The Unforgettable
Alpine Pacific Touring Route

This is a place like nowhere else in the world - where mountains spectacularly meet the sea. Magnificent wildlife is plentiful and exciting adventures and fascinating history await you. This is New Zealand’s eco-tourism capital and under three hours' drive from Christchurch.

Christchurch is a vibrant, energetic city where urban regeneration and creativity thrive. Picture amazing street art, innovative projects, a booming hospitality scene and state-of-the-art architecture that is changing the way the city looks, feels and functions – all the while staying true to its heritage and traditional English feel.

New Zealand’s alpine spa village is a haven of both relaxation and adventure. For more than a century, visitors have sought the rejuvenating tonic of this beautiful village with its fresh mountain air and therapeutic hot pools.

The North Canterbury wine region is an Aladdin’s cave of geologically rich areas brimming with limestone, moa bones and fossils. Award-winning wineries, stunning scenic walkways and delicacy-producing farms are all here. You’ll even find an old historic steam train chugging through the scenic Weka Pass.

Cheviot is known to most as being a great place to stop on your way elsewhere. There are some fabulous places to eat, drink, get supplies, shop and fill up your car. But there is also a lot more to Cheviot than you may have realised so it is well worth taking the time to visit for longer and discovering some of the rich history in the area.

Gore Bay is a short scenic drive 8kms off SH1 & boasts great views. Find the Cathedral Cliffs, they’re a hidden gem that will leave you marvelling at why there’s not a crowd of people queuing to see their beauty. The long beach has rocks at each end & you will get the feeling that there’s no rush here and that time stands still.

Culverden is set in the middle of the wide Amuri Basin surrounded by a stunning mountain backdrop. This delightful country township offers a variety of bed and breakfasts, nature walks and farm-stays, making it an ideal setting for travellers seeking a rural New Zealand experience. The town's Rutherford Reserve has a popular walk and playground.

Waikuku is an idyllic beach-side settlement on the northern border of the Waimakariri that has space for children to play and families and friends to gather. Here, the Ashley Rakahuri River meets the sea. It has the largest, least modified estuary in Canterbury and outstanding birdlife.

Amberley is a bustling rural town that has a lot on offer – beaches, walkways, an excellent golf course, high quality cafés and shopping. Its nearby beach is a popular spot with a seemingly endless coastline. Walk for miles and lose your worries in the noise of the ocean under a normally big blue sky.

The coastal settlement of Motunau Beach beckons seafood lovers. The much sought after blue cod is among the catch on offer so the beach is a popular fishing spot. Divers can enjoy an abundance of crayfish though it’s not a spot for novices. Sea fishing, marine wildlife watching and diving are just some of the great adventures on offer.

Named after the River Greta in Yorkshire, Greta Valley is where a peaceful, rural farming atmosphere still exists. Grab a cup of coffee or relax by the fire at Fossil Point Cafe where you will find some outstanding local art.

Only 50 min from central Christchurch, the Weka Pass was cut by the Waipara River wearing down the soft limestone and mudstone in the area. Erosion has created a number of distinctive limestone formations in the pass, which are known by descriptive names such as ‘Frog Rock’ and ‘The Seal’. The Pass is home to various species of bird, including the weka.

Waikari is famous for the Weka Pass Railway. This region hosts some spectacular wineries such as Pyramid Valley & Bellbird Estate. If you love the outdoors then horse riding over the Waikari Valley is a must do. There’s also a great walk to see some Maori rock art.

Hawarden is home to the well-known Flaxmere Gardens and is the gateway to the pristine Hurunui Lakes, set in secluded wilderness. The nearby Hurunui River is popular for recreational activities including fishing and kayaking.

Travel along State Highway 7 and you'll soon come across the small settlement of Hurunui. Steeped in character and charm, the pristine beauty of Hurunui is defined by its rivers, lush plains, rugged foothills and history. The Hurunui Hotel and village originally provided weary sheep drovers travelling to Christchurch a place to rest 150 years ago.

The township of Rotherham was established in 1877 to attract labourers to the district. Keep an eye out for the historic Watters Cottage, built by John Watters, an Irish expert wool presser in 1878, it’s been restored as a memorial to the Amuri farmers and station workers. Rotherham and Waiau offer access to the Waiau River, which is brimming with trout.

Waiau is one of the oldest towns in North Canterbury. Nestled on the banks of the Waiau River with approximately 300 residents and local businesses servicing a large and well established farming community. At the heart of the Alpine Pacific Triangle, a robust and positive community spirit makes Waiau a great place to spend the weekend.

Beautifully constructed to blend with the environment and surrounding native bush, the heart of the village is Mt Lyford Lodge with an excellent restaurant, bar and a range of great accommodation. Mt Lyford’s ski field has slopes for all abilities and in winter the local tennis court is filled with water and frozen into an ice-skating rink.

The stunning St James Conservation Area is a 78,000 hectare reserve with exceptional natural features including glaciated valleys, streams, wetlands, lakes and picturesque tarns. It is a playground rich in recreational opportunities – hiking, mountain biking, horse riding, skiing, hunting and fishing.

The primary gateway to the South Island, Christchurch Airport has an award-winning terminal which attracts more than 6.5 million passengers a year, connecting Christchurch with the rest of the world. The airport has plenty of places to eat, shop and relax while you await flights and a range of parking options available.