Route 72 NZ road trip: Canterbury region itinerary

If you’re looking for a road trip with snow-capped mountains, powerful waterfalls, lush forests, open green plains and charming little towns - look no further than Route 72 in NZ.

Our travel experts have planned this return Route 72 road trip itinerary so that you can experience the best that the Canterbury region has to offer. Whether you’re looking to ski, snowboard or simply stargaze - this itinerary has something for everyone!

Before you set off though, ensure that you’ve got the right vehicle for the journey! Take a minute to browse through the dozens of privately owned caravans, motorhomes and campers available for hire in Christchurch via Camplify. Our page about campervan hire in Christchurch will help you to choose a vehicle that is right for your travel needs and your budget.

Route 72 NZ Road Trip Itinerary

Fast Facts

Total Drive Time and Distance: Return: 6 hours 30 minutes (482km).

Total Number of Days:

• 4 - 5 Days Return

Day 1: Christchurch to Oxford

Drive Time: 45min

Distance: 54km

After a good night's rest at one of the best Christchurch holiday parks, you’ll be ready to set off for the quaint farming town of Oxford. On your short drive along Route 72, you’ll pass through some of the best farming lands in New Zealand, abound with wide-open green fields and trickling creeks. Oxford itself gives you a great taste for Kiwi countryside life, with plenty of great pubs, farm stays and outdoor activities.

Attraction Stop # 1: Horse Riding Around Mt Oxford

Several stables offer guided horse-riding tours around Mt Oxford. Whether you’re new to horse riding or a seasoned expert, there are packages for everyone. Explore the lush farming fields and forests of the Canterbury region whilst learning a little bit about the area from one of the informative guides.

Sightseeing Stop # 2: Walk to Ryde Falls Through the Oxford Forest

If you’d rather walk than ride, you can always enjoy an afternoon stroll to the famous Ryde Falls via the Oxford Forest. The tracks are well maintained and you have several choices. The Wharfedale Track from View Hill car park to Ryde falls is fairly short and easy, taking about 2-4 hours return (6km return). However, if you’re after a longer adventure, you can always take the Ryde Falls Track from Coopers Creek car park, which takes about 6 hours return (14km return).

Day 2: Oxford to Methven

Drive Time: 1hr

Distance: 77km

Today you’ll be saying goodbye to the lush green fields of Oxford and heading into the snow-capped mountains of the Southern Alps. If you’re travelling Route 72 in winter, you’ll likely get to see the iconic Mount Hutt in all its glory under a few feet of snow. And if you’re travelling in summer, you can explore the Southern Alps on foot and see things that many visitors never get to see! The ski-resort town of Methven will serve as your base for exploring the mountains.

Sightseeing Stop # 1: Washpen Falls

About 20 minutes outside of Methven, Route 72 will take you past Washpen Falls - a site of spectacular beauty and geological significance. The falls were created 80 million years ago when a massive volcanic eruption created deep canyons and gorges in the area. Today, it is home to some of the most diverse flora in New Zealand. There is a well-maintained walking track with stairs and boardwalks which lets you explore the Volcanic Canyon reserve. Once you reach the top of the walk (2-hour return), you are rewarded with stunning views across the Canterbury plains farmland back to sea.

Sightseeing Stop # 2: Rakaia Gorge

Continue heading along Route 72 and within another 5 minutes, you’ll come across the legendary Rakaia Gorge. As you drive over the gorge, you will see the shimmering blue-green waters of the Rakaia River below you and the snow-capped peaks of Mt Hutt not far off in the distance. The bridge itself is of historical significance, being built in 1882 to replace the treacherous ferry crossing that once operated on site. If you’re feeling up for another walk, pull over and try the Walkway Track (10.4km and 3-4 hours return) which takes you through ancient volcanic landscapes and past old coal mines.

Sightseeing Stop # 3: Mount Hutt

Mount Hutt is a must-visit tourist spot in New Zealand. It has been voted as New Zealand's Best Ski Resort six years in a row (2015 - 2020) and boasts wide-open terrain for all ski and snowboard ability levels. Even if you’re not a snow bunny, it’s still worth a visit for the views over the town of Methven and the Southern Alps. And if you’re lucky enough to be visiting in summer, there is a huge network of walking tracks for rookies and experts alike.

Day 3: Methven to Geraldine

Drive Time: 1 hour

Distance: 78km

Leave Methven behind and continue a short way along Route 72 until you reach the pleasant little town of Geraldine. This quirky place is filled with artistic cafes, charming boutique shops and beautiful walks upon a mountainous backdrop. Plus, it is also blessed with some of the best night skies for stargazing in the Southern Hemisphere.

Sightseeing Stop # 1: Mount Somers Walkway

About 20 minutes out of Methven, Route 72 will lead you right past Mt Somers. This mountain is famed for its natural beauty, spotted with rugged bushland, historic coal mines and volcanic formations. It also hosts one of the best walkways in NZ. However, you will need about 10 hours return to complete the full Mount Somers Walkway. If you’re after something easier, you can always try one of the easier nature trails that wind their way alongside Woolshed Creek (1-hour return).

Attraction Stop # 2: Geraldine Observatory

Geraldine Observatory is privately owned by Peter Aldous and is widely regarded as one of the best places to learn about the Southern Sky. Peter has 72 years of astronomy experience and uses all the latest technology and equipment to help his guests explore the stars and the planets. Plus, the experience is highly interactive and allows you to get hands-on!

Day 4: Geraldine to Akaroa

Drive Time: 2 hours 30 minutes

Distance: 192km

Today, Route 72 will take you through the town of Ashburton on the way to Akaroa. Ashburton itself is a fisherman’s dream, surrounded by farmland with two major rivers that are well known for salmon and trout fishing. As you leave Ashburton, you’ll follow the coastline to the charming town of Akaroa, also known as “the most French town in New Zealand”. Filled with historic buildings, a crystal clear harbour and renowned restaurants, Akaroa is a small slice of heaven.

Sightseeing Stop # 1: The Historic Streets of Akaroa

Akaroa is the only French settlement in New Zealand. It was settled in 1840 by French whaler Captain Langlois, alongside a small community of French and German families. Take some time to explore this small town on foot. The historic streets are lined with colonial cottages that make for a great Instagram collage. And don’t forget to also visit the highly-rated Akaroa Museum!

Attraction Stop # 2: Check Out the Akaroa Wildlife

Besides its culture, Akaroa is also known for having outstanding wildlife experiences. Several locally-owned nature cruises will take you out to see the rare Hector’s dolphins - an adorable little creature that can only be found in New Zealand. Alternatively, you can check out the largest little penguin colony in Australasia and take a kayak tour through the stunning Pohatu Marine Reserve.

Day 5: Akaroa to Christchurch

Drive Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Distance: 80km

In just over an hour, Route 72 will take you from Akaroa back to Christchurch. Once there, be sure to take advantage of everything this city has to offer. If you’re interested in history, you might want to check out Canterbury Museum or the interactive International Antarctic Centre. Quake City is another unique museum experience that explores the area’s troubled history with earthquakes. Or for the most scenic views in town, try taking a stroll through the Botanical Gardens or riding the Christchurch Gondola into the slopes of Mount Cavendish.

After Your Route 72 Road Trip

After you return from exploring Route 72 in NZ, you’ll be itching to take off on your next adventure. Given that you’ve already seen the best of the Canterbury region, we recommend that you now head further north or south!

If you’re interested in checking out more of New Zealand’s unique geology, why not take a road trip from Christchurch to Picton. Along the way, you’ll take a dip in some thermal hot pools and take a jet boat ride on the Waiau River.

Alternatively, if you’d like to spend some more time in the alps, you may consider a Christchurch to Wanaka road trip. On the way, you’ll get to visit sites like Fox Glacier and Jackson Bay. Plus, Wanaka is the perfect base camp if you plan on skiing in the Southern Alps.