Porters Pass

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Porters Pass

Pass

Porters Pass is a high mountain pass on New Zealand's South Island, visited for its alpine views and as the high point of State Highway 73 between Springfield and Cass.

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Porters Pass essentials

Address: Porters Pass, Canterbury Region, New Zealand

Porters Pass sits at about 939 metres within Korowai/Torlesse Tussocklands Park in the Canterbury Region. The road across the pass is State Highway 73, which links Springfield and Cass and is the last mountain pass eastwards on the route from Westland into Christchurch.

The pass was named by the Porter brothers, local farmers, in 1858. It is one of the higher points on the South Island state highway network and offers open tussockland and sweeping views toward the Canterbury Plains and nearby alpine ranges.

Visiting is straightforward from the highway: viewpoints and roadside lay-bys give quick access to the scenery but facilities are limited, weather is changeable due to the subpolar oceanic climate, and conditions can include strong winds, heavy rain and winter snow.

  • Roadside lookout over the Canterbury Plains: Wide, exposed viewpoints beside SH73 give clear panoramas down to the Canterbury Plains on fine days.
  • Lake Lyndon viewpoint: Short detours from the pass lead to views over nearby Lake Lyndon set against tussock slopes.
  • Tussockland and alpine flora: Open tussock and herbfields around the pass are typical of Korowai/Torlesse Tussocklands Park and are interesting for short walks and photography.
  • Craigieburn and Mount Hutt skyline: On clear days you can see the ridgelines of the Craigieburn Range and Mount Hutt to the south and southwest.
  • Scenic alpine drive on SH73: The stretch of State Highway 73 through Porters Pass is an attractive high-country drive linking the mountain foothills to Christchurch.
Things to Do
When to Go

Best Time to Visit Porters Pass#

Porters Pass is exposed and weather can change quickly; the clearest driving and viewing conditions are usually outside the coldest, snow-prone months.

Summer (good)
December - February · 5°C - 20°C (41°F - 68°F)
Longer daylight and milder conditions make summer convenient for scenic drives and short walks, though showers and strong winds remain possible.
Shoulder seasons (often best)
October - November, March - April · 2°C - 17°C (36°F - 63°F)
Spring and autumn often bring crisp, clear days and good visibility while avoiding the height of winter snowfall and the midsummer changeability.
Winter (challenging)
June - August · -3°C - 7°C (27°F - 45°F)
Snow, ice and road closures are possible in winter; if traveling then, allow extra time, check road reports and carry appropriate equipment.

Weather & Climate near Porters Pass#

Climate

Porters Pass's climate is classified as Subpolar Oceanic - Subpolar Oceanic climate with cool summers (peaking in January) and cold winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from -3°C to 20°C. Abundant rainfall (1471 mm/year), wettest in April.

Air Quality: AQI 28 Good
Best Time to Visit
FebruaryMarchJanuary
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
36°
Warmest Month
-10°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Good 7° - 20° 13° 135 mm partly cloudy 68% 3.5 m/s 2.3 extreme 14.8h
February Good 7° - 20° 13° 68 mm partly cloudy 68% 4.2 m/s 1.9 very high 13.7h
March Good 5° - 17° 11° 115 mm partly cloudy 73% 3.9 m/s 1.3 high 12.2h
April Acceptable 3° - 14° 6° 167 mm partly cloudy 79% 4.4 m/s 0.6 moderate 10.7h
May Acceptable 0° - 10° 1° 105 mm partly cloudy 85% 3.9 m/s 0.3 low 9.5h
June Acceptable -2° - 6° -2° 98 mm partly cloudy 88% 3.6 m/s 0.1 low 8.8h
July Poor -3° - 6° -2° 107 mm partly cloudy 88% 2.7 m/s 0.2 low 9.1h
August Poor -2° - 7° -1° 124 mm partly cloudy 87% 3.6 m/s 0.3 low 10.2h
September Acceptable 0° - 10° 2° 124 mm partly cloudy 82% 4.4 m/s 0.7 moderate 11.6h
October Acceptable 2° - 13° 5° 143 mm partly cloudy 79% 4.6 m/s 1.2 high 13.1h
November Acceptable 4° - 16° 7° 129 mm overcast 75% 4.1 m/s 1.8 very high 14.5h
December Acceptable 5° - 18° 12° 156 mm overcast 71% 3.9 m/s 2.2 extreme 15.2h
Getting There & Around

How to Get to Porters Pass#

The pass lies between the small settlements of Springfield and Cass; the nearest sizable city is Christchurch, to the east via State Highway 73.

Christchurch International Airport is the closest major airport and the Midland Line rail and highway services serve towns like Springfield; the last stretch is on SH73 and is easiest by car or coach services that run between Arthur’s Pass and Christchurch, with local stopping places and roadside pulls for viewpoints.

Tips for Visiting Porters Pass#

  • Check road and weather conditions before you travel; SH73 can be affected by snow and ice in winter.
  • There are few facilities at the pass, so bring water, snacks and warm, windproof clothing.
  • Park only in designated lay-bys and keep clear of the carriageway when stopping for photos.
  • Cell coverage can be patchy in alpine areas; have an offline map or directions for the route.
  • Respect the tussockland environment and stick to formed tracks if you leave the roadside.