New Zealand State Highway 73
Encyclopedia
State Highway 73 is a major east-west South Island
South Island
The South Island is the larger of the two major islands of New Zealand, the other being the more populous North Island. It is bordered to the north by Cook Strait, to the west by the Tasman Sea, to the south and east by the Pacific Ocean...

 State Highway
New Zealand State Highway network
The New Zealand State Highway network is the major national highway network in New Zealand. Just under 100 roads in both the North and South Islands are State Highways...

 in New Zealand
New Zealand
New Zealand is an island country in the south-western Pacific Ocean comprising two main landmasses and numerous smaller islands. The country is situated some east of Australia across the Tasman Sea, and roughly south of the Pacific island nations of New Caledonia, Fiji, and Tonga...

 connecting Christchurch
Christchurch
Christchurch is the largest city in the South Island of New Zealand, and the country's second-largest urban area after Auckland. It lies one third of the way down the South Island's east coast, just north of Banks Peninsula which itself, since 2006, lies within the formal limits of...

 on the east coast with Greymouth
Greymouth
Greymouth is the largest town in the West Coast region in the South Island of New Zealand, and the seat of the Grey District Council. The population of the whole Grey District is , which accounts for % of the West Coast's inhabitants...

/Hokitika
Hokitika, New Zealand
Hokitika is a township in the West Coast Region of New Zealand's South Island, south of Greymouth, and close to the mouth of the Hokitika River. According to the 2006 census, the usually resident population of the Hokitika urban area was 3,078, a decrease of 12 people since 2001. A further 828...

 on the west coast via the Southern Alps
Southern Alps
The Southern Alps is a mountain range extending along much of the length of New Zealand's South Island, reaching its greatest elevations near the island's western side...

. It is mostly two lane, with some single-lane bridges north of Springfield
Springfield, New Zealand
Springfield is a small town in the Selwyn District of Canterbury, in the South Island, of New Zealand. In 2001 it had a population of 219. At the foot of the Southern Alps, west of Christchurch, it is the most westerly town of the central Canterbury Plains...

 but is mostly dual carriageway
Dual carriageway
A dual carriageway is a class of highway with two carriageways for traffic travelling in opposite directions separated by a central reservation...

 in Christchurch with some sections of the road currently being upgraded to motorway status.

History

The route connecting the West and East coasts of the South Island via the Southern Alps were known for hundreds of years by the Māori people, due to a flourishing pounamu trade. The Europeans were informed of the route by a local chief in the mid-19th century but was not used during his lifetime. In 1864, Arthur Dudley Dobson
Arthur Dudley Dobson
Sir Arthur Dudley Dobson was a pioneer surveyor, engineer and explorer. Born in London, he came to Lyttelton, New Zealand in 1850 on one of the First Four Ships. He is best known for taking the first party of Europeans over Arthur's Pass.-Early life:Arthur Dudley Dobson was born in Islington,...

 traversed from the east to the west coast from the Waimakariri River, thereby discovering Arthur's Pass. A route connecting Christchurch to Hokitika was fully completed in 1866, with the first Cobb & Co
Cobb & Co. (New Zealand)
Cobb and Co is the name of a company that operated a fleet of stagecoaches in Australia in the late 19th century. Cobb & Co themselves did not operate in New Zealand officially but their name was used by many private stage coach operators.-History:...

 coach began operating that same year due to the burgeoning gold rush.

As the railway was progressively built from both sides, the road was the only route that connected both coastlines of the South Island until 1923, when the Otira Tunnel
Otira Tunnel
The Otira Tunnel is a railway tunnel on the Midland Line in the South Island of New Zealand between Otira and Arthur's Pass. It runs under the Southern Alps from Arthur's Pass to Otira - a length of over . The gradient is mainly 1 in 33, and the Otira end of the tunnel is over lower than the...

 was open, this signalled the end of the Cobb & Co
Cobb & Co. (New Zealand)
Cobb and Co is the name of a company that operated a fleet of stagecoaches in Australia in the late 19th century. Cobb & Co themselves did not operate in New Zealand officially but their name was used by many private stage coach operators.-History:...

 coach in New Zealand.

Due to the geography and topography between Springfield
Springfield, New Zealand
Springfield is a small town in the Selwyn District of Canterbury, in the South Island, of New Zealand. In 2001 it had a population of 219. At the foot of the Southern Alps, west of Christchurch, it is the most westerly town of the central Canterbury Plains...

 and Kumara
Kumara, New Zealand
Kumara is a town on the West Coast of the South Island of New Zealand. It is located 30 kilometres south of Greymouth, close to the western end of State Highway 73, which leads across Arthur's Pass to Christchurch...

, the road has bee subjected to several closures and road realignments, with both Porters and Arthur's Pass subjected to frequent closures during the winter months. The road between Arthur's Pass and Otira
Otira
Otira is a small township seven kilometres north of Arthur's Pass in the central South Island of New Zealand. It is on the western approach to the pass, a saddle between the Otira and Bealey Rivers high in the Southern Alps...

 in particular was amongst the most dangerous in the country, due to the road located on scree
Scree
Scree, also called talus, is a term given to an accumulation of broken rock fragments at the base of crags, mountain cliffs, or valley shoulders. Landforms associated with these materials are sometimes called scree slopes or talus piles...

 slopes which frequently gave way. As a result, numerous studies were conducted into alternative options for fixing the road around Candy's Bend, Starvation Point and the Zig Zag. Construction of the Otira Viaduct and the protective roofs from slips began in 1997 and opened in 1999.

Kumara Junction to Christchurch

As of May 2010, this is the current route of the highway.

State Highway 73 begins 11 km south of Greymouth
Greymouth
Greymouth is the largest town in the West Coast region in the South Island of New Zealand, and the seat of the Grey District Council. The population of the whole Grey District is , which accounts for % of the West Coast's inhabitants...

 at Kumara Junction. The highway passes through undulating farmland, scrubland and forest as it passes through the settlements of Kumara
Kumara, New Zealand
Kumara is a town on the West Coast of the South Island of New Zealand. It is located 30 kilometres south of Greymouth, close to the western end of State Highway 73, which leads across Arthur's Pass to Christchurch...

 and Dillmanstown. The road veers sharply to the left as it approaches the mountains to the front of the road. The road then hugs the Taramakau River
Taramakau River
The Taramakau River is in the northwest of the South Island of New Zealand. It rises in the Southern Alps, 80 kilometres due east of Hokitika, and immediately below the saddle of the Harper's Pass, and runs westward for 75 kilometres into the Tasman Sea 15 kilometres south of Greymouth.Several...

 as it proceeds down the valley. At Jacksons, the Midland Line
Midland Line, New Zealand
The Midland line is a 212 km section of railway between Rolleston and Greymouth in the South Island of New Zealand. The line features five major bridges, five viaducts and 17 tunnels, the longest of which is the Otira tunnel.-Freight services:...

 crosses the river and begins to run parallel to the road. Just before Aickens at the confuence of the Taramakau and Otira River
Otira River
The Otira River is located in the central South Island of New Zealand. It rises on the slopes of Mount Rolleston in the Southern Alps, and flows north for 20 km, passing through the town of Otira before joining the Taramakau River...

s, the road and rail line veers to the right and runs to the south before reaching Otira
Otira
Otira is a small township seven kilometres north of Arthur's Pass in the central South Island of New Zealand. It is on the western approach to the pass, a saddle between the Otira and Bealey Rivers high in the Southern Alps...

.

Beyond Otira, the road breaks with the railway line and crosses the river before climbing up towards the Otira Viaduct and Arthur's Pass. At 920 metres, Arthur's Pass is the second highest pass on the road and is one of the three alpine passes connecting the east and west coasts. After peaking, the road descends into Arthur's Pass
Arthur's Pass
Arthur's Pass is a mountain pass in the Southern Alps of the South Island of New Zealand. It marks part of the boundary between the West Coast and Canterbury regions, 140 km from Christchurch and 95 km from Greymouth. The pass lies in a saddle between the valleys of the Otira River, a...

 village with the railway line emerging from the Otira Tunnel
Otira Tunnel
The Otira Tunnel is a railway tunnel on the Midland Line in the South Island of New Zealand between Otira and Arthur's Pass. It runs under the Southern Alps from Arthur's Pass to Otira - a length of over . The gradient is mainly 1 in 33, and the Otira end of the tunnel is over lower than the...

 nearby.

After the village, the road and rail line runs along the Bealey River
Bealey River
The Bealey River is a small river located in the Southern Alps of New Zealand. It is a tributary of the Waimakariri River. Its valley forms the eastern approach to Arthur's Pass...

 valley and crosses the Waimakariri River
Waimakariri River
The Waimakariri River is the largest of the North Canterbury rivers, in the South Island of New Zealand. It flows for 151 kilometres in a generally southeastward direction from the Southern Alps across the Canterbury Plains to the Pacific Ocean....

 before veering left and running parallel to both the river and the rail line on the opposite side. Before Cass
Cass, New Zealand
Cass is a locality in the Selwyn District of the Canterbury region in New Zealand's South Island.It is named for Thomas Cass, an important pioneer surveyor in the area. State Highway 73 passes near the town, and the Midland Line between Christchurch and the West Coast was opened to the town in...

, the road runs along a bluff and turns right to proceed past some more farmland as well as Lakes Grasmere and Pearson.

The road then climbs up towards Castle Hill Village and runs through a valley before passing beside Lake Lyndon
Lake Lyndon
Lake Lyndon is a small lake in the Canterbury region of New Zealand's South Island. It is near Porters Pass, and State Highway 73 from Springfield and Cass skirts the lake's northeastern shore...

 where it curves left before climbing up towards Porters Pass which, at 939 metres, is the highest point on the road. After cresting, the road descends into the Kowai River
Kowai River
The Kowai River is a river in the Canterbury Region of New Zealand. It rises on the southern flanks of the Torlesse Range and travels south, emerging from the foothills of the Southern Alps near Springfield. The river turns east across the upper Canterbury Plains before joining the Waimakariri...

 valley and runs roughly parallel with the river until it reaches Springfield
Springfield, New Zealand
Springfield is a small town in the Selwyn District of Canterbury, in the South Island, of New Zealand. In 2001 it had a population of 219. At the foot of the Southern Alps, west of Christchurch, it is the most westerly town of the central Canterbury Plains...

.

After Springfield, the road emerges onto the Canterbury Plains
Canterbury Plains
The Canterbury Plains are an area in New Zealand centred to the south of the city of Christchurch in the Canterbury Region. Their northern extremes are at the foot of the Hundalee Hills in the Hurunui District, and in the south they merge into the plains of North Otago beyond the Waitaki...

 and runs straight through the settlements of Annat, Sheffield and Waddington
Sheffield and Waddington, New Zealand
Sheffield is a small village located in the Selwyn District of the Canterbury region of New Zealand's South Island, near the Waimakariri Gorge....

 before arriving at Darfield
Darfield, New Zealand
Darfield is a town in the Selwyn District of the South Island of New Zealand. It is located 35 kilometres west from the outskirts of Christchurch, New Zealand on State Highway 73 and the town is on the Midland railway line, route of the famous TranzAlpine train service...

. The road then passes through the settlements of Kirwee
Kirwee
Kirwee is a town located west of Christchurch in the Canterbury region of New Zealand's South Island. It was named after Karwi in India by retired British Army colonel De Renzie Brett...

, Aylesbury
Aylesbury, New Zealand
Aylesbury is a settlement in the Canterbury region of New Zealand.Aylesbury's claim to fame was the Railway Station which blew away in the winds of '76.The latest entry for Aylesbury is a shingle pit which is in the process of creation....

 and West Melton
West Melton, New Zealand
West Melton in New Zealand has the largest population in the Selwyn District of Canterbury, New Zealand due to a high density of farms and lifestyle blocks. It has long been associated with horse racing , arable land, and sheep farming. Recently, it has become associated with wine growing and deer...

 as well as dairy and lifestyle farms characteristic of the plains. The road passes by Paparua Prison and arrives in Christchurch via Yaldhurst.

Christchurch

As Yaldhurst Road, the proceeds in an easterly direction towards Riccarton
Riccarton, New Zealand
Riccarton is a suburb of Christchurch. It is due west of the city centre, separated from it by Hagley Park. Upper Riccarton is to the west of Riccarton.-History:...

. The road widens to four lanes at Avonhead
Avonhead
The suburb of Avonhead is located in the city of Christchurch. Avonhead has two primary schools The suburb of Avonhead is located in the city of Christchurch. Avonhead has two primary schools The suburb of Avonhead is located in the city of Christchurch. Avonhead has two primary schools (Avonhead...

, but by Curletts Road/Peer Street, the highway turns right (while Yaldhurst Road becomes Riccarton Road and heads towards the city centre).

As Curletts Road, the road temporarily reverts back to two lanes divided by a flush median. After Blenheim Road, however the road widens again, crosses over the Main South Line
Main South Line
The Main South Line, sometimes referred to as part of the South Island Main Trunk Railway, is a railroad line that runs north and south from Lyttelton in New Zealand through Christchurch and along the east coast of the South Island to Invercargill via Dunedin...

 and proceeds towards the future Christchurch Southern Motorway
Christchurch Southern Motorway
The Christchurch Southern Motorway is a short motorway that forms part of State Highway 73 in the south west of Christchurch, New Zealand. At its eastern end it connects to Brougham Street and at its western end it merges north onto Curletts Road and ends at Blenheim Road...

.

As the motorway, the speed limit increases to 100 km/h but the road narrows back to two lanes for about 1.5 km. The road then splits up to form Jerrold Street North and Jerrold Street South where both roads intersects with Barrington Street. The roads then merge to form Brougham Street, a major southern arterial road of the city, where it intersects with all the north-south roads of the CBD except for Manchester Street.

After intersecting with Ensors Road, Brougham Street narrows back to two lanes but turns into a small expressway, which it retains as it merges with Opawa Road just before the Garlands Road intersection. At Port Hills Road/Curries Road intersection the road changes name to Port Hills Road which it retains before the highway designation ends at a parclo interchange
Parclo interchange
A partial cloverleaf interchange or parclo is a modification of a cloverleaf interchange. The parclo interchange was developed by the Ontario Ministry of Transportation as a replacement for the cloverleaf on 400-Series Highways, removing the dangerous weaving patterns and allowing for more...

 with Tunnel Road
Christchurch-Lyttelton Motorway
The Christchurch–Lyttelton Motorway, also known as the Tunnel Road is part of the road network connecting Christchurch, New Zealand with its port town of Lyttelton....

, though Ports Hills Road still continues beyond this point.

Route changes

Over the past 40 years SH 73 has been subjected to several route changes both in the Christchurch and the Arthur's Pass-Otira areas. In 1999, one of the worst sections of highway in the country (around Candy's Bend) were replaced with the Otira Viaduct. Meanwhile, in Christchurch, since SH 1 was rerouted to bypass the CBD, SH 73 was extended to Brougham Street/Waltham Road intersection, with the rest of the route covered by SH 74. In 2004, with SH 74 being rerouted to run along the Ring Road and the entire length of Tunnel Road instead of through the CBD, SH 73 was extended further to its current terminus.

Kumara Junction to Christchurch

State Highway 73
Northbound exits Distance to
Greymouth
(km)
Distance to
Lyttelton
(km)
Southbound exits
End Otira Highway
16.6 240.4 Start Otira Highway
Hokitika
Hokitika, New Zealand
Hokitika is a township in the West Coast Region of New Zealand's South Island, south of Greymouth, and close to the mouth of the Hokitika River. According to the 2006 census, the usually resident population of the Hokitika urban area was 3,078, a decrease of 12 people since 2001. A further 828...

, Greymouth
Greymouth
Greymouth is the largest town in the West Coast region in the South Island of New Zealand, and the seat of the Grey District Council. The population of the whole Grey District is , which accounts for % of the West Coast's inhabitants...

 
Kumara Junction Highway
Taramakau Highway
Greymouth
Greymouth
Greymouth is the largest town in the West Coast region in the South Island of New Zealand, and the seat of the Grey District Council. The population of the whole Grey District is , which accounts for % of the West Coast's inhabitants...

, Hokitika
Hokitika, New Zealand
Hokitika is a township in the West Coast Region of New Zealand's South Island, south of Greymouth, and close to the mouth of the Hokitika River. According to the 2006 census, the usually resident population of the Hokitika urban area was 3,078, a decrease of 12 people since 2001. A further 828...

 
Taramakau Highway

Kumara Junction Highway
Kumara
Kumara, New Zealand
Kumara is a town on the West Coast of the South Island of New Zealand. It is located 30 kilometres south of Greymouth, close to the western end of State Highway 73, which leads across Arthur's Pass to Christchurch...

 
Name change to Seddon Street through Kumara
23.5 233.5 Kumara
Kumara, New Zealand
Kumara is a town on the West Coast of the South Island of New Zealand. It is located 30 kilometres south of Greymouth, close to the western end of State Highway 73, which leads across Arthur's Pass to Christchurch...

 
Name change to Seddon Street through Kumara
Dillmanstown 26.2 230.8 Dillmanstown
Lake Brunner
Lake Brunner
Lake Brunner is the largest lake in the northwestern South Island of New Zealand, covering an area of 40 km². The lake's outflow is the Arnold River, a tributary of the Grey River. The lake lies 31 kilometres to the southeast of Greymouth...

, Moana
Moana, New Zealand
Moana is a small town in the West Coast Region of the South Island of New Zealand. It is situated on the northern shore of Lake Brunner, and is beside the outflow of the lake into the Arnold River. There is a pedestrian suspension bridge crossing the Arnold from the town to access the lake shore...

 
Lake Brunner Road
()
61.5 195.5 Lake Brunner
Lake Brunner
Lake Brunner is the largest lake in the northwestern South Island of New Zealand, covering an area of 40 km². The lake's outflow is the Arnold River, a tributary of the Grey River. The lake lies 31 kilometres to the southeast of Greymouth...

, Moana
Moana, New Zealand
Moana is a small town in the West Coast Region of the South Island of New Zealand. It is situated on the northern shore of Lake Brunner, and is beside the outflow of the lake into the Arnold River. There is a pedestrian suspension bridge crossing the Arnold from the town to access the lake shore...

 
Lake Brunner Road
()
Jacksons 62.1 194.9 Jacksons
MIDLAND LINE
Midland Line, New Zealand
The Midland line is a 212 km section of railway between Rolleston and Greymouth in the South Island of New Zealand. The line features five major bridges, five viaducts and 17 tunnels, the longest of which is the Otira tunnel.-Freight services:...

 
69.4 187.6 MIDLAND LINE
Midland Line, New Zealand
The Midland line is a 212 km section of railway between Rolleston and Greymouth in the South Island of New Zealand. The line features five major bridges, five viaducts and 17 tunnels, the longest of which is the Otira tunnel.-Freight services:...

MIDLAND LINE
Midland Line, New Zealand
The Midland line is a 212 km section of railway between Rolleston and Greymouth in the South Island of New Zealand. The line features five major bridges, five viaducts and 17 tunnels, the longest of which is the Otira tunnel.-Freight services:...

 
72.2 184.8 MIDLAND LINE
Midland Line, New Zealand
The Midland line is a 212 km section of railway between Rolleston and Greymouth in the South Island of New Zealand. The line features five major bridges, five viaducts and 17 tunnels, the longest of which is the Otira tunnel.-Freight services:...

Otira
Otira
Otira is a small township seven kilometres north of Arthur's Pass in the central South Island of New Zealand. It is on the western approach to the pass, a saddle between the Otira and Bealey Rivers high in the Southern Alps...

81.5 175.5 Otira
Otira
Otira is a small township seven kilometres north of Arthur's Pass in the central South Island of New Zealand. It is on the western approach to the pass, a saddle between the Otira and Bealey Rivers high in the Southern Alps...

MIDLAND LINE
Midland Line, New Zealand
The Midland line is a 212 km section of railway between Rolleston and Greymouth in the South Island of New Zealand. The line features five major bridges, five viaducts and 17 tunnels, the longest of which is the Otira tunnel.-Freight services:...

83.2 173.8 MIDLAND LINE
Midland Line, New Zealand
The Midland line is a 212 km section of railway between Rolleston and Greymouth in the South Island of New Zealand. The line features five major bridges, five viaducts and 17 tunnels, the longest of which is the Otira tunnel.-Freight services:...

OTIRA RIVER
Otira River
The Otira River is located in the central South Island of New Zealand. It rises on the slopes of Mount Rolleston in the Southern Alps, and flows north for 20 km, passing through the town of Otira before joining the Taramakau River...

83.3 173.7 OTIRA RIVER
Otira River
The Otira River is located in the central South Island of New Zealand. It rises on the slopes of Mount Rolleston in the Southern Alps, and flows north for 20 km, passing through the town of Otira before joining the Taramakau River...

OTIRA VIADUCT 87.7 169.3 OTIRA VIADUCT
ENTER GREY DISTRICT 
Name change to Otira Highway
90 167 ARTHUR'S PASS 
920 m (3,018.4 ft)
ARTHUR'S PASS 
920 m (3,018.4 ft)
ENTER SELWYN DISTRICT
Selwyn District
The Selwyn District is a predominantly rural area in central Canterbury, on the east coast of New Zealand's South Island. It is named after the Selwyn River, which is in turn named after Bishop George Selwyn, the first Anglican bishop of New Zealand who, in 1843 and 1844, travelled the length of...

 
Name change to West Coast Road
Arthur's Pass
Arthur's Pass
Arthur's Pass is a mountain pass in the Southern Alps of the South Island of New Zealand. It marks part of the boundary between the West Coast and Canterbury regions, 140 km from Christchurch and 95 km from Greymouth. The pass lies in a saddle between the valleys of the Otira River, a...

95 162 Arthur's Pass
Arthur's Pass
Arthur's Pass is a mountain pass in the Southern Alps of the South Island of New Zealand. It marks part of the boundary between the West Coast and Canterbury regions, 140 km from Christchurch and 95 km from Greymouth. The pass lies in a saddle between the valleys of the Otira River, a...

WAIMAKARIRI RIVER
Waimakariri River
The Waimakariri River is the largest of the North Canterbury rivers, in the South Island of New Zealand. It flows for 151 kilometres in a generally southeastward direction from the Southern Alps across the Canterbury Plains to the Pacific Ocean....

104 153 WAIMAKARIRI RIVER
Waimakariri River
The Waimakariri River is the largest of the North Canterbury rivers, in the South Island of New Zealand. It flows for 151 kilometres in a generally southeastward direction from the Southern Alps across the Canterbury Plains to the Pacific Ocean....

Bealey 106 151 Bealey
Mount White Road
118 139 Mount White Road
Cass
Cass, New Zealand
Cass is a locality in the Selwyn District of the Canterbury region in New Zealand's South Island.It is named for Thomas Cass, an important pioneer surveyor in the area. State Highway 73 passes near the town, and the Midland Line between Christchurch and the West Coast was opened to the town in...

121 136 Cass
Cass, New Zealand
Cass is a locality in the Selwyn District of the Canterbury region in New Zealand's South Island.It is named for Thomas Cass, an important pioneer surveyor in the area. State Highway 73 passes near the town, and the Midland Line between Christchurch and the West Coast was opened to the town in...

Castle Hill Village 145 112 Castle Hill Village
Lake Lyndon
Lake Lyndon
Lake Lyndon is a small lake in the Canterbury region of New Zealand's South Island. It is near Porters Pass, and State Highway 73 from Springfield and Cass skirts the lake's northeastern shore...

, Lake Coleridge
Lake Coleridge
Lake Coleridge is located in inland Canterbury, in New Zealand's South Island. Located 35 kilometres to the northwest of Methven, it has a surface area of 47 km²....

 
Lyndon Road
156 101 Lake Lyndon
Lake Lyndon
Lake Lyndon is a small lake in the Canterbury region of New Zealand's South Island. It is near Porters Pass, and State Highway 73 from Springfield and Cass skirts the lake's northeastern shore...

, Lake Coleridge
Lake Coleridge
Lake Coleridge is located in inland Canterbury, in New Zealand's South Island. Located 35 kilometres to the northwest of Methven, it has a surface area of 47 km²....

 
Lyndon Road
PORTERS PASS 
939 m (3,080.7 ft)
159 98 PORTERS PASS 
939 m (3,080.7 ft)
KOWAI RIVER
Kowai River
The Kowai River is a river in the Canterbury Region of New Zealand. It rises on the southern flanks of the Torlesse Range and travels south, emerging from the foothills of the Southern Alps near Springfield. The river turns east across the upper Canterbury Plains before joining the Waimakariri...

164.7 92.3 KOWAI RIVER
Kowai River
The Kowai River is a river in the Canterbury Region of New Zealand. It rises on the southern flanks of the Torlesse Range and travels south, emerging from the foothills of the Southern Alps near Springfield. The river turns east across the upper Canterbury Plains before joining the Waimakariri...

KOWAI RIVER
Kowai River
The Kowai River is a river in the Canterbury Region of New Zealand. It rises on the southern flanks of the Torlesse Range and travels south, emerging from the foothills of the Southern Alps near Springfield. The river turns east across the upper Canterbury Plains before joining the Waimakariri...

171.2 84.8 KOWAI RIVER
Kowai River
The Kowai River is a river in the Canterbury Region of New Zealand. It rises on the southern flanks of the Torlesse Range and travels south, emerging from the foothills of the Southern Alps near Springfield. The river turns east across the upper Canterbury Plains before joining the Waimakariri...

Kowai Bush, Waimakariri Gorge
Waimakariri Gorge
The Waimakariri Gorge is located on the Waimakariri River in inland Canterbury in the South Island of New Zealand.Like its neighbour, the Rakaia River, the Waimakariri runs through wide shingle beds for much of its length, but is forced through a narrow canyon as it approaches the Canterbury...

 
Pocock Road
175.8 80.2 Kowai Bush, Waimakariri Gorge
Waimakariri Gorge
The Waimakariri Gorge is located on the Waimakariri River in inland Canterbury in the South Island of New Zealand.Like its neighbour, the Rakaia River, the Waimakariri runs through wide shingle beds for much of its length, but is forced through a narrow canyon as it approaches the Canterbury...

 
Pocock Road
Springfield
Springfield, New Zealand
Springfield is a small town in the Selwyn District of Canterbury, in the South Island, of New Zealand. In 2001 it had a population of 219. At the foot of the Southern Alps, west of Christchurch, it is the most westerly town of the central Canterbury Plains...

177.5 79.5 Springfield
Springfield, New Zealand
Springfield is a small town in the Selwyn District of Canterbury, in the South Island, of New Zealand. In 2001 it had a population of 219. At the foot of the Southern Alps, west of Christchurch, it is the most westerly town of the central Canterbury Plains...

Russells Flat 
Keens Road
Coxs Road
Junction Road
180.1 76.9 Russells Flat 
Coxs Road
Junction Road
Keens Road
Annat 184 73 Annat
Sheffield
Sheffield and Waddington, New Zealand
Sheffield is a small village located in the Selwyn District of the Canterbury region of New Zealand's South Island, near the Waimakariri Gorge....

187 70 Sheffield
Sheffield and Waddington, New Zealand
Sheffield is a small village located in the Selwyn District of the Canterbury region of New Zealand's South Island, near the Waimakariri Gorge....

Waddington
Sheffield and Waddington, New Zealand
Sheffield is a small village located in the Selwyn District of the Canterbury region of New Zealand's South Island, near the Waimakariri Gorge....

 
189.5 68.5 Oxford
Oxford, New Zealand
Oxford is a small town of 1,716 people serving the farming community of North Canterbury, New Zealand. It is part of the Waimakariri District. Oxford is a linear town, approximately two kilometres long. For a time Oxford was serviced by the Oxford Branch railway, and had two stations, East Oxford...

, Rangiora
Rangiora, New Zealand
Rangiora is a rural town in the South Island of New Zealand. It is the largest town in north Canterbury and the seat of the Waimakariri District Council.-Geography:...

 
Waimakariri Gorge Road

Inland Scenic Route
Oxford
Oxford, New Zealand
Oxford is a small town of 1,716 people serving the farming community of North Canterbury, New Zealand. It is part of the Waimakariri District. Oxford is a linear town, approximately two kilometres long. For a time Oxford was serviced by the Oxford Branch railway, and had two stations, East Oxford...

, Rangiora
Rangiora, New Zealand
Rangiora is a rural town in the South Island of New Zealand. It is the largest town in north Canterbury and the seat of the Waimakariri District Council.-Geography:...

 
Waimakariri Gorge Road

Inland Scenic Route
189.5 68.5 Waddington
Sheffield and Waddington, New Zealand
Sheffield is a small village located in the Selwyn District of the Canterbury region of New Zealand's South Island, near the Waimakariri Gorge....

Coalgate
Coalgate, New Zealand
Coalgate is a locality in the Selwyn District of the Canterbury region of New Zealand's South Island. The 2001 New Zealand Census of Population and Dwellings gave Coalgate's population as 276, and it is located roughly an hour west of Christchurch on State Highway 77...

, Glentunnel
Glentunnel
Glentunnel is a small village in the Selwyn District of the Canterbury region of New Zealand's South Island. It is officially recognised as a "populated area less than a town". The 2001 New Zealand Census of Population and Dwellings gave Glentunnel's population as 129...

 
Deans Road

Inland Scenic Route
190.5 67.5 Coalgate
Coalgate, New Zealand
Coalgate is a locality in the Selwyn District of the Canterbury region of New Zealand's South Island. The 2001 New Zealand Census of Population and Dwellings gave Coalgate's population as 276, and it is located roughly an hour west of Christchurch on State Highway 77...

, Glentunnel
Glentunnel
Glentunnel is a small village in the Selwyn District of the Canterbury region of New Zealand's South Island. It is officially recognised as a "populated area less than a town". The 2001 New Zealand Census of Population and Dwellings gave Glentunnel's population as 129...

 
Deans Road

Inland Scenic Route
Coalgate
Coalgate, New Zealand
Coalgate is a locality in the Selwyn District of the Canterbury region of New Zealand's South Island. The 2001 New Zealand Census of Population and Dwellings gave Coalgate's population as 276, and it is located roughly an hour west of Christchurch on State Highway 77...

, Glentunnel
Glentunnel
Glentunnel is a small village in the Selwyn District of the Canterbury region of New Zealand's South Island. It is officially recognised as a "populated area less than a town". The 2001 New Zealand Census of Population and Dwellings gave Glentunnel's population as 129...

 
Bangor Road
New Zealand State Highway 77
State Highway 77 is a State Highway in New Zealand going through the inland parts of Central and Mid Canterbury between the towns of Ashburton and Darfield via the Rakaia Gorge. It is wholly single carriageway with two one-lane bridges at the Rakaia and Selwyn Rivers...

200 57 Coalgate
Coalgate, New Zealand
Coalgate is a locality in the Selwyn District of the Canterbury region of New Zealand's South Island. The 2001 New Zealand Census of Population and Dwellings gave Coalgate's population as 276, and it is located roughly an hour west of Christchurch on State Highway 77...

, Glentunnel
Glentunnel
Glentunnel is a small village in the Selwyn District of the Canterbury region of New Zealand's South Island. It is officially recognised as a "populated area less than a town". The 2001 New Zealand Census of Population and Dwellings gave Glentunnel's population as 129...

 
Bangor Road
New Zealand State Highway 77
State Highway 77 is a State Highway in New Zealand going through the inland parts of Central and Mid Canterbury between the towns of Ashburton and Darfield via the Rakaia Gorge. It is wholly single carriageway with two one-lane bridges at the Rakaia and Selwyn Rivers...

Charing Cross, Dunsandel
Dunsandel
Dunsandel is a small rural township in the Canterbury Region of the South Island, New Zealand. The town is located on the Canterbury Plains just south of the Selwyn River and about 40 km south of Christchurch. Dunsandel is a junction town on SH1, halfway between Christchurch and Ashburton,...

, Kimberley 
Ross Street
McMillan Street
200.3 56.7 Kimberley, Charing Cross, Dunsandel
Dunsandel
Dunsandel is a small rural township in the Canterbury Region of the South Island, New Zealand. The town is located on the Canterbury Plains just south of the Selwyn River and about 40 km south of Christchurch. Dunsandel is a junction town on SH1, halfway between Christchurch and Ashburton,...

 
McMillan Street
Ross Street
Darfield
Darfield, New Zealand
Darfield is a town in the Selwyn District of the South Island of New Zealand. It is located 35 kilometres west from the outskirts of Christchurch, New Zealand on State Highway 73 and the town is on the Midland railway line, route of the famous TranzAlpine train service...

 
Name change to South Terrace through Darfield
200.5 56.5 Darfield
Darfield, New Zealand
Darfield is a town in the Selwyn District of the South Island of New Zealand. It is located 35 kilometres west from the outskirts of Christchurch, New Zealand on State Highway 73 and the town is on the Midland railway line, route of the famous TranzAlpine train service...

 
Name change to South Terrace through Darfield
Darfield
Darfield, New Zealand
Darfield is a town in the Selwyn District of the South Island of New Zealand. It is located 35 kilometres west from the outskirts of Christchurch, New Zealand on State Highway 73 and the town is on the Midland railway line, route of the famous TranzAlpine train service...

 
Horndon Street
202.3 54.7 Darfield
Darfield, New Zealand
Darfield is a town in the Selwyn District of the South Island of New Zealand. It is located 35 kilometres west from the outskirts of Christchurch, New Zealand on State Highway 73 and the town is on the Midland railway line, route of the famous TranzAlpine train service...

 
Horndon Street
Charing Cross 
Ansons Road
206.9 50.1 Charing Cross 
Ansons Road
MIDLAND LINE
Midland Line, New Zealand
The Midland line is a 212 km section of railway between Rolleston and Greymouth in the South Island of New Zealand. The line features five major bridges, five viaducts and 17 tunnels, the longest of which is the Otira tunnel.-Freight services:...

 
207 50 MIDLAND LINE
Midland Line, New Zealand
The Midland line is a 212 km section of railway between Rolleston and Greymouth in the South Island of New Zealand. The line features five major bridges, five viaducts and 17 tunnels, the longest of which is the Otira tunnel.-Freight services:...

Courtenay 
Ansons Road
207.1 49.9 Courtenay 
Ansons Road
Charing Cross, Courtenay 
Courtenay Road
209 48 Kirwee
Kirwee
Kirwee is a town located west of Christchurch in the Canterbury region of New Zealand's South Island. It was named after Karwi in India by retired British Army colonel De Renzie Brett...

Kirwee
Kirwee
Kirwee is a town located west of Christchurch in the Canterbury region of New Zealand's South Island. It was named after Karwi in India by retired British Army colonel De Renzie Brett...

Courtenay, Charing Cross 
Courtenay Road
Hororata, Burnham
Burnham, New Zealand
Burnham, also known as Burnham Camp, is the largest army base in New Zealand's South Island. It is located 28 kilometres south of Christchurch on the Canterbury Plains, close to the town of Dunsandel.- Military :Units at Burnham:...

, Rolleston
Rolleston, New Zealand
Rolleston is a town in the Selwyn District of Canterbury, New Zealand.It is located next to State Highway 1, 22 km south-west of Christchurch on the Canterbury Plains in the South Island of New Zealand. The town uses the slogan "The Town of the Future"...

 
Railway Road
Aylesbury Road
Bealey Road
Station Road
214.5 42.5 Aylesbury
Aylesbury, New Zealand
Aylesbury is a settlement in the Canterbury region of New Zealand.Aylesbury's claim to fame was the Railway Station which blew away in the winds of '76.The latest entry for Aylesbury is a shingle pit which is in the process of creation....

Aylesbury
Aylesbury, New Zealand
Aylesbury is a settlement in the Canterbury region of New Zealand.Aylesbury's claim to fame was the Railway Station which blew away in the winds of '76.The latest entry for Aylesbury is a shingle pit which is in the process of creation....

Rolleston
Rolleston, New Zealand
Rolleston is a town in the Selwyn District of Canterbury, New Zealand.It is located next to State Highway 1, 22 km south-west of Christchurch on the Canterbury Plains in the South Island of New Zealand. The town uses the slogan "The Town of the Future"...

, Burnham
Burnham, New Zealand
Burnham, also known as Burnham Camp, is the largest army base in New Zealand's South Island. It is located 28 kilometres south of Christchurch on the Canterbury Plains, close to the town of Dunsandel.- Military :Units at Burnham:...

, Hororata
Station Road
Railway Road
Aylesbury Road
Bealey Road
Rolleston
Rolleston, New Zealand
Rolleston is a town in the Selwyn District of Canterbury, New Zealand.It is located next to State Highway 1, 22 km south-west of Christchurch on the Canterbury Plains in the South Island of New Zealand. The town uses the slogan "The Town of the Future"...

, Kirwee
Kirwee
Kirwee is a town located west of Christchurch in the Canterbury region of New Zealand's South Island. It was named after Karwi in India by retired British Army colonel De Renzie Brett...

 
Hoskyns Road
216.6 40.4 Kirwee
Kirwee
Kirwee is a town located west of Christchurch in the Canterbury region of New Zealand's South Island. It was named after Karwi in India by retired British Army colonel De Renzie Brett...

, Rolleston
Rolleston, New Zealand
Rolleston is a town in the Selwyn District of Canterbury, New Zealand.It is located next to State Highway 1, 22 km south-west of Christchurch on the Canterbury Plains in the South Island of New Zealand. The town uses the slogan "The Town of the Future"...

 
Hoskyns Road
Burnham
Burnham, New Zealand
Burnham, also known as Burnham Camp, is the largest army base in New Zealand's South Island. It is located 28 kilometres south of Christchurch on the Canterbury Plains, close to the town of Dunsandel.- Military :Units at Burnham:...

, Weedons 
Weedons Ross Road
West Melton Road
222.7 34.3 West Melton
West Melton, New Zealand
West Melton in New Zealand has the largest population in the Selwyn District of Canterbury, New Zealand due to a high density of farms and lifestyle blocks. It has long been associated with horse racing , arable land, and sheep farming. Recently, it has become associated with wine growing and deer...

West Melton
West Melton, New Zealand
West Melton in New Zealand has the largest population in the Selwyn District of Canterbury, New Zealand due to a high density of farms and lifestyle blocks. It has long been associated with horse racing , arable land, and sheep farming. Recently, it has become associated with wine growing and deer...

Weedons, Burnham
Burnham, New Zealand
Burnham, also known as Burnham Camp, is the largest army base in New Zealand's South Island. It is located 28 kilometres south of Christchurch on the Canterbury Plains, close to the town of Dunsandel.- Military :Units at Burnham:...

 
West Melton Road
Weedons Ross Road
Springston
Springston
Springston is a small rural Canterbury township on the South Island of New Zealand. It was developed around the mid-19th century.It has a historic primary school, opened in 1868, which has approximately 160 students. Secondary students usually attend the nearby Lincoln High School.- External links...

, McLeans Island 
Dawsons Road
Chattertons Road
227.6 29.4 McLeans Island, Springston
Springston
Springston is a small rural Canterbury township on the South Island of New Zealand. It was developed around the mid-19th century.It has a historic primary school, opened in 1868, which has approximately 160 students. Secondary students usually attend the nearby Lincoln High School.- External links...

 
Chattertons Road
Dawsons Road
Broomfield, Sockburn 
Buchanans Road
231.8 25.2 Broomfield, Sockburn 
Buchanans Road
Courtenay, Waddington
Sheffield and Waddington, New Zealand
Sheffield is a small village located in the Selwyn District of the Canterbury region of New Zealand's South Island, near the Waimakariri Gorge....

 
Old West Coast Road
232.5 24.5 Courtenay, Waddington
Sheffield and Waddington, New Zealand
Sheffield is a small village located in the Selwyn District of the Canterbury region of New Zealand's South Island, near the Waimakariri Gorge....

 
Old West Coast Road
Yaldhurst 234.2 22.8 Yaldhurst
Templeton
Templeton, New Zealand
Templeton is a small town on the outskirts of Christchurch but part of the Selwyn District. It lies on State Highway 1. It has been the centre of harness racing in Canterbury with many famous names such as Devine, Nyan, Butt, Jones and Carmichael among its people.Its European history goes to over...

, McLeans Island 
Pound Road
McLeans Island, Templeton
Templeton, New Zealand
Templeton is a small town on the outskirts of Christchurch but part of the Selwyn District. It lies on State Highway 1. It has been the centre of harness racing in Canterbury with many famous names such as Devine, Nyan, Butt, Jones and Carmichael among its people.Its European history goes to over...

 
Pound Road
End Yaldhurst Road
continues as West Coast Road
Start Yaldhurst Road
from
West Coast Road

Christchurch to Heathcote

State Highway 73
Northbound exits Distance to
Greymouth
(km)
Distance to
Lyttelton
(km)
Southbound exits
End Yaldhurst Road
continues as
West Coast Road
236.4 20.6 Start Yaldhurst Road
from West Coast Road
Timaru
Timaru
TimaruUrban AreaPopulation:27,200Extent:Former Timaru City CouncilTerritorial AuthorityName:Timaru District CouncilPopulation:42,867 Land area:2,736.54 km² Mayor:Janie AnnearWebsite:...

, Masham, Russley, Picton
Picton, New Zealand
Picton is a town in the Marlborough region of New Zealand. It is close to the head of Queen Charlotte Sound near the north-east corner of the South Island. The population was 2928 in the 2006 Census, a decrease of 72 from 2001...

 
Masham Road
Russley Road
Picton
Picton, New Zealand
Picton is a town in the Marlborough region of New Zealand. It is close to the head of Queen Charlotte Sound near the north-east corner of the South Island. The population was 2928 in the 2006 Census, a decrease of 72 from 2001...

, Russley, Masham, Timaru
Timaru
TimaruUrban AreaPopulation:27,200Extent:Former Timaru City CouncilTerritorial AuthorityName:Timaru District CouncilPopulation:42,867 Land area:2,736.54 km² Mayor:Janie AnnearWebsite:...

 
Russley Road
Masham Road
Sockburn, Avonhead
Avonhead
The suburb of Avonhead is located in the city of Christchurch. Avonhead has two primary schools The suburb of Avonhead is located in the city of Christchurch. Avonhead has two primary schools The suburb of Avonhead is located in the city of Christchurch. Avonhead has two primary schools (Avonhead...

 
Middlepark Road
Avonhead Road
238.5 18.5 Avonhead
Avonhead
The suburb of Avonhead is located in the city of Christchurch. Avonhead has two primary schools The suburb of Avonhead is located in the city of Christchurch. Avonhead has two primary schools The suburb of Avonhead is located in the city of Christchurch. Avonhead has two primary schools (Avonhead...

, Sockburn 
Avonhead Road
Middlepark Road
Bishopdale
Bishopdale, New Zealand
-History:The suburb is named after the three Bishop brothers, James , Robert and William , who bought land in the area in 1858 or 1859 and established pipfruit orchards. Initially, the area was called Bishopsdale, but the second 's' was dropped from the name...

, Riccarton
Riccarton, New Zealand
Riccarton is a suburb of Christchurch. It is due west of the city centre, separated from it by Hagley Park. Upper Riccarton is to the west of Riccarton.-History:...

 
Peer Street
Yaldhurst Road
239.4 17.6 Bishopdale
Bishopdale, New Zealand
-History:The suburb is named after the three Bishop brothers, James , Robert and William , who bought land in the area in 1858 or 1859 and established pipfruit orchards. Initially, the area was called Bishopsdale, but the second 's' was dropped from the name...

, Riccarton
Riccarton, New Zealand
Riccarton is a suburb of Christchurch. It is due west of the city centre, separated from it by Hagley Park. Upper Riccarton is to the west of Riccarton.-History:...

 
Peer Street
Yaldhurst Road
Name change to Yaldhurst Road
End concurrency with
Christchurch Ring Road
Name change to Curletts Road
Start concurrency with Christchurch Ring Road
Hornby
Hornby, New Zealand
Hornby is a major residential and retail suburb at the western edge of Christchurch, New Zealand.-Naming and history:Hornby was apparently named by Frederick William Delamain, who came to Christchurch from England in 1852. The name reportedly refers to Hornby-with-Farleton in Lancashire...

, Riccarton
Riccarton, New Zealand
Riccarton is a suburb of Christchurch. It is due west of the city centre, separated from it by Hagley Park. Upper Riccarton is to the west of Riccarton.-History:...

 
Main South Road
239.5 17.5 Riccarton
Riccarton, New Zealand
Riccarton is a suburb of Christchurch. It is due west of the city centre, separated from it by Hagley Park. Upper Riccarton is to the west of Riccarton.-History:...

, Hornby
Hornby, New Zealand
Hornby is a major residential and retail suburb at the western edge of Christchurch, New Zealand.-Naming and history:Hornby was apparently named by Frederick William Delamain, who came to Christchurch from England in 1852. The name reportedly refers to Hornby-with-Farleton in Lancashire...

 
Main South Road
Hornby
Hornby, New Zealand
Hornby is a major residential and retail suburb at the western edge of Christchurch, New Zealand.-Naming and history:Hornby was apparently named by Frederick William Delamain, who came to Christchurch from England in 1852. The name reportedly refers to Hornby-with-Farleton in Lancashire...

, Christchurch CBD
Christchurch Central City
Christchurch Central City is the geographical centre and the heart of Christchurch, New Zealand. It is defined as the area within the four avenues and thus includes the densely built up central city, some less dense surrounding areas of residential, educational and industrial usage, and green...

 
Blenheim Road
240.3 16.7 Christchurch CBD
Christchurch Central City
Christchurch Central City is the geographical centre and the heart of Christchurch, New Zealand. It is defined as the area within the four avenues and thus includes the densely built up central city, some less dense surrounding areas of residential, educational and industrial usage, and green...

, Hornby
Hornby, New Zealand
Hornby is a major residential and retail suburb at the western edge of Christchurch, New Zealand.-Naming and history:Hornby was apparently named by Frederick William Delamain, who came to Christchurch from England in 1852. The name reportedly refers to Hornby-with-Farleton in Lancashire...

 
Blenheim Road
MAIN SOUTH LINE
Main South Line
The Main South Line, sometimes referred to as part of the South Island Main Trunk Railway, is a railroad line that runs north and south from Lyttelton in New Zealand through Christchurch and along the east coast of the South Island to Invercargill via Dunedin...

240.5 16.5 MAIN SOUTH LINE
Main South Line
The Main South Line, sometimes referred to as part of the South Island Main Trunk Railway, is a railroad line that runs north and south from Lyttelton in New Zealand through Christchurch and along the east coast of the South Island to Invercargill via Dunedin...

Wigram
Wigram
Wigram is a suburb of Christchurch, New Zealand. Technically called Wigram Park, the second half of its name is rarely if ever heard. The suburb lies close to the industrial estates of Sockburn and the satellite retail and residential zone of Hornby...

 
Parkhouse Road
240.8 16.2 Wigram
Wigram
Wigram is a suburb of Christchurch, New Zealand. Technically called Wigram Park, the second half of its name is rarely if ever heard. The suburb lies close to the industrial estates of Sockburn and the satellite retail and residential zone of Hornby...

 
Parkhouse Road
Middleton 
Lunns Road
241.1 15.9 Middleton 
Lunns Road
Hoon Hay
Hoon Hay
Hoon Hay is an outer suburb of Christchurch, New Zealand. It lies to the southwest of the city close to the Port Hills. It is named after a village in Derbyshire....

, Halswell
Halswell
Halswell is a satellite town of Christchurch, New Zealand, located in open country nine kilometres southwest of the city centre on State Highway 75...

, Akaroa
Akaroa
Akaroa is a village on Banks Peninsula in the Canterbury region of the South Island of New Zealand, situated within a harbour of the same name—the name Akaroa is Kāi Tahu Māori for 'Long Harbour'.- Overview :...

 
Curletts Road
241.6 15.4 Hoon Hay
Hoon Hay
Hoon Hay is an outer suburb of Christchurch, New Zealand. It lies to the southwest of the city close to the Port Hills. It is named after a village in Derbyshire....

, Halswell
Halswell
Halswell is a satellite town of Christchurch, New Zealand, located in open country nine kilometres southwest of the city centre on State Highway 75...

, Akaroa
Akaroa
Akaroa is a village on Banks Peninsula in the Canterbury region of the South Island of New Zealand, situated within a harbour of the same name—the name Akaroa is Kāi Tahu Māori for 'Long Harbour'.- Overview :...

 
Curletts Road
Name change to Curletts Road Name change to Christchurch Southern Motorway
Christchurch Southern Motorway
The Christchurch Southern Motorway is a short motorway that forms part of State Highway 73 in the south west of Christchurch, New Zealand. At its eastern end it connects to Brougham Street and at its western end it merges north onto Curletts Road and ends at Blenheim Road...

Name change to Christchurch Southern Motorway
Christchurch Southern Motorway
The Christchurch Southern Motorway is a short motorway that forms part of State Highway 73 in the south west of Christchurch, New Zealand. At its eastern end it connects to Brougham Street and at its western end it merges north onto Curletts Road and ends at Blenheim Road...

244.2 12.8 Name change to Jerrold Street
Spreydon
Spreydon
Spreydon is a middle-class suburb of Christchurch, New Zealand. The most central street through Spreydon is Lyttelton Street. Spreydon is flanked by the suburbs Barrington, Hoon Hay, Riccarton, and Lower Cashmere....

, Addington
Addington, New Zealand
Addington is a major suburb of Christchurch, New Zealand. It is sited south-west of the city centre.-Description:The suburb was named for the country residence of Bishop John Sumner, one of the leading members of the Canterbury Association....

 
Barrington Street
Addington
Addington, New Zealand
Addington is a major suburb of Christchurch, New Zealand. It is sited south-west of the city centre.-Description:The suburb was named for the country residence of Bishop John Sumner, one of the leading members of the Canterbury Association....

, Spreydon
Spreydon
Spreydon is a middle-class suburb of Christchurch, New Zealand. The most central street through Spreydon is Lyttelton Street. Spreydon is flanked by the suburbs Barrington, Hoon Hay, Riccarton, and Lower Cashmere....

 
Barrington Street
Name change to Jerrold Street 245 12 Name change to Brougham Street
Barrington, Addington
Addington, New Zealand
Addington is a major suburb of Christchurch, New Zealand. It is sited south-west of the city centre.-Description:The suburb was named for the country residence of Bishop John Sumner, one of the leading members of the Canterbury Association....

 
Simeon Street
Collins Street
Addington
Addington, New Zealand
Addington is a major suburb of Christchurch, New Zealand. It is sited south-west of the city centre.-Description:The suburb was named for the country residence of Bishop John Sumner, one of the leading members of the Canterbury Association....

, Barrington 
Collins Street
Simeon Street
Sydenham
Sydenham, New Zealand
Sydenham is an inner suburb of Christchurch, New Zealand, located two kilometres south of the city centre, on and around the city’s main street, Colombo Street...

, Addington
Addington, New Zealand
Addington is a major suburb of Christchurch, New Zealand. It is sited south-west of the city centre.-Description:The suburb was named for the country residence of Bishop John Sumner, one of the leading members of the Canterbury Association....

 
Selwyn Street
245.4 11.6 Addington
Addington, New Zealand
Addington is a major suburb of Christchurch, New Zealand. It is sited south-west of the city centre.-Description:The suburb was named for the country residence of Bishop John Sumner, one of the leading members of the Canterbury Association....

, Sydenham
Sydenham, New Zealand
Sydenham is an inner suburb of Christchurch, New Zealand, located two kilometres south of the city centre, on and around the city’s main street, Colombo Street...

 
Selwyn Street
Sydenham
Sydenham, New Zealand
Sydenham is an inner suburb of Christchurch, New Zealand, located two kilometres south of the city centre, on and around the city’s main street, Colombo Street...

, Addington
Addington, New Zealand
Addington is a major suburb of Christchurch, New Zealand. It is sited south-west of the city centre.-Description:The suburb was named for the country residence of Bishop John Sumner, one of the leading members of the Canterbury Association....

 
Strickland Street
Antigua Street
245.9 11.1 Addington
Addington, New Zealand
Addington is a major suburb of Christchurch, New Zealand. It is sited south-west of the city centre.-Description:The suburb was named for the country residence of Bishop John Sumner, one of the leading members of the Canterbury Association....

, Sydenham
Sydenham, New Zealand
Sydenham is an inner suburb of Christchurch, New Zealand, located two kilometres south of the city centre, on and around the city’s main street, Colombo Street...

 
Antigua Street
Strickland Street
Christchurch CBD
Christchurch Central City
Christchurch Central City is the geographical centre and the heart of Christchurch, New Zealand. It is defined as the area within the four avenues and thus includes the densely built up central city, some less dense surrounding areas of residential, educational and industrial usage, and green...

 
Montreal Street
246.1 10.9 Christchurch CBD
Christchurch Central City
Christchurch Central City is the geographical centre and the heart of Christchurch, New Zealand. It is defined as the area within the four avenues and thus includes the densely built up central city, some less dense surrounding areas of residential, educational and industrial usage, and green...

 
Montreal Street
Christchurch CBD
Christchurch Central City
Christchurch Central City is the geographical centre and the heart of Christchurch, New Zealand. It is defined as the area within the four avenues and thus includes the densely built up central city, some less dense surrounding areas of residential, educational and industrial usage, and green...

 
Durham Street South
246.3 10.7 Christchurch CBD
Christchurch Central City
Christchurch Central City is the geographical centre and the heart of Christchurch, New Zealand. It is defined as the area within the four avenues and thus includes the densely built up central city, some less dense surrounding areas of residential, educational and industrial usage, and green...

 
Durham Street South
Beckenham
Beckenham, New Zealand
Beckenham is an inner suburb of Christchurch, New Zealand, located three kilometres south of the city centre. The Heathcote River winds through this predominantly residential suburb, a section of which is often referred to locally as the "Beckenham Loop"....

, Christchurch CBD
Christchurch Central City
Christchurch Central City is the geographical centre and the heart of Christchurch, New Zealand. It is defined as the area within the four avenues and thus includes the densely built up central city, some less dense surrounding areas of residential, educational and industrial usage, and green...

 
Colombo Street
246.6 10.4 Christchurch CBD
Christchurch Central City
Christchurch Central City is the geographical centre and the heart of Christchurch, New Zealand. It is defined as the area within the four avenues and thus includes the densely built up central city, some less dense surrounding areas of residential, educational and industrial usage, and green...

, Beckenham
Beckenham, New Zealand
Beckenham is an inner suburb of Christchurch, New Zealand, located three kilometres south of the city centre. The Heathcote River winds through this predominantly residential suburb, a section of which is often referred to locally as the "Beckenham Loop"....

 
Colombo Street
Sydenham
Sydenham, New Zealand
Sydenham is an inner suburb of Christchurch, New Zealand, located two kilometres south of the city centre, on and around the city’s main street, Colombo Street...

, Christchurch CBD
Christchurch Central City
Christchurch Central City is the geographical centre and the heart of Christchurch, New Zealand. It is defined as the area within the four avenues and thus includes the densely built up central city, some less dense surrounding areas of residential, educational and industrial usage, and green...

 
Burlington Street
Gasson Street
247.1 9.9 Christchurch CBD
Christchurch Central City
Christchurch Central City is the geographical centre and the heart of Christchurch, New Zealand. It is defined as the area within the four avenues and thus includes the densely built up central city, some less dense surrounding areas of residential, educational and industrial usage, and green...

, Sydenham
Sydenham, New Zealand
Sydenham is an inner suburb of Christchurch, New Zealand, located two kilometres south of the city centre, on and around the city’s main street, Colombo Street...

 
Gasson Street
Burlington Street
Waltham
Waltham, New Zealand
Waltham is an inner suburb of Christchurch, New Zealand, located two kilometres southeast of the city centre. State Highway 73, part of Christchurch's ring road system, runs through the suburb, as does the Heathcote River and the Christchurch - Lyttelton rail corridor. The Christchurch gasworks was...

, Christchurch CBD
Christchurch Central City
Christchurch Central City is the geographical centre and the heart of Christchurch, New Zealand. It is defined as the area within the four avenues and thus includes the densely built up central city, some less dense surrounding areas of residential, educational and industrial usage, and green...

 
Waltham Road
247.4 9.6 Christchurch CBD
Christchurch Central City
Christchurch Central City is the geographical centre and the heart of Christchurch, New Zealand. It is defined as the area within the four avenues and thus includes the densely built up central city, some less dense surrounding areas of residential, educational and industrial usage, and green...

, Waltham
Waltham, New Zealand
Waltham is an inner suburb of Christchurch, New Zealand, located two kilometres southeast of the city centre. State Highway 73, part of Christchurch's ring road system, runs through the suburb, as does the Heathcote River and the Christchurch - Lyttelton rail corridor. The Christchurch gasworks was...

 
Waltham Road
Opawa, Addington
Addington, New Zealand
Addington is a major suburb of Christchurch, New Zealand. It is sited south-west of the city centre.-Description:The suburb was named for the country residence of Bishop John Sumner, one of the leading members of the Canterbury Association....

 
Opawa Road
248.2 8.8 Addington
Addington, New Zealand
Addington is a major suburb of Christchurch, New Zealand. It is sited south-west of the city centre.-Description:The suburb was named for the country residence of Bishop John Sumner, one of the leading members of the Canterbury Association....

, Opawa 
Opawa Road
St Martins
St Martins, New Zealand
St Martins is an inner suburb of Christchurch, New Zealand, located two kilometres south of the city centre. Primarily a residential area, St Martins was until recently host to a small shopping mall complex situated on Wilsons Road, the main thoroughfare through the suburb...

, Linwood
Linwood, New Zealand
Linwood is an inner suburb of the city of Christchurch, New Zealand. It lies to the East of the city centre, mostly between Ferry Road and Linwood Avenue, two of the major arterial roads to the Eastern suburbs of Christchurch.-History:...

 
Ensors Road
248.5 8.5 Linwood
Linwood, New Zealand
Linwood is an inner suburb of the city of Christchurch, New Zealand. It lies to the East of the city centre, mostly between Ferry Road and Linwood Avenue, two of the major arterial roads to the Eastern suburbs of Christchurch.-History:...

, St Martins
St Martins, New Zealand
St Martins is an inner suburb of Christchurch, New Zealand, located two kilometres south of the city centre. Primarily a residential area, St Martins was until recently host to a small shopping mall complex situated on Wilsons Road, the main thoroughfare through the suburb...

 
Ensors Road
HEATHCOTE RIVER
Heathcote River
The Heathcote River lies within the city boundaries of Christchurch, New Zealand, and is fed from springs near Templetons Road and also receives wet weather flows from as far west as Pound Road. It meanders around the base of the Port Hills from west to south-east.-Course:The catchment of the...

249.3 7.7 HEATHCOTE RIVER
Heathcote River
The Heathcote River lies within the city boundaries of Christchurch, New Zealand, and is fed from springs near Templetons Road and also receives wet weather flows from as far west as Pound Road. It meanders around the base of the Port Hills from west to south-east.-Course:The catchment of the...

Name change to Brougham Street 249.5 7.5 Name change to Opawa Road
St Martins
St Martins, New Zealand
St Martins is an inner suburb of Christchurch, New Zealand, located two kilometres south of the city centre. Primarily a residential area, St Martins was until recently host to a small shopping mall complex situated on Wilsons Road, the main thoroughfare through the suburb...

, Woolston
Woolston, New Zealand
Woolston is a light industrial and residential suburb of Christchurch in the South Island of New Zealand. It is situated three kilometres southeast of the city centre, close to major arterial routes including State Highways 73 and 74 to Banks Peninsula...

 
Garlands Road
249.6 7.4 Woolston
Woolston, New Zealand
Woolston is a light industrial and residential suburb of Christchurch in the South Island of New Zealand. It is situated three kilometres southeast of the city centre, close to major arterial routes including State Highways 73 and 74 to Banks Peninsula...

, St Martins
St Martins, New Zealand
St Martins is an inner suburb of Christchurch, New Zealand, located two kilometres south of the city centre. Primarily a residential area, St Martins was until recently host to a small shopping mall complex situated on Wilsons Road, the main thoroughfare through the suburb...

 
Garlands Road
Start concurrency with Christchurch Ring Road End concurrency with Christchurch Ring Road
Murray Aynsley
Murray Aynsley
Murray Aynsley is a suburb of Christchurch, New Zealand, located on the fringes of the Port Hills 5 km south-east of the city centre. Situated above the suburb is Glenelg Children's Health Camp. The suburb is named after early Christchurch settler Hugh Murray-Aynsley JP....

, Woolston
Woolston, New Zealand
Woolston is a light industrial and residential suburb of Christchurch in the South Island of New Zealand. It is situated three kilometres southeast of the city centre, close to major arterial routes including State Highways 73 and 74 to Banks Peninsula...

 
Port Hills Road
Curries Road
250.5 6.5 Woolston
Woolston, New Zealand
Woolston is a light industrial and residential suburb of Christchurch in the South Island of New Zealand. It is situated three kilometres southeast of the city centre, close to major arterial routes including State Highways 73 and 74 to Banks Peninsula...

, Murray Aynsley
Murray Aynsley
Murray Aynsley is a suburb of Christchurch, New Zealand, located on the fringes of the Port Hills 5 km south-east of the city centre. Situated above the suburb is Glenelg Children's Health Camp. The suburb is named after early Christchurch settler Hugh Murray-Aynsley JP....

 
Curries Road
Port Hills Road
Name change to Opawa Road Name change to Port Hills Road
Lyttelton
Lyttelton, New Zealand
Lyttelton is a port town on the north shore of Lyttelton Harbour close to Banks Peninsula, a suburb of Christchurch on the eastern coast of the South Island of New Zealand....

, Woolston
Woolston, New Zealand
Woolston is a light industrial and residential suburb of Christchurch in the South Island of New Zealand. It is situated three kilometres southeast of the city centre, close to major arterial routes including State Highways 73 and 74 to Banks Peninsula...

 
Tunnel Road
252.1 4.9 Woolston
Woolston, New Zealand
Woolston is a light industrial and residential suburb of Christchurch in the South Island of New Zealand. It is situated three kilometres southeast of the city centre, close to major arterial routes including State Highways 73 and 74 to Banks Peninsula...

, Lyttelton
Lyttelton, New Zealand
Lyttelton is a port town on the north shore of Lyttelton Harbour close to Banks Peninsula, a suburb of Christchurch on the eastern coast of the South Island of New Zealand....

 
Tunnel Road
Start State Highway 73
as Port Hills Road
End State Highway 73
Continues as Port Hills Road

Spur sections

State Highway 73A is a spur section of SH 73 connecting the suburbs of Hornby, New Zealand
Hornby, New Zealand
Hornby is a major residential and retail suburb at the western edge of Christchurch, New Zealand.-Naming and history:Hornby was apparently named by Frederick William Delamain, who came to Christchurch from England in 1852. The name reportedly refers to Hornby-with-Farleton in Lancashire...

 and Sockburn, New Zealand via Main South Road and Blenheim Road. Before 2004 it formed part of the old route of SH 73 and further before that SH 1. It is one of the few state highways in New Zealand to be wholly dual carriageway.

Major intersections

State Highway 73A
Westbound intersections Distance to
Hornby
(km)
Distance to
Christchurch CBD
(km)
Eastbound intersections
End
continues as Main South Road
0 10 Start as Main South Road
from
Springston
Springston
Springston is a small rural Canterbury township on the South Island of New Zealand. It was developed around the mid-19th century.It has a historic primary school, opened in 1868, which has approximately 160 students. Secondary students usually attend the nearby Lincoln High School.- External links...

, Timaru
Timaru
TimaruUrban AreaPopulation:27,200Extent:Former Timaru City CouncilTerritorial AuthorityName:Timaru District CouncilPopulation:42,867 Land area:2,736.54 km² Mayor:Janie AnnearWebsite:...

, Hornby
Hornby, New Zealand
Hornby is a major residential and retail suburb at the western edge of Christchurch, New Zealand.-Naming and history:Hornby was apparently named by Frederick William Delamain, who came to Christchurch from England in 1852. The name reportedly refers to Hornby-with-Farleton in Lancashire...

, Picton
Picton, New Zealand
Picton is a town in the Marlborough region of New Zealand. It is close to the head of Queen Charlotte Sound near the north-east corner of the South Island. The population was 2928 in the 2006 Census, a decrease of 72 from 2001...

 
Shands Road
Carmen Road
Picton
Picton, New Zealand
Picton is a town in the Marlborough region of New Zealand. It is close to the head of Queen Charlotte Sound near the north-east corner of the South Island. The population was 2928 in the 2006 Census, a decrease of 72 from 2001...

, Hornby
Hornby, New Zealand
Hornby is a major residential and retail suburb at the western edge of Christchurch, New Zealand.-Naming and history:Hornby was apparently named by Frederick William Delamain, who came to Christchurch from England in 1852. The name reportedly refers to Hornby-with-Farleton in Lancashire...

, Timaru
Timaru
TimaruUrban AreaPopulation:27,200Extent:Former Timaru City CouncilTerritorial AuthorityName:Timaru District CouncilPopulation:42,867 Land area:2,736.54 km² Mayor:Janie AnnearWebsite:...

, Springston
Springston
Springston is a small rural Canterbury township on the South Island of New Zealand. It was developed around the mid-19th century.It has a historic primary school, opened in 1868, which has approximately 160 students. Secondary students usually attend the nearby Lincoln High School.- External links...

 
Carmen Road
Shands Road
Prebbleton
Prebbleton
Prebbleton is a small town in the Canterbury region of New Zealand. It is 11 km southwest of the centre of Christchurch and about 2 km south of the outlying industrial suburb of Hornby....

, Lincoln
Lincoln, New Zealand
Lincoln is a town in the Selwyn District of Canterbury, New Zealand. The town has a population of 2,727.-Location:It is located on the Canterbury Plains to the west of Banks Peninsula, 22 kilometres south of Christchurch.-History:...

 
Springs Road
1.7 8.3 Prebbleton
Prebbleton
Prebbleton is a small town in the Canterbury region of New Zealand. It is 11 km southwest of the centre of Christchurch and about 2 km south of the outlying industrial suburb of Hornby....

, Lincoln
Lincoln, New Zealand
Lincoln is a town in the Selwyn District of Canterbury, New Zealand. The town has a population of 2,727.-Location:It is located on the Canterbury Plains to the west of Banks Peninsula, 22 kilometres south of Christchurch.-History:...

 
Springs Road
Wigram
Wigram
Wigram is a suburb of Christchurch, New Zealand. Technically called Wigram Park, the second half of its name is rarely if ever heard. The suburb lies close to the industrial estates of Sockburn and the satellite retail and residential zone of Hornby...

, Middleton, Sockburn 
Symes Road
Green Lane
2.1 7.9 Sockburn, Wigram
Wigram
Wigram is a suburb of Christchurch, New Zealand. Technically called Wigram Park, the second half of its name is rarely if ever heard. The suburb lies close to the industrial estates of Sockburn and the satellite retail and residential zone of Hornby...

, Middleton 
Green Lane
Symes Road
MAIN SOUTH LINE
Main South Line
The Main South Line, sometimes referred to as part of the South Island Main Trunk Railway, is a railroad line that runs north and south from Lyttelton in New Zealand through Christchurch and along the east coast of the South Island to Invercargill via Dunedin...

2.2 7.8 MAIN SOUTH LINE
Main South Line
The Main South Line, sometimes referred to as part of the South Island Main Trunk Railway, is a railroad line that runs north and south from Lyttelton in New Zealand through Christchurch and along the east coast of the South Island to Invercargill via Dunedin...

Broomfield, Yaldhurst 
Lowther Street
Racecourse Road
2.4 7.6 Broomfield, Yaldhurst 
Racecourse Road
Lowther Street
Upper Riccarton, Sockburn 
Alloy Street
Epsom Road
Main South Road
SOCKBURN ROUNDABOUT
2.6 7.4 Upper Riccarton, Sockburn 
Epsom Road
Main South Road
Alloy Street
SOCKBURN ROUNDABOUT
Name change to Main South Road Name change to Blenheim Road
Upper Riccarton, Halswell
Halswell
Halswell is a satellite town of Christchurch, New Zealand, located in open country nine kilometres southwest of the city centre on State Highway 75...

 
Curletts Road
3.8 6.2 Upper Riccarton, Halswell
Halswell
Halswell is a satellite town of Christchurch, New Zealand, located in open country nine kilometres southwest of the city centre on State Highway 75...

 
Curletts Road
End
continues as Blenheim Road to Christchurch CBD
Christchurch Central City
Christchurch Central City is the geographical centre and the heart of Christchurch, New Zealand. It is defined as the area within the four avenues and thus includes the densely built up central city, some less dense surrounding areas of residential, educational and industrial usage, and green...


See also


External links

The source of this article is wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.  The text of this article is licensed under the GFDL.
 
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