Franz Josef to Christchurch Drive: A Spectacular 1-Way Review

Okay, so planning a drive from Franz Josef to Christchurch? You know, the one that usually loops through Hokitika? Well, let me tell you, it is truly one of those trips that sticks with you. That said, it is much more than just a way of getting from point A to point B; rather, it’s seriously a chance to drink in some pretty mind-blowing sights in New Zealand’s South Island. Actually, from towering glaciers to seriously wild coastlines and then across those huge, sweeping plains, there’s, very clearly, never a dull moment. Now, having actually done this route not too long ago, I thought I’d, maybe, share a few insights to assist you. Right, this isn’t just a “things to see” rundown, more so, it is about capturing, just a little, what makes this trip pretty darn special.

Getting Started: Franz Josef to Hokitika

So, the drive kicks off in Franz Josef. You know, it’s a place that’s rightly well known for its big glacier, that is almost blue. Still, before you actually head off, you should maybe take one last peek at the ice – there are guided tours that get you up close, yet, honestly, even just seeing it from one of the viewpoints, is pretty spectacular. That is, if the weather cooperates; arguably, it can get a little misty up there.

Okay, heading north on Highway 6 is really the first step. I mean, the drive to Hokitika is, literally, around a couple of hours. Also, don’t even think that it is just a plain drive, okay? The road, too it’s almost, winds along the coast, right so you get these peeks of the sea. That is, the Tasman Sea crashing against the shoreline. Basically, keep an eye out for small pull-offs too it’s almost, alright. Right, so there are chances to take photos. You see, I, for example, stopped at a few randomly for some sea-view shots and they ended up being some of my, pretty good, pictures from the whole trip.

Basically, Hokitika, it is, literally, your first main stop. And, that, truly, is a cute little town famed for its, supposedly good, arts scene and, what are seemingly cool, jade shops. Actually, if you’re sort of into greenstone – that’s pounamu to the Maori – the town’s factories do provide tours. Very, very interesting to find out how they get from riverbed rocks into pretty ornaments. Also, a little further along, you’ve got Hokitika Gorge; literally, just a quick detour. The walk down to the gorge overlooks this insane turquoise water and you might want to, well, take a few snaps; arguably, really pretty for the Gram.

Hokitika to Arthur’s Pass: Entering the Mountains

So, next up, you are leaving the coast. Right, you’re actually headed inland. I mean, get set for some serious alpine scenery on your, arguably, way to Arthur’s Pass. The road gets pretty windy, which you might know. Actually, it is a little thrilling to steer around those corners when you, allegedly, know the landscape you’re looking at. Arguably, if you do have the time, this route features great bushwalking opportunities too it’s almost, very rewarding, too. Think of the lush forests all the way, gradually, growing smaller and then giving way to scree slopes and rock.

Arthur’s Pass? It is essentially, a town. Arguably, it’s right in the center of Arthur’s Pass National Park. If you are pretty keen on checking out the surrounding hikes, then it makes an alright pit stop for some time spent properly stretching your legs and getting that fresh air filling the lungs. Apparently, the park itself, is seemingly full of cool tracks. That is, that wind, ultimately, between high peaks, the forest, and down by the river, is awesome.

Actually, for a quick leg-stretch, consider checking out the Devil’s Punchbowl Waterfall. I mean, it’s, pretty much, a moderate walk. Seemingly, it leads to views of a rather large waterfall. Literally, the force of the spray is pretty spectacular if you get right up close. If you’re seriously up for a challenge, and let’s face it, many people, apparently, tend to be, then do consider the trek up to Avalanche Peak for absolutely sick views. Just saying.

Arthur’s Pass to Christchurch: Across the Canterbury Plains

So, alright, pushing on to Christchurch after Arthur’s Pass, right. Well, the scenery changes yet again and this time, quite sharply. Right, very suddenly, you descend from mountain territory. Seriously, it is like something dramatic. Right, you’re then rolling out across the absolutely huge Canterbury Plains. Right, that sort of golden, expansive landscape with mountains kind of in the distance.

Okay, you see that this part of the drive tends to be rather less about, what some would say are, spectacular stops and very much about eating up the miles, you know? The drive’s length to Christchurch lets you ease in and start reflecting on what you’ve done over the previous few days. Arguably, soak in the change to these lush farming landscapes rolling out on each side.

As a matter of fact, as you actually edge nearer Christchurch, what can sometimes occur is the return to signs of civilization; it can often feel kind of jarring. As you actually approach the outskirts, it’s clear that this sprawling city has been recovering from its devastating earthquake, too it’s almost, since a little over a decade. This sort of blend, too it’s almost, of resilience and a progressive outlook, ultimately, makes Christchurch pretty darn intriguing.

Arriving in Christchurch: Reflections and Explorations

Right so, boom, you have reached Christchurch, and what some see as the end of your drive. Arguably, depending on your preference, or rather, the time you want to allocate for the experience, a lot of options are possible for you to explore within Christchurch and around Canterbury.

Right, you should, possibly, give the Christchurch Botanic Gardens some time. I mean, the gardens are super pretty, seriously lovely and there is, actually, also a good view, a fair bit of tranquility if you stroll through, as people do, with all the different gardens they tend to grow. Now, slightly removed and somewhat outside the center, that is, a drive away, is the International Antarctic Centre. Very, very clearly, a place to find out about Antarctica without the, typically, hassle of having to take a flight or, at the very least, hop on an expensive boat trip. You should see little blue penguins, as people do, in the bird enclosure and it features an amazing simulated Antarctic storm; okay, you are warned, the winds will try their best to blow you away; it is awesome, so to speak.

Also, if you didn’t feel that enough thrill came along for the ride in Arthur’s Pass, you could try, arguably, what could well be, getting along to ride the gondola to get awesome scenic panoramas overlooking the area. From a height that literally is pretty insane, okay? This tends to give, allegedly, sweeping views of the plains meeting the peninsula and those coastal areas, okay. Now, if I was, maybe, to do the trip again, I would seriously try punting along the Avon river because people often recommend the serene and quiet views. Okay, so do consider those suggestions.

Recommendations for an Epic Drive

Basically, these tips should make sure, allegedly, a sweet drive with those landscapes you only see properly once, usually in postcards.

• Best Time to Travel: Consider summer for those warmer temperatures, yet it should be pointed out that you will not be alone with your amazing ideas to go then. Seriously, I like traveling around autumn, with less crowds about and the most beautiful autumn leaves everywhere.
• Car Rentals: When you rent a car for a one way drive from place A to B, very, very often the company that owns the rental car business, so it is, may try and slug you a fee, okay? Therefore, give, quite often, a heads up that you might not exactly be planning to return it exactly where you picked it up; maybe at point A, alright.
• Accommodation Tips: In those smaller cities I mean, for example, Franz Josef. You might seriously consider looking ahead, maybe get some, more often than not, sweet lodging at an actual good price to sleep like a log. Arguably, you’ll need it after the full, great, action-packed travel day to have properly experienced things.
• What to Pack: So, okay, given those shifts around locations in South Island – big glaciers, rough coastline, alpine hillsides with steep ascents, expansive flat plains; then pack smartly for these varying landscapes because things tend to shift about very quickly weather wise; just pack smart; just pack layered clothing; just pack the rain gear alright.

Closing Thoughts: Worth the Drive?

So, the drive from Franz Josef to Christchurch, like, by way of Hokitika, really is more than simply transporting people. That, honestly, is like a journey, alright, passing though insane, changing sights and sceneries as the crow flies. Whether, naturally, you’re gawking out the turquoise hues along Hokitika Gorge and walking on around a hiking trail inside Arthur’s Pass with fresh, crisp and pure winds at high altitudes, or just driving through those wide Canterbury Plains, alright, New Zealand’s beauty truly unveils before your very own eyes at your viewing point through the windscreen. Okay, if you do some proper planning ahead, pack properly according what is potentially on the route schedule and you’re geared up to be in the company of dramatic backdrops and amazing scenery, naturally, you’re in store for what might likely, sometimes, be, a properly incredible, properly great, drive.