettable journey from Ōtautahi – Christchurch to Māwhera – Greymouth.
This 5-day campervan route takes you through epic alpine landscapes, glacial rivers, and lush rainforest. You’ll stay in charming mountain villages, explore dramatic natural wonders, and end with ocean sunsets on the rugged West Coast. It’s the perfect loop for travellers short on time but big on adventure.
👉 Prefer a printable version? Download the PDF Itinerary here.
🗺️ Quick Overview
- Duration: 5 days
- Start Point: Ōtautahi – Christchurch
- End Point: Māwhera – Greymouth
- Best Time: October to April for settled weather
- Total Drive Time: Approx. 7 hours
- Highlights: Castle Hill boulders, Arthur’s Pass National Park, Otira Gorge, Greymouth beaches
🏙️ Day 1: Christchurch Arrival
Welcome to the South Island! Today is all about getting settled. Pick up your campervan, grab supplies at Pak’nSave, and take a stroll through one of Christchurch’s peaceful parks.
What to Do:
- Walk through the Christchurch Botanic Gardens
- Glide along the Avon River
- Dinner at Little High Eatery or Riverside Market
Discover the vibrant city of Ōtautahi / Christchurch — click here to explore top-rated tours.
Where to Stay (Campervan Friendly):
Where to Stay (Campervan Friendly):
- North South Holiday Park – close to airport
- Christchurch TOP 10 Holiday Park – good facilities
🏔️ Day 2: Christchurch → Castle Hill → Arthur’s Pass
Drive Time: 2.5 hours (with scenic stops)
Hit the road westward through the Waimakariri Gorge. Stop at the surreal limestone formations of Kura Tāwhiti – Castle Hill, then continue into the heart of the Southern Alps.
What to Do:
- Explore Castle Hill Rocks (easy 20-min walk)
- Arrive in Arthur’s Pass Village
- Walk to Devils Punchbowl Falls (1 hr return)
Where to Stay:
- Avalanche Creek Shelter Campsite (DOC) – basic, walkable to village
- Jacksons Retreat Alpine Holiday Park – powered sites and hot showers
🌲 Day 3: Arthur’s Pass National Park
Stay a second night in the mountains and discover alpine tracks and cheeky kea.
What to Do:
- Spot kea at Otira Viaduct Lookout
- Wander the Dobson Nature Walk
- Hike the Bealey Spur Track (3–4 hrs return)
- Optional detour to Lake Pearson for lunch
Where to Stay:
- Same as previous night
- Or try Greyneys Shelter (DOC) for a quieter alternative
🌧️ Day 4: Arthur’s Pass → Greymouth
Drive Time: 2 hours
Descend through the dramatic Otira Gorge, with options to detour to historic and scenic gems along the way. Arrive on the West Coast in time for a seaside stroll.
What to Do:
- Stop at Lake Brunner – forest walks and picnic spots
- Explore the Brunner Mine Site – easy walk through gold mining history
- Watch the sunset at Greymouth breakwater
Where to Stay:
- Greymouth Seaside TOP 10 Holiday Park – beachfront sites
- DOC Nelson Creek Campsite – 30 mins inland, surrounded by native bush and goldfield relics
🌊 Day 5: Explore Greymouth & Depart
Wrap up your alpine-to-coast journey with a relaxed morning, or keep the adventure going.
Optional Add-ons:
- Tour Monteith’s Brewery – local West Coast flavours
- Drive to Punakaiki Pancake Rocks (45 mins north)
- Begin return leg via Lewis Pass to loop back to Christchurch
🎒 What to Pack
- Warm layers (even in summer – alpine weather changes fast!)
- Light waterproof jacket
- Sturdy walking shoes or hiking boots
- Reusable water bottle
- Sunscreen and insect repellent
- Beanie and gloves (for early mornings or higher altitudes)
- Camera or smartphone for those mountain views
- Power bank for devices
💡 Local Travel Tips
- Fill up with fuel before entering Arthur’s Pass – stations are limited
- Castle Hill is best enjoyed early morning or late afternoon for softer light and fewer crowds
- Always check MetService before heading on longer hikes – weather can change quickly in alpine zones
- Watch for kea (alpine parrots) near car parks – they’re curious and clever!
- Cell reception is patchy in Arthur’s Pass – download maps in advance
🍽️ Must-Try Local Flavours
- Christchurch: Sample fresh eats at Riverside Market
- Arthur’s Pass Village: Try the famous pies and espresso from the Wobbly Kea Café
- Greymouth: Fish and chips on the beach or a tasting tray at Monteith’s Brewery
- Roadside stops: Look out for wild blackberry bushes in summer – perfect for a campervan dessert!
📌 Need to Know
- Always carry layers and rain gear – alpine areas can be sunny one moment and cold the next
- DOC campsites are first-come, first-served – arrive early during peak season
- Keep an eye out for one-lane bridges and give way signs on the West Coast roads
- Respect tapu (sacred) sites like Kura Tāwhiti – Castle Hill: stay on paths and do not climb or carve on rocks
- Rubbish bins are limited in rural areas – pack it in, pack it out
🌍 Travel Planning Resources
These are the tools we personally use and trust when planning our travels — from finding a place to stay to booking activities, transport, and insurance. Let your Tohu guide you — Trust the Journey and follow what feels right for you.
- ✈️Flights – Compare great deals with Kiwi.com and Aviasales for flexible, affordable options.
- 🚐 Campervans – Compare rental deals with Motorhome Republic across Aotearoa and beyond
- 🛏️ Stays – Compare hotels on Booking.com, Hotellook or TripAdvisor
- 🚐 Rental Cars – Compare prices and book through Airport Rentals by Motorhome Republic for trusted brands and easy airport pickup.
- 🎟️ Activities – Browse tours and experiences on Viator, Get Your Guide, or TripAdvisor
- 🛡️ Travel Insurance – Get flexible short-term coverage with Insubuy for your next holiday
- 📱 Travel eSIM – Stay connected with Airalo
- 💼 Lounge Access – Treat yourself with Priority Pass – for UK or US
🧭 Some booking links can be shy around VPNs! If one doesn’t open, try turning off your VPN or switching to a secure Wi-Fi network.
Toitū te marae a Tāne-mahuta, toitū te marae a Tangaroa, toitū te tangata
If the land is well and the sea is well, the people will thrive