Lewis Pass by Campervan from Christchurch: Beech Forest, Alpine Tarns and Hot Springs

Quick summary: The Lewis Pass is the gentlest road from Canterbury across the Southern Alps, and one of the most beautiful. This campervan or motorhome trip follows State Highway 7 north from Christchurch via the Waipara Valley and Culverden, past the turn-off to Hanmer Springs, and up through deep beech forest to the 864 m pass and the hot springs beyond, around 200 km from the city. Spend two nights among the forest and tarns before returning, or continue down to the West Coast.

At a glance
Distance from Christchurch	Around 200 km to Maruia Springs, just beyond the pass
Driving time	Around 2 hr 45 min each way
Suggested time	2 nights, or combine with Hanmer Springs
Road	State Highway 7, sealed; gentle grades through river valleys and forest to 864 m
Key stops	Waipara, Culverden, Hanmer turn-off, Boyle River, Lewis Pass summit, Maruia Springs
Signature experiences	Alpine tarn walk, hot springs, beech forest tracks
Overnight options	DOC campsites along the highway, Hanmer Springs
Best for	Walkers, hot spring lovers and a quieter route to the West Coast

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Why drive the Lewis Pass?

Because it combines easy driving with some of the most peaceful scenery in the South Island. Unlike the steeper Arthur’s Pass, the Lewis Pass climbs gradually, following river valleys through vast tracts of red and silver beech forest in Lewis Pass National Reserve. The air is cool and quiet, the rivers are clear, and short walks lead to alpine tarns and forest glades. On the far side, natural hot springs bubble up near the road.

What are the best stops on the way?

Stop	Distance from Christchurch	Time to allow	What’s there
Waipara Valley	Around 60 km	30 min	Wineries and the turn-off inland
Culverden	Around 100 km	15 min	Farming town with services
Hanmer Springs turn-off	Around 125 km	Detour to Hanmer	Thermal pools around 10 km away
Boyle River	Around 170 km	30 min	Start of the St James Walkway
Lewis Pass summit	Around 190 km	30 min to 1 hr	Alpine tarns walk at 864 m
Maruia Springs	Around 200 km	1–2 hours	Hot springs just beyond the pass

Through the Hurunui and up the Lewis

After Waipara, State Highway 7 crosses the rolling hill country of North Canterbury to Culverden, then passes the turn-off to Hanmer Springs at the Waiau Ferry Bridge. Beyond it, the road follows the Boyle and Lewis rivers into the mountains, where farmland gives way to forest.

The Lewis Pass summit

At the summit, an easy walk loops past alpine tarns surrounded by tussock and stunted beech, with views of the surrounding peaks. It is a short, gentle stroll and a lovely break in the drive.

Maruia Springs and the hot springs

Just over the pass, on the West Coast side, Maruia Springs has natural hot pools fed by mineral springs. Nearby, on the Canterbury side of the summit, natural hot springs flow beside the Lewis River at Sylvia Flats, where riverside pools form among the stones; their temperature and size change with the river level.

What walks are there around the Lewis Pass?

• Lewis Pass tarns walk: a short loop at the summit past alpine tarns.
• St James Walkway: a multi-day track through high-country valleys, starting near the Boyle River, with shorter sections suitable for a day walk.
• Lake Daniell: an easy forest walk of a few hours each way from near Springs Junction to a lake surrounded by beech forest.
• Short forest walks from DOC campsites along the highway.

Carry warm, waterproof layers and insect repellent, as sandflies are common near the rivers, especially on the western side.

What tours and experiences are nearby?

• Hot pools at Maruia Springs and, a short detour back, at Hanmer Springs.
• Jet boating, bungy and rafting at the Waiau Ferry Bridge near the Hanmer turn-off.
• Guided walks in the forest and high country.
• Fishing for trout in the Boyle, Lewis and Maruia rivers, with a freshwater fishing licence.

Is the Lewis Pass a good RV route to the West Coast?

Yes. It is the gentlest of the crossings from Canterbury to the West Coast, sealed throughout with steady grades rather than steep ones, which suits larger campervans and motorhomes well. Beyond the pass, the road continues to Springs Junction, where you can head west to Reefton and Greymouth, or north to Murchison and Nelson. Check road conditions in winter, when snow and ice can affect the summit.

Where can you stay overnight?

• DOC campsites along the highway in Lewis Pass National Reserve, including Marble Hill near Springs Junction, with simple facilities in beech forest settings.
• Hanmer Springs, a short detour from the highway, with holiday parks and full facilities.
• Culverden and Waiau, smaller towns on the way.
• Self-contained freedom camping is limited in the reserve, where DOC campsites are the better option. Elsewhere, certified self-contained vehicles may stay only where Hurunui District Council allows it. See our Canterbury freedom camping guide.

How should you plan the trip?

• Two nights: Drive to the Lewis Pass, walk the tarns, soak in the hot springs, and camp in the forest. Return via Hanmer Springs for a second night in the thermal pools.
• With Hanmer Springs and Kaikōura: Combine the Lewis Pass with our Hanmer Springs and Kaikōura trips for a longer North Canterbury loop.
• Continuing to the West Coast: From Springs Junction, head west to Greymouth and return to Christchurch over Arthur’s Pass, a classic loop across the Alps and back. For the full West Coast, see our sister site’s West Coast glaciers route.

Where are fuel and supplies?

Amberley, Culverden and Hanmer Springs have fuel and stores. There are no services between the Hanmer turn-off and Springs Junction, so fill up beforehand. See our stocking up guide.

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Frequently Asked Questions