Great Alpine Highway

Stretching from Christchurch to the West Coast, the Great Alpine Highway (SH73) is one of New Zealand's most dramatic drives, slicing through the Southern Alps via Arthur's Pass. This 260-kilometre route offers ever-changing scenery—from the parched Canterbury Plains to lush beech forests and alpine tarns—culminating in the wild, rainforested coast. For those based in Fox Glacier, the western section of the highway provides a stunning approach to the glaciers, with roadside waterfalls and mountain vistas that demand frequent stops.

Highlights & What to See

• Arthur's Pass National Park – The highway's crown jewel, this alpine park is a hiker's paradise with short walks like the Devil's Punchbowl Waterfall and the challenging Avalanche Peak.
• Otira Viaduct – An engineering marvel that hugs the cliffside, offering heart-stopping views of the Otira Gorge. Pull over at the lookout for photos.
• Castle Hill – A surreal landscape of limestone boulders, a favourite for bouldering and photos, especially in late afternoon light.
• Lake Pearson & Lake Lyndon – Two serene alpine lakes perfect for a picnic or a quick leg-stretch; keep an eye out for black swans.
• Jack's Hut – A historic gold-miners' hut near the summit, offering a glimpse into the region's pioneering past.

Suggested Time to Spend

Drive the full highway in one day (3–4 hours without stops), but allow a full day to explore Arthur's Pass village and do a short hike. From Fox Glacier, you can easily do a return trip to Arthur's Pass (about 2 hours each way) as a day excursion, or incorporate it into a self-drive itinerary crossing the Alps. Overnighting in Arthur's Pass village is recommended for keen trampers.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Arthur's Pass Village – The only settlement in the park, with a pub, DOC visitor centre, and access to numerous trails.
• Fox Glacier – Your base for glacier walks and heli-hikes, just 40 minutes west of the highway's end.
• Franz Josef Glacier – Similar glacier experiences, 20 minutes north of Fox.
• Hokitika – A charming coastal town known for pounamu (greenstone) carving and wild beaches, an hour north of Franz Josef.
• Lake Matheson – Iconic mirror reflections of Aoraki/Mount Cook, easily combined with a Fox Glacier visit.

Please check official sources for current details.