Peacefullcalifornian

Which approach is the most scenic driving toward the Arthur Pass : from Christchurch or Greymouth?

Thank you

mlgb

I'd come in from Christchurch, be sure to stop at the village to check out the playful and destructive Kea parrots. Look for the Otiral Viaduct lookout.

Peacefullcalifornian

Thank you! may I ask you why from Christchurch/

Melnq8

I've done it both ways numerous times, and can't remember one being better than the other.

mlgb

I think it's more impressive to see the pass down than the reverse.

Peacefullcalifornian

Arriving from the plain with the Pass ahead should be more impressive. In that regard I would agree with you. My dilemma is that I will have to drive the West coast road from Greymouth to Haast on the mountain side to my left instead of closer to the seaside on my right which would give me a closer coastline view if it is worth driving it in that direction versus the reverse? What do you think? Between the two options which one would you pick?

I read that the west coast is very rainy? Do you know which month of the year there is the least amount of precipitation although it can vary

Thank you

Melnq8

I read that the west coast is very rainy?

Yes, that's why it's so lush and green. It's NZ's wettest region.

https://niwa.co.nz/our-science/clima...ies/west_coast

Wettest month on the West Coast is October, driest month is February.

But don't let the rain deter you; it's a rainforest after all, and quite lovely in the rain (less so if the rain is torrential).

Milford is crazy wet too, and less lovely in the rain IME.

When do you plan on making this trip?

Peacefullcalifornian

Thank you for your input. I would like to go for the fall colors season in April. Thats' what I had planned back in 2016 but had to cancel because of the Christchurch earthquake with the kiwi coastal line rail to a halt which I had planned to take. I had everything booked in 2019 but 2 weeks before departure a large kidney stone flared up Then after covid struck where up to may 2023 you had to be vaccinated which I refused to get..Hope this time nothing will prevent us to go

Melnq8

Our April/May trip was one of our favorites. Previously, we'd visited many times in Aug/Sept (we like the cold). Our February trip was too warm, humid and busy for our tastes. Anzac Day is April 25, 2024, a public holiday. There might be some business closures. Kids are on school holidays from April 28.

Peacefullcalifornian

We will go beginning of April to avoid snow which is possible I read at the end of April?

Melnq8

It usually snows between June and October.

Anything is possible I guess, but snow in April is pretty unlikely.

Peacefullcalifornian

Going thru Arthur pass it might?

Melnq8

Anything is possible, but unlikely. Arthur's Pass is only 920 meters (3,020 feet) above sea level. Rain, however, is always possible.

https://wanderlog.com/weather/83130/...ather-in-april

Peacefullcalifornian

Thank you!

roberttoth5793

Both drives from Christchurch and Greymouth to Arthur's Pass are scenic, but the consensus is that the drive is more impressive heading west from Christchurch. The reason for this is that you start on the Canterbury Plains and gradually climb into the Southern Alps, with the mountains building in grandeur as you go. This allows for a more dramatic reveal of the scenery. On the other hand, driving east from Greymouth, you start high up in the Southern Alps and descend towards the coast. The scenery is still beautiful, but it's not quite as awe-inspiring.

mlgb

Haha one year I had snow spinkles in Arhur's Pass in early December!! It didn't stick so no effect on driving.

I assume you plan to go next year.

The west coast is hard to find lodgings so I wouldn't wait on the bookings for this year

I have a trip report from 2022

Semi live from New Zealand.