Lewis Pass

Lewis Pass, the northernmost of the three main passes through the Southern Alps, is a wild and scenic route that connects the West Coast with Canterbury. This remote alpine crossing offers a true sense of New Zealand's untamed backcountry, with dense beech forests, braided rivers, and panoramic mountain views. It's a quieter alternative to Arthur's Pass, perfect for travellers seeking solitude and a deeper connection with nature.

Highlights & What to See

• Marble Hill & Boyle River: Stop at the Marble Hill picnic area and walk the short loop through limestone outcrops and mossy forest. The Boyle River offers excellent fly-fishing for brown trout.
• St James Walkway: This 67-km tramping track starts near Lewis Pass and takes 3–5 days through alpine valleys and tussock lands. Even a short day walk from the road end gives a taste of the backcountry.
• Lewis Pass Hot Pools (Marble Hill): A free, natural hot spring pool beside the Boyle River. It's a small, rustic soak with stunning river views – best visited early or late to avoid crowds.
• Lake Sumner Forest Park: Explore this vast wilderness area with numerous tramping trails, including the route to Lake Sumner itself. Great for multi-day hiking and mountain biking.
• Wildlife & Birdlife: Keep an eye out for kea, South Island robins, and bellbirds. The beech forests are alive with birdsong, and you might spot a chamois on the higher slopes.
• Scenic Drives: The road over Lewis Pass (State Highway 7) is a highlight in itself, with lookout points like the Lyell Creek viewpoint offering sweeping vistas of the alpine landscape.

Suggested Time to Spend

Allow at least half a day to drive the pass and make key stops. If you plan to do a short walk or soak in the hot pools, budget 3–4 hours. For serious tramping on the St James Walkway or Lake Sumner tracks, set aside 2–5 days. Most travellers combine Lewis Pass as a scenic detour between the West Coast and Canterbury, spending a night at one of the basic DOC campsites or lodges along the route.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Hanmer Springs: A 45-minute drive east of the pass, this alpine village is famous for its thermal pools and spa resorts, plus hiking and bungy jumping.
• Reefton: West of the pass, this historic gold-mining town offers heritage walks, glowworm grottoes, and a gateway to the Victoria Forest Park.
• Buller Gorge: A dramatic river canyon with swingbridge walks, jet boat rides, and the famous Buller Gorge Swingbridge.
• Punakaiki & the Pancake Rocks: Further south on the West Coast, these limestone formations and blowholes are a must-see, about 2 hours from Lewis Pass.
• Arthur's Pass National Park: Another alpine crossing with more famous walks like the Avalanche Peak track and the Otira Viaduct lookout.

Please check official sources for current details.