Driving a Campervan out of Christchurch: Routes North, South-West and West
Quick summary: Christchurch is one of the easiest New Zealand cities to drive a campervan or motorhome out of. It’s flat, the streets follow a broad grid, and the depots near the airport sit beside State Highway 1, so you can head north or south without going through the centre. Four main routes leave the city: north to North Canterbury and Kaikōura, south-west across the plains towards Lake Tekapo, west to Arthur’s Pass, and south-east to Banks Peninsula and Akaroa.
| Direction | Main road | Leads to |
|---|---|---|
| North | State Highway 1 | Waipara, Hanmer Springs, Kaikōura, Picton |
| South-west | State Highway 1 | Ashburton, Timaru, Lake Tekapo via Geraldine |
| West | State Highway 73 | Darfield, Castle Hill, Arthur’s Pass, the West Coast |
| South-east | State Highway 75 | Little River, Akaroa and Banks Peninsula |
| Inland | Inland Scenic Route 72 | Rakaia Gorge, Methven, Mount Hutt, Geraldine |
Why is Christchurch easy to drive out of?
The city sits on the flat Canterbury Plains, so there are no steep hills or tight hairpins between the depots and the open road. Most of the main routes are multi-lane roads or motorways for the first part of the journey, and they pass into farmland within a short distance. For anyone driving a campervan for the first time, or driving on the left for the first time, it’s a gentle introduction.
How do you head north from Christchurch?
From the airport area, State Highway 1 leads north across the Waimakariri River towards Kaiapoi, Woodend and Amberley, with a motorway carrying traffic through the northern suburbs. North of Amberley, the highway reaches Waipara, where it divides: State Highway 7 heads inland towards Hanmer Springs and the Lewis Pass, while State Highway 1 continues up the coast towards Kaikōura and Picton.
How do you head south-west from Christchurch?
State Highway 1 runs south-west from the airport area past Templeton and Rolleston, then across the long, straight roads of the Canterbury Plains to Rakaia and Ashburton. For Lake Tekapo and the Mackenzie Country, travellers usually continue towards Geraldine and Fairlie before climbing to Burkes Pass. The plains are flat and easy, but they cross several wide braided rivers on long one-lane bridges, among them the Rakaia, which has one of the longest bridges in the country.
How do you head west from Christchurch?
State Highway 73 leaves the city heading west through Yaldhurst and West Melton to Darfield and Springfield, then climbs into the mountains over Porters Pass to Castle Hill and Arthur’s Pass. The first hour is flat and straightforward; the climb begins after Springfield. See our Arthur’s Pass and Castle Hill guide.
How do you get to Banks Peninsula and Akaroa?
State Highway 75 runs south-east from the city through Halswell and Tai Tapu, along the edge of Te Waihora/Lake Ellesmere to Little River, then climbs over the volcanic hills of Banks Peninsula before dropping to Akaroa. The section from Little River to the Hilltop is a steady climb with bends, and the descent to Akaroa Harbour is winding. See our Akaroa and Banks Peninsula guide.
What should you know about driving in Christchurch itself?
- The central city has narrow lanes, one-way streets and limited parking for large vehicles, so leave the campervan at your holiday park and explore the centre on foot, by bus or by bike.
- Watch for cyclists. Christchurch has many cycleways and a large cycling population, including separated lanes in and around the centre.
- Roundabouts are common. Give way to traffic from your right.
- Trams run on some central streets. Look out for the tracks and the heritage trams.
- Avoid peak commuting times on the main routes in and out of the city if you can.
Is Christchurch traffic difficult for a first-time RV driver?
Not usually. Outside the morning and evening commute, traffic on the main routes is moderate, and the flat ground and long sightlines make it easier to judge gaps than in a hilly city. The trickiest moments are lane changes on the motorways and parking in busy suburbs, so plan your route before you set off and let a passenger navigate.
What should you watch for on the Canterbury Plains?
The plains look easy, and mostly are, but they have a few quirks:
- Wind. The nor’wester, a warm, gusty north-westerly, can push high-sided vehicles sideways on long, exposed roads. Slow down and keep both hands on the wheel when it blows.
- Long one-lane bridges. Signs show which direction has priority, and some long bridges have passing bays part-way across.
- Straight roads and fatigue. Long, straight stretches are tiring; take a break every couple of hours.
- Farm traffic and stock. Tractors and stock trucks are common, and stock may be moved along rural roads.
- Railway crossings. Some rural crossings have no barrier arms, so look both ways.
How do you drive on the left if you’re not used to it?
Take the first drive slowly and keep it short. Keep left, especially when turning out of junctions and leaving car parks, and remember that turning right means crossing the oncoming lane. A passenger reading directions lets you concentrate on the road. For wider New Zealand driving tips, see our sister site’s guide to driving New Zealand roads in a campervan.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Christchurch is flat with a broad grid of streets, and the depots near the airport sit beside State Highway 1, so you can head north or south without driving through the city centre.
State Highway 73 runs west from Christchurch through Darfield and Springfield, then climbs over Porters Pass to Castle Hill and Arthur’s Pass.
State Highway 75 runs south-east through Halswell and Tai Tapu to Little River, then climbs over Banks Peninsula and descends to Akaroa.
Most travellers take State Highway 1 south-west across the plains, then head inland via Geraldine and Fairlie and over Burkes Pass. The Inland Scenic Route 72 via Mount Hutt and Geraldine is a scenic alternative.
You can, but the centre has narrow lanes, one-way streets, cycleways, tram tracks and limited parking for large vehicles. It is easier to leave the campervan at a holiday park and explore on foot or by bus.
The strong, gusty nor’wester wind, which can push high-sided vehicles sideways on exposed roads. Long one-lane bridges and fatigue on straight roads are other things to watch for.