Lewis Pass

Lewis Pass is one of New Zealand's most remote and wild alpine crossings, a ribbon of sealed road that threads through the Southern Alps' northern reaches. It's not a town or a single viewpoint but a journey—a 65-kilometre stretch of State Highway 7 that connects the Canterbury foothills to the West Coast. For self-drive travellers, this is the road less travelled: a moody, ever-changing corridor of beech forest, braided rivers, and jagged peaks that feels a world away from the busier Arthur's Pass. Stop often, breathe the crisp mountain air, and let the silence of the backcountry sink in.

Highlights & What to See

• Marble Hill Recreation Area – A perfect picnic spot by the Boyle River, with short walks through ancient beech forest and a swing bridge over crystal-clear waters.
• Lewis Pass Scenic Reserve – The actual pass summit (864 m) offers a short, steep trail to a tarn with panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and valleys.
• St James Walkway – One of New Zealand's Great Walks starts near Lewis Pass; even a short day-hike along the first section reveals lush forest and alpine meadows.
• Hot springs at Maruia Springs – A soothing soak in thermal pools set in a forested valley, a welcome leg-stretcher after the drive.
• Boyle River Outdoor Education Centre – Not open to the public, but the river itself is a stunning turquoise braid perfect for photography and quiet contemplation.

Suggested Time to Spend

Lewis Pass is a half-day drive if you're just passing through, but to truly appreciate it, plan for a full day. Start early from Hanmer Springs or Reefton, allowing 2–3 hours for short walks, photo stops, and a soak at Maruia Springs. The road is narrow and winding in places, so factor in extra time for slower traffic and the odd livestock encounter. If you're a keen tramper, an overnight stay at one of the backcountry huts (like Boyle Flat Hut) turns the pass into a multi-day adventure.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Hanmer Springs – A charming alpine village with hot pools, mountain biking, and bungy jumping, just 30 minutes east of the pass.
• Reefton – A historic gold-mining town on the West Coast side, with heritage buildings and excellent short walks to waterfalls and old mines.
• Kaikōura – Famous for whale watching and the stunning Peninsula Walkway, about 1.5 hours north-east via the Inland Road.
• Murchison – A whitewater-rafting hub where the Buller River meets the Matakitaki, with easy access to the scenic Buller Gorge.
• Lake Sumner Forest Park – A vast wilderness area south of the pass, offering remote tramping and fishing in glacier-fed lakes.

Please check official sources for current details.