Lewis Pass National Reserve

Lewis Pass National Reserve is a wild, untamed corridor through the Southern Alps, where the highway snakes between beech forests, tussock-covered river flats, and jagged mountain peaks. This is New Zealand’s backcountry at its most raw – a place for hikers, birdwatchers, and anyone craving solitude. The pass itself, at 863 metres, is the lowest road crossing of the Southern Alps, but the landscapes it unlocks are anything but low-key. Here, you can tramp through ancient forests, soak in natural hot springs, or simply pull over at a lookout and listen to the silence.

Highlights & What to See

• Marble Hill Walkway – An easy, family-friendly loop through towering beech trees and limestone outcrops, with a chance to spot kākā and bellbirds.
• Lewis Pass Scenic Viewpoint – A short boardwalk leads to a panoramic vista over the Boyle River valley and the surrounding alpine peaks.
• Boyle River Outdoor Education Centre – Not open to the public, but the river itself offers excellent fly-fishing for brown trout (check regulations).
• St James Walkway – A 67km, 5-day tramp through river valleys and subalpine tops, with basic huts along the route. Ideal for experienced hikers.
• Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa – A 40-minute drive south, these hot pools are the perfect post-hike soak.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors experience Lewis Pass as a scenic drive between Hanmer Springs and the West Coast, which takes about 1.5 hours without stops. To truly appreciate the reserve, allow at least 2–3 hours for short walks and photo stops, or dedicate a full day for a longer tramp like the St James Walkway (which requires overnight gear). If you’re keen on the full walkway, plan for 5 days.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Hanmer Springs – A charming alpine village with hot pools, mountain biking, and bungy jumping.
• Maruia Springs – A Japanese-style hot spring resort just north of the pass, perfect for a relaxing stop.
• Boyle Village – A tiny settlement with a lodge and café, ideal for a quick coffee break.
• Reefton – A historic gold-mining town on the West Coast side of the pass, with heritage walks and a great pub.
• Kaikōura – About 2.5 hours east, famous for whale watching and seal colonies.

Please check official sources for current details.