Are you planning a road trip from Christchurch to Franz Josef but aren’t sure where to stop? On your road trip, you want to make sure that you stop and enjoy all of the best sights on the road, but knowing where to stop can be tricky, even if you have lived in Christchurch for years. That’s where we come in, with our definitive guide of the best sights to see on your 380 km trip from Christchurch to Franz Josef. Let’s look at where you should stop on your trip!
Porters Pass Viewpoint
One of the best places to stop is Porters Pass Viewpoint. It’s only an hour into your journey, but it’s a worthwhile stop to see some of the best mountain views in New Zealand. If you can, try to stop here just after sunrise to see the mist roll through the hills. It’s the perfect place to snap a few photos and enjoy a quick break before resuming your drive.
Castle Hill Conservation Area
Castle Hill Conservation Area, or Kura Tawhiti, is a great place to stop after Porters Pass. It features fascinating rock formations that date back millions of years, with markings that prove they were formed under the ocean! Make sure you allow time to walk around these rocks and learn more about how the land looks. The rocks have since been eroded by winds and rain, but their amazing shapes are a sight to behold.
Lake Pearson
Lake Pearson is the perfect place to stop overnight and relax, surrounded by some scenic views. The water is so clear that the mountains reflect in it, making it a wonderful photo opportunity. There are plenty of walking trails to enjoy, wildlife to spot, and even space for stargazing! If you want to unwind and enjoy some peace, it is the perfect place.
Hokitika Beach
Hokitika Beach is a great spot if you want to relax. The beach offers fantastic views for you to soak up, with plenty of space for you to spread out and enjoy the day. While you are here, we recommend stopping at one of the cafes and restaurants to refuel for the next leg of your journey. There are a few nice spots to drink, too if you want to stay here overnight.
Hokitika Gorge
As you travel up the west coast, make sure that you stop at Hokitika Gorge. It offers some beautiful views of the Hokitika River, with its stunning blue water providedbym a glacier melt. The powerful river isn’t the best place to stop for a swim, but rather, it is a place to take pictures and soak up the scenery.
West Coast Treetop Walk
If you are looking for something with a little more action, the West Coast Treetop Walk is the perfect spot! The walk is set twenty meters above the forest floor and allows you to spot birdlife from a different viewpoint. The walk itself can take forty minutes and is the perfect place to stop and stretch your legs after driving.
Lake Lanthe
Lake Lanthe is another stop you can make not long after the West Coast Treetop Walk. Just thirty minutes after the Treetop Walk, you can stop again and enjoy views of the lake and its surrounding forest. We think it’s worth making this stop if you want a quiet space for a picnic or are looking to break your day of driving up with several stops.
Pakihi Walk Lookout
At the end of the Pakihi Walk is the Lookout, which offers stunning views that you must see. You will need to complete the 1 km walking trail first, but the path is suitable for most people. Once you reach the Look Out, you can enjoy stunning views of Mount Cook, the Southern Alps, and their surrounding forest. It is the best place to stop if you are planning to drive from Christchurch to Franz Josef in one day but need to stop to stretch your legs.
Lake Mapurika
There are plenty of beautiful lakes to enjoy in New Zealand, with Lake Mapourika being considered one of the most scenic. It is very close to Franz Josef, but we think it is worth the slight detour to visit. It’s the perfect place to spot local wildlife soak up the peaceful scenery. You can also enjoy fishing or kayaking here or book a boat tour of the wake to see the sights up close.
Franz Josef
Once you arrive at Franz Josef, make sure you allow time to explore everything the small town has to offer. There are plenty of cycling and walking trails, with many of them located in the Waitangi Roto Nature Reserve. There is the Franz Josef Glacier for those who want some adventure and plenty of places to eat and drink if you wish to unwind.
Start Planning Your Campervan Road Trip Today
Now that you know where to stop on your campervan road trip, it’s time to complete the planning. You can hire a campervan from all over New Zealand if you don’t have one already, allowing you to start and finish your journey in comfort. You can find the best rates on campervan hire in Christchurch here to ensure that you pay a fair price for your next adventure!
