Lewis PassLewis Pass is a 907-metre saddle that links the Maruia River valley on the West Coast side with the Lewis River to the southeast in north Canterbury. It is the northernmost of the three main road passes across the Southern Alps and sits amid extensive native beech forest.
The pass is named for Henry Lewis, who with Christopher Maling first crossed it in 1860 while surveying; Ngāi Tahu Māori used the route earlier to transport pounamu (greenstone). State Highway 7 traverses the pass, and the road officially opened in 1937.
Much of the land around the saddle is protected as the Lewis Pass National Scenic Reserve, gazetted in 1981, and the area offers both short, accessible walks and longer tramping routes such as the St James Walkway. Expect a mix of dense beech forest, alpine wetlands and mountain views; the Alpine Nature Walk loop from the saddle carpark gives a quick introduction to the high-country environment.
- Alpine Nature Walk: A short loop from the saddle carpark that passes an alpine wetland and a small tarn, good for a quick introduction to the high-country ecology.
- Native beech forest: Extensive unmodified beech forest lines the road and many tracks, offering mossy trunks, mountain birdlife and a sense of remoteness.
- St James Walkway access: Trails in the Lewis Pass area connect with longer tramping routes including approaches to parts of the St James Walkway for multi-day hikes.
- Maruia Springs: The small spa settlement near the saddle is notable on the West Coast side and makes a natural stopping point if you want to relax after walking.
- Saddle views: From the pass and nearby clearings you can see into the Maruia and Lewis valleys with alpine peaks framing the skyline.
Best Time to Visit Lewis Pass#
Lewis Pass is visitable year-round but conditions and access vary; choose the season that suits your activities and tolerance for wet weather.
Weather & Climate near Lewis Pass#
Lewis Pass's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with cool summers (peaking in February) and cold winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from -4°C to 19°C. Heavy rainfall (2912 mm/year), wettest in November.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Good | 6° - 19° | 12° | 167 mm | partly cloudy | 78% | 3.6 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 14.7h |
| February | Good | 6° - 19° | 13° | 165 mm | partly cloudy | 79% | 3.3 m/s | 1.9 very high | 13.6h |
| March | Acceptable | 5° - 17° | 11° | 241 mm | partly cloudy | 83% | 4.2 m/s | 1.3 high | 12.2h |
| April | Acceptable | 3° - 13° | 5° | 184 mm | partly cloudy | 87% | 4.2 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 10.8h |
| May | Poor | -1° - 9° | 0° | 269 mm | partly cloudy | 91% | 5.1 m/s | 0.3 low | 9.6h |
| June | Poor | -3° - 6° | -3° | 217 mm | partly cloudy | 93% | 4.4 m/s | 0.2 low | 8.9h |
| July | Poor | -4° - 5° | -3° | 255 mm | partly cloudy | 92% | 3.8 m/s | 0.2 low | 9.2h |
| August | Poor | -3° - 7° | -2° | 204 mm | partly cloudy | 90% | 5.0 m/s | 0.3 low | 10.3h |
| September | Poor | 0° - 9° | 0° | 315 mm | overcast | 85% | 5.4 m/s | 0.7 moderate | 11.7h |
| October | Poor | 2° - 12° | 3° | 341 mm | overcast | 83% | 5.4 m/s | 1.2 high | 13.1h |
| November | Poor | 4° - 14° | 6° | 346 mm | overcast | 79% | 5.3 m/s | 1.7 very high | 14.4h |
| December | Acceptable | 5° - 17° | 11° | 208 mm | overcast | 79% | 4.1 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 15.1h |
How to Get to Lewis Pass#
State Highway 7 traverses Lewis Pass and is the main way to reach the saddle by car; the pass lies close to the small settlement of Maruia Springs. There is a carpark near the saddle that provides access to the Alpine Nature Walk and trailheads for longer routes.
Major regional gateways include Christchurch (Christchurch International Airport and Christchurch railway station) and Nelson (Nelson Airport); from those cities you travel by road to SH7 and follow the highway to the pass. There was a regular bus service historically, but services now vary seasonally - check current shuttle and road-condition information before you go.
Tips for Visiting Lewis Pass#
- Weather can change quickly and the pass is often wet; carry waterproof clothing and warm layers even in summer.
- Roads can be affected by snow and storms in winter - check road conditions and closures for SH7 before driving.
- Facilities are limited around the saddle; bring food, water and fuel or plan to stop in nearby towns.
- Stick to marked tracks in the reserve to protect fragile alpine wetlands and native vegetation.
- If you plan multi-day tramping, arrange transport to and from trailheads and check hut and track information locally.